The Joys and Challenges of Romance Writing and Editing

Andria Pasco
Feb 26
2 min read

Love is in the air, hearts are all aflutter. Let’s dive into the ups and downs of writing and editing romance fiction! Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, there's always something new to learn about this beloved genre.

Photo by Yaroslav Shuraev for pexels

Defining the Romance Genre

What you may not know is that romance is actually a subgenre of comedy, meaning that at its core, it requires a happy ending; a cheesy, “riding off into the sunset” type of story. If a story ends tragically, then sorry honey—even if it has romantic elements, it can’t be considered a romance. What it might be is a tragedy that uses romance to reel you in, only to crush your heart later.

The Joys and Challenges on Writing Romance Stories

We all remember dreaming of romance and happily-ever-afters when we were young. Many of us have even written our own love stories. But the romance genre has always faced stigma, with stories often downplayed as “just” romance novels. Most romance writers are women, and the genre has been marginalized along with the female gender.

Often dismissed as cliché or formulaic, romance novels are beloved for their escapism and happy endings. Despite sexist undertones, iconic writers like Jane Austen and Charlotte Brontë have shown that romance can offer significant social commentary, as seen in Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and Brontë's Jane Eyre. Writing romance allows authors to explore various perspectives on topics such as class, politics, and even science.

Readers complain that romance stories are predictable, but that’s the appeal. You’re supposed to have an idea of what’s going to happen and find comfort in the happy ending. That’s why it’s a guilty pleasure! No matter what happens, the characters will always end up together.

Expanding the Romance Genre Through Fanfiction

Fanfiction, often associated with romance, allows fans to explore new scenarios with their favorite characters. Fans are always hungry for more stories of their favorite characters, as there are always more layers to explore. That’s what makes fanfiction satisfying for readers and fans.

On Editing Romance

Editing romance can be a deeply engaging process. Editors often become attached to the stories and characters they work on. While editors are instructed to remain objective, well-written stories that evoke strong emotions—whether it be the good or bad kind—are a positive sign. The pieces that are problematic to edit are those that rely too heavily on clichéd romantic tropes, making the scenes feel cookie-cutter and uncomfortable to read and edit.

There’s No Shame in Romance

Romance is a genre that deserves respect and appreciation. It offers readers an escape, provides comfort, and can deliver powerful social commentary. So don’t be ashamed of loving romance—revel in it! If you want to read a cheesy, raunchy, or heartfelt romance, go for it! And if you're a writer, there's no better feeling than crafting a romance that sweeps readers off their feet.

Ready to dive into the world of romance writing and editing? Grab your pen, open your heart, and let the love stories flow!