@@josephchambers2000 i mean, it would still do you well to go over the video because you can't get everything from a "summary". for example "Heightened Emotional Perceptiveness" and "Constant reminders of each other" can be interpreted in many different ways... but hey, if you want to save your extra ten minutes at that cost you do you lmao
@@darkpinkgirl6684Considering she’s wasted nearly 2.5 mins just getting to the first item, I think the list is good enough to just read that and then use common sense to determine what they mean. Btw, the list and time stamps are in the description. You just need to tap ‘More’ to see the rest of the description…
4:47 on nicknames; it can also lead to a romantic moment when a love interest finally uses their real name instead of their unique nickname. I love this little detail in stories 😍
@@spacecoffeemood7298bonus points when it is an enemies to lovers story, and when Person A asks Person B if they really did say their name instead of the nick name they were given, Person B denies it like a cute tsundere.
Can I ask your opinion something? I am planning to write a book now and although it's not really a romance novel, love will still play an important role. I've been thinking about the nicknames they have for each other, and so far I have two different ideas (maybe I'll use both). I am asking you to tell if you like them or if they are too cringy (please be honest with me, I won't get offended). 1) the duo I am talking about is a kind of mixed couple, the protagonist is Hungarian (just like me) but the love interest is British, and the story is set in the UK. In the beginning, the love interest doesn't speak Hungarian (later as the relationship evolves this will change) so they communicate in English, and I thought that maybe the protagonist would use some Hungarian nicknames (for example kedvesem=dear, drágám=precious, etc.). Then the love interest would also try saying them but their pronounciation is just terrible so they decide not to.😂 2) I often feel like nicknames such as love, sweety, dear, and the rest are too often used and cliché, so I thought that they might want something more unique. And since I love birds (and so does the protagonist) they would probably call each other by names of bird species. Nightjar, egret, robin, blackbird, roller, the list goes on. It could also become a code language, like they only call the other one by the name of a bird of prey when their significant other is angry. I think this can make their interactions more personal.
Something that also helps me out is giving character's similarities. Opposites attract but I find it amazing when characters so different from each other find something they both do or agree on. I find similarities to be something that connects them because they can feel like they understand each other.
I agree with this so much! My favorite pairings are ones where the characters are so different (or even dislike each other at first) but they agree fundamentally on really important values or relate really strongly to their experiences. It's like even though they're so different they really come to have so much respect and admiration for the other.
Yeah it’s like having the innocent and adorable one and they find out the tough one likes My Little Pony just like they do. Which I find a very cute trope!😂
I’m developing my main characters and “discovering” their enneagram types. They will be shipped. I’m doing it blind for fun- meaning I will determine their enneagram independently FIRST. Then I’ll look at which of the types are “supposed” to make good couples based on their makeups. My enneagram designations won’t change but it might inform the way I write the ship’s development. Hopefully I’ll organically choose a “winning” combination blind but if not I’ll still figure how to make them work. This video is so validating. I had already written every single one of the ideas down in my brain dump 😂😂. I was smiling and nodding my head the whole video!
Abbie is such a ray of sunshine, explaining things so simply and passionately. Binged all outlining/character creation videos and finally made progress on a story I wanted to write for years. Thank you for this amazing free content!
I recently wrote a scene where two of my male (straight) characters have a bit of a heart to heart about what one of them wants to do with his life. I gave that scene to a friend to read and she flat out told me that she was expecting it to turn into a gay romance. I was dumbfounded but according to her, I managed to create a perfect emotional warmup that's usually found in a romantic/pornographic story. Talk about untapped potential...
This might sound weird but I'm gonna use as much of these as I can to show that male and female characters can go together and be close to each other without it leading to romance.
I immediately thought about my main character's best friend for some of these! They have nicknames for each other and are very close. They're male and non-binary, btw.
Yup!! As much as I’m a fiend for romance, male x female friendships are so wholesome and heartwarming when done properly!! We definitely need to see it done more
That's great! It's important to know that chemistry isn't just exclusive to romantic relationships, platonic relationships can have chemistry too! I love strong friendships and I believe chemistry is so important, even in friendships
Okay, I'm serious. Abbie, who the hekkkkk ARE YOU?! I've read COUNTLESS books on writing and I remain a frustrated writer, wanting to know HOW to do this. Then YOU come along! You've taught me more, in just a few videos, than I've read in all those books! And you make it look easy! You make it FUN! Thank you so much for your channel. Your wisdom and enthusiasm has reignited my writing spark. Thank you! ALL THE BEST!
I feel ya! Sooo many "authoritative voices" in the writing world, but the books don't always speak to everyone, and not everyone has the money for a "Writer's Digest" membership -- which I used to have. I loved the book-a-month perk, but I didn't have the shelf space. (I still don't. 😅) I like Abbie's presentation style: easy to listen to because she doesn't feel like she has to talk a bajillion miles a minute, and she's down to earth. There are others, such as romantic fantasy author Elisabeth Wheatley, who put out videos about more nuanced topics, and she's easy to follow -- and funny, to boot. She's self-published, so she uses her videos and "shorts" to very effectively advertise and market whatever she's written. I have yet to read her "Daindreth" series, just because of the "so many books, so little time" thing, and I'm aiming to get my own ideas off the runway of my mind. (Working around my neurodivergent tendencies is a task in itself. 😅) Anywho, I wish you blessings on your journey. 🙏🙏 (And I do recommend watching Elisabeth's channel, even her older videos. Her nuanced topics have created a lively community, even if some discussions get a bit heated because she's unabashed in her views, and there are always gonna be "pearl-clutchers." 😅)
Hey Abby! Even though I’m still a kid, I love watching your videos and using this knowledge for my own little projects! All of this is really to say, thank you for being here on RUclips! It wouldn’t be the same without you
Don't let being a kid stop you. I was 10 when i wrote my first story for a school project. Everyone was amazed. I thought they overreacted. A few years went by and i found myself in middle school a 14 year old kid winning a national competition for writing and writing for my town's newspaper
I was planning of incorporating romantic chemistry into an outline for my book and Abbie just drops like a parcel from heaven! Thank you so much for your amazing tips, Abbie!
I’m currently working on a novel that is both a second chance romance / friends to lovers story. And this helped me map out so many more interesting interactions between my characters ☺️
This came out at the perfect time for me because I was thinking about the characters in my book and how they'll fall in love without it being cheesy and cliché and to learn that the live training is on this subject is great.
