Tag Archives: how to write romantic comedy

Where Do I Get My Ideas for Novels?

One of the questions I’m asked most often as a writer is: Where do you come up with your ideas? The truth is, inspiration strikes me on a daily basis. Sometimes, it’s in the middle of my morning walk when I’m surrounded by the rhythm of everyday life. People going about their day, snippets of conversation, the way someone carries themselves—all of it sparks my imagination. For instance, there’s a handsome guy with a cute dog who owns a bicycle shop that I pass every morning. Naturally, he’s going to find his way into a book someday. Plot bunnies, as I like to call them, are everywhere.

But it’s not just strangers or random moments that inspire me. Many of my ideas come from my own life experiences. It’s these stories, memories, and even challenges that help me create characters and plots that feel authentic. For all of you who want to be writers, I recommend keeping a journal so you can refer to your prior experiences. Let me take you on a journey through some of those experiences and how they’ve shaped my writing.

Writing What I Know: The Arts, Makeup, and Latinx Culture

When I was younger, I had my heart set on becoming a concert pianist. I was steeped in classical music, not just as a pianist but also playing brass instruments and guitar. If you wanted the perfect example of a geeky kid who loved going to the symphony, I’d be the zitty teen face on a poster. While life took me in a different direction, that passion for music never left me. It’s no surprise that I’ve written several novels about musicians. In Mr. Mouthful, a symphony conductor falls in love with a cellist who owns a coffee shop. The Boundary tells the story of an opera singer falling in love with his makeup artist, and The Big Time explores the journey of an up-and-coming pop star. Music has always been a deep well of inspiration for me.

Later, my artistic path led me to the world of beauty. I became a professional makeup artist and had the honor of working for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, opening the very first Bobbi Brown studio and retail store in the United States. Working with Bobbi was totally amazing! My experiences there helped me shape the love interest in The Boundary, adding layers of authenticity to a story about ambition and artistry.

And then, there’s my personal life. I’ve spent many years living in Mexico and was in a 23-year relationship with my former partner Ricardo, who was Mexican-American. This immersion in Latinx culture has naturally found its way into my writing. For instance, The Big One, and Electric feature characters with rich, Latinx backstories. Writers often hear the advice to “write what you know,” and for me, that’s proven to be invaluable.

The Birth of The Money Shot

The novel I’m currently polishing up, The Money Shot, came from a very different kind of inspiration. I’m not going to lie: I was casually perusing porn on Reddit (research, obviously!), and I noticed a growing trend. Many of the guys posting nudes and videos were linking to their OnlyFans pages. That sparked an idea. What if I wrote a story about someone turning to OnlyFans out of financial desperation? Enter Liam and Jack, two roommates navigating this uncharted territory, all while falling in love.

While developing the plot, I found myself binge-watching The Nanny on YouTube. Fran Fine’s larger-than-life personality inspired Vanessa Martinez, a Latina version of Fran with her own unique flair—and let’s just say, Vanessa is a lot naughtier. She brings comic relief and a dash of chaos to The Money Shot, and she’s quickly become one of my favorite characters to write.

Open Minds, Endless Ideas

One thing I’ve learned as a writer is the importance of keeping your mind open. Inspiration can come from anywhere: a conversation, a memory, a random observation, or even something as mundane as scrolling through social media. The key is to notice the sparks and fan them into flames.

That said, I doubt I’ll ever write about something I don’t at least have a working knowledge of. For instance, I’ve never written about ice hockey or deep-sea exploration because those worlds feel too far removed from my own. But who knows? If I ever take up scuba diving or start caring about sports, maybe that’ll change.

For now, I’m content letting my past experiences and everyday observations guide me. Life is full of stories waiting to be told, and I can’t wait to see what sparks my imagination next.

Writing Romantic Comedy: Capturing Humor, Heart, and Heat in The Big Time

Romantic comedy is one of the most beloved genres in storytelling, offering the perfect blend of humor and heart. It’s a space where readers can laugh, feel all the feels, and fall in love with characters who navigate the messy world of romance. When writing my novel The Big Time, I wanted to tap into that blend—flawed characters, witty dialogue, and those unforgettable moments of vulnerability. And sometimes, that means letting your character sing a ridiculous song about bananas!

1. Create Relatable, Flawed Characters

The heart of any romantic comedy lies in characters who are flawed and relatable—people we can laugh at, cry with, and cheer on. Chris Reynolds, the protagonist of The Big Time, is a struggling actor trying to make it in Hollywood. He’s been rejected from countless auditions, and after turning down a role in a porn film, he’s on the verge of moving back home. That’s when his ex, Jett Sumner, a musician on the rise, reappears in his life.

Chris’s situation is one that many of us can relate to—the fear of failure, the struggle to make it in a tough industry, and the uncertainty of what the future holds. This is what makes Chris so endearing, despite his setbacks. We’ve all felt like we’re one step away from packing it all in.

Writing Tip: Don’t be afraid to let your characters be imperfect. Their flaws make them relatable and provide a natural space for growth over the course of the story.

