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Posted by storymonger on Feb 17, 2014 in Writing | 60 comments
Random YA writer opens her email one morning to find emails from all five of her beta readers complaining about the lack of conflict in her latest novel. Which totally hits her off guard. Seriously, how could a story about teenage prom queens with mutant powers lack conflict?
Still, the beta readers seem to be all pretty mutually agreed about the story’s boringness. So pushing all niggling suspicions of conspiracy to the back of her mind, she pulls out her scratch pad and prepares to do some serious conflict-boosting.
And just like that, the answer falls from heaven and lands right on her desk.
He’s an insanely good-looking teenage dude with a tractor load of angsty snark and gorgeous, tousled black hair that he’s always brushing out of his eyes in a manner that, somehow, makes female hearts everywhere go thadadadump. (Yes, the hair has to be tousled. Recent polls show that heroines really go for that.)
And he just so happens that he’s the best friend of the main character’s boyfriend.
Voila. Problem solved. The main character will now be experiencing all kinds of fluttery indecisiveness about these two hunks, who will spend most of the story squabbling over her like two toddlers over a slobber-coated Happy Meal toy.
And such is the disastrous power of the love triangle. In recent years it has become a gimmick, a staple of cheesy YA novels, and something that will make me put a story down faster than you can say Twilight.
However, I think that a lot of the problems we attach to love triangles are brought on more by bad storytelling than the triangles themselves. If I force myself to look at it objectively, prejudices aside, I can even bring myself to admit that love triangles are a powerful tool to deepen character and make your conflict a lot more conflicty.
As you can probably tell by my sarcasm-infused example above, this is something I’m very, very tired of authors doing. It occasionally causes me to throw tantrums and scream mean words at fictional characters.
Before you think about embroiling your characters in a love triangle, make sure that you’re not using it as a conflict-adding gimmick. It doesn’t work like that.
It doesn’t take long for a love triangle to dissolve into a big muscle-flexing fest. I don’t know about you guys, but the snarky, passive-agressive comments get old fast, whether it’s two guys competing over their mutual crush, or two girls swapping catty comments over the hapless dude stuck in the middle.
I mean, sure, there’s going to be jealousy. There’s going to be competition at some level. But make it mean something. Don’t just throw in a page of rapid-fire sarcasm just because you thought up a bunch of witty comments and comebacks that need to be used.
A good, story-worthy love triangle isn’t just about the three hapless souls trapped inside. It’s hopelessly entangled in the weave of your story. It’s inherent to your plot.
I can’t stress this enough.
If your main character is struggling with feelings for two different dames or blokes, his or her decision should be way bigger than who he/she is going to date for the next couple of weeks. It should be a decision between the story resolving one way, or a different way.
A good way to test the validity of your love triangle is to ask yourself if your story would end any differently if you took it out.
If the answer is no, maybe you need to rethink your triangle.
Love Triangles don’t have to flop. I’ve read several really good stories that have been made even better by a killer love triangle. If you’ve read The Brethren by H. Rider Haggard, or Bleak House by Charles Dickens, you know what I’m talking about.
So if you’re planning a love triangle for your next story, think outside the box. Write about people who have the same flaws, fears, and insecurities that you and I do. Hunt down and slay cliches with bloodthirsty, wild-eyed vengeance.
In other words, if your triangle looks just like the one prominently displayed on the cover of the latest YA blockbuster, may I humbly suggest that you should really be trying harder.
Have you ever written a love triangle? What are your methods for making them “not flop”?
photo credit: Chrystian Guy via photopin cc
Robyn Hoode February 17, 2014 Love triangles aren’t necessarily realistic. A lot of girls don’t have one boy to fret over much less two. Unless all the high school drama that television proclaims really is true and all the guys wish they could date the cheerleaders (I wouldn’t know– I was homeschooled and I’m not exactly cheerleader material). Plus, there’s a good chance that a girl can’t like two guys exactly the same amount– she is more likely to favor one of them over the other. Steph Sessa February 17, 2014 While I do think she’s more likely to favor one over another, there could be parts of the other guy that she really likes, which makes her conflicted. I don’t think love triangles are about liking two guys the same amount, but liking different parts of their character and not knowing which she likes best. (Or something. What do I know? lol.) Rayne Speryll February 24, 2014 Well said! 😀 storymonger February 17, 2014 Heh, that’s a good point! YA novels would have us believe that there are always two guys for every girl out there, but yeah. 😉 And Steph, I agree. You’re never going to like every single part of one person, and I think a good love triangle is not about making a character conflicted about liking two characters equally, but conflicted about which one he or she is more compatible with, and struggling with the fear of picking “the wrong one”. R.G. Nairam February 19, 2014 As a homeschool graduate girl, I can attest to having felt inside a love triangle before. Mostly, it’s not as clear-cut as badly written ones would suggest. And it is super stressful and no fun and giggles at all. I think one thing to consider is that it’s not necessarily “two guys like girl and girl likes both guys equally.” It could be “girl is not ready to be pursued” or “guy likes girl more than she likes him but she’s still not certain where the relationship should go” or “relationship is stressful enough both of them take a break” or “but she is very close friends with this guy and what if he’s the only one that ever feels this way” or “but he’s been so nice to me why do I feel this way about someone else”? I think the problem with badly written /anything/ is usually simplification. I saw once that written relationships should be treated as another character in themselves. I really like thinking in that way. If you ave good characters, they’re complicated and contradicting. Put well-written, complicated characters together, and the relationship is going to be the same way–just times two (or three). And sheesh, love and attraction? If someone knows how to make sense of it, please let me know. Rayne Speryll February 24, 2014 I’m home-schooled too, but I have attended half-days at a public school in order to get some education that I couldn’t get at home, so I’ve had a chance to observe the social structure of a high school. It is indeed possible for a girl to ‘like’, or have a crush, on more than one boy simultaneously. Usually it’s not love triangle-worthy, but it it is possible. Usually a girl does favor one over the other, but at the same time, there’s bound to be aspects about the favored boy that pale in comparison with the alternative love interest. viheleha February 23, 2017 That’s not quite true. I’ve had three guys with crushes on me for two and a half years now. (Although I’m going with the none of them option).