My advice is to take inspiration from your favourite ships. For my stories I like the relationships between Hiccup and Astrid, Luz and Amity and more. They are so cute to me. (:
This shows my age quite a bit, but when I was growing up, "Star Trek: Next Generation" was **the** hit prime time sci-fi show. Tbh, my personal favorite ship was between Capt Picard and Dr Crusher. She had brains that Picard valued, and vice versa. Plus, they would call each other by their first names while having a shared tea-time. Okay, so it wasn't the cutesy "nickname" thing, but even at 10 yrs old, I could sense the potential for a romance, were it not for their respective roles on the ship. And of course there's the sexy chemistry and tension between Riker and Troi. It had more of the usual "pop and sizzle" you might expect between two good-looking people who clearly liked and got along with each other both on and off duty. Riker and Troi: insta-fireworks. Crusher and Picard: VERY. Slow. Burn. 😅 At least in my head, anyway.
4:13 When you said a nickname that only the love interest calls them , I automatically in my head thought about Ivan Lukov calling Jasmin "meatball" all the time. I loved that couple so much :'( (From Lukov with love)
The two main characters in the story I'm writing are not romantic love interests, however, they are interacting with each other frequently, and I found these tips helpful! I've already got a few of them in place, so it's reaffirming to know that I'm on the right track.
the heightened emotional perception is what really blasts me into orbit lol i saw a show where the main character had autism and the love interest was present when they witnessed a car crash that led to the main character having a meltdown. while everyone else was trying to help the victims in the crash, the love interest ran over to her and hugged her. she normally is averse to touch, but when he gabbed her, she asked him to hold her tighter and I just freaking LOST IT. that stuff is so good! lol
Shared secrets are sexy: Stanford hired students to play cards. But some girl/boy pairs were coached on how to signal each other to cheat a bit. When the game was over they filled out questionnaires. In the "How attractive did you find your partner?" question there was a huge spike in results - among the pairs who helped each other cheat. Secrets are intimate.
This video is a life-saver! I was JUST thinking about how to give my characters natural chemistry without just... slapping them together and saying, "Now kiss!" The examples you gave under each pointer were also super helpful and very clarifying. Definitely deserves a subscription, and I hope whoever reads this has a good day 😊
Once again it is you have shared your magic with us🙏. These last few months, gone by,, I find myself listening to audiobooks,- thrillers mostly,- and have noticed that in there were always elements of romance -usually involving the protagonist. I wanted so much to include romance in my writing and just did not know how to go about it. Thanks to you that is no longer the case and now I understand why some of the romance lingered while others just disappeared with time. I just mentally reviewed these indelible ones after listening to this video YES! it gels at last. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you so very much
ABBY!! PERFECT TIMING!!! I was literally setting up a notion page yesterday for my characters' romantic relationships and was looking for a good guide/template/any informational questions really (that MATTER). This is perfect!!!!
Dude, I have actually gotten obsessed with a couple like you explained at the beginning of this video! Fruits Basket does the love thing so well... But in different ways than what you described. I am in LOVE with Fruits Basket, and I have rewatched it so many times!
OMG Abbie, thank you thank you for making me feel normal for being so freaking crazy in love with my novel’s couple. I DO think about them all the time, I DO hear songs on the radio and get reminded of them. And I always thought I just needed to get a life already 😂 You are wonderful.
While my WIP is not a Romance, I have about four love stories that support the overall story. This video will be very helpful as I develop those relationships in the most concise manner possible. Thanks, Abbie.
perfect timing! I just started a new novel and I'm struggling to figure out how to go about creating good chemistry in the time frame my novel takes place. hopefully my readers fall in love with my guys!
This video made me realize two 8 year old characters I'm writing are actually in love. As only kids could be. Thank you. It makes me really excited to keep writing (and gives me so much more to work with). You're amazing ❤
I'm watching this atm specifically for a couple of characters of mine who originally I made as opposites attract but now I'm working on their connection further since a main couple in my writing
I'm writing a book, which helps so much since my Siblings are shipping my characters. But I just wanted it to feel more real where I'm shipping over them even though I'm weighing it. So this helps so much thank you!
Your first description of the effects of good chemistry immediately makes sums up my obsession with the Batman/Catwoman relationship. Literally, I can't think of anything else other than their relationship, and my own incredibly Batman inspired comic.
One of my fav things I like to put in my romantic scenes is one character being intrigued with another one and wanting to know them better just for the kicks, but then they want to be with this person more and more. I love this. Another things is subverting the expectations of the character, usually ones that think somebody wants to be with them only because they are smart, pretty, rich, successful - you name it. And then they meet a character who couldn't care less about these things. The "stand by me" characters. They are not together but when circumstances bring them together they can always rely on each other and they finally realise they want to be together. Separate ways, constantly intertwining with each other. Rather than forcing a couple into the situation of togetherness when they have no choice but to fall for each other, their lives are constantly intertwining with each other. They meet at the right times and they meet at the wrong times but in the end they are destined to be together. Common passion for something. Common passion seems to be so rare among book characters and yet it is often common passion or interest that brings people together. Like that Star Trek couple of fans who spoke Klingon, because they didn't know each other's native languages.
that’s honestly so radical and cool, that you can’t speak eachother’s native languages but you can both speak a fictional language so you communicate that way and fall in love -
Thanks Abbie!! This is such perfect timing for me (as always). Broke teenager right now so sadly will miss the live training, but cannot wait to one day be a Patreon and re-watch!!!
I totally feel you. I'm a teenager too - as soon as I'm old enough (technically I am old enough, but still don't have a way to pay for it) I'm becoming a part of the Patreon. Can't wait.
So THAT'S why I hated the main relationship in a book I was reading but shipped the girl with another boy SO HARD and was worried the author didn't mean for them to be together. The main relationship was just sexual tension; the relationship I was rooting for had every ingredient Abbie talked about. Imagine my joy when they finally got together!
