The most important element of romance fiction is your characters, especially the hero and heroine. Romance fiction especially is what's known as “character driven” fiction. The example being that “plot driven” fiction is more like James Bond -- the main character can be a bit shallow, or stereotypical, but that's not what you're reading it for. You're reading to find out how Bond is going to save the world, yet again, against new and seemingly insurmountable opposition. I still think that you need strong conflict elements in romance fiction (more on that next month, when I show you how I construct a plot) but your reader wants to know and love your hero and heroine, and feel like they know them personally.

This tip is a stand-alone, or read it in conjunction with parts 1 & 2: WHAT DO YOU WANT TO WRITE? and STORY IDEAS AND PREMISES.

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