NaNoWriMo 2011 - day 9

Word count: 20303

I wanted to get a little further today, but I'm exhausted. I planned on reaching 25000 tomorrow, but that would take a big rush in the little time I have. I'll give it that old NaNo try! Even if I don't make it, I know I'm still doing well.

I had intended this to be a slow burning paranormal romance. Boy, is it slow. 20000 words and only a little cuddling going on. I want this to be more about the emotional journey, but, geez, this is slow for me. Yet I hope the story is still interesting to keep the reader reading.

One of my secondary characters has decided he wants to become more involved in the plot. He's campaigning to be another love interest. My protagonist isn't the type to just fall for someone she's only known for a few days. She's not that trusting. It makes more sense for her to fall for her friend and confidante. Yet then that totally messes up the main arc of my plot! I guess I'll see where the story takes me.

Oh! Maybe I can kill him off. BWUHAHAHAHA! I quite like that idea. Dammit and I liked him.

Wicked Wednesday - the slow burn

(Today's post was suggested by Heidi at ...then she writes)

The instant or fast moving romances are very popular these days. Soul-mates falling in love at first sight, the werewolf meeting his mate unable to control his instincts, genetically altered humans made only for one another. I've read a lot of these books. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it feels forced and sounds ridiculous.

My preference is the slow burning romance. I love the long build up with all that tension sizzling in the air. These are more difficult to write than the fast moving romances because you want your reader invested in this relationship and not grow impatient or bored. Your reader wants to share that first moment their eyes meet, the first touch, the first kiss. A gentle spiraling of two people falling in love.

Here are a few tips:

1. Make the characters earn the love. Love just doesn't suddenly happen for most people. It's built on trust, respect and appreciation. All those things take time to build. Yes, physical chemistry is important, but that alone isn't love. Friendship is a good base for building love upon.
2. Put obstacles in the way of earning that love. Put your characters into dangerous situations. Give them flaws that they might dislike in one another. Then let them find ways of overcoming them together.
3. Use romantic scenes sparingly. The payoff is sweeter when you have to wait for that first kiss. Yet don't disappoint the reader. This is romance after all. Romance isn't all about the physical. There's a lot of emotion involved as well. You have to have something to carry the reader along to that first kiss. Let the reader into the protagonist's head, let them feel what s/he's feeling.
4. Let the characters be vulnerable. It's easy to fall in love with someone when they're strong. Yet to experience vulnerability together is something else entirely. It allows a deeper bonding. When a character is vulnerable, their soul is naked in front of the other.
5. Don't have your protagonist suddenly realize near the end of the story that s/he is in love. "Oh, I've suddenly realized you're amazing." That's cheating in my opinion.

Do you prefer fast paced or slow burning romances? Do you have any tips on building romances?