Romance/Writing Tips
Outline of a 3-Act Romance Novel
A guide to each chapter’s content
I am currently forty thousand plus words into a hybrid creative non fiction project, and fifty-five thousand words and twenty-five chapters into a romance novel. I’m not usually a plotter, preferring to write by the seat of my pants (pantser). I never plan my non-fiction pieces, they’re based on real events so have their own time-line programmed in before I start — although I don’t always write the story in a linear fashion. It also involves a fair bit of research so writing it is a slow process, I might go a couple of months without adding in a single sentence.
For my romance novel, however, I gave myself a target to write the first draft over the course of four months. I would try to write each evening on four days a week. I calculated this would require me to write approximately 2,000 words a day. Obviously, some days I would writing more than on other days — my aim is to write a novel of around 90,000 words.
I decided the best way to achieve this was to have a basic skeleton to work on, to add the muscle and flesh to the bones. To this end I choose the classic 3-act model and it is working well for me.
Here’s the outline for a modern romance novel of approximately 80,000–100,000 words that I am using.
Act 1:
1. Chapter 1: Introduce the main characters, setting, and their lives before the inciting incident.
2. Chapter 2: Continue developing the main characters’ backgrounds, personalities, and relationships.
3. Chapter 3: Foreshadowing and hinting at the upcoming inciting incident, building tension.
4. Chapter 4: Set up the initial conflict or obstacle that the characters will face.
5. Chapter 5: Further develop relationships and emotions, leading up to the inciting incident.
6. Chapter 6: The inciting incident occurs, shaking up the protagonist’s world and pushing them towards the central conflict or romance.
7. Chapter 7: The protagonist reacts to the inciting incident and begins to adjust to the new situation.
8. Chapter 8: Internal reflections and doubts about the path ahead.
9. Chapter 9: Introduction of new characters or plot elements that complicate the central conflict.
Act 2:
10. Chapter 10: The romantic relationship deepens, emotional connection strengthens.
11. Chapter 11: Rising action as the characters face increasing challenges and obstacles.
12. Chapter 12: Moments of vulnerability and personal growth for the characters.
13. Chapter 13: The midpoint of the story, a significant event that changes the direction of the narrative.
14. Chapter 14: Deepening of the romantic bond, but also new conflicts arise.
15. Chapter 15: Progression of the central conflict, building towards the climax.
16. Chapter 16: Setbacks and challenges that test the characters’ resolve.
17. Chapter 17: Exploration of secondary character arcs and relationships.
18. Chapter 18: Romantic tension reaches its peak, leading to a pivotal moment.
19. Chapter 19: Aftermath and consequences of the climax, characters dealing with the fallout.
Act 3:
20. Chapter 20: Resolution of minor plotlines and character arcs.
21. Chapter 21: Rediscovering hope and renewed determination.
22. Chapter 22: Characters working together to overcome a final obstacle.
23. Chapter 23: Resolving lingering doubts and insecurities in the romance.
24. Chapter 24: Tying up loose ends and preparing for the resolution.
25. Chapter 25: The characters’ growth and lessons learned throughout the journey.
26. Chapter 26: Final obstacles and challenges that test the characters one last time.
27. Chapter 27: The climax of the romance or central conflict, the point of highest emotional intensity.
28. Chapter 28: Characters coming to terms with their emotions and making tough decisions.
29. Chapter 29: Epilogue — A glimpse into the characters’ future, showing how they have changed and grown as a result of their experiences throughout the novel.
30. Chapter 30: Epilogue conclusion — final reflections and a sense of closure.
