they are all “clean” by ratings standards Perhaps you’ve noticed that many of these movies seem to be an amalgamation of disparate story elements seemingly plucked out of thin air. Perhaps you’ve thought “I could do better.” Well, I am here for you! Please enjoy this helpful guide to choosing the story elements for your Hallmark-style romance novel. Each category has 20 possible choices. Don’t overthink it! Instead, roll a D20 or hit random.org to help you make your selection. Disclaimer: by using this how-to guide, you are legally bound to credit me as a co-author and to thank me profusely in your acknowledgments. *absolutely not
How To Write A Hallmark Romance
Heroine
- Orphan 2. Journalist 3. Assistant 4. Baker 5. Seamstress 6. Governess 7. Single Mom 8. Bartender 9. Bookseller 10. Artist 11. Opera Singer 12. Children’s book author 13. Makeup artist 14. YouTube star 15. Teacher 16. Roller derby skater 17. Waitress 18. Social worker 19. Sales girl at department store 20. Barista
Inciting Incident
- Visits hometown 2. Parent dies 3. Spills coffee on someone 4. Gets a new job 5. Gets fired 6. Receives a letter 7. Is sent to a new place for reasons 8. Fills in for a friend 9. Gets stuck in an elevator 10. Misses the bus 11. Has to train the new girl 12. Finds a lost wallet 13. Amnesia 14. Watches a friend’s pets 15. Gets in a fight with a delivery driver 16. Runs out of cash 17. Has to get uptown but no cabs 18. ONLY ONE BED 19. Roadtrip 20. Tells a lie, then has to keep telling it
Love Interest
- Secret prince 2. Not-secret prince 3. Duke 4. Single dad 5. Rides a motorcycle 6. A girl 7. Movie star in hiding 8. A millionaire 9. A billionaire 10. A reluctant heiress 11. Single mom 12. Male nanny 13. Co-worker 14. Boss 15. Famous novelist trying to write anonymously 16. Runaway bride 17. Socialite 18. Serial Monogamist 19. In a band 20. Has a dog
Conflict
- Mistaken identity 2. Misunderstanding 3. Miscommunication 4. Unspoken feelings Just roll a D4 for this one tbh.
Important Plot Keyword
- Christmas 2. Holiday 3. Snowy 4. Snowman 5. Frosted 6. Wonderland 7. Jingle Bells 8. Love 9. Star 10. Mistletoe 11. Gingerbread 12. Firelight 13. Fireside 14. Fiery 15. Heart 16. Romance 17. Lovely 18. Peaceful 19. Wedding 20. Wonderful
Important Secondary Keyword
Just re-roll the first list! This is bargain basement! And there you have it! Put these together and you should have something resembling a Hallmark romance! Be sure to use as many of the selections as possible when titling your story. For instance, A Christmas Prince. checks Netflix Not that one. A Gingerbread Romance! checks Hallmark Okay, not that one either. A Snowy Amnesia Billionaire. Nailed it.
ICYMI
20 Perfect Gifts for Romance Readers More Romance Families to Hang With Over the Holidays 12 Christmas Romance Novels 50 Must-Read Romances by Latinx Authors 50 Must-Read Contemporary Romance Novels
