Happily Ever Afters in Fiction: How to Write Romantic Sub-Plots

“The best—and the most satisfying—novels rarely pick a lane,” says instructor Kilby Blades. “They lead with their dominant genre, then use off-genre sub-plots to heighten the emotional stakes. Just as romance novels are more exciting with elements of mystery, or fantasy, or suspense, so also are mystery and fantasy and suspense novels better with a little romance.”

In this online class, we will explore how romantic sub-plots can be used in stories outside of the romance genre to hook more readers and deepen their emotional investment in your fiction. You will work toward building a fleshed-out romantic sub-plot for your work-in-progress or story in the planning stage. Drawing from iconic examples, you will use exercises in- and out-of-class to craft romantic arcs for both of your love interests—even if neither is the protagonist.

“Brief lectures throughout the course will deconstruct popular romance tropes (e.g., enemies to lovers, rags to riches, secret identity, protector/ward, forbidden love, etc.) and lay out tried-and-true beats that play well in commercial romance,” says Kilby. “Your draft sub-plot will be strengthened through feedback from peers, and I will provide a written critique of your sub-plot.”

About The Writing Salon's Remote Classes

Due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19, The Writing Salon is running all classes in a remote learning format. You will be able to participate in live class meetings via Zoom videoconference. To attend classes, you'll need a phone, tablet or computer and access to the internet. You can participate in the class from wherever you'd like, whether on your living room couch or in your office. Before your class meets, you'll receive an email from The Writing Salon with more information about Zoom and your remote class. If you have any questions about remote learning, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at hello@writingsalons.com.