I've always wondered about this lol. As you were speaking I tried to see if my fav ships followed these, and they did (Except for the nicknames tho, they probably should use them more often). I also highly appreciate you've put these in a logical order, makes it easier to apply
"you ship them so hard they have taken over your life basically" - me 24/7 😎 Abbie, thanks a lot for this great video 🤗!! I'm writing a romance over the course of a trilogy and ahhh I'm really enjoying it, it's my fav part of the whole story!! everything you mentioned is such great advice (ofc I have the one bed trope in it, thanks for asking) and I have almost all of your tips included, but the inside jokes was an "aha-moment" for me cause I never thought about that before! and you were soooo cute in this video, really, I loved listening to how you were having such a great time telling us how much you love all of these romantic couple things! 🥰 today is also the day where I finished 80 pages in my notebook where I take down notes from your videos!! I go back to them sooo often and also rewatch your vids. you're the best!! thanks for all your great advice, input and the support you give us everytime! thx for believing in us 💞 you inspire me a lot!
I need to remember number seven. After the first time my characters meet, it’s almost two years before they see each other again. Having both of them constantly be reminded of their first meeting during that time might help the progression of their relationship after they finally meet again feel more natural.
Listening to this and realising that 90% of what you're describing actually happened between me and my current boyfriend. We've known each other for many years, but only got together recently. Maybe I should write our story down as a diary entry or something. 😂
This came at the perfect time for me! I'm starting my first novel and it's a YA dystopian romance. I know from experience watching your videos that this will work wonders for my story. SO SO SO helpful. Thank you so much!
I love this video so much! Also, I just wanted to say thank you so so much Abbie. Your videos and podcast have helped me so much and thanks to all that, I am finally holding the first draft of my book in my hands! It means so much to me as this is the first ever book I have finished even though I'm still only young. Again, thank you so much Abbie.
1:05 - 1:32 Now I want to write romance...🤣🤣🤣 2:44 Under your cauldron, what's in the cauldron, is the thing you're planning to write, the finished product is basically every story if you write it with Abbie's help
Ive been struggling lately with my writing emotionally. Feeling like its a waste of time, nobody will want to read it, why bother? but came across this video and now feeling alittle bit of a spark to keep going
Hey Abbie, just a quick question. I love romance just as much as the next guy but I also really love intimate and heart-warming friendships! It's just that sometimes cute heart-to-heart moments between friends can easily be confused with intimate moments between couples. I just want to know; are there any tips on how to write about cute close friendships without letting your audience forget that they are just friends?
Yeah, it’s tough to write friendships because American culture has largely decided that any strong emotional bond must be romantic. How could I write a character caring about others platonically? Looking at my own life, I am more protective of my siblings than anyone else. I see things and think one of the people I love would like/dislike it. I intentionally set aside time in my life for my friends so we can spend time one-on-one, I’ve helped friends with home improvement projects, written stories about my friends interacting with characters they like, stayed up literally all night sitting in a parked car talking, spent huge numbers of hours learning about the interests and hobbies of those I care about (even when it’s not exactly my favorite thing,) etc. And I’m not even that social of a person or great friend, my sisters put way more energy into their platonic relationships than I do. And yet, I think if I wrote two characters engaging in any of the things I listed above, it would probably be interpreted as romantic by most people unless the two characters were literal blood relatives, (and even then some shipping might occurs because some weirdos like incest.😖)
@DEI Lab Assistant That's true. I guess all we can do is try. I try to make my characters call each other platonic stuff like bro or smtg but I don't think that would do that much help.
@@zahrazaki3363 I just ignore people who are obsessed with sexualising and shipping people being friendly to each other. I have in my book a pair of friends who are VERY close, they're calling each other cute nicknames, even calling themselves"honey" at some point, having heart to heart conversations, etc. They could easily be shipped but I don't care; it's actually a plot point in my book. They thought that just because they enjoy being with each other, they should try dating - they dated each other for a week but none of them did anything romantic. It felt weird for them, as if they were dating their own sibling. Eventually they broke up and remained as friends, being still very close. You might try doing something like that
You can’t really stop the shippers haha, but if they’re canonically only friends to you then that’s the truth of it, but people will and have always perceived art in a different way than the maker intended
@@reichi7213 I also have a character who's very close to his bestie. They have grown up together and support each other for life. He explains it: "If you're not a little gay with your best friend you're not close enough." They have also cuddled when the bestie has anxiety, and it helps, so they keep doing it when needed.
I always feel relieved whenever I see a video akin to this and see that I already applied some of these bullet points by myself without anyone’s advice. Must be doing something right!
You have sooo much confidence and power when You talks about writing stories that You are an inspiration just from that amazing energy. It is irresistable
There’s only one thing I enjoy on YT anywhere near as much as I enjoy Abbie’s videos: reading the comments people post about them. This Community always has something interesting to say! ❤️❤️💯
Thank you so much for this, Abbie! This is my first time writing a YA fantasy, and I was needed some assurance that I was heading in the right direction with the romance! I was definitely able to check off a lot of tips when comparing them to my manuscript! 💕✨💗
I would like to add one- preventatives. Instead of just putting them in a room together (relating back to 'forced proximity') make a reason why they _can't_ be together. Trauma? Ego? Hate? Social class? How does the romance connect to their character? What does being with this person represent for their character? How does it make them grow? Regress? The best romances have something (normally personal) that prevents two characters from being with one another, and growing past that roadblock and being with that person develops a character (or regresses it, whichever fits ur themes better). The reason why enemies to lovers has so much goddamn chemistry is because of the fact that there's normally either ego or trauma or both that's preventing them from being together, and it makes for such a satisfying ending once they do get together.
definitely needed this video. I want to add romance to my books but I'm aroace (lack of sexual or romantic attraction) and basically have no idea what I'm doing. I don't understand how romantic love feels or works so just gonna fake it till I make it.
Since my writing got deleted a while ago, i sadly have struggled alot with motivation. But whenever i watch your videos, i get inspired and motivated again. Thanks for the amazing content.
Love your videos! they are so useful and your enthusiasm is contagious. Also, I love how clearly you talk (I'm Mexican), I can understand everything, and, in case I miss one word, you have subtitles too! So thank you for that too!
Thanks for the great advice! I was struggling with writing chemistry between two fictional characters in a story that my friend commissioned me to do. This really helped me a lot! Again, TYSM for the advice!! ^w^
I struggle a lot writing romance story’s because I may love to read but I hate to write in that topic. I am just realising that i used almost every point of the video except thinking of each other’s choices or the knowing each other secrets. I have to give this a try now to see if this now make me feel like writing. Thank you❤️, I am excited for the session too!
