How to Write Love: 3 Tips for Writing Authentic Love

First, Why Write Love?

Love is important in a story because love is important in life! While love might not always be critical to what you’re working on, it plays its part in building a character and showing depth. Love has great potential, too. Maybe it can help create that tension your story has been lacking, either interpersonally or intrapersonally. But most importantly, love is just real. We all feel it in our own ways. When love appears in a story, we can emotionally resonate with it, therefore bringing us closer to the story.

So, How Do You Do It?

There are 3 tips that come to mind: Think to yourself...

1. What would love look like?

2. How would love feel?

3. Where/why/and how does it show up in my favorite pieces of media?

What Would Love Look Like?

Love isn’t always grand romantic gestures. Think about your own life — what does love look like and how does it manifest? When a partner brings you your favorite drink unprompted? When a friend listens to you rant? When someone finally understands your silly jokes?

Whatever it is, and whatever it looks like, lean into it!

How Would Love Feel?

Consider all the dimensions of your character. How would your character respond to love? Different forms of love evoke different reactions: possessive love can evoke fear, and gentle love can evoke comfort... or anxiety, depending on your character’s backstory.

These considerations create rich, authentic storytelling that readers will resonate with.

Where/Why/and How Does It Show Up In My Favorite Pieces of Media?

You love your favorite shows, books, and movies for a reason. For many, that reason is that your characters feel real, and how they exist within the plot keeps you grounded and close to the text.

So, ask yourself: How does this love present itself? What elements are crucial to the emotional impact of this scene? How do the setting, mood, and character building contribute to my response as a viewer or reader and create authenticity?

Love can be messy and difficult, or sometimes it can be quite simple. As the writer, how love looks for your characters is up to you! And always remember, the first draft is never perfect (just like love!)