Interactions should be fun and full of "spark" to keep readers invested in the journey, regardless of whether the characters start as friends or rivals. National Centre for Writing 2. Common Relationship Tropes
If you are living a romantic storyline, do not ask: Is this like the movies? Ask: Do I feel safe? Do I feel seen? Do I feel challenged to grow?
Tension is the heartbeat of a story. Real chemistry arises when characters are forced to navigate obstacles, miscommunications, and moments of truth together. 2. The Reality Check: Love as a Choice