Oh em gee I actually needed this!!! I've been falling out of touch with these two characters who are supposed to have chemistry... The spark feels gone :( Plus my main girl finally has a love interest, and I am COMPLETELY blanking on what to do with them. I always love ur videos so I really hope these tips help!!💖
Believable romantic chemistry is awesome to watch or read. And you're so right about the grin that breaks your face when the writer gets it right. 😁 Relationships are everywhere in a story. The romantic ones alway make a puzzle for me, but I think the strategies you've shared will help me greatly.
This is so good. i'm writing my first book with a big romance element, and this id saved me so much time and reading romance element books lol. I hope to sign up for a month to watch the vid replay....you're really helpful.
Thank you so much, your advice is really helping so much with planning my books and seeing it in a new light, im really learning new stuff that I never even considered about my characters❤ keep on creating these amazing vids
Love this video!! It's nice to see tips about writing chemistry for romantic couples. My WIP that I'm currently working on it doesn't have a romance in it but there will be a cliffhanger at the end that may lead to some romance in the second book.
I am not a writer but I can see all the points you mentioned can be found in the rom coms that I love. Now I understand why I love them 😂❤. Great video
Thank you so much Abbie! The romance in my novel is something I love, as they're my characters, but it has seemed a bit dull. This will help a lot. Again, thanks Abbie! ❤
Thanks for this! It answers something that has been on my mind...in the YAF I am writing, there is a developing friendship that I think will end up becoming more than that, even if just in the denouement, and wasn't sure how to set that up...this has been helpful.
Abbie I love you and I love your videos so much!! I am in the middle of writing my first story and I have been struggling but I binge watch your videos and I am suddenly inspired again. I LOVEEEEE your tips!!
I'm currently writting a story with romance side plot. The two guys that have to work together to solve the mystery of remote village suddently catch feelings for each other. But they both have unresolved issues from their past and everyday life that keep them unable to fully open up. It sounds way better in my head cuz I already designed most of the scenes and plot and there's much more drama and spice going on between these two 😅
Im writing an enemies to lovers, psychological star wars story, and im glad to say I've already done most of these. Yall dint understand the obsessive thought that went into these characters lol. The main female and male lead are the beginning and end of your story, if you aren't their biggest fanboy/fangirl, it'll show. I love writing them. Aaa I love these
I was about to start crying because I used to have so many characters in relationships when I was younger but now I have none but then I realized I do have 2 characters.
Nicely made. Well done video.😂 I believe I've got all the requirements in the novel I'm working on. Hopes to be a Love Story for the ages... I mean, I love them, so why wouldn't anyone else?
I am trying to become a writer myself, I know that when consuming fiction in general, you can pick up the details about both the art and yourself at the same time. When watching this video, the show "Outlander" came to mind, and I couldn't agree more with #5 & #6!
How do you make a list of your favourite tropes or story elements that make you laugh, swoon, annotate and stay up till the wee hours in the morning reading. Can you please explain how to do this?
Thank you so much! I’m so glad I found your channel out of the blue. This is going to help me in my writing a lot! I’m still a novice so I do hope I’m going to learn a lot from you. And I’m sure I will! Thank you :DD
Oh my God, I was listening to this up until now while doing my homework and realised I've been smiling at my homework. 😂 Just how cute it can be and- oh my God!! Thanks Abbie for this it helped!
Could you do a video on how to give your character a secret? I need to give my character a secret but geniunly have no idea where to start and would love some help. Thanks Abbie for your amazing content! You are helping me write the novel of my dreams!
The Seven Tips:
1. Forced Proximity
2. Shared Secrets
3. Nicknames
4. Inside Jokes
5. Heightened Emotional Perception
6. Protectiveness
7. Constant reminders of each other
Thanks for sharing notes
Not gonna bother watching now, youve saved me some time, cheers
I don't like the 1 2 and 3
Is stupid.
@@josephchambers2000 i mean, it would still do you well to go over the video because you can't get everything from a "summary". for example "Heightened Emotional Perceptiveness" and "Constant reminders of each other" can be interpreted in many different ways...
but hey, if you want to save your extra ten minutes at that cost you do you lmao
@@darkpinkgirl6684Considering she’s wasted nearly 2.5 mins just getting to the first item, I think the list is good enough to just read that and then use common sense to determine what they mean. Btw, the list and time stamps are in the description. You just need to tap ‘More’ to see the rest of the description…
Wait, shipping characters isn't putting them in a box and dropping them in the post? So that's why the beta readers were so confused.
Shipping is a very serious business, only for the most hardcore of fan in any given fandom
Damn I got it all wrong. I thought putting them in a box together was PERFECT for “forced proximity”! What else would she mean?
@@JustanotherRUclipsr771 I know right.
That would be a good way to get them alone together tho
Ist that putting them in a boat and sending them on the waters? Ship - you get it?🤣🤣🤣
4:47 on nicknames; it can also lead to a romantic moment when a love interest finally uses their real name instead of their unique nickname. I love this little detail in stories 😍
@@spacecoffeemood7298bonus points when it is an enemies to lovers story, and when Person A asks Person B if they really did say their name instead of the nick name they were given, Person B denies it like a cute tsundere.
Can I ask your opinion something? I am planning to write a book now and although it's not really a romance novel, love will still play an important role. I've been thinking about the nicknames they have for each other, and so far I have two different ideas (maybe I'll use both). I am asking you to tell if you like them or if they are too cringy (please be honest with me, I won't get offended).
1) the duo I am talking about is a kind of mixed couple, the protagonist is Hungarian (just like me) but the love interest is British, and the story is set in the UK. In the beginning, the love interest doesn't speak Hungarian (later as the relationship evolves this will change) so they communicate in English, and I thought that maybe the protagonist would use some Hungarian nicknames (for example kedvesem=dear, drágám=precious, etc.). Then the love interest would also try saying them but their pronounciation is just terrible so they decide not to.😂
2) I often feel like nicknames such as love, sweety, dear, and the rest are too often used and cliché, so I thought that they might want something more unique. And since I love birds (and so does the protagonist) they would probably call each other by names of bird species. Nightjar, egret, robin, blackbird, roller, the list goes on. It could also become a code language, like they only call the other one by the name of a bird of prey when their significant other is angry. I think this can make their interactions more personal.
This is so cool!
For a while, I was writing a story where everyone else had a nickname for the guy, and the girl was the only one who called him by his real name.
