What if the central romance isn't working?

Episode Description

In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire addresses a common problem for writers: what if the central romance just isn't working?

Whether you're writing a romance, mystery, fantasy, women's fiction, romantic suspense, or another genre with a romantic subplot, a weak central romance can leave an entire story falling flat. Claire walks us through troubleshooting the relationship using the Enneagram, looking at the characters' personalities, points of connection, and their different approaches to conflict.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn

• Why both characters need to be fully developed, rather than treating one as a stock love interest

• How assigning Enneagram types can reveal unexpected character inconsistencies

• How similarities and differences between Enneagram types create connection and conflict

• What Enneagram "polarity" can teach you about romantic tension

• The three Enneagram conflict styles: avoidant, methodical, and reactive

• Why pairing two avoidant characters can make an enemies-to-lovers romance especially difficult

• Why reactive types can bring explosive chemistry, but potentially too much heat

• How your characters' conflict styles can help you anticipate breakups, reunions, and apologies

• How your own conflict style as an author might be influencing the way you're troubleshooting your romance

Resources Mentioned

• Write Iconic Relationships Kickstarter
  Claire's upcoming book explores the dynamics between different Enneagram types and how those relationships can be used to create compelling enemies, friendships, romances, and more. The Kickstarter launches August 25 and runs through September 10.

  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ffsmedia/write-iconic-relationships

• Write Iconic Characters
  books2read.com/WIC

• Liberated Writer (Coaching & Courses)
  liberatedwriter.com

• Liberated Writer Substack
  liberatedwriter.substack.com

Support the Show

If this episode gave you something to reflect on, here are a few ways to support the podcast:

• Leave a review on your favorite platform - it helps other authors find the show.

• Share this episode with an author who’s navigating similar challenges.

• Subscribe to Claire’s Substack for deeper insights on writing, the industry, and the author life.

Happy writing!