20 Romance Writing Prompts

Romance is a genre that captures the complexities of human emotions and relationships, offering writers a rich tapestry to explore themes of love, loss, and redemption. Whether you’re a seasoned romance novelist or a newcomer looking to delve into the genre, finding the right inspiration can spark the creation of a compelling love story. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of romance writing prompts that cater to different subgenres and storytelling techniques. Dive into these ideas to craft narratives that resonate with the intricacies of romantic relationships.

1. Time-Travel Romance

Prompt: A scientist invents a time machine and travels back to the 1920s. Amid the glitz of flapper dresses and jazz, they fall for a charming bootlegger. The twist? The scientist must decide whether to stay in the past or return to a loveless life in the present.
Exploration: Explore themes of belonging and sacrifice. What does one give up for love? How does love change us?

2. Paranormal Romance

Prompt: A young witch, sworn to never fall in love due to a family curse, finds herself irresistibly drawn to a human who moves into the haunted house next door.
Exploration: Delve into the conflict between predestined fate and personal choice. How do characters challenge the boundaries set by their world?

3. Second Chance Romance

Prompt: Two high school sweethearts, separated by unexpected circumstances, reunite at a mutual friend’s wedding 10 years later. Both are ostensibly happy in their lives but feel an undeniable pull towards each other once again.

Exploration: Focus on themes of growth and change. How have the characters evolved? What barriers exist now that didn’t before?

4. Romantic Comedy

Prompt: After a series of disastrous dates, a young professional swears off love, only to find themselves stuck in an elevator with an attractive stranger who challenges all their preconceived notions about dating.
Exploration: Inject humor and light-hearted banter. How do humorous situations bring people closer together?

5. Historical Romance

Prompt: In the turbulent times of the French Revolution, a noblewoman and a revolutionary find their paths crossing repeatedly. Despite their conflicting allegiances, a forbidden romance blooms.
Exploration: Consider the impact of historical events on personal relationships. How do societal pressures shape romantic choices?

6. Contemporary Romance

Prompt: Two ambitious young entrepreneurs compete for the same spot in a prestigious startup accelerator program. Competition turns to respect, and respect blossoms into attraction.

Exploration: Discuss the balance between career ambitions and personal relationships. Can the two coexist?

7. Fantasy Romance

Prompt: A knight sworn to protect the realm falls in love with a mysterious figure who is part dragon. Their union could bring peace or ignite an age-old war.
Exploration: Tackle the theme of forbidden love. How do love and duty conflict with each other?

8. Romantic Suspense

Prompt: A private detective falls for their client, a person desperate to find out the truth about their missing sibling. As they unravel the mystery together, their relationship deepens amidst danger.
Exploration: Blend elements of suspense with romance. How does danger heighten emotional connection?

9. Amnesia Romance

Prompt: After a severe accident, one half of a married couple loses all memories of their spouse. The unaffected spouse must now make their partner fall in love with them again.

Exploration: Dive into the complexities of identity and memory in relationships. What makes us fall in love with someone?

10. Sci-Fi Romance

Prompt: On a distant planet, a human colonist and a native alien species member start an unlikely romance, challenging the prejudices of both their communities.
Exploration: Examine themes of xenophobia and acceptance. How does love transcend cultural and biological barriers?

11. Holiday Romance

Prompt: Two strangers, both booked into the same rental over the holidays due to a booking error, decide to share the space. As they make the best of the situation, sparks fly.
Exploration: Utilize the cozy, festive setting to highlight warmth and intimacy. How does the holiday spirit affect emotional bonds?

12. Forbidden Love Romance

Prompt: In a society where relationships are governed by strict rules, two individuals from rival families fall in love. They must navigate the treacherous waters of societal expectations and family loyalty.

Exploration: Focus on the tension between societal obligations and personal desires.

13.Soulmate Romance

Prompt: In a world where everyone has a mark identifying their soulmate, two best friends discover that their marks match. Confusion and excitement ensue as they transition from friendship to something deeper.
Exploration: Delve into the dynamics of evolving relationships. How does the shift from platonic to romantic alter their interaction and perception of each other?

14. Regency Romance

Prompt: A young lady of modest means receives a mysterious invitation to attend a season in London under the patronage of a reputed dowager. She soon finds herself entangled with a roguish duke with a scandalous past.
Exploration: Highlight the contrast between societal norms and the personal desires of individuals. How do characters navigate the strictures of their society for love?

15. Adventure Romance

Prompt: Two rival treasure hunters are forced to team up to find a legendary artifact. As they face various dangers and challenges in exotic locations, their antagonism slowly turns into affection.

Exploration: Focus on how shared experiences and overcoming challenges together can build a bond between characters.

16. Medical Romance

Prompt: A new doctor at a bustling city hospital meets a paramedic who challenges every detail of her organized life. As they work together on a high-stakes case, they discover life-saving love.
Exploration: Investigate the pressures of a high-stress environment on personal relationships. How do shared values and passions fuel attraction?

17. Royalty Romance

Prompt: A commoner unknowingly falls in love with a prince/princess who is hiding their identity while studying abroad. The truth comes out just as their relationship deepens, bringing complications of duty and state.
Exploration: Explore the conflicts between personal freedom and public responsibility. What sacrifices are made in the name of love?

18. Gothic Romance

Prompt: In an eerie, secluded mansion, a young governess uncovers secrets about the mysterious lord of the manor. As they unravel the dark past, they must confront ghosts — both literal and metaphorical.

Exploration: Combine elements of horror with romance to explore themes of redemption and truth.

19. Sports Romance

Prompt: A professional athlete and a sports journalist start off on the wrong foot during an interview. However, mutual respect grows as they see each other’s dedication to their crafts, leading to a challenging but passionate relationship.
Exploration: Discuss how professional boundaries intersect with personal feelings. How do competitive spirits translate into romantic dynamics?

20. Cross-Cultural Romance

Prompt: An exchange student and a local meet in a quaint European town during a study abroad program. Despite their cultural differences, they experience a universal language of love, learning more about each other and themselves.
Exploration: Highlight the enriching yet challenging aspects of cross-cultural relationships. How do characters bridge significant cultural gaps?

Each of these prompts provides a unique setting and scenario for crafting a compelling romance story. By exploring different aspects of human relationships, writers can create narratives that not only entertain but also resonate deeply with readers. Whether your story orbits around the whimsical, the mystical, or the starkly realistic, the key to a memorable romance is the emotional journey your characters embark upon. So, pick a prompt that speaks to you and start writing the next great love story.