Love triangles aren’t necessarily realistic. A lot of girls don’t have one boy to fret over much less two. Unless all the high school drama that television proclaims really is true and all the guys wish they could date the cheerleaders (I wouldn’t know– I was homeschooled and I’m not exactly cheerleader material). Plus, there’s a good chance that a girl can’t like two guys exactly the same amount– she is more likely to favor one of them over the other.
Steph Sessa February 17, 2014 While I do think she’s more likely to favor one over another, there could be parts of the other guy that she really likes, which makes her conflicted. I don’t think love triangles are about liking two guys the same amount, but liking different parts of their character and not knowing which she likes best. (Or something. What do I know? lol.) Rayne Speryll February 24, 2014 Well said! 😀
While I do think she’s more likely to favor one over another, there could be parts of the other guy that she really likes, which makes her conflicted. I don’t think love triangles are about liking two guys the same amount, but liking different parts of their character and not knowing which she likes best. (Or something. What do I know? lol.)
Rayne Speryll February 24, 2014 Well said! 😀
Well said! 😀
storymonger February 17, 2014 Heh, that’s a good point! YA novels would have us believe that there are always two guys for every girl out there, but yeah. 😉 And Steph, I agree. You’re never going to like every single part of one person, and I think a good love triangle is not about making a character conflicted about liking two characters equally, but conflicted about which one he or she is more compatible with, and struggling with the fear of picking “the wrong one”.
Heh, that’s a good point! YA novels would have us believe that there are always two guys for every girl out there, but yeah. 😉
And Steph, I agree. You’re never going to like every single part of one person, and I think a good love triangle is not about making a character conflicted about liking two characters equally, but conflicted about which one he or she is more compatible with, and struggling with the fear of picking “the wrong one”.
R.G. Nairam February 19, 2014 As a homeschool graduate girl, I can attest to having felt inside a love triangle before. Mostly, it’s not as clear-cut as badly written ones would suggest. And it is super stressful and no fun and giggles at all. I think one thing to consider is that it’s not necessarily “two guys like girl and girl likes both guys equally.” It could be “girl is not ready to be pursued” or “guy likes girl more than she likes him but she’s still not certain where the relationship should go” or “relationship is stressful enough both of them take a break” or “but she is very close friends with this guy and what if he’s the only one that ever feels this way” or “but he’s been so nice to me why do I feel this way about someone else”? I think the problem with badly written /anything/ is usually simplification. I saw once that written relationships should be treated as another character in themselves. I really like thinking in that way. If you ave good characters, they’re complicated and contradicting. Put well-written, complicated characters together, and the relationship is going to be the same way–just times two (or three). And sheesh, love and attraction? If someone knows how to make sense of it, please let me know.
As a homeschool graduate girl, I can attest to having felt inside a love triangle before. Mostly, it’s not as clear-cut as badly written ones would suggest. And it is super stressful and no fun and giggles at all.
I think one thing to consider is that it’s not necessarily “two guys like girl and girl likes both guys equally.” It could be “girl is not ready to be pursued” or “guy likes girl more than she likes him but she’s still not certain where the relationship should go” or “relationship is stressful enough both of them take a break” or “but she is very close friends with this guy and what if he’s the only one that ever feels this way” or “but he’s been so nice to me why do I feel this way about someone else”?
I think the problem with badly written /anything/ is usually simplification. I saw once that written relationships should be treated as another character in themselves. I really like thinking in that way. If you ave good characters, they’re complicated and contradicting. Put well-written, complicated characters together, and the relationship is going to be the same way–just times two (or three).
And sheesh, love and attraction? If someone knows how to make sense of it, please let me know.
Rayne Speryll February 24, 2014 I’m home-schooled too, but I have attended half-days at a public school in order to get some education that I couldn’t get at home, so I’ve had a chance to observe the social structure of a high school. It is indeed possible for a girl to ‘like’, or have a crush, on more than one boy simultaneously. Usually it’s not love triangle-worthy, but it it is possible. Usually a girl does favor one over the other, but at the same time, there’s bound to be aspects about the favored boy that pale in comparison with the alternative love interest.
I’m home-schooled too, but I have attended half-days at a public school in order to get some education that I couldn’t get at home, so I’ve had a chance to observe the social structure of a high school. It is indeed possible for a girl to ‘like’, or have a crush, on more than one boy simultaneously. Usually it’s not love triangle-worthy, but it it is possible. Usually a girl does favor one over the other, but at the same time, there’s bound to be aspects about the favored boy that pale in comparison with the alternative love interest.
viheleha February 23, 2017 That’s not quite true. I’ve had three guys with crushes on me for two and a half years now. (Although I’m going with the none of them option).
That’s not quite true. I’ve had three guys with crushes on me for two and a half years now. (Although I’m going with the none of them option).
