[ SECRET POST #5212 ]

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⌈ Secret Post #5212 ⌋

Warning: Some secrets are NOT worksafe and may contain SPOILERS.


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Notes:

Secrets Left to Post: 01 pages, 21 secrets from Secret Submission Post #746.
Secrets Not Posted: [ 0 - broken links ], [ 0 - not!secrets ], [ 0 - not!fandom ], [ 0 - too big ], [ 0 - repeat ].
Current Secret Submissions Post: here.
Suggestions, comments, and concerns should go here.

Comments

Things to keep in mind while writing a slow burn

[(Anonymous)]

So I've taken it upon myself to write a slow burn romance. I'm finding it tricky due to my natural impatient impulses. I'm wondering, slow burn writers how do you keep going at such a slow pace without having problems with contrivance and stupid misunderstandings? I want things to feel natural.

Thoughts?

Re: Things to keep in mind while writing a slow burn

[(Anonymous)]

Well, it sort of depends where the slow burn is starting out. A lot of the multi-chaptered slow burn stuff I've written starts where the characters don't know each other very well, and definitely they aren't looking to start a relationship. And gradually they get to know each other better - find out things they have in common, learn about their likes and dislikes, gradually start going "oh that thing they do, that's cute" and finding more ways to spend time with each other.

Obviously something like that wouldn't work if the characters involved have already been best friends since childhood and already know each other very well. But some of this stuff would still work, finding out secrets the other has kept hidden for some reason...

It helps to have some kind of overarching goal other than the romance, like "X wants to find out why Y has come home to their hometown after leaving ten years ago without explanation", or "X has a problem with [insert issue] and needs help, Y thinks they may be able to offer it". That way there's something going on to give them a reason to get to know each other better, and excuses for them to keep interacting even if they do have some kind of misunderstanding or if you reach a point where you don't know what to do next. Advance that plot, see what the characters do.

What works for me might not work for you, of course. But this is how I've kept stories going.

Re: Things to keep in mind while writing a slow burn

[(Anonymous)]

Maybe think about what logical reasons two people might have to take things slowly, and keep those things in mind? Something in their background makes them cautious? Or they're just having fun flirting and enjoying each moment as it comes? Or if there must be a conflict or misunderstanding, write one that's a rational misunderstanding where shit just happens and nobody is an idiot and it can't be resolved with five minutes of conversation.

Sometimes you can be with the right person, but at the wrong time in both your lives. Would that work?

Re: Things to keep in mind while writing a slow burn

[(Anonymous)]

Even in a slow burn you still get the slow change of chemistry between them. Their body language and attitude towards each other will slowly change.

If you're making it last, include those details but be sparing with them.

Also have incidents and experiences drive the change between them. Even if it's subtle details or mundane incidents.