2. Infuse Humor in Dialogue—and Situations!

Romantic comedies thrive on humor, and it doesn’t always have to come from witty banter—sometimes, it’s situational. One of my favorite moments in The Big Time is when Chris auditions for a role and is asked to perform a ridiculous, off-the-wall number called The Banana Song. Picture this: Chris, at the end of his rope, is handed a giant stuffed banana and has to belt out a silly tune about bananas while holding it. It’s absurd, funny, and yet, it’s exactly the kind of thing that happens in the entertainment industry.

Writing Tip: Situational humor can add depth to your characters and lighten the mood, even when things are tough. Don’t be afraid to get a little silly—it keeps the story fun!

3. Play With Timing and Tension

Timing is everything in romantic comedies—both in the humor and in the love story. In The Big Time, Chris and Jett reconnect at a time when both are focused on their careers. Chris is barely holding things together in Hollywood, while Jett is about to hit the big time as a musician. Their chemistry is undeniable, but the timing couldn’t be worse. Chris is desperate to rebuild his life, and Jett can’t afford distractions.

The tension comes from watching two people who clearly belong together try to navigate their ambitions while fighting off old feelings. Will they manage a fling, or will their hearts force them to admit that they’ve always been meant for more?

Writing Tip: Timing is a powerful tool in romantic comedy. Let the tension between what the characters want and what they need build throughout the story. It will keep readers hooked!

4. Mix Humor With Emotional Vulnerability

While humor is essential, the real heart of a romantic comedy lies in emotional depth. In The Big Time, Chris and Jett’s connection isn’t just built on their electric chemistry or their funny moments together. Underneath it all is the pain of their first breakup, unresolved feelings, and the question of whether they can move past old wounds to find happiness together.

For example, Chris’s fear of failure in Hollywood is paralleled by his fear of failure in love. As much as he tries to keep things casual with Jett, deep down, he knows that Jett is the one person who could truly break his heart again.

Writing Tip: Emotional vulnerability gives your romantic comedy substance. It’s those moments of raw honesty that make the love story meaningful.

5. End With a Satisfying Payoff

No romantic comedy is complete without a happily-ever-after that leaves readers smiling. After all the chaos—bananas included—Chris and Jett have to confront their real feelings for each other and make a decision about their future. The ups and downs of their relationship culminate in a heartfelt resolution, where both characters are not only together, but stronger for having faced their fears and insecurities.

Writing Tip: Give your characters the ending they’ve earned. A romantic comedy should leave readers feeling uplifted and satisfied, knowing that love—and a little laughter—conquered all.

Writing romantic comedy is all about balancing humor with heart. The Big Time was an absolute blast to create, from the playful moments like Chris’s banana-filled audition, to the emotional journey that he and Jett embark on together. If you’re writing your own rom-com, remember: it’s the blend of laughter and vulnerability that makes the genre so irresistible! The Big Time is available at all major online retailers, including Amazon, Apple Books, Google Play, Kobo, Nook, and Smashwords.

Inspired by “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”: The Creation of “Suddenly Single”

If you’re a fan of classic romantic comedies, you might remember the delightful 1941 film “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Yes, you read that right—Hitchcock, the master of suspense, took a surprising detour into the world of screwball comedy with this gem starring Carole Lombard and Robert Montgomery. The story of a couple who discover their marriage isn’t legally valid struck a chord with me and inspired my novel, “Suddenly Single.”

In “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” the comedic chaos that ensues after the couple learns their marriage certificate is a dud provides the perfect blend of humor and heart. The movie’s playful take on love, commitment, and the trials of marital life got me thinking about the concept of sudden singleness and its impact on relationships.

That’s where the idea for “Suddenly Single” came from. I wanted to explore what happens when life throws an unexpected curveball at a seemingly stable couple. The novel delves into the lives of Asher Bartholomew Yates and Carter Camden Yates, who must navigate the emotional rollercoaster of discovering they aren’t legally married and the personal growth that comes from such a revelation.

Asher comes from one of the first families of Virginia and has just made partner in the family law firm. He went to the right schools, belongs to the right clubs, and like his peers, is happily married—most of the time. The love of his life, Carter, is a handful on the best of days, but Carter’s unwavering devotion and unpredictable antics ensure he will always have Asher’s heart.

Carter is the most successful interior designer in Richmond and is married to an up-and-coming lawyer who looks perfect on his arm. His talents are as colorful as his personality, and he’s the star of any room he enters. He loves Asher more than life itself and hasn’t once regretted getting married.

Out of the blue, a legal mixup jeopardizes everything. After three years of ups and downs, the couple discovers they’re not legally wed. Will this bombshell tear them apart, or will true love win once and for all?

Adding to the chaos is their crazy family: an alcoholic mother, a deranged maid, and a stoner old lady, who all bring their own flavor of drama and humor to the mix. Carter’s theatrical reactions and Asher’s attempts to maintain sanity create a whirlwind of laughs and touching moments.

“Suddenly Single” is the third book in the Southern Discomfort series. It is a gay romantic comedy filled with sweet tea and sour words, served alongside men discovering their deepest desires. This novel has it all: a couple on the rocks, a second chance at happiness, and a love that refuses to die. So relax on your porch swing with a mint julep and a slice of pecan pie, and enjoy the journey to true love.

You can purchase Suddenly Single from Apple Books, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Google Play Books, and Kobo. Oh, and for the month of July, Suddenly Single is 50% off exclusively on Smashwords.