Steph Sessa February 17, 2014 I totes agree with number 3. It can’t just be who’s hunkier, but how who she chooses will affect her life, alter her path, or something like that. I’m not too fond of love triangles because of your aforementioned points, but I found myself writing one by accident a few months ago, not because of the people, but the paths they represented. (Still not sure if I’m going to keep that triangle, but we’ll see.) storymonger February 17, 2014 Haha, an accidental love triangle! That’s awesome. XD
I totes agree with number 3. It can’t just be who’s hunkier, but how who she chooses will affect her life, alter her path, or something like that. I’m not too fond of love triangles because of your aforementioned points, but I found myself writing one by accident a few months ago, not because of the people, but the paths they represented. (Still not sure if I’m going to keep that triangle, but we’ll see.)
storymonger February 17, 2014 Haha, an accidental love triangle! That’s awesome. XD
Haha, an accidental love triangle! That’s awesome. XD
Hannah M February 17, 2014 Yes! The Brethren had a fantastic love triangle, IMHHO. storymonger February 17, 2014 Haha, someone else who’s actually read that book! Such a great story. Grace & Glory February 20, 2014 My excitement demands to be vented in a reply – TWO other people who have actually heard of Haggard AND read The Brethren! Huzzah, yippee, whoop! OK, I’m done now. That feels so much better… And yes, I whole-heartedly agree that Haggard has earned a masters degree in love triangles; which is a relief, since every book he’s written (that I’ve read anyway) has had some sort of affection polygon: Pearl Maiden, Fair Margaret, Lysbeth, and of course, The Brethren. My only miniature peeve is against his “Camelot syndrome” as I call it: every single heroine is the prettiest in the region/country/world without exception, and every supporting female character is merely “comely” or “handsome.” O_O He most definitely has a lighter case of “CS” than G.A. Henty, but when you read four books in a row with the same heroine… Just sayin’ storymonger February 21, 2014 Yes… Haggard does have his issues, and Camelot Syndrome is a brilliant term for that. Unfortunately this seems to be a common flaw among novels of that era, just as the barfy-love-triangle syndrome is among novels of this current era. Sigh. And Lysbeth was brilliant. I think I enjoyed that one even more than The Brethren.
Yes! The Brethren had a fantastic love triangle, IMHHO.
storymonger February 17, 2014 Haha, someone else who’s actually read that book! Such a great story.
Haha, someone else who’s actually read that book! Such a great story.
Grace & Glory February 20, 2014 My excitement demands to be vented in a reply – TWO other people who have actually heard of Haggard AND read The Brethren! Huzzah, yippee, whoop! OK, I’m done now. That feels so much better… And yes, I whole-heartedly agree that Haggard has earned a masters degree in love triangles; which is a relief, since every book he’s written (that I’ve read anyway) has had some sort of affection polygon: Pearl Maiden, Fair Margaret, Lysbeth, and of course, The Brethren. My only miniature peeve is against his “Camelot syndrome” as I call it: every single heroine is the prettiest in the region/country/world without exception, and every supporting female character is merely “comely” or “handsome.” O_O He most definitely has a lighter case of “CS” than G.A. Henty, but when you read four books in a row with the same heroine… Just sayin’ storymonger February 21, 2014 Yes… Haggard does have his issues, and Camelot Syndrome is a brilliant term for that. Unfortunately this seems to be a common flaw among novels of that era, just as the barfy-love-triangle syndrome is among novels of this current era. Sigh. And Lysbeth was brilliant. I think I enjoyed that one even more than The Brethren.
My excitement demands to be vented in a reply – TWO other people who have actually heard of Haggard AND read The Brethren! Huzzah, yippee, whoop!
OK, I’m done now. That feels so much better…
And yes, I whole-heartedly agree that Haggard has earned a masters degree in love triangles; which is a relief, since every book he’s written (that I’ve read anyway) has had some sort of affection polygon: Pearl Maiden, Fair Margaret, Lysbeth, and of course, The Brethren.
My only miniature peeve is against his “Camelot syndrome” as I call it: every single heroine is the prettiest in the region/country/world without exception, and every supporting female character is merely “comely” or “handsome.” O_O He most definitely has a lighter case of “CS” than G.A. Henty, but when you read four books in a row with the same heroine… Just sayin’
storymonger February 21, 2014 Yes… Haggard does have his issues, and Camelot Syndrome is a brilliant term for that. Unfortunately this seems to be a common flaw among novels of that era, just as the barfy-love-triangle syndrome is among novels of this current era. Sigh. And Lysbeth was brilliant. I think I enjoyed that one even more than The Brethren.
Yes… Haggard does have his issues, and Camelot Syndrome is a brilliant term for that. Unfortunately this seems to be a common flaw among novels of that era, just as the barfy-love-triangle syndrome is among novels of this current era. Sigh. And Lysbeth was brilliant. I think I enjoyed that one even more than The Brethren.
Theodora February 17, 2014 I once knew a boy who was stuck in a love pentagon with four girls. Three liked him, the fourth was the one he liked who didn’t like him back. So they do happen. Sometimes. Somewhere out there in the wide, wide world. I may or may not have been involved in this pentagon. 😛 (Okay, I was, but the details don’t need to be known.) That said – this article was perfect! Thank you so much for writing it! I’ll probably refer to it sometime in the future. Theodora February 17, 2014 That : P emote looks far too happy. o_O storymonger February 17, 2014 Haha, yeah, it definitely does get more complex than a triangle, occasionally. Maybe one of these days I’ll do a post on writing love hexadecagons. :p And isn’t that aggravating, when the web turns your intended expression of cynicalness and snark into a dumb smile. Emoticons should not be tampered with.
