I’m at that exciting scary time of starting a new book. The possibilities are endless. That is the exciting part AND the scary part. I need a way to focus, to narrow it down.
So, I’m thinking of those popular Romance and Regency themes.
I’ve written several marriage of convenience plots (The Mysterious Miss M, The Wagering Widow, Scandalizing the Ton), forbidden love (Innocence and Impropriety, Gallant Officer, Forbidden Lady, Chivalrous Captain, Rebel Lady, Born to Scandal), and road stories (The Vanishing Viscountess, The Liberation of Miss Finch). I’ve done a reforming the rake plot (A Reputable Rake), love at first sight (Innocence and Impropriety,Valiant Soldier, Beautiful Enemy) and reunion stories (A Twelfth Night Tale, A Not So Respectable Gentleman?).
Here’s a great list of Classic Romance Plots, by the way.
I could categorize the next book, A Reputation for Notoriety, but it doesn’t fit neatly into one category. It has elements of a few – forbidden love, opposites attract, boss/employee…and another that would be a spoiler!
My challenge for this to-be-written book is to take one of these classic romance plots, twist it in some interesting way, and devise a story that hopefully readers will love.
Do story ideas come easily to you? What are your favorite romance plots? Are there any Regency plots that you want to see? Any that you think have been overdone?
The ideas come far too easily. I find the basic plot unfolds with learning about my hero and heroine… Hmmm… this is probably why there isn’t a particular plot I like better than any other. For me, it’s very much about the characters. I have particular characters I like: I can live with a lot of flaws as long as honor is part of their basic makeup.
Thanks for reminding me, Laurel. I, too, start with the characters. Sometimes it is not until the book is done that I see it fit in to a classic plot.
Yikes, Laurel has the same answer I do. My stories usually start with one character, hero or heroine and his/her problem. The other character is someone who has complementary problems and strengths. And the plot comes out of that.
There’s no type of story that’s really been done too much IMHO. As long as the characters feel like unique individuals, it can work.
Best of luck to you Diane! I’m sure it will come together.
They’ve ALL been overdone but it doesn’t really matter. It’s all about the execution. I like to find odd, unlikely snippets of history and build from there.
I think there’s a reason that those plots are repeated over and over. There are so many possibilities! Endless possible stories.
So looking forward to reading A Reputation for Notoriety!
I think there are only so many basic romance plots. It is what the writer does with the basics that makes the difference. It’s rather like baking a cake. The basic ingredients can be the same, but in the hands of a master baker and with bits and dashes of unexpected ingredients something unique and tasty can be created.
For me, I look to the characters first when I read and when I write. I want characters I can root for, become intrigued by, want to know more of or sometimes even dislike and want to see how they can be redeemed.
The cake analogy doesn’t work for me! I tend to bake cakes according to the directions on the back of the box!!!
But your point makes sense!!!!