To create tension in a romance novel, start with unfulfilled desires. If one character wants something from the relationship that the other isn't giving, it creates a sense of longing and tension. Uncertainty also plays a crucial role. When the future of the relationship is in doubt, like not knowing if a character will choose to stay in a small town for their partner or pursue their big - city dreams. Moreover, inner conflicts within the characters can build tension. For example, if a character has to choose between love and their career goals, it adds depth and tension to the story.
One way is through miscommunication. For example, a simple misunderstanding about a meeting place can lead to worry and tension. Another is by introducing a rival. If there's someone else interested in one of the main characters, it instantly creates jealousy and tension. Also, external obstacles like family disapproval can add tension. If a character's family doesn't like their partner, it causes stress and conflict within the relationship.
Use internal conflicts. For example, if a character has self - doubt about being worthy of love. It makes the reader worry about the relationship. Another way is to have the characters make mistakes. Maybe a character accidentally hurts the other's feelings, and then they have to work through the aftermath. Social pressure can also be a source of tension. If the couple is from different social classes and there's pressure from society to not be together.
In creating tension for this type of novel, use their personal insecurities. If one character is insecure about their intelligence compared to the other, it can create a lot of tension. During the assignment process, they might be hesitant to share their ideas. And when it comes to the relationship, they could misinterpret the other's actions. For instance, if the more confident character offers help, the insecure one might think they're being mocked. This miscommunication and underlying insecurity can keep the tension high throughout the story.
Create conflicts among the characters. Have them face difficult choices and high stakes. Also, introduce time pressure or limited resources to increase the tension.
In triangle romance novels, the competition between the two love interests creates tension. For example, in a love triangle where one character is a good - hearted but poor man and the other is a rich and charming man, the heroine's indecision makes the readers eager to know who she will choose.
Writers create tension in erotic romance stories through the characters' internal struggles. For instance, if one character has moral or ethical beliefs that conflict with their growing sexual attraction to another. Also, external factors like family or social disapproval can add to the tension.
In rivals to lovers romance novels, the tension is often created in multiple ways. First, there's the basic difference in their personalities or values that put them at odds. This leads to heated debates and arguments. Second, their social or professional standings can be a source of tension. If one is from a higher class or more powerful in the workplace, it adds a layer of complexity. For example, in a historical romance, a poor but headstrong girl and a rich, arrogant nobleman may start as rivals. Their every encounter is filled with power struggles and unspoken attraction that builds the tension until it finally breaks and turns into love.
Trapped romance novels create tension in multiple ways. One is by trapping the characters in a social situation. For instance, if they are from different social classes and are trapped in a society that doesn't approve of their relationship. They have to fight against the norms and prejudices, which creates a great deal of tension. Also, when the characters are trapped by their own past traumas or mistakes in relation to love. They might be afraid to open up to a new relationship but are forced to be in close contact with someone they are attracted to, and this inner conflict creates a palpable tension in the story.
Another way is through the slow development of the relationship. The captor may start off as cold and distant, but as they interact more with the captive, small changes occur. This slow burn while the captive is still in a kidnapped state keeps the reader on edge, wondering when and how the relationship will fully develop into a romantic one.
You can create tension by setting up deadlines or time limits for the characters. Like, they have to complete a task before a certain time or something bad will happen.
One way to create tension is through character conflicts. When characters have opposing goals or motivations, it keeps readers on the edge of their seats wondering how it'll play out. Also, creating uncertainty about the outcome of events can heighten the tension.