# 10 Add FIRE to Your Love Story
And let them burn. Examples and Writing Prompts
Add FIRE to your love story and let them burn…
Find fault-after-fault in the other lover.
Investigate the other lover’s backstory for skeletons.
Read between the other lover’s lines. And then…
Exercise NO self-control.
Innovative creative writing and storytelling approaches can often lead to the most engaging narratives and full-bodied characters.
My unique ELEMENT Storytelling method harnesses the timeless power of the natural elements—air, fire, water, earth, and metal—reimagined as acronyms for distinct writing techniques.
Use the FIRE techniques, examples, and writing prompts to:
Craft a romantic SETUP in Act I for an emotionally satisfying PAYOFF in Act III
Stack up explosive obstacles that keep your lovers apart
Build a slow-burning romantic tension between your lovers
Reveal the protagonist’s “heart weakness” where they must sacrifice for love
Set fire to your love story and amp up the passion.
F: Find fault-after-fault in the other lover.
Example:
Emily begins dating Alex, who seems perfect at first. However, as they spend more time together, she starts noticing his annoying habits, like his constant lateness and tendency to dominate conversations. She tells a best friend who gives her the worst advice.
PRO TIP: As you read the writing prompts, notice the movie scenes that pop into your mind. That’s because the writing prompts point to the vital obligatory scenes and conventions of the “love genre” that must be included in your love story.
Writing Prompt:
Create a scene where your protagonist is on a date with their lover and starts to notice a series of flaws. How do these faults affect their feelings? What thoughts run through their mind as they try to reconcile their initial attraction with these emerging annoyances? How does the best friend’s advice add to the confusion?
I: Investigate the other lover’s backstory for skeletons.
Example:
Disturbed by the faults she’s discovered, Emily decides to dig into Alex’s past. She discovers he has a history of failed relationships, each ending under mysterious circumstances that hint at deeper issues.
Writing Prompt:
Write a scene where your protagonist snoops around for information about their lover's past. What do they find that shocks them? How do they confront their lover about this discovery, and what is the lover’s reaction?
R: Read between the other lover’s lines.
Example:
During a heated conversation, Emily picks up on Alex’s subtle hints and evasive answers, realizing there’s more to his words than meets the eye. She starts interpreting his actions and words through a more suspicious lens.
Writing Prompt:
Create a dialogue between your protagonist and their lover where the protagonist begins to read between the lines. What subtext do they pick up on? How does this change their perception of the relationship and their lover?
For more on writing dialogue, see post # 8 Show No Mercy
E: Exercise NO self-control.
Example:
When Emily first meets Alex at a mutual friend’s party, they are immediately and intensely attracted. They lock eyes from across the room, and the chemistry is undeniable. Moved by the music and unable to resist, they share a passionate kiss in the middle of the dance floor, forgetting everyone else around them.
Writing Prompt:
Write a scene where your protagonist meets their lover for the first time at a social event. Describe the immediate attraction and how they both give in to their impulses. How does this lack of self-control shape their initial interaction? What do they say and do in the heat of the moment, and how does this set the tone for their relationship moving forward?
By incorporating this heightened passion and lack of self-control, you can create an electrifying and memorable first encounter that leaves a lasting impression on both the characters and your readers.
ALTERNATE EXAMPLE
E: Exercise NO self-control.
Alternate Example:
Overwhelmed by her suspicions and frustrations, Emily confronts Alex without holding back, leading to a fiery argument where emotions run wild and secrets are laid bare.
Alternate Writing Prompt:
Write a climactic scene where your protagonist loses all self-control during a confrontation with their lover. How do they express their pent-up emotions? What are the immediate and long-term consequences of this outburst on their relationship?
Using these FIRE techniques, you can intensify your characters’ love stories, adding complexity and passion to captivate your readers and bring your narratives to life.
Have a question about storytelling, structure, genre, or character development?
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Best wishes,
Kelly E. Keough
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