@@hungariangiraffe6361 that sounds awesome, bro!! I like that a lot
Something that also helps me out is giving character's similarities. Opposites attract but I find it amazing when characters so different from each other find something they both do or agree on. I find similarities to be something that connects them because they can feel like they understand each other.
This seems key. :)
I agree with this so much! My favorite pairings are ones where the characters are so different (or even dislike each other at first) but they agree fundamentally on really important values or relate really strongly to their experiences. It's like even though they're so different they really come to have so much respect and admiration for the other.
Yeah it’s like having the innocent and adorable one and they find out the tough one likes My Little Pony just like they do. Which I find a very cute trope!😂
I went a little too far with this. My couple is basically a hive mind.
I’m developing my main characters and “discovering” their enneagram types. They will be shipped. I’m doing it blind for fun- meaning I will determine their enneagram independently FIRST. Then I’ll look at which of the types are “supposed” to make good couples based on their makeups. My enneagram designations won’t change but it might inform the way I write the ship’s development. Hopefully I’ll organically choose a “winning” combination blind but if not I’ll still figure how to make them work.
This video is so validating. I had already written every single one of the ideas down in my brain dump 😂😂. I was smiling and nodding my head the whole video!
Abbie is such a ray of sunshine, explaining things so simply and passionately. Binged all outlining/character creation videos and finally made progress on a story I wanted to write for years. Thank you for this amazing free content!
I recently wrote a scene where two of my male (straight) characters have a bit of a heart to heart about what one of them wants to do with his life. I gave that scene to a friend to read and she flat out told me that she was expecting it to turn into a gay romance. I was dumbfounded but according to her, I managed to create a perfect emotional warmup that's usually found in a romantic/pornographic story.
Talk about untapped potential...
Always happens when we're not trying 😂
Idk, it kinda bugs me that friends can’t have heart to hearts without it being sexual/romantic.
@@courtneyj9906 Must be an American thing. I'm not, so it doesn't make sense to me.
@@immortaljanus dude post your scene, i wanna know what she read into that led to her belief
In the modern day where homosexuality has become the norm, men can’t have actual friendships.
This might sound weird but I'm gonna use as much of these as I can to show that male and female characters can go together and be close to each other without it leading to romance.
Me too!
Nice idea!
I immediately thought about my main character's best friend for some of these! They have nicknames for each other and are very close. They're male and non-binary, btw.
Yup!! As much as I’m a fiend for romance, male x female friendships are so wholesome and heartwarming when done properly!! We definitely need to see it done more
That's great! It's important to know that chemistry isn't just exclusive to romantic relationships, platonic relationships can have chemistry too! I love strong friendships and I believe chemistry is so important, even in friendships
Okay, I'm serious. Abbie, who the hekkkkk ARE YOU?! I've read COUNTLESS books on writing and I remain a frustrated writer, wanting to know HOW to do this. Then YOU come along! You've taught me more, in just a few videos, than I've read in all those books! And you make it look easy! You make it FUN! Thank you so much for your channel. Your wisdom and enthusiasm has reignited my writing spark. Thank you! ALL THE BEST!
I feel ya! Sooo many "authoritative voices" in the writing world, but the books don't always speak to everyone, and not everyone has the money for a "Writer's Digest" membership -- which I used to have. I loved the book-a-month perk, but I didn't have the shelf space. (I still don't. 😅) I like Abbie's presentation style: easy to listen to because she doesn't feel like she has to talk a bajillion miles a minute, and she's down to earth.
There are others, such as romantic fantasy author Elisabeth Wheatley, who put out videos about more nuanced topics, and she's easy to follow -- and funny, to boot. She's self-published, so she uses her videos and "shorts" to very effectively advertise and market whatever she's written. I have yet to read her "Daindreth" series, just because of the "so many books, so little time" thing, and I'm aiming to get my own ideas off the runway of my mind. (Working around my neurodivergent tendencies is a task in itself. 😅)
Anywho, I wish you blessings on your journey. 🙏🙏 (And I do recommend watching Elisabeth's channel, even her older videos. Her nuanced topics have created a lively community, even if some discussions get a bit heated because she's unabashed in her views, and there are always gonna be "pearl-clutchers." 😅)
Hey Abby! Even though I’m still a kid, I love watching your videos and using this knowledge for my own little projects! All of this is really to say, thank you for being here on RUclips! It wouldn’t be the same without you
Hey, don't let being a kid prevent you from doing what you love! 💛
@@gracielaf.peroni1001 Aw thank you!
hey hey, i was a kid too when i started writing !! i'm now 20 and still going, hang in there :)
Don't let being a kid stop you. I was 10 when i wrote my first story for a school project. Everyone was amazed. I thought they overreacted. A few years went by and i found myself in middle school a 14 year old kid winning a national competition for writing and writing for my town's newspaper
I'm a kid too, and I practice writing
Ah, thank you, Abbie! I just started an outline for a romance book today, it's like you always upload just when I need you!
Her timing is uncanny right? 😂😂
I was planning of incorporating romantic chemistry into an outline for my book and Abbie just drops like a parcel from heaven! Thank you so much for your amazing tips, Abbie!
Mindblowing. Just realized why two of my characters vibe that crazy, while those who meant to be the OTP leave me kinda bored ... Thank you so much!
I’m currently working on a novel that is both a second chance romance / friends to lovers story. And this helped me map out so many more interesting interactions between my characters ☺️
This came out at the perfect time for me because I was thinking about the characters in my book and how they'll fall in love without it being cheesy and cliché and to learn that the live training is on this subject is great.
My advice is to take inspiration from your favourite ships. For my stories I like the relationships between Hiccup and Astrid, Luz and Amity and more. They are so cute to me. (:
@@gailasprey7787 I LOVE LUMITY TOO
@@gailasprey7787ooooh, I love Hiccup and Astrid together, How To Train Your Dragon is my jam!
This shows my age quite a bit, but when I was growing up, "Star Trek: Next Generation" was **the** hit prime time sci-fi show. Tbh, my personal favorite ship was between Capt Picard and Dr Crusher. She had brains that Picard valued, and vice versa. Plus, they would call each other by their first names while having a shared tea-time. Okay, so it wasn't the cutesy "nickname" thing, but even at 10 yrs old, I could sense the potential for a romance, were it not for their respective roles on the ship.
