This weekend I was at the 2025 Manly Writers’ Festival, talking on a panel, presenting a workshop, enjoying book signings, literary trivia, mingling with readers, and more! It was so much fun!
I also learnt a little about myself as a writer. While on the panel, I had the pleasure of talking about romance in speculative fiction, along with the talented Amy Hutton (who has a paranormal romance coming out for Halloween) and Ingrid J Adams (whose third book in the paranormal romance Descended series is out this April).
With my next book coming out on 1 June, When Dark Waters Burn, we certainly had a lot to talk about!
Through our discussions, I also realised I have a certain approach to writing romance, which I’ve clearly subconsciously developed over the years…
Romance Has To Fit In
Because my books are usually so packed full of action and death-defying intrigue, romance has to fit in where it can. I like this, though, because it resembles real life: when you have a lot going on, love has to fit in around all the intensity.
Of course, intense scenes can also prompt intense emotions, so deep feelings abound, which I really enjoy writing.
Romantic Heroes
While Amy and Ingrid really enjoy writing the ‘attractive but broken’ type of romantic hero, I definitely favour love interests who are more self-assured, and who my protagonist (main character) finds attractive. Usually:
1. They’re someone who’s already done a lot of work on themselves, such that they know roughly what they want, personally and professionally.
2. But they’re not 100% where they want to be yet. They still have personal growth to do and aspire to be ‘more’, which means they can grow along with my protagonist.
3. As such, they’re either already a good communicator, or will become one throughout the novel.
4. And finally, they’ve got to see my protagonist as a flawed individual, and love them anyway. After all, if a love interest doesn’t see our flaws, how can they love us for who we truly are?
Closed Door Intimacy
Because anyone might read my work, I tend to write intimate scenes with innuendo – such that if you’re reading as an adult, you’ll know exactly what I mean, and that will stir your own thoughts and feelings. If you’re reading as a young adult, you’ll probably know what I mean, and it will stir you in your own way. But if you’re a younger reader, you’ll perceive those sections more innocently, and be perfectly happy to read on.
Connection Matters
When we read about relationships, especially those that evoke strong emotions, it activates similar brain activity as memory recall, particularly the limbic system and other areas associated with emotion and memory formation. Thus, when we read about personal connections between characters, we often feel like we’re experiencing those connections ourselves, which not only adds to a story’s tension, but personally invests us in the outcome – we need to see how those connections turn out.
Perhaps this is why there’s been a recent resurgence in romance stories during these ever more difficult times, making us crave connection and hope; and why horror has also seen a resurgence, given its cathartic nature. Ordinary people can become extraordinary and overcome evil, just as ordinary people can be loved.
And perhaps this is also why I so often blend horror and romance tropes in my books. After all, there’s nothing like a horrific crisis to show you who you really are, and to heighten all the meaningful bonds my characters might be forming with others.
Entertainment First!
Each novel I write usually starts with a deep and meaningful ‘what if’ question about our world today, then imagining what kind of places would make that question central to everybody’s lives.
However, when I start to write I tend to leave that question as a simmering thought in the background, while I focus on the drama taking over my characters’ lives. I can’t help but prioritise entertainment – the action, adventure, thrills and romance! I love keeping readers on the edge of their seats!
The ‘what if’ question that inspired the story will always be there for those who wish to explore it, given it was so fundamental to the world’s creation, and I often write book club discussion notes and teachers’ notes to highlight all the fascinating themes that invite readers to see the world differently.
But I want the rest of my readers to simply devour the page-turning experience on offer, and let the deeper speculative issues bubble away in the background of their own minds.
A Fabulous Festival!
I had such a glorious few days of talking writing and books, surrounded by tribes of readers. Thank you so much to the festival sponsors, particularly Fair Play Publishing the TAG Family Foundation, and the Northern Beaches Council, for enabling the festival. You rock!
