How to Write your Own Love Story

I wrote this for Ehow.com. It was so much fun I thought I'd share it here as well. 

Valentine's Day is just weeks away. Want to have something memorable to give the love of your life? How about a love story based on your own relationship? You'll both enjoy the re-telling and your story may become a favorite for generations to come.

Step 1: Characters in any love story consist of two protagonists, and perhaps a few antagonists. Were there any individuals who opposed your getting together? Perhaps an old love, or a prospective one who tangled up your plans for a bit? Also include key secondary characters such as parents, siblings and friends.

 

Step 2: Plotting out your love story is a fun exercise to re-visit as you recall your first dates, first kiss, first phone calls and the first time you met the parents. Make sure your key events are shared with the humor, sensitivity and wonderment of your then budding romance.

 

Step 3: No story is complete without a conflict. What was the greatest challenge the two of you dealt with? Conflicts arise due to loose strings from previous relationships, confused feelings, misunderstandings or perhaps children, religion or politics. There may have been more than one, but whatever they are, no matter how many, share them within the story.

 

Step 4: Resolution comes when the conflict is resolved. Often times in a relationship it is the epiphany that occurs when your sense of attachment is stronger than any fear you may have over the conflict. For example, the moment when you realize he is really listening to you, your heart, and for the first time you feel the connection of truly sharing your soul with another human being.

 

Step 5: Share your “happy ever after” ending. If it hasn’t happened yet, perhaps this is where you start to dream, (or hint), of how it all comes together for the two of you.

 

Step 6: I like to call the extra’s in a story the seasonings. A little salt, (wisdom), a little pepper, (spice) or a little sugar, (humor) adds a lot to any story. My idea of Salt usually comes in the form of poignant quotes. For example, C.S. Lewis once said, “We read to know that we are not alone”. He was, of course referring to that sense of finding the other half of yourself in another. Spice and Sugar comes from your individual stories and intense emotions of passion, elation and infatuation.

 

Step 7: Give your love story a fitting title.  Mine would be entitled, “Falling on the Stairs” since I first saw my husband while I was ascending and he was descending a flight of stairs. Right under the title is a great place to put the quote you found. It helps to set the mood for the reading.