: Writers often use "tropes" (e.g., enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity) but should aim to ground them in universal emotional truths to avoid cliché. Scottish Book Trust Deepening the Connection
If you dip below 50% hope, the story becomes a tragedy. If you hit 80% hope, the story becomes boring. The best romantic storylines keep the reader in a state of euphoric anxiety —the exact feeling of early courtship.
Before diving into romantic storylines, it's essential to understand the different types of relationships that can exist between characters:
