Hello Campers,
Are you ready for a Happily Ever After? I mean, isn’t that why we read (and write) romance? It’s in the rules.
So, on our beat sheet, we’re down to the Resolution and Final Image. It says “Show how the characters are now fully in their essence and perfect for each other.”
In the Climax, which we covered last month, they made the sacrifice or big gesture that shows that they’ve changed. That they are now committed to the relationship. It’s time now for the final image of the book. Notice on our beat sheet, this final image/resolution only takes three pages.
In these last few pages, we give the reader a glimpse into the new “normal” world, which includes the hero and heroine together. This might mean a proposal. Or even a wedding. But it definitely means that these two people are committed to each other—committed to being together.
And the hero and heroine lived happily ever after.
Does a romance novel require a Happily Ever After? Yes. I believe it’s what defines the genre. That’s why Message in a Bottle by Nicholas Sparks (though they often call it one) is NOT a romance novel. It’s a great love story. But it does not have the required HEA.
So cue the music and fireworks, and give these two people that ending your reader loves.
TA-DA. We’ve officially worked our way through the Romance Beat Sheet.
Next month, I’ll be starting a series on deep POV. (I’m hoping you readers will play along by sending me book bits for us all to learn with.) In the meantime, enjoy a homework-free month—but keep writing. BiC-HoK: Butt in Chair, Hands on Keyboard.
Have a great month.
Cheers, Jax
I agree, Jax. The HEA reveals the H/h’s growth throughout the course of the novel. Fireworks beyond all belief–we all remember our first, deepest love–because it’s an HEA, there’s joy that bursts through our skin and lights the sky. And we all remember the magic of love. ::sigh:: Thanks for this blog series, Jax! <3
I’m not sure it isn’t a romance. Endings can be left open sometimes. Or sadly love confirmed…The romance was confirmed the whole way through once they both communicated and believed in what they are experiencing. I also believe The Notebook is a romance, even through the woman isn’t capable of knowing she loves the man reading the book to her. In fact it is sort of a romance between the loving husband and the reader. I think romances can be written many ways. When one time travels and overlap isn’t possible…it is (in my opinion) the conflict and the frustration that confirm the feelings… not acting out yet wanting to IS proof of love.