I once knew a boy who was stuck in a love pentagon with four girls. Three liked him, the fourth was the one he liked who didn’t like him back. So they do happen. Sometimes. Somewhere out there in the wide, wide world.
I may or may not have been involved in this pentagon. 😛 (Okay, I was, but the details don’t need to be known.)
That said – this article was perfect! Thank you so much for writing it! I’ll probably refer to it sometime in the future.
Theodora February 17, 2014 That : P emote looks far too happy. o_O storymonger February 17, 2014 Haha, yeah, it definitely does get more complex than a triangle, occasionally. Maybe one of these days I’ll do a post on writing love hexadecagons. :p And isn’t that aggravating, when the web turns your intended expression of cynicalness and snark into a dumb smile. Emoticons should not be tampered with.
That : P emote looks far too happy. o_O
storymonger February 17, 2014 Haha, yeah, it definitely does get more complex than a triangle, occasionally. Maybe one of these days I’ll do a post on writing love hexadecagons. :p And isn’t that aggravating, when the web turns your intended expression of cynicalness and snark into a dumb smile. Emoticons should not be tampered with.
Haha, yeah, it definitely does get more complex than a triangle, occasionally. Maybe one of these days I’ll do a post on writing love hexadecagons. :p And isn’t that aggravating, when the web turns your intended expression of cynicalness and snark into a dumb smile. Emoticons should not be tampered with.
CJ February 17, 2014 Haha! Yes, I have to agree with you about pretty much everything. But, I’m curious about your opinion on one thing. In general, I’m really uncomfortable with even attempting to write love-triangles, due to the fact that I don’t think I could execute something like that very well. Recently, however, I’ve been working on a Beauty and the Beast retelling, where there is a love triangle of sorts. Meaning, guy #1 is after girl, girl can’t get rid of him and she has a thing going for her and guy #2. However, guy #1, doesn’t know about the existence of guy #2. How would this “love-triangle” be in danger of cheesiness, since it’s a different situation than most? And, while this situation (which later on in the book, get’s much more difficult. :P) doesn’t drive the story on, on it’s own, it is one of the driving forces, and creates more chaos that develops into another story goal. Mostly just wondering about your opinion for a situation like this. -Carolyn storymonger February 17, 2014 I would say there’s a lot less danger of “cheese” in your example, since you’re avoiding the cliche triangle formula. Does the girl like guy #1 at all? And what happens when guy #1 finally does find out about guy #2? CJ February 18, 2014 She’s conflicted. 😛 Guy #1, while not the “villain” of the story, is leaning toward that way. (which is funny… because he’s one of my favorite characters) Eventually, yes, they will know of each other existence, and it’s fantasy, so it has to do with fighting for the Kingdom and evil overlord, etc, etc., and both guys will end up fighting each other, but not over the girl. 😛 Basically what happens, as a result of “love-triangle” situation, is that the girl has basically chosen guy #2, but, it’s guy #1 who has all of the outside support and power and whatnot, which adds to the fact that guy #1 honestly thinks he’s right when it comes to the welfare of the girl. When guy #1 learns of guy #2’s existence, there’s kind of an explosion of another story plot which results in war-like situation with in the country. (Nobody was supposed to know of Guy #2’s existence) (meaning, Beauty and the Beast, right? So, guy #2, is the beast character, but he’s not a beast after all, unlike everyone thought for a series of reasons I will not explain here. So, everyone thinks, due to lies spread by the king, that guy #2 is a villain. :P) (Also, I’ll throw this out there, this is a children’s story) storymonger February 19, 2014 Sounds like some really good story material! And refreshingly different from the love triangle norm, which is nice. Although I don’t know if it could be quite classified as a genuine “love triangle” if the girl and guy #2 are a thing, and guy #1 is just an outside force trying unsuccessfully to win the girl’s affections. Still a sticky situation for all the characters involved, though. 😉
Haha! Yes, I have to agree with you about pretty much everything. But, I’m curious about your opinion on one thing. In general, I’m really uncomfortable with even attempting to write love-triangles, due to the fact that I don’t think I could execute something like that very well. Recently, however, I’ve been working on a Beauty and the Beast retelling, where there is a love triangle of sorts. Meaning, guy #1 is after girl, girl can’t get rid of him and she has a thing going for her and guy #2. However, guy #1, doesn’t know about the existence of guy #2. How would this “love-triangle” be in danger of cheesiness, since it’s a different situation than most? And, while this situation (which later on in the book, get’s much more difficult. :P) doesn’t drive the story on, on it’s own, it is one of the driving forces, and creates more chaos that develops into another story goal. Mostly just wondering about your opinion for a situation like this. -Carolyn
storymonger February 17, 2014 I would say there’s a lot less danger of “cheese” in your example, since you’re avoiding the cliche triangle formula. Does the girl like guy #1 at all? And what happens when guy #1 finally does find out about guy #2? CJ February 18, 2014 She’s conflicted. 😛 Guy #1, while not the “villain” of the story, is leaning toward that way. (which is funny… because he’s one of my favorite characters) Eventually, yes, they will know of each other existence, and it’s fantasy, so it has to do with fighting for the Kingdom and evil overlord, etc, etc., and both guys will end up fighting each other, but not over the girl. 😛 Basically what happens, as a result of “love-triangle” situation, is that the girl has basically chosen guy #2, but, it’s guy #1 who has all of the outside support and power and whatnot, which adds to the fact that guy #1 honestly thinks he’s right when it comes to the welfare of the girl. When guy #1 learns of guy #2’s existence, there’s kind of an explosion of another story plot which results in war-like situation with in the country. (Nobody was supposed to know of Guy #2’s existence) (meaning, Beauty and the Beast, right? So, guy #2, is the beast character, but he’s not a beast after all, unlike everyone thought for a series of reasons I will not explain here. So, everyone thinks, due to lies spread by the king, that guy #2 is a villain. :P) (Also, I’ll throw this out there, this is a children’s story) storymonger February 19, 2014 Sounds like some really good story material! And refreshingly different from the love triangle norm, which is nice. Although I don’t know if it could be quite classified as a genuine “love triangle” if the girl and guy #2 are a thing, and guy #1 is just an outside force trying unsuccessfully to win the girl’s affections. Still a sticky situation for all the characters involved, though. 😉
I would say there’s a lot less danger of “cheese” in your example, since you’re avoiding the cliche triangle formula. Does the girl like guy #1 at all? And what happens when guy #1 finally does find out about guy #2?
