There are three main components in the recipe for a perfect Harlequin romance: establishing the characters’ motivations from the beginning, ending with a happily-ever-after, and, in the middle, aligning your story with the guidelines of your preferred Harlequin series. For both experienced writers and debut authors, series parameters can sometimes feel restrictive. But exploring the creative outlets within these limits can also be fun and challenging. Here are some tips to let your creativity soar while keeping the series writing guidelines in mind.
Be on the lookout for current trends
Trends in publishing are constantly evolving. Online communities like BookTok and Bookstagram—TikTok and Instagram subcommunities—have become an unlimited source of great ideas to ignite the creative spark.
The Bookbinder’s Guide to Love by Katherine Garbera
This Afterglow title is a great example of the creative use of trends. The line parameters are all about characters that are true to who they are, who pursue their dreams and fall in love in the process! Here, Serafina Conte has a true passion for old books, and a rumored witchy talent to manifest great things in her journals. But after inheriting a box of antique books from her mentor, Serafina ends up forming an unexpected connection with Wes, her mentor’s grumpy but very hot grandson.
Readers are looking for romances that take place in the world of publishing and bookstores. Plus, the witchy theme is very popular right now.
Don’t be afraid to take risks
If you’re interested in writing about a specific theme that hasn’t been tried in a romance line (or series), don’t be afraid to take the risk! Editors are always excited to read stories with fresh and relevant themes.
The Dairy Queen’s Second Chance by Laurie Batzel
This Heartwarming title delivers the promise of a clean and wholesome read, but it contains a delicious twist! The heroine, BeeBee Long, is a dairy farmer who wants to make the world’s best mozzarella. She enters a beauty pageant with the plan of spending the prize money on a water buffalo. But there is a problem: she must create a winning recipe and she can’t cook. BeeBee’s first love, Chef Bill Danzig, offers to help her and together they create a winning recipe and a second chance romance!
Mix and match hooks and tropes
Hooks and tropes are those tried-and-tested scenarios and elements of the story that draw readers in. As editors, we love the pairing of a classic trope with an exciting hook, especially because this is a great way to creatively expand characters and settings beyond the series parameters.
Her New York Minute by Darby Baham
This is an exciting Special Edition title that features a classic friends-to-lovers trope. The New York City setting is an appealing hook and the perfect place for heroine Brit Olivia Robinson to shine professionally. Nothing can stand in the way of her career goals, not even handsome Thomas Wright. But maybe there is a permanent spot in Brit’s heart reserved for the first friend she made in her new life.
Insert humor and relatable situations for the reader:
A hint of humor is a great addition to any romance because it’s relatable to the reader and, as a writer, it lets you explore your creativity.
Lucky Bounce by Cait Nary
This charming Carina Press hockey romance features Spencer McLeod, a single dad pro hockey player, and his five-year-old daughter’s teacher, Ezekiel Boehm. The author sets up a hilarious dynamic where love grows from flirty scenarios and light, fun situations.
Series parameters are not there to be restrictive. Relatable and creative ideas are all around you for inspiration — from television shows and podcasts to real-life situations.
Don’t hesitate to bounce your creative ideas off of the editors. We always love to hear about new and exciting takes on Harlequin’s romance lines.