And of course there's the sexy chemistry and tension between Riker and Troi. It had more of the usual "pop and sizzle" you might expect between two good-looking people who clearly liked and got along with each other both on and off duty. Riker and Troi: insta-fireworks. Crusher and Picard: VERY. Slow. Burn. 😅 At least in my head, anyway.
4:13 When you said a nickname that only the love interest calls them , I automatically in my head thought about Ivan Lukov calling Jasmin "meatball" all the time. I loved that couple so much :'( (From Lukov with love)
The two main characters in the story I'm writing are not romantic love interests, however, they are interacting with each other frequently, and I found these tips helpful! I've already got a few of them in place, so it's reaffirming to know that I'm on the right track.
the heightened emotional perception is what really blasts me into orbit lol
i saw a show where the main character had autism and the love interest was present when they witnessed a car crash that led to the main character having a meltdown. while everyone else was trying to help the victims in the crash, the love interest ran over to her and hugged her. she normally is averse to touch, but when he gabbed her, she asked him to hold her tighter and I just freaking LOST IT.
that stuff is so good! lol
What show is this!?
Is it extraordinary attorney woo by any chance?
Extraordinary Attorney woo.... that scene was ❤❤
Yes, it's Extraordinary Attorney Woo 😀
Junho and Youngwoo's relationship is so well crafted 😭😭😭
@@oguguaajayi3785 OMG IT'S THAT SHOW? Maybe I need to continue watching it. :,)
Shared secrets are sexy: Stanford hired students to play cards. But some girl/boy pairs were coached on how to signal each other to cheat a bit. When the game was over they filled out questionnaires. In the "How attractive did you find your partner?" question there was a huge spike in results - among the pairs who helped each other cheat. Secrets are intimate.
This video is a life-saver! I was JUST thinking about how to give my characters natural chemistry without just... slapping them together and saying, "Now kiss!"
The examples you gave under each pointer were also super helpful and very clarifying. Definitely deserves a subscription, and I hope whoever reads this has a good day 😊
Thanks, have a good day too!
Once again it is you have shared your magic with us🙏. These last few months, gone by,, I find myself listening to audiobooks,- thrillers mostly,- and have noticed that in there were always elements of romance -usually involving the protagonist. I wanted so much to include romance in my writing and just did not know how to go about it. Thanks to you that is no longer the case and now I understand why some of the romance lingered while others just disappeared with time. I just mentally reviewed these indelible ones after listening to this video YES! it gels at last. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you so very much
i live vicariously through book couples because i know that real relationships are rarely that good.
I was just about to write and question how to make the chemistry work. Thank you for uploading!
ABBY!! PERFECT TIMING!!! I was literally setting up a notion page yesterday for my characters' romantic relationships and was looking for a good guide/template/any informational questions really (that MATTER). This is perfect!!!!
Dude, I have actually gotten obsessed with a couple like you explained at the beginning of this video! Fruits Basket does the love thing so well... But in different ways than what you described. I am in LOVE with Fruits Basket, and I have rewatched it so many times!
OMG Abbie, thank you thank you for making me feel normal for being so freaking crazy in love with my novel’s couple. I DO think about them all the time, I DO hear songs on the radio and get reminded of them. And I always thought I just needed to get a life already 😂 You are wonderful.
I totally relate to this!
Yeah, I have a lot of songs that remind me of my characters/their relationships.
While my WIP is not a Romance, I have about four love stories that support the overall story. This video will be very helpful as I develop those relationships in the most concise manner possible. Thanks, Abbie.
perfect timing! I just started a new novel and I'm struggling to figure out how to go about creating good chemistry in the time frame my novel takes place. hopefully my readers fall in love with my guys!
This video made me realize two 8 year old characters I'm writing are actually in love. As only kids could be.
Thank you. It makes me really excited to keep writing (and gives me so much more to work with).
You're amazing ❤
Hey Abbie!
I LOVE your videos. And I'm telling you that you're a psychic, I was JUST searching for this
I'm watching this atm specifically for a couple of characters of mine who originally I made as opposites attract but now I'm working on their connection further since a main couple in my writing
I'm writing a book, which helps so much since my Siblings are shipping my characters. But I just wanted it to feel more real where I'm shipping over them even though I'm weighing it. So this helps so much thank you!
Your first description of the effects of good chemistry immediately makes sums up my obsession with the Batman/Catwoman relationship.
Literally, I can't think of anything else other than their relationship, and my own incredibly Batman inspired comic.
One of my fav things I like to put in my romantic scenes is one character being intrigued with another one and wanting to know them better just for the kicks, but then they want to be with this person more and more. I love this.
Another things is subverting the expectations of the character, usually ones that think somebody wants to be with them only because they are smart, pretty, rich, successful - you name it. And then they meet a character who couldn't care less about these things.
The "stand by me" characters. They are not together but when circumstances bring them together they can always rely on each other and they finally realise they want to be together.
Separate ways, constantly intertwining with each other. Rather than forcing a couple into the situation of togetherness when they have no choice but to fall for each other, their lives are constantly intertwining with each other. They meet at the right times and they meet at the wrong times but in the end they are destined to be together.
Common passion for something. Common passion seems to be so rare among book characters and yet it is often common passion or interest that brings people together. Like that Star Trek couple of fans who spoke Klingon, because they didn't know each other's native languages.
that’s honestly so radical and cool, that you can’t speak eachother’s native languages but you can both speak a fictional language so you communicate that way and fall in love -
Thanks Abbie!! This is such perfect timing for me (as always). Broke teenager right now so sadly will miss the live training, but cannot wait to one day be a Patreon and re-watch!!!
I totally feel you. I'm a teenager too - as soon as I'm old enough (technically I am old enough, but still don't have a way to pay for it) I'm becoming a part of the Patreon. Can't wait.
So THAT'S why I hated the main relationship in a book I was reading but shipped the girl with another boy SO HARD and was worried the author didn't mean for them to be together. The main relationship was just sexual tension; the relationship I was rooting for had every ingredient Abbie talked about. Imagine my joy when they finally got together!