CJ February 18, 2014 She’s conflicted. 😛 Guy #1, while not the “villain” of the story, is leaning toward that way. (which is funny… because he’s one of my favorite characters) Eventually, yes, they will know of each other existence, and it’s fantasy, so it has to do with fighting for the Kingdom and evil overlord, etc, etc., and both guys will end up fighting each other, but not over the girl. 😛 Basically what happens, as a result of “love-triangle” situation, is that the girl has basically chosen guy #2, but, it’s guy #1 who has all of the outside support and power and whatnot, which adds to the fact that guy #1 honestly thinks he’s right when it comes to the welfare of the girl. When guy #1 learns of guy #2’s existence, there’s kind of an explosion of another story plot which results in war-like situation with in the country. (Nobody was supposed to know of Guy #2’s existence) (meaning, Beauty and the Beast, right? So, guy #2, is the beast character, but he’s not a beast after all, unlike everyone thought for a series of reasons I will not explain here. So, everyone thinks, due to lies spread by the king, that guy #2 is a villain. :P) (Also, I’ll throw this out there, this is a children’s story) storymonger February 19, 2014 Sounds like some really good story material! And refreshingly different from the love triangle norm, which is nice. Although I don’t know if it could be quite classified as a genuine “love triangle” if the girl and guy #2 are a thing, and guy #1 is just an outside force trying unsuccessfully to win the girl’s affections. Still a sticky situation for all the characters involved, though. 😉
She’s conflicted. 😛 Guy #1, while not the “villain” of the story, is leaning toward that way. (which is funny… because he’s one of my favorite characters) Eventually, yes, they will know of each other existence, and it’s fantasy, so it has to do with fighting for the Kingdom and evil overlord, etc, etc., and both guys will end up fighting each other, but not over the girl. 😛 Basically what happens, as a result of “love-triangle” situation, is that the girl has basically chosen guy #2, but, it’s guy #1 who has all of the outside support and power and whatnot, which adds to the fact that guy #1 honestly thinks he’s right when it comes to the welfare of the girl. When guy #1 learns of guy #2’s existence, there’s kind of an explosion of another story plot which results in war-like situation with in the country. (Nobody was supposed to know of Guy #2’s existence) (meaning, Beauty and the Beast, right? So, guy #2, is the beast character, but he’s not a beast after all, unlike everyone thought for a series of reasons I will not explain here. So, everyone thinks, due to lies spread by the king, that guy #2 is a villain. :P)
(Also, I’ll throw this out there, this is a children’s story)
storymonger February 19, 2014 Sounds like some really good story material! And refreshingly different from the love triangle norm, which is nice. Although I don’t know if it could be quite classified as a genuine “love triangle” if the girl and guy #2 are a thing, and guy #1 is just an outside force trying unsuccessfully to win the girl’s affections. Still a sticky situation for all the characters involved, though. 😉
Sounds like some really good story material! And refreshingly different from the love triangle norm, which is nice. Although I don’t know if it could be quite classified as a genuine “love triangle” if the girl and guy #2 are a thing, and guy #1 is just an outside force trying unsuccessfully to win the girl’s affections. Still a sticky situation for all the characters involved, though. 😉
K.M. Weiland February 17, 2014 The thing that irks the heck out of me when it comes to love triangles is that the fact that the girl (notice how it’s always a girl?) always ends up looking like either a wishy-washy nincompoop who can’t make up her mind – or a selfish nincompoop who’s stringing these poor guys along. Seriously! If she can’t make up her mind between the guys, she doesn’t love either one of them enough. Robyn Hoode February 17, 2014 The other thing that is a common love triangle factor is that one boy is good and the other is a “bad” boy. And you know… thinking about it, there are a lot of stories where the girl is in love with a “bad” boy, love triangle or not. Why? That’s surely cliché by now. And yeah, why is it always a girl? storymonger February 17, 2014 It IS always a girl! I suppose we males are immune to that kind of thing. :p And yes, exactly. Usually all that does for me is make me really dislike everyone involved, especially the gal. Rosie February 18, 2018 What if the guy #1 was a thing to her before they both get into a war of egos when she’s later with guy #2 , after moving on all she wanted with him was to be friends but he’s not even trying instead making her feel restless by giving and showing subtle signs of affection putting her in a huge whole of confusion? meanwhile she’s certain she loves guy #2 but everything is leading her back to guy #1, would that still be a good love story to tell?
The thing that irks the heck out of me when it comes to love triangles is that the fact that the girl (notice how it’s always a girl?) always ends up looking like either a wishy-washy nincompoop who can’t make up her mind – or a selfish nincompoop who’s stringing these poor guys along. Seriously! If she can’t make up her mind between the guys, she doesn’t love either one of them enough.
