When I broke the news about getting my debut novel published to my family and friends (and random people on the street out of sheer excitement), the first questions were ‘Well, where did you start? How did you start?’

I’m pretty sure that most writers asked themselves this question when they started writing.

There are moments where I truly don’t know where the story is going until I’ve written a few paragraphs and gotten into the head of my main character. Sometimes I have an outline, but it changes five times before I’m extremely happy with the plot. Some may need the outline to get their story onto the page, only to change it throughout the second and third drafts.

There’s no right way to start, as long as you get started!

On that note, here are some steps to take to get started:

Start with a concept: Come up with a unique and interesting concept for your romantic comedy. It could be a quirky love story, a romantic adventure, or anything in between. The key is to make it original and memorable.

Develop your characters: Your characters are the heart of your romantic comedy, so make sure they’re well-developed and likable. Give them unique personalities, quirks, and backgrounds that will make them stand out.

Write what you know: Use your own experiences and observations to inform your writing. Personal anecdotes, observations, and life lessons can add depth and humor to your romantic comedy.

Don’t be afraid to be cheesy: Romantic comedies are meant to be light-hearted and fun, so don’t be afraid to embrace the cheese factor. Over-the-top declarations of love, silly misunderstandings, and adorable mishaps are all part of the fun.

Make your characters’ relationships the focus: The relationship between your main characters should be the focus of your romantic comedy. Write scenes that show their interactions and reveal their personalities, motivations, and feelings toward each other.

Have fun: This is the most important bit. Writing a romantic comedy should be a fun and enjoyable experience, so let your imagination run wild and enjoy the process.

You may have your own process for getting your story on the page, but sometimes even with a great idea, it can be hard not knowing where to start. I hope the tips above encourage you to start telling the world your story!

Happy writing!