By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

No matter our genre, allowing readers to experience the growing relationship of a man and woman adds tension and conflict to our stories.

The following just might persuade you to add a spark of romance to your writing.

Romance is the lifeblood of the publishing industry 

Romance novels are the huge money makers for the publishing industry. Dear writers, that’s money in our pockets. 

Depth of story 

What if I’m a female writer who doesn’t want to write the lovey stuff, or I’m a male writer who wouldn’t be caught dead writing about huggy-bear and kissy-faced characters? 

Writers: romance can complicate goals, knock a career-minded man or woman into confusion.

Expand readership 

That includes e-books and print. Romance is the top revenue-generating literary category in the US, accounting for more than half of all mass-market paperbacks sold. 

Here’s a tip about adding a romantic twist to your plot. Women from the time they are little girls fantasize about the perfect guy. They may even make a list of her dream-guy’s traits. Men may not go to that extreme, but they have an idea about the perfect gal. But too often when a gal or guy meets that person and realizes, oh, my goodness, this is what I’ve been looking for! They are afraid. What if I’m not good enough? What if he/she rejects me? And they move to sabotage the relationship. 

Weaving romance into all genres is not difficult. Often placing a man and woman into a working or mission relationship forces them to see the other in a new light. Respect leads to admiration, and admiration leads to like, and like leads to love. The romance is often a hindrance to the story’s goal. In every instance of romance, something is keeping the couple apart. This problem can be primary, as in a romance-driven novel, or secondary. But the situation between the couple will not be resolved until the climax. 

Consider what would happen if a man and woman are the bodyguards for a high-profile person who’s been threatened. If one of the bodyguards begins to focus on a romantic relationship, disaster can ensue. This is true in any setting, any genre.

Show the thread of romance in characterization, plot, setting, emotions, symbolism, and dialogue, either verbal or nonverbal. Often what a character says is not what is meant, and the truth is in the power of body language. 

Need more convincing? Look at these ten ways to add romance to your story.

1. Each character has a unique backstory that explains his/her motivation.
2. The characters must accept a goal or problem to solve.
3. Show each character as kind, strong, gentle, likable, intelligent, and capable of giving and accepting love.
4. Each character faces challenges and is a survivor. 
5. Show each character is respected, even by his/her enemies.
6. Show each character is not perfect.
7. Show each character is capable of great sacrifice.
8. The characters don’t have to be drop-dead gorgeous, but something about their appearance is appealing.
9. Show the characters can be trusted.
10. Show each character changing and growing into a better person.

How will you add romance to your story?

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure?

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards, the Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, an active member of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. DiAnn continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, BookBub, YouTube, LinkedIn. or her website: diannmills.com