Robyn Hoode February 17, 2014 The other thing that is a common love triangle factor is that one boy is good and the other is a “bad” boy. And you know… thinking about it, there are a lot of stories where the girl is in love with a “bad” boy, love triangle or not. Why? That’s surely cliché by now. And yeah, why is it always a girl?
The other thing that is a common love triangle factor is that one boy is good and the other is a “bad” boy. And you know… thinking about it, there are a lot of stories where the girl is in love with a “bad” boy, love triangle or not. Why? That’s surely cliché by now.
And yeah, why is it always a girl?
storymonger February 17, 2014 It IS always a girl! I suppose we males are immune to that kind of thing. :p And yes, exactly. Usually all that does for me is make me really dislike everyone involved, especially the gal.
It IS always a girl! I suppose we males are immune to that kind of thing. :p And yes, exactly. Usually all that does for me is make me really dislike everyone involved, especially the gal.
Rosie February 18, 2018 What if the guy #1 was a thing to her before they both get into a war of egos when she’s later with guy #2 , after moving on all she wanted with him was to be friends but he’s not even trying instead making her feel restless by giving and showing subtle signs of affection putting her in a huge whole of confusion? meanwhile she’s certain she loves guy #2 but everything is leading her back to guy #1, would that still be a good love story to tell?
What if the guy #1 was a thing to her before they both get into a war of egos when she’s later with guy #2 , after moving on all she wanted with him was to be friends but he’s not even trying instead making her feel restless by giving and showing subtle signs of affection putting her in a huge whole of confusion? meanwhile she’s certain she loves guy #2 but everything is leading her back to guy #1, would that still be a good love story to tell?
Katherine Rebekah February 17, 2014 Wow, just want to say it looks like your followers are growing by the post, congrats. Anyways, I have a love triangle in my novel but its sort of different in that one of the love interests (the one my character choses) turns out to be a villain latter in the story. I like my love triangle, its vital to the story but its just hard to write about love at all sometimes with out making it cheesy. Any thoughts? storymonger February 17, 2014 Heh, thanks! Hmmm, yeah, that can be hard. You have to be careful with love interests-turned-villains–it can be really easy to make those characters into dirty rotten scoundrels with absolutely no redeeming qualities whatsoever. My advice would be just to spend a lot of time making sure that the villain is a really relatable character who we just can’t help liking. If he was using the main character’s feelings for him to achieve his own ends, make sure that we understand his motives, even if we don’t agree with them. And give him a good sense of humor. Seriously, almost all villains could benefit from a good sense of humor.
Wow, just want to say it looks like your followers are growing by the post, congrats. Anyways, I have a love triangle in my novel but its sort of different in that one of the love interests (the one my character choses) turns out to be a villain latter in the story. I like my love triangle, its vital to the story but its just hard to write about love at all sometimes with out making it cheesy. Any thoughts?
storymonger February 17, 2014 Heh, thanks! Hmmm, yeah, that can be hard. You have to be careful with love interests-turned-villains–it can be really easy to make those characters into dirty rotten scoundrels with absolutely no redeeming qualities whatsoever. My advice would be just to spend a lot of time making sure that the villain is a really relatable character who we just can’t help liking. If he was using the main character’s feelings for him to achieve his own ends, make sure that we understand his motives, even if we don’t agree with them. And give him a good sense of humor. Seriously, almost all villains could benefit from a good sense of humor.
Heh, thanks! Hmmm, yeah, that can be hard. You have to be careful with love interests-turned-villains–it can be really easy to make those characters into dirty rotten scoundrels with absolutely no redeeming qualities whatsoever. My advice would be just to spend a lot of time making sure that the villain is a really relatable character who we just can’t help liking. If he was using the main character’s feelings for him to achieve his own ends, make sure that we understand his motives, even if we don’t agree with them. And give him a good sense of humor. Seriously, almost all villains could benefit from a good sense of humor.
Dani February 17, 2014 I get frustrated with love triangles because they tend to be driven by inherent selfishness, guilt, and a shallow perception of friendships and relationships. Talk about failing to draw the line somewhere! 😉 One of the heroine’s lovers falls deathly ill and then all of a sudden she convinces herself that she was always in love with him and how did she ever doubt her affections? And then the other dude is in mortal danger all of a sudden and she realizes that her heart really loved HIM all along instead. Like I said, it’s frustrating. It’s also frustrating how the heroine tends to be in the middle of the triangle, though I’ve read books and seen shows/movies where this isn’t always the case. I’m not sure I could ever write a love triangle without feeling woefully disappointed in my characters. Not like they haven’t disappointed me before. 😛 storymonger February 19, 2014 Exactly. There is no concept of reality in most of those things… I think if I was one of those guys you described, I’d be making my exit and turning that nice little triangle into a nice little line segment. :p
I get frustrated with love triangles because they tend to be driven by inherent selfishness, guilt, and a shallow perception of friendships and relationships. Talk about failing to draw the line somewhere! 😉 One of the heroine’s lovers falls deathly ill and then all of a sudden she convinces herself that she was always in love with him and how did she ever doubt her affections? And then the other dude is in mortal danger all of a sudden and she realizes that her heart really loved HIM all along instead. Like I said, it’s frustrating. It’s also frustrating how the heroine tends to be in the middle of the triangle, though I’ve read books and seen shows/movies where this isn’t always the case. I’m not sure I could ever write a love triangle without feeling woefully disappointed in my characters. Not like they haven’t disappointed me before. 😛
storymonger February 19, 2014 Exactly. There is no concept of reality in most of those things… I think if I was one of those guys you described, I’d be making my exit and turning that nice little triangle into a nice little line segment. :p
Exactly. There is no concept of reality in most of those things… I think if I was one of those guys you described, I’d be making my exit and turning that nice little triangle into a nice little line segment. :p
Firiel February 18, 2014 *snerk* *Hasn’t ever had a crush on one boy, much less two at a time* o_o Still, good points. Good post. storymonger February 19, 2014 You aren’t missing much. Crushes are nasty affairs that cost way more stress and energy than they’re worth. :p Thanks! Grace & Glory February 20, 2014 *eyebrow raises in suspicion* He says this as if he knows…. 😉 Firiel February 20, 2014 XD storymonger February 21, 2014 Darn. Is it that obvious? :p
*snerk* *Hasn’t ever had a crush on one boy, much less two at a time* o_o
Still, good points. Good post.
