10 Tips for Writing Dark Romance

Me Vs. Me

It’s unfortunate how critical we can be, especially if it’s against our own creative work. Consider this article your much-needed slap in the face. Lovingly, of course.

You’re here because you need some ammunition to help aid your writing journey, and that alone is something to be proud of. Taking that first step to understanding the science of writing can be both thrilling and intimidating. Whether you are a newbie author stuck on the first step of writing your draft, or an experienced author with ten books under your belt, take what resonates with you and leave what doesn’t.

These tips can either guide you in the right direction, help you stay on the turbulent writing path, or be a reminder that you are where you’re supposed to be.

No one glove fits all when it comes to writing dark romance and everyone’s journey looks different.

Assuming you understand and have done your research on the subgenre, this article will not be a deep dive into specifically writing dark romance vs. other genres. All stories follow an overall structure.

What’s important is how to master your craft.

I. Write Ugly

Embrace the cringe.

It’s easy to be stuck on the endless hamster wheel of write, edit, write, edit. Or even the rollercoaster of plotting the entire story three times, but never actually writing. Before long, months have passed, and you are still stuck on what word fits best for the first sentence in chapter two. We’ve all been there.

That’s not to say that there aren’t authors who can edit and write as they go, or that either process is right or wrong. This tip is for those of us who feel stuck and frustrated that not enough progress has been made towards our word count.

Writing ugly means to keep writing even if the words don’t make sense or even if it’s not the prettiest prose. Can’t find the best name for a character? Come back to it later. Don’t know how to end a scene? Move on to the next chapter. It’s hard enough to carve out writing time when you have other life obligations, so take that time and make it worth it.

Do your best, even if it’s only ten words on the paper, or if you can only use your phone to write in a thirty-minute timeframe.

The first draft is meant to be rough. You have a story to tell, so get it on the page. The editing stage exists for a reason and that might be your favorite part of the journey. However, you won’t know until you finish that first draft.

Write it when you’re sad. Write it when you’re mad. Write it when you’re tired.

The more you write, the more practice you get.

Keep writing.

II. Thinkin’ Of A Master Plan

Whether you’re a plotter or pantser, the story is as good as the work you put in.

Every good romance has story beats that authors carefully organize during the reading experience. Keywords you might have heard thrown around are: meet cute, inciting incident, climax, resolution, etc.

Without a structured framework, readers can easily get confused and that is what we want to avoid as a writer. Immersing the reader within your story so they can’t help but keep turning the page is a goal worth aspiring for.

Take the time to understand story structure and elements that captivate readers. Be hungry for that knowledge because it’ll only help your experience as a writer.

We live in a world where resources are available if you’re willing to look for them. Watch those forty-minute YouTube videos that explain each act in a story. Search online for how to craft prologues and epilogues that add to your story’s theme. Get familiar with the three-act story structure if you have pacing issues. Read some of your favorite books and get inspiration on how authors keep your interest.

Learn what works for your story and when you need to pivot.

If you put the work in, I guarantee you’ll have compelling stories that will have readers wanting more.

III. Good Girlr Gone Bad

Characters are the heartbeat of the story.

If readers don’t care about your characters, then they won’t care about the romance. Character development makes the story relatable and drives the plot forward. You want readers to be invested in your character’s journey.

As humans, we have complexities, contradictions, and depth. Your characters should have these traits if we are to believe their growth throughout the story. Their character voice should stay true to their misbeliefs and goals. 

If having a structured story is important, then having strong character development is vital.

Dig deeper than physical descriptions and look at what sets each character apart. What are their quirks? Do they have specific phrases that they say? Are they a dynamic or flat character?

Go back into your story and note how the character reacted at key moments. Although side characters don’t have much screen time compared to your main characters, they still play a specific part.

If you are having issues with one-dimensional characters, I suggest watching your favorite movies and observing people in your life. Take notes on what and how they say things, and use that inspiration to write developed characters.

Powerful character arcs transform your characters into the best or worst version of themselves.

By creating a solid foundation of how your characters evolve, readers will certainly have a lasting impression.

IV. Dude Where’s My Car

We’re all victims of white room syndrome.

As the author, you know exactly what is happening in your story that sometimes you forget to ground readers in the scene. Readers won’t be able to visualize the environment and will imagine two floating heads talking in a white room.

Leaving out scene details is expected during the first draft, so this tip is applied when you are tackling those pesky editing drafts.

Read through your story and find areas where description lacks in setting scenes. The goal is to establish the mood and tone. Make the setting come alive by using the senses. However, don’t overdo the descriptions either as that can lead to info dumping.

A little fun tip is to use the setting to subtly reveal character motivations or foreshadowing. Will the setting show up later in a pivotal part of the story? Why did your character choose a specific environment for confrontation?

There are endless ways to use setting to your advantage. Don’t be discouraged if writing description isn’t your forte. As you keep writing, you learn what your style is and how to perfect your narrative. 

