Romantic Dialogue

“Dialogue in a romance isn’t just words. It’s also what is not being said, it’s body language, and internal monologue and, most of all, it’s conflict. Especially in a romance. More than anything, dialogue moves a scene, creates emotion, reveals motivations, and produces change in a character.”

– “How to Write a Brilliant Romance: The easy, step-by-step method of crafting a powerful romance (Brilliant Writer Series Book 3)” by Susan May Warren

O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo? Deny thy father and refuse thy name; or if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love and I’ll no longer be a Capulet. Shall I hear more, or shall I speak at this? ‘Tis but thy name that is my enemy: thou art thyself, though not a Montague.

– Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

Writing romantic dialogue is a true talent and skill that takes work and time. Draft it over and over again until it not only makes sense, but evokes meaning and emotion. Dialogue should always advance the plot in a story. Romance dialogue however has the duel purpose of not only advancing the story, but the relationship.

“Flirtation is most interesting and compelling when it’s not clear where it’s going.”

-“How to Write a Love Letter: Putting What’s in Your Heart on Paper” by Barrie Dolnick, Donald Baack

Flirtation…sometimes the unspoken moments other times, the direct come on. When it comes to flirting in romance novels, this will be done on a case-by-case basis. If your heroine is SUPER shy, she will not be making anobvious pass at the hero. She may bite her lip, pull her hair behind her ear, tilt her head to the side, or do something else physical to demonstrate her interest. Her verbal skills might not be how her flirtation manifests. The hero she is attracted to, may still flirt with her, but he won’t want to come on too strong since she is so shy. His dialogue may become subtler and more low-key. Knowing how to balance the characterizations and dialogue will keep your readers engrossed from beginning to end as well as invested in the relationship.

Stay kind + creative & make today a great reading + writing day!

Best,

Angela