storymonger February 19, 2014 You aren’t missing much. Crushes are nasty affairs that cost way more stress and energy than they’re worth. :p Thanks! Grace & Glory February 20, 2014 *eyebrow raises in suspicion* He says this as if he knows…. 😉 Firiel February 20, 2014 XD storymonger February 21, 2014 Darn. Is it that obvious? :p
You aren’t missing much. Crushes are nasty affairs that cost way more stress and energy than they’re worth. :p Thanks!
Grace & Glory February 20, 2014 *eyebrow raises in suspicion* He says this as if he knows…. 😉 Firiel February 20, 2014 XD storymonger February 21, 2014 Darn. Is it that obvious? :p
*eyebrow raises in suspicion* He says this as if he knows…. 😉
Firiel February 20, 2014 XD
storymonger February 21, 2014 Darn. Is it that obvious? :p
Darn. Is it that obvious? :p
R.G. Nairam February 19, 2014 I feel kind of affronted by some of these comments. :p Moving on. I thought it was kind of funny when this post first showed up in my inbox, but then I remembered getting halfway through /Heirborne/ and going “wait a second.” Carolyn and I actually discussed the fact that there was a love triangle we liked. So congrats? As for my own experience, maybe it’s best to go into writing something like that kicking and screaming. I didn’t even want to write about /romance/, for goodness sakes. Being utterly convinced that I’d flub everything up made me super careful. And yeah, the ending of my book would be a /tad/ different if a different choice was made. I think, too, that the love-triangle-y-ness is really of second importance in the whole scheme of things, especially in my most recent draft. She’s making a choice, yes, but it’s much more wound up in choosing a truth or a lie, not who to smooch. When it comes down to it, it has nothing to do with who she finds more attractive or who she likes more. Those aren’t even considerations. One person has been lying to her, and the other hasn’t. It’s as simple and as complicated as that. storymonger February 19, 2014 Heh, I didn’t even realize I was writing a love triangle until after I finished that book… So I had much the same reaction. Glad you guys liked it, though. 😉 I must say that FoL has one of the few non-cheesy love triangles I’ve read. And I like how it ties into the whole “lies vs. truth” theme that runs through the rest of the story.
I feel kind of affronted by some of these comments. :p Moving on.
I thought it was kind of funny when this post first showed up in my inbox, but then I remembered getting halfway through /Heirborne/ and going “wait a second.” Carolyn and I actually discussed the fact that there was a love triangle we liked. So congrats?
As for my own experience, maybe it’s best to go into writing something like that kicking and screaming. I didn’t even want to write about /romance/, for goodness sakes. Being utterly convinced that I’d flub everything up made me super careful.
And yeah, the ending of my book would be a /tad/ different if a different choice was made.
I think, too, that the love-triangle-y-ness is really of second importance in the whole scheme of things, especially in my most recent draft. She’s making a choice, yes, but it’s much more wound up in choosing a truth or a lie, not who to smooch. When it comes down to it, it has nothing to do with who she finds more attractive or who she likes more. Those aren’t even considerations. One person has been lying to her, and the other hasn’t. It’s as simple and as complicated as that.
storymonger February 19, 2014 Heh, I didn’t even realize I was writing a love triangle until after I finished that book… So I had much the same reaction. Glad you guys liked it, though. 😉 I must say that FoL has one of the few non-cheesy love triangles I’ve read. And I like how it ties into the whole “lies vs. truth” theme that runs through the rest of the story.
Heh, I didn’t even realize I was writing a love triangle until after I finished that book… So I had much the same reaction. Glad you guys liked it, though. 😉 I must say that FoL has one of the few non-cheesy love triangles I’ve read. And I like how it ties into the whole “lies vs. truth” theme that runs through the rest of the story.
Aarathyn Arvell February 19, 2014 Love triangles are stressful. Most of the time. :/ storymonger February 19, 2014 Ha. Show me a love triangle that’s not, and I’ll show you… well, I don’t know what I’ll show you. Probably something weird and impossible. Grace & Glory February 20, 2014 Ha! Exactly. How ’bout showing a left-handed Australian walrus who can juggle golf-balls and sing “Dixie” with a French accent simultaneously? That would probably fit into the “weird and impossible” category. storymonger February 21, 2014 Whoa, there’s a blast from the past. XD Grace & Glory February 21, 2014 I wish it wasn’t quite so past; you need to make another video – nah, let’s make that four or five – within the next month or so. 😉 I could use a good many adjectives to describe your videos, let alone my reactions to them… but adjectives take time, so let’s leave it at “Brilliant Hilarity” and “Pain-from-laughing-so-hard.” Can’t imagine what you’d do next though… there’s not much that beats “Auld Lang Syne” on helium! As my Dad says “Take your time, but hurry up.”