I've always wondered about this lol. As you were speaking I tried to see if my fav ships followed these, and they did (Except for the nicknames tho, they probably should use them more often). I also highly appreciate you've put these in a logical order, makes it easier to apply
"you ship them so hard they have taken over your life basically" - me 24/7 😎
Abbie, thanks a lot for this great video 🤗!! I'm writing a romance over the course of a trilogy and ahhh I'm really enjoying it, it's my fav part of the whole story!! everything you mentioned is such great advice (ofc I have the one bed trope in it, thanks for asking) and I have almost all of your tips included, but the inside jokes was an "aha-moment" for me cause I never thought about that before!
and you were soooo cute in this video, really, I loved listening to how you were having such a great time telling us how much you love all of these romantic couple things!
🥰
today is also the day where I finished 80 pages in my notebook where I take down notes from your videos!! I go back to them sooo often and also rewatch your vids. you're the best!! thanks for all your great advice, input and the support you give us everytime! thx for believing in us 💞 you inspire me a lot!
i love that you have a pfp of lwj to go with your comment lol. wangxian literally checks all the boxes in this video!
@@user-ui2yn8ky7o ahaha thanks a lot!! And yes they definitely do 🤣👌🏻
I need to remember number seven. After the first time my characters meet, it’s almost two years before they see each other again. Having both of them constantly be reminded of their first meeting during that time might help the progression of their relationship after they finally meet again feel more natural.
Listening to this and realising that 90% of what you're describing actually happened between me and my current boyfriend. We've known each other for many years, but only got together recently. Maybe I should write our story down as a diary entry or something. 😂
This came at the perfect time for me! I'm starting my first novel and it's a YA dystopian romance. I know from experience watching your videos that this will work wonders for my story. SO SO SO helpful. Thank you so much!
Thank you for your amazing advice, Abbie. I'm trying to write a romance, and this helpful tips should hopefully help to make it more believable.
I swear I've seen you all over RUclips 🌸
You're description of "chemistry" was so perfect. I was spellbound and just thinking of all my favorite ships...
I love this video so much! Also, I just wanted to say thank you so so much Abbie. Your videos and podcast have helped me so much and thanks to all that, I am finally holding the first draft of my book in my hands! It means so much to me as this is the first ever book I have finished even though I'm still only young.
Again, thank you so much Abbie.
"how to friend-zone characters" HAHAHA I love it😂
1:05 - 1:32 Now I want to write romance...🤣🤣🤣
2:44 Under your cauldron, what's in the cauldron, is the thing you're planning to write, the finished product is basically every story if you write it with Abbie's help
Ive been struggling lately with my writing emotionally. Feeling like its a waste of time, nobody will want to read it, why bother? but came across this video and now feeling alittle bit of a spark to keep going
Hey Abbie, just a quick question. I love romance just as much as the next guy but I also really love intimate and heart-warming friendships! It's just that sometimes cute heart-to-heart moments between friends can easily be confused with intimate moments between couples. I just want to know; are there any tips on how to write about cute close friendships without letting your audience forget that they are just friends?
Yeah, it’s tough to write friendships because American culture has largely decided that any strong emotional bond must be romantic. How could I write a character caring about others platonically?
Looking at my own life, I am more protective of my siblings than anyone else. I see things and think one of the people I love would like/dislike it. I intentionally set aside time in my life for my friends so we can spend time one-on-one, I’ve helped friends with home improvement projects, written stories about my friends interacting with characters they like, stayed up literally all night sitting in a parked car talking, spent huge numbers of hours learning about the interests and hobbies of those I care about (even when it’s not exactly my favorite thing,) etc. And I’m not even that social of a person or great friend, my sisters put way more energy into their platonic relationships than I do.
And yet, I think if I wrote two characters engaging in any of the things I listed above, it would probably be interpreted as romantic by most people unless the two characters were literal blood relatives, (and even then some shipping might occurs because some weirdos like incest.😖)
@DEI Lab Assistant That's true. I guess all we can do is try. I try to make my characters call each other platonic stuff like bro or smtg but I don't think that would do that much help.
@@zahrazaki3363 I just ignore people who are obsessed with sexualising and shipping people being friendly to each other. I have in my book a pair of friends who are VERY close, they're calling each other cute nicknames, even calling themselves"honey" at some point, having heart to heart conversations, etc. They could easily be shipped but I don't care; it's actually a plot point in my book. They thought that just because they enjoy being with each other, they should try dating - they dated each other for a week but none of them did anything romantic. It felt weird for them, as if they were dating their own sibling. Eventually they broke up and remained as friends, being still very close. You might try doing something like that
You can’t really stop the shippers haha, but if they’re canonically only friends to you then that’s the truth of it, but people will and have always perceived art in a different way than the maker intended
@@reichi7213 I also have a character who's very close to his bestie. They have grown up together and support each other for life. He explains it: "If you're not a little gay with your best friend you're not close enough." They have also cuddled when the bestie has anxiety, and it helps, so they keep doing it when needed.
hi Nancy Wheeler! Please make a video on how to write a terrifying villain. Not a villain you will just hate but a villain you will fear.
I second this request! I'm never sure if my villains are really effective at instilling terror in my readers.
I always feel relieved whenever I see a video akin to this and see that I already applied some of these bullet points by myself without anyone’s advice. Must be doing something right!
You have sooo much confidence and power when You talks about writing stories that You are an inspiration just from that amazing energy. It is irresistable
Thank you so much, Abbie! I’m currently working on a romance story and this really helps. I’m excited for the live training on Sunday❤
There’s only one thing I enjoy on YT anywhere near as much as I enjoy Abbie’s videos: reading the comments people post about them. This Community always has something interesting to say! ❤️❤️💯
Thank you so much for this, Abbie! This is my first time writing a YA fantasy, and I was needed some assurance that I was heading in the right direction with the romance! I was definitely able to check off a lot of tips when comparing them to my manuscript! 💕✨💗
These are actually really good tips for establishing strong platonic friendships too. Love it!
Hands down the Best advice on writing romance that I have ever come across!
Thank you for sharing, Abbie ❤
I would like to add one- preventatives.
Instead of just putting them in a room together (relating back to 'forced proximity') make a reason why they _can't_ be together. Trauma? Ego? Hate? Social class?
How does the romance connect to their character? What does being with this person represent for their character? How does it make them grow? Regress?
The best romances have something (normally personal) that prevents two characters from being with one another, and growing past that roadblock and being with that person develops a character (or regresses it, whichever fits ur themes better).
The reason why enemies to lovers has so much goddamn chemistry is because of the fact that there's normally either ego or trauma or both that's preventing them from being together, and it makes for such a satisfying ending once they do get together.
