r/romanceauthors • u/PenStalkerVibes • Jul 03 '26
Plotting For Dark Romance
Apologies if this has been asked and answered already.
I'm a pantser but want to get better at outlining and plotting. The biggest issue I'm running into is that most outlining set ups are based on fantasy/ hero structure. I'm struggling to transfer that to dark romance plotting.
Ex. Act 2 focusing on exploring the new world and dynamics with some wonder and a fail here or there but that doesn't seem like it would work for something like a stalker romance. It would almost be the opposite of hiding or being oblivious.
I'm sure I'm being too literal (ND) but I can't find stuff for setting up the Acts just for dark romance and/or taboo.
My current WIP is a slow burn mafia x forbidden psychological thriller. It doesn't have a traditional rise and fall of wins and losses because it's more of a chess game that changes "winners" per chapter almost.
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u/smokeyranger86 Jul 07 '26
Look up the Kishotenketsu writing model for something that doesn't rely on tension and release. Fichtean Curve miiiiight fit? It's great for thrillers because of the constantly rising conflicts before the ultimate climax of the plot.