It’s been awhile since I’ve done a post about genre, and I think it’s overdue.
Romance is another of the simple genres, so I’m going to get that one out of the way with this post.
Most of us could say right off the bat what a romance genre is. Romance begins with two people who are not in love, and who are in some way closed to falling in love. Usually their problem is internal, but sometimes it is an external obstacle. By the end of the story, they’re both in love. That, in its barest form, is romance.
Example romance stories are:
Pride and Prejudice
You’ve Got Mail
Sleepless in Seattle
The Lake House
27 Dresses
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
Romance is the first of the INTERNAL GENRES that I’ve posted about. Internal Genre stories are all driven by a personal problem for the protagonist. As the story progresses, the main character has to shift their world view until they see the world differently. For the Romance Genre, the World View is a shift from ‘closed to love’ to ‘open to love.’
And just to avoid any confusion, the love must be amorous and romantic in order for the story to be a Romance. Other types of love, such as a parent for a child, friendship, or pet love, would not be a romance.
I’ll do Action/Adventure Next! Keep an eye out!