That is the beauty of this journey.

V. Invest In Your Craft

Research, research, research.

I cannot stress enough how important doing your research is. If your book contains inaccuracies, building trust with your readers will be difficult.

If you are writing about a pilot and don’t have the first idea about how a plane leaves the ground, then go on forums and ask experts in the field. If you are writing about an ethnicity outside your race, then connect with people who are from the culture.

Writing stereotypes is disingenuous and can have harmful implications.

Promoting inclusivity is beautiful when you approach writing with careful research and sensitivity. Prioritize respectful representation in your writing and be open to critical feedback.

By embracing thorough research and principles, it sets your authenticity as an author. You want readers to believe in the world you’ve created and the characters, even if they are fictional.

Research is fundamental and will help you create a meaningful story.

VI. Progress Is Still Process

Slow progress is better than no progress.

Sometimes life takes the wheel. We all have lives outside of being a writer, but when writing seems like a chore, then it’s good for you to take a step back.

Actually, it’s vital.

There is no shame in not being able to write as much as you want. Forcing yourself to write can do more harm.

If you find yourself in this position, do other things that can aid in your writing. Maybe take some time to revisit certain aspects of your story. Work on developing character arcs or pick up a thesaurus and find words that stick out to you. Watch movies, listen to songs or podcasts. Go for a walk down the beach or sit in a café.

Even if you’re not actively writing, you’re still learning, thinking, and observing the world to feed your creativity.

Progress is not linear and there’s no use in beating yourself up. If you’re only able to type ten words for the day, that is still something to celebrate.

There’s inspiration in the small things, and it may take you awhile to find it, but you’ll get there. 

VII. Comparison Is The Thief Of Joy

Put the phone down and stop comparing yourself to other people’s success. It’s killing your creativity.

Writing is not a race.

We all start somewhere. There’s no value in comparing your work to another author’s polished work. By constantly comparing yourself to others, you might start imitating their style or start second-guessing your own writing. Neither of the options are good.

Be the best writer you can be and don’t let anyone rob you of your dreams, even yourself.

Your experiences and imagination are your unique weapon as a writer. Find your voice and stay true to it. I promise it’ll help you grow as a writer.

Create your own milestones and focus on what you want to achieve. There’s a reason you started writing, so keep remembering why, and etch it into your soul. It will help you on those days when that little voice in your head is being mean.

Celebrate other authors because their success doesn’t invalidate your own achievements. Community over competition.

You are exactly where you need to be.

VIII. Don’t Sell Yourself Short

Your books aren’t going to market themselves. I hate to break it to you.

As a fellow introvert that likes rotting in her writing cave, marketing can feel intimidating. However, just like writing, this is something you can get better at in time.

You’ve poured your heart into this project so it’s worth championing for.

Take it slow. Work on mastering one or two platforms before tackling others. Each platform prefers a certain type of social media format. See if you like filming reels vs. curating aesthetic flat lays. Don’t have a website? Direct your readers to your newsletter.

If you’re struggling with marketing, maybe you haven’t find your audience. Find your ideal reader and market to them specifically. What are keywords that readers search for? What is your ideal reader’s expectation in romance?

Ask yourself these questions and create a market focus to help them find you. Then figure out what your call to action is. Do you want them to become an email subscriber or join your Facebook group?

Although marketing to the masses may seem like a good idea, you only need a faithful few who can spread the word. Your loyal readers will create the momentum needed to potentially reach other readers.

By researching and testing out different strategies, you’ll be able to build an author platform and attract lifelong readers.

Readers will only be as enthusiastic about your book as you are.

IX. Why Does The Story Matter?

What is the theme of your book? Why does the story matter to you?

There’s a reason why you decided to become a writer. At times, the journey can seem lonely and frustrating, especially when imposter syndrome is hiding around the corner. But in those moments, remember that there’s a reason why you want your story to be heard.

Maybe it’s a story about healing something you’ve had to overcome. Maybe it’s the story you wish existed when you needed it the most.

When you connect to the heart of your story, you give readers something real that can resonate long after they’ve finished the book. That’s the power of authentic storytelling.

What you’re writing has value, even if you haven’t written it yet.

Write the book you want to read.

X. Siri, Play The Industry By DMX

Not everyone is your friend and that’s a good thing.

This last tip is for funsies, but it needs to be said. Not everyone will support your journey. Not everyone will understand your dream or your grind. And that’s okay.

Gatekeeping exists. Envy exists. Silence from people you thought would cheer you on? That exists too.

Let it fuel you and give you motivation to keep writing.

You’re not here to please everyone. You’re here to write something that matters to you.

Keep your circle tight, your energy protected, and your pen moving.

And those are all the tips!

From one author to another, you got this.

The reader whose life will change by reading your book is waiting for you.

All you have to do is give a damn.

*slap*