Where the Setting Takes you... Editor: StephBee 
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I was 12 and read my first romance novel; it was a sweeping desert saga, and I got to the end of it and was like, 'I want to go back and start all over again!' That emotional response to the book and getting to the end of a story you love is what inspires me to write the next book. — Sylvia Day
Romance: an ardent emotional attachment between two people. A love affair.
I’d thought I’d continue my theme of plot devices and how they are used in the Romance genre. Plot devices are a situation used to advance a story, overcome a narrative obstacle, or resolve a conflict. Previously we’ve looked at marriages and secrets used as plot devices to affect the plot in your romance. Today, we’ll look at setting.
Poll of the Week:
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Romance as a genre works well in multiple settings from period pieces to contemporary stories, within fantasy and paranormal settings, to eerie gothic tales and holiday stories. Settings, however, used effectively, can really drive the external conflict which, in turn, will expose that juicy romantic inner conflict readers are looking for in the characters.
What settings do well is create emotional mirrors. A stormy night can reflect the character’s suppressed feelings, or a decaying estate (typically used in the gothic genre) is a mirror to a broken heart. A sunny day might reflect a positive attitude.
“Fish out of Water” settings tend to uproot your characters from their comfort zones and place them in an environment where they depend on others for survival and guidance. You might find these scenarios in period pieces, contemporary, or fantasy romances.
“Enforced Collaboration” settings place rivals together in the work environment where repeated interaction tends to drive the tension until it turns romantic. You might find this in medical romances or contemporary settings.
“Safe Haven” settings are where the characters create a hidden garden or a use a quiet bookstore that stands apart from the harsh outside world. The couple can find safety to be themselves there and let the romance grow.
“Ticking Clocks” involve a setting with an expiration date, for example, a summer vacation spot closing down or a cross-country move. “Grease” starts with the movie using a combo – with a beach (safe haven) and the end of summer (ticking clock) to set up how Danny and Sandy have come to know each other.
“Natural Disasters” strip away all social pretenses. While the disaster can be intense, this setting forces our characters to become vulnerable and honest.
In each above scenario, each setting, strategically placed will help overcome a narrative obstacle, advance the story, and increase the tension.
Question for you: Do you have a movie in mind that uses one of the above settings?
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Product Type: DVD Reviewer: StephBee Review Rated: ASR | |
Amazon's Price: $ 7.92
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I had no feedback for my last Romance/Love Newsletter dated 5 AUG 2026: “It’s a Secret”
StephBee  is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD. Her young adult romance, “Young Witchcraft” is available on Kindle. Can a little bit of Young Witchcraft help Rachel and Joe fall in love?
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Romance/Love: September 02, 2026 Issue [#13905]
