Hey there, fellow writers!

One of my favorite parts of romantic comedy is the almost always definite happy ending. While some people may argue that a happy ending isn’t always realistic, the idea of a romantic comedy is to make you feel good. If it doesn’t end “happily”, I hate to break it to you, but the book you picked up was probably just in the wrong section of the library or bookstore.

All that said and done, we don’t want a dull and utterly predictable, unrealistic story either. Yes, readers can be hard to please. We just want the right amount of everything.

The awkward meet-cute, the love triangle, the grand romantic gesture, the happily-ever-after ending. Rom-com readers do look for all these in a book but here are a few ways to change it up a bit to keep your reader on their toes:

Be original with your meet-cute: Instead of the classic “bumping into each other while carrying coffee” scenario, try something new. Maybe your protagonist and love interest meet at a protest march, or at a weirdly specific convention for fans of a niche hobby.

Think outside the box and come up with something fresh and exciting.

Avoid the love triangle: We’ve all seen it a million times: two love interests vying for the protagonist’s affection. It’s time to retire this tired trope.

Instead, focus on developing a strong connection between your protagonist and their chosen love interest. Explore their flaws, their interests, and what makes them tick.

The more you flesh out your characters, the more invested your readers will be in their relationship.

Ditch the grand romantic gesture: We all love a good romantic gesture, but sometimes less is more. Instead of the grand gesture, try incorporating small, intimate moments that build an emotional connection between your characters.

A heartfelt conversation, a shared experience, or even a quiet moment together can be just as romantic (if not more so) as a big public display.

The happily-ever-after: Finding love no longer means letting go of everything meaningful around you. Don’t be afraid to create an ending that stays true to your character’s ambitions and values.

In conclusion, avoiding cliches in romantic comedy fiction writing is all about breaking away from the expected and creating something new and unique.

Experiment with your characters, their experiences, and their relationships, and you’ll find that your writing will be all the more satisfying.

Good luck, and happy writing!