The Art and Thrill of Writing Dark Romance
Dark romance is a genre that explores not only the darker side of love, but relationships and the characters’ environment. It is a unique genre that requires a delicate balance of romance, grit, and tension to create a both plot- and character-driven story. It’s a genre that spans multiple others, includes suspense, an air of mystery, and is often quite pulp in nature. In this post, I’ll discuss the key elements that make up a good dark romance story.
1. Character Development
The characters in a dark romance story are complex and often flawed (more so than in other stories). They are not perfect, and their flaws are what make them interesting and sometimes shocking. Their backstories are generally tragic, and their motivations may be somewhat corrupt. Their personalities are on the more gritty side and push a reader’s boundaries. In essence, these characters can send the readers into a personal conundrum that can make them question why they enjoy such a dark story.
An example of this is my debut MC Romance novel, entitled Wilde. The male main character, Wilde, watched his mother’s murder when he was eleven, but it didn’t faze him much.
2. Plot Twists
A good dark romance story has tons of plot twists to keep the reader engaged and flipping pages. These twists should be unexpected and add to tension to the story. They should also be believable and not feel forced. Creating good plot twists requires a lot of thought and plotting. Careful planning the different directions it could take is a critical success factor in my book.
I’m not going to give a personal example of this one, but thinking about a hugely popular book: Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton, there’s the huge twist when Zade sends Adeline a box with a severed hand in it. Yeah, he was unabashedly protective of her. Touch her and die all the way.
3. Pacing
Pacing is important in any story, but it is especially important in a dark romance story. You need to keep the reader engaged and interested throughout the story. Read that as hooks, hooks, hooks. This means that you need to balance the action with the quieter moments, but always be driving the reader to the next page. Some writers speak about a plot engine. In dark romance, that engine needs to be propelled by jet or even rocket fuel.
4. Writing Process
Every writer has their own writing process, but there are some tips that can help you write a good dark romance story. First, you need to read widely in the genre to get a sense of what works and what doesn’t. That’s a given, though, in any genre. However, I’ve seen non-dark writers studying the genre to apply the same principles.
Essentially, dark romance authors have honed in their writing skill to ensure there is tension in every line of their stories.
They (like me) might write atmospheric prose, but they also make sure they are being deliberate with the emotions you’ll feel from those words. If you’re a writer, you may have heard the term “purple prose.” That’s the opposite of what I mean by atmospheric.
Finally, writing every day with a focus on the tension element will develop skills. And then seek and be open to feedback. Willingness to revise your work helps you continue to grow in these spaces.
Dark Romance, In Conclusion
Writing a good dark romance story requires a delicate balance of elements. You need to create compelling characters, have plot twists that keep the reader engaged, balance the pacing, and have a solid writing process. By following these tips, you can create a story that will captivate your readers and keep them coming back for more.
Even through the grit and dangerous game of love, I’m signing off with warm wishes.
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Anja
Anja Barrons is a dark romance author who specializes in motorcycle romance and dark atmospheric prose. She has been writing for several years and has published multiple books in the genre. Her writing is known for its gritty realism, complex characters, and intense emotional depth. Anja is a lifelong fan of motorcycle culture and has spent countless hours researching the history and subculture of motorcycle clubs. She brings this passion and expertise to her writing, creating stories that are both authentic and thrilling. In addition to writing, Anja enjoys travelling, ballroom dancing, and board games with family. She lives in Eden Prairie, MN, a place she calls the cold north.
