This presentation from Bryn Donovan is designed to guide you through the essential steps of plotting a compelling romance novel in one hour. Whether you’re taking your first foray into the genre or refining a story that’s already underway, she’ll show you how to develop vivid characters, build believable conflict, and plan a satisfying story arc. It’s not just about meet-cutes and happy endings — Bryn’s insights dive into the subtleties of emotional connection, the challenges that keep lovers apart, and the reader expectations that shape successful romances.
This is a summary of Bryn’s hour-long livestream. To hear her go into more detail, you can use the time stamps featured below.
1. Creating Strong, Relatable Characters (04:13)
Your romance novel starts with creating characters that feel real. Readers will follow them through thick and thin if they can relate to them. Perfect characters aren’t necessary — what’s important is making them authentic, flaws and all. If your characters are well-developed, readers will overlook plot issues. These flaws, whether it’s a lack of confidence or a tendency to shut people out, make your character more compelling and relatable.
Your second character should complement the first, but also contrast them in meaningful ways. The more they differ, the more tension and growth they’ll bring to the relationship. Both characters need their own struggles and flaws; whether they’re opposites or balance each other, their relationship should feel dynamic and full of emotional stakes.
Exercise: Spend a few minutes sketching out your first character. Focus especially on their negative traits — something that holds them back in life. This flaw will shape how they interact with others and impact their journey. Take another few minutes to do the same for your second character.
2. Making Your Characters Perfect for Each Other (19:50)
For a romance to be truly compelling, your characters must be more than just attracted to each other. They need to be compatible with each other on a deeper level. This emotional connection is what makes the romance feel essential, not just convenient. Think about the unique ways they complement each other. The relationship must be built on more than physical attraction — it should involve mutual growth and understanding.
Exercise: Spend a few minutes considering why these two characters are perfect for each other. Think about how their strengths and weaknesses align to create a meaningful connection.
3. Identifying Obstacles in the Romance (27:24)
Every romance needs obstacles. These conflicts — whether internal, like fear of vulnerability, or external, like distance — keep the characters from being together and add tension to the story. Without clear obstacles, the romance will feel too easy, and the stakes will be low. The obstacles should feel substantial and real, giving the story depth and urgency.
Exercise: Spend a few minutes identifying what’s standing in the way of your characters' romance. Write down both internal and external obstacles that will keep them from opening up to one another.
4. Creating Opportunities for Your Characters to Spend Time Together (39:35)
For your characters to fall in love, they need to spend enough time together for their relationship to develop naturally. In romance, the time spent together is crucial for building emotional connection. Think about how you can structure the story to allow your characters to interact and learn more about each other. Sometimes it’s a forced situation — like they have to work together or are stuck in the same location. This “forced proximity” can help accelerate the romance. The more time they spend together, the more their connection will grow, so be intentional about the situations you create that bring them together.
Exercise: Spend a few minutes brainstorming how your characters will spend time together. What situations will force them to interact more, and how will this time together bring them closer emotionally? Write down these scenarios, and think about how they will help develop their relationship.
5. Establishing the Relationship Arc (48:16)
Character growth is key to a fulfilling romance. Your characters must change in meaningful ways, whether learning to trust or opening up emotionally. This growth doesn’t have to be massive but should be enough to make the relationship feel earned. By the end of the story, your characters should be in a better place emotionally, and their growth should be reflected in their ability to commit to each other.
Exercise: Take a few minutes to consider how your characters will change. Write down how these changes will impact their relationship and make their eventual romance satisfying.
6. Brainstorming Key Romance Scenes (59:25)
Iconic scenes are what make a romance memorable. These moments — like a dramatic confession, the first kiss, or a heartfelt declaration — are the ones readers will remember long after they finish your book. The setting plays a crucial role in these moments, adding layers of emotion and enhancing the connection between your characters. These key scenes should be pivotal to the relationship, moving the plot forward and deepening the emotional stakes.
A satisfying ending is similarly essential for a complete emotional journey. Whether it’s a "happily ever after" or a "happy for now," your characters’ struggles should lead to a resolution that feels earned. A well-crafted ending provides closure and hope for the future, leaving readers with a sense of fulfillment and emotional payoff. This is what makes the journey worthwhile and keeps readers invested in the romance.
Exercise: Spend a few minutes brainstorming key romance moments in your story, like the first kiss, an emotional confession, or a turning point that intensifies the relationship. Reflect on how your story will end — ensure that it provides the emotional resolution readers expect. Write a brief outline that highlights these key scenes and how they shape the progression of the romance.