Great video! Didn't know I needed any of this information, but now I realize I do
definitely needed this video. I want to add romance to my books but I'm aroace (lack of sexual or romantic attraction) and basically have no idea what I'm doing. I don't understand how romantic love feels or works so just gonna fake it till I make it.
Since my writing got deleted a while ago, i sadly have struggled alot with motivation. But whenever i watch your videos, i get inspired and motivated again. Thanks for the amazing content.
¡Gracias!
Love your videos! they are so useful and your enthusiasm is contagious. Also, I love how clearly you talk (I'm Mexican), I can understand everything, and, in case I miss one word, you have subtitles too! So thank you for that too!
Thanks for the great advice! I was struggling with writing chemistry between two fictional characters in a story that my friend commissioned me to do. This really helped me a lot! Again, TYSM for the advice!! ^w^
I struggle a lot writing romance story’s because I may love to read but I hate to write in that topic. I am just realising that i used almost every point of the video except thinking of each other’s choices or the knowing each other secrets. I have to give this a try now to see if this now make me feel like writing. Thank you❤️, I am excited for the session too!
Oh em gee I actually needed this!!! I've been falling out of touch with these two characters who are supposed to have chemistry... The spark feels gone :(
Plus my main girl finally has a love interest, and I am COMPLETELY blanking on what to do with them.
I always love ur videos so I really hope these tips help!!💖
I hear you! My couple is exactly all the things you describe and I found myself smiling in agreement They’re such a cute pair!
So subtle but so powerful as well!! Thanks Abbie!!
Omg we need more videos from you of how to write romance! You explain it so well
Believable romantic chemistry is awesome to watch or read. And you're so right about the grin that breaks your face when the writer gets it right. 😁
Relationships are everywhere in a story. The romantic ones alway make a puzzle for me, but I think the strategies you've shared will help me greatly.
This is so good. i'm writing my first book with a big romance element, and this id saved me so much time and reading romance element books lol. I hope to sign up for a month to watch the vid replay....you're really helpful.
Your description of shipping was VERY accurate
Thank you, Abbie! Every time you post gives me the motivation to continue my book, and not to mention, the tips you gave are really helpful!
This is exactly what I needed! Thank you Abbie! Your videos have helped me in so many different ways since I started watching your channel
wow, in my first attempt at a romantic novel, I got 6 out of 7 of these! Just gotta edit again and plop in some inside jokes! Thanks again Abbie!
Can we pause a second and appreciate the thumbnail? It looks so clean and fluffy! And the tips are as always excellent ⭐
Thank you so much, your advice is really helping so much with planning my books and seeing it in a new light, im really learning new stuff that I never even considered about my characters❤ keep on creating these amazing vids
The 7 tips are so true. Thanks for putting all of it one spot, so we can say, that's right I didn't know I knew this.
Love this video!! It's nice to see tips about writing chemistry for romantic couples. My WIP that I'm currently working on it doesn't have a romance in it but there will be a cliffhanger at the end that may lead to some romance in the second book.
I am not a writer but I can see all the points you mentioned can be found in the rom coms that I love. Now I understand why I love them 😂❤. Great video
Thank you so much Abbie! The romance in my novel is something I love, as they're my characters, but it has seemed a bit dull. This will help a lot.
Again, thanks Abbie! ❤
This gives me hope for my story. After hearing this list I have elements of all seven. Yeah!!
Thanks for this! It answers something that has been on my mind...in the YAF I am writing, there is a developing friendship that I think will end up becoming more than that, even if just in the denouement, and wasn't sure how to set that up...this has been helpful.
Abbie I love you and I love your videos so much!! I am in the middle of writing my first story and I have been struggling but I binge watch your videos and I am suddenly inspired again. I LOVEEEEE your tips!!
I'm currently writting a story with romance side plot. The two guys that have to work together to solve the mystery of remote village suddently catch feelings for each other. But they both have unresolved issues from their past and everyday life that keep them unable to fully open up. It sounds way better in my head cuz I already designed most of the scenes and plot and there's much more drama and spice going on between these two 😅
Im writing an enemies to lovers, psychological star wars story, and im glad to say I've already done most of these. Yall dint understand the obsessive thought that went into these characters lol. The main female and male lead are the beginning and end of your story, if you aren't their biggest fanboy/fangirl, it'll show. I love writing them. Aaa I love these
YOU EXPOSED ME SO HARD IN THAT FIRST PART OF THE VIDEO😭
okay um after watching this, I NEED book recs on romance stories that uses all these aspects please 😭♥️
always learning something from your videos, thank you for being such an inspiration! :)
I was about to start crying because I used to have so many characters in relationships when I was younger but now I have none but then I realized I do have 2 characters.
Nicely made. Well done video.😂 I believe I've got all the requirements in the novel I'm working on. Hopes to be a Love Story for the ages... I mean, I love them, so why wouldn't anyone else?
I am trying to become a writer myself, I know that when consuming fiction in general, you can pick up the details about both the art and yourself at the same time.
When watching this video, the show "Outlander" came to mind, and I couldn't agree more with #5 & #6!
These videos are motivating me to write more drafts of my book.
Every post I have to stop myself from saving it, but GOSH how I want to save every video on your channel....
This is exactly what I needed! Thank you so much, Abbie, for your videos😊
How do you make a list of your favourite tropes or story elements that make you laugh, swoon, annotate and stay up till the wee hours in the morning reading. Can you please explain how to do this?
Being Ace, i find this so difficult and its just made me realise how had the romance in my stories are
This is what I've needed. I was asking myself this about a week ago. Thank you, Abbie!
Thank you so much! I’m so glad I found your channel out of the blue. This is going to help me in my writing a lot! I’m still a novice so I do hope I’m going to learn a lot from you. And I’m sure I will! Thank you :DD
Brilliant presentation. I could read your passion for writing romance fiction throughout the whole video. Thank you.
Thanks Abbie!
Oh my God, I was listening to this up until now while doing my homework and realised I've been smiling at my homework. 😂
Just how cute it can be and- oh my God!!
Thanks Abbie for this it helped!
Could you do a video on how to give your character a secret? I need to give my character a secret but geniunly have no idea where to start and would love some help. Thanks Abbie for your amazing content! You are helping me write the novel of my dreams!