How to Write Romantic Chemistry: Part 2
After ruminating on vulnerability, resistance, and tension for your characters, you might be wondering what scenes to write to expand on their chemistry? Don’t worry, I gotchu. Here are some of my favorite interactions in romance novels that I find help build a relationship.
An Intimate Encounter
I usually see it play out like this: MMC/FMC invites the other to their place. It’s either super messy, clinically clean, or a mix of both. Either way, there’s something interesting laying around or displayed that piques the guest’s curiosity. It could be a first-edition book used as a doorstop, a celebrity shrine complete with trinkets and candles, or a super monochromatic kitchen. Truly, it can be ANYTHING. As long as it sparks up conversation to reveal more about the person.
Inside Jokes
Abby Jimenez does this really well. Her strengths lie in creating unique moments that act as the glue between her love interests. One example from Say You’ll Remember Me is mustard. Yes, mustard. The FMC does marketing for a mustard company, and that became their glue . . . uh, bad imagery but regardless! Mustard was the starting point to their relationship. The MMC even bought a bottle of Murkle’s Mustard to keep in the fridge just so he is reminded of the her, and the mustard jokes between them were endless throughout the novel. Who knew a simple condiment could lead to love?
Skinship
The term comes from combining “skin” and “kinship” and refers to emotional bonding through touch. Though skinship implies platonic, non-sexual touching, it is a great way to spark the chemistry between the love interests. This would work great for Friends to Lovers trope or Forced Proximity trope. Don’t wait until there’s a bed nearby for some physical interaction!
It’s Your Favorite
A classic and meaningful gesture. Don’t you just love it when someone remembers what your favorite flavor is from that offhand comment one time? Remembering little details can say so much more than an epic, grand gesture. Sprinkle in these little moments if the romance needs a little boost!
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There is so many ways to build a romantic relationship! If you have an idea for building romantic chemistry but are unsure how to approach it, feel free to send me an email through the contacts page! I’d be happy to offer my two cents. 😊
