Writing My First Romance Novel: The Outline

For years, I dreamed of writing a romance novel. I never felt comfortable in my abilities. But, I learned to love myself enough to know that I needed to go for it.  The ideas come easy, putting them on paper and spelling all the words right, that’s that hard part.

The journey has been full of inspiration and creativity. But, it has also had frustration, self-doubt, and discovery. I wanted to write my process down. It covers how I made the outline for my book, "Tides of the Heart." It also covers my process for turning ideas into a great story. When I re-read the epilogue, it still makes me cry.

1. Start with the Core Idea

Every great story begins with a core idea. "Tides of the Heart" is about two men. They overcome personal trauma and isolation to find love and healing. It is not co-dependent. It is a love that makes them realize their true strength. They realize it because they support each other. Then, they realize that they are falling in love.

2. Develop Your Main Characters

Characters are the heart of any romance novel. I created detailed profiles for Alex and Jordan. I explored their backgrounds, personalities, and what drives them. I gave them phobias, bad habits, and explored why they exist.  I began talking to them. This helped me to create relatable and multi-dimensional characters. At times, I felt like they wrote the words of the book for me.  They both gave me ideas and inspiration.  They both made me laugh.

3. Define the Setting

I chose Brookings, Oregon for its picturesque coast. It will be a romantic backdrop. This choice influenced the mood and atmosphere of the novel. I love smaller towns and I love Brookings for how kind the people are there.  The weather and scenery are great and it makes for a great place for my world to grow in this series.

4. Establish the Conflict

Conflict is essential for any engaging story. I outlined both external and internal conflicts. PTSD actually became a character in the story with its inner dialogue in Alex’s head.  This was not planned at first, but it made its way into the book.

5. Create a Plot Structure

I used a three-act structure. I divided the story into the setup, confrontation, and resolution. This structure helped pace the story. It ensured each act had a clear purpose and direction.

• Act 1: Setup - Introduce the characters, setting, and initial conflict. This includes Alex and Jordan's first meeting through a very traumatic event.

• Act 2: Confrontation - Develop the romance and deepen the conflict. This involves the challenges they face both individually and as a couple.

• Act 3: Resolution - Resolve the conflicts and provide a satisfying conclusion. This is where Alex and Jordan find healing and happiness together.

6. Outline Key Scenes

I listed the key scenes for each act, focusing on pivotal moments that drive the story forward. These included romantic encounters, moments of personal growth, and significant plot twists. Writing intimate moments was hard.  No that is not a pun.  It was the most difficult thing I have ever done.  I just kept thinking, is it too much, is it not spicy enough, and why is it spelled “come” in romance novels?

7. Add Subplots and Secondary Characters

To add depth to the story, I included subplots and secondary characters. Alex's Aunt Lynn is a pivotal character that you will meet throughout the entire series. Any good story worth anything has to have a dog in it too! The additional characters brought additional layers to the narrative and some will be seen again in the series.

8. Weave in Themes and Symbols

The novel weaves in themes of self-love, forgiveness, and the healing power of love. I use symbols, like the coast and the power of healing with support animals to reinforce these themes.

9. Draft and Revise

With a detailed outline in place, I began drafting the novel. The outline served as a roadmap, but it allowed room for me to be flexible and let my creativity flow when needed. After completing the first draft, I revised the manuscript. I did this to refine the plot, enhance the characters, and ensure consistency. I did this by looking for plot holes.

10. Feedback and Final Edits

Seeking feedback from beta readers and fellow writers provided valuable insights. Their perspectives helped in making final adjustments before the novel was ready for publication.

My outline before I started vs. the outline that was the final product was very different, but that is ok.  It provided the structure that I needed to create. 

Remember, the outline is a guide, not a constraint. Allow your creativity to flow and be open to changes as your story evolves.

Start your writing journey with passion and perseverance. Soon, you'll have a completed manuscript to share. Happy writing!