Love triangles are stressful. Most of the time. :/
storymonger February 19, 2014 Ha. Show me a love triangle that’s not, and I’ll show you… well, I don’t know what I’ll show you. Probably something weird and impossible. Grace & Glory February 20, 2014 Ha! Exactly. How ’bout showing a left-handed Australian walrus who can juggle golf-balls and sing “Dixie” with a French accent simultaneously? That would probably fit into the “weird and impossible” category. storymonger February 21, 2014 Whoa, there’s a blast from the past. XD Grace & Glory February 21, 2014 I wish it wasn’t quite so past; you need to make another video – nah, let’s make that four or five – within the next month or so. 😉 I could use a good many adjectives to describe your videos, let alone my reactions to them… but adjectives take time, so let’s leave it at “Brilliant Hilarity” and “Pain-from-laughing-so-hard.” Can’t imagine what you’d do next though… there’s not much that beats “Auld Lang Syne” on helium! As my Dad says “Take your time, but hurry up.”
Ha. Show me a love triangle that’s not, and I’ll show you… well, I don’t know what I’ll show you. Probably something weird and impossible.
Grace & Glory February 20, 2014 Ha! Exactly. How ’bout showing a left-handed Australian walrus who can juggle golf-balls and sing “Dixie” with a French accent simultaneously? That would probably fit into the “weird and impossible” category. storymonger February 21, 2014 Whoa, there’s a blast from the past. XD Grace & Glory February 21, 2014 I wish it wasn’t quite so past; you need to make another video – nah, let’s make that four or five – within the next month or so. 😉 I could use a good many adjectives to describe your videos, let alone my reactions to them… but adjectives take time, so let’s leave it at “Brilliant Hilarity” and “Pain-from-laughing-so-hard.” Can’t imagine what you’d do next though… there’s not much that beats “Auld Lang Syne” on helium! As my Dad says “Take your time, but hurry up.”
Ha! Exactly. How ’bout showing a left-handed Australian walrus who can juggle golf-balls and sing “Dixie” with a French accent simultaneously?
That would probably fit into the “weird and impossible” category.
storymonger February 21, 2014 Whoa, there’s a blast from the past. XD Grace & Glory February 21, 2014 I wish it wasn’t quite so past; you need to make another video – nah, let’s make that four or five – within the next month or so. 😉 I could use a good many adjectives to describe your videos, let alone my reactions to them… but adjectives take time, so let’s leave it at “Brilliant Hilarity” and “Pain-from-laughing-so-hard.” Can’t imagine what you’d do next though… there’s not much that beats “Auld Lang Syne” on helium! As my Dad says “Take your time, but hurry up.”
Whoa, there’s a blast from the past. XD
Grace & Glory February 21, 2014 I wish it wasn’t quite so past; you need to make another video – nah, let’s make that four or five – within the next month or so. 😉 I could use a good many adjectives to describe your videos, let alone my reactions to them… but adjectives take time, so let’s leave it at “Brilliant Hilarity” and “Pain-from-laughing-so-hard.” Can’t imagine what you’d do next though… there’s not much that beats “Auld Lang Syne” on helium! As my Dad says “Take your time, but hurry up.”
I wish it wasn’t quite so past; you need to make another video – nah, let’s make that four or five – within the next month or so. 😉 I could use a good many adjectives to describe your videos, let alone my reactions to them… but adjectives take time, so let’s leave it at “Brilliant Hilarity” and “Pain-from-laughing-so-hard.”
Can’t imagine what you’d do next though… there’s not much that beats “Auld Lang Syne” on helium!
As my Dad says “Take your time, but hurry up.”
Olivia February 21, 2014 I was thinking “Tale of Two Cities” by Dickens, is also a love triangle done right. I tend to think that said triangles are better when one person in the equation ends up choosing something else that is actually a ‘far, far better thing’ – like Sidney Carton did. SOMEbody has to move on eventually, and how grand when it is to something bigger than the pitter pats at hand. storymonger February 23, 2014 I forgot about that one, but yes… TOTC has one of my all-time favorite love triangles. Not to mention my all-time favorite anti-hero–Sydney Carton is just the best. Rayne Speryll February 24, 2014 Wow, that one was a good love triangle. Great example! 😀
I was thinking “Tale of Two Cities” by Dickens, is also a love triangle done right. I tend to think that said triangles are better when one person in the equation ends up choosing something else that is actually a ‘far, far better thing’ – like Sidney Carton did. SOMEbody has to move on eventually, and how grand when it is to something bigger than the pitter pats at hand.
storymonger February 23, 2014 I forgot about that one, but yes… TOTC has one of my all-time favorite love triangles. Not to mention my all-time favorite anti-hero–Sydney Carton is just the best.
I forgot about that one, but yes… TOTC has one of my all-time favorite love triangles. Not to mention my all-time favorite anti-hero–Sydney Carton is just the best.
Rayne Speryll February 24, 2014 Wow, that one was a good love triangle. Great example! 😀
Wow, that one was a good love triangle. Great example! 😀
Rayne Speryll February 24, 2014 Thanks for the post, Master Russel. 🙂 I’m in the process of writing a few love triangles, and will try to keep these points in mind as I do.
Thanks for the post, Master Russel. 🙂 I’m in the process of writing a few love triangles, and will try to keep these points in mind as I do.
BeDaiMang March 17, 2014 I love the triangle in Boys Over Flowers. They resolve the tug-o-war in a snap and focus on evolving the friendship amongst the three. The two guys (Junpyo and Jihoo) don’t have a problem with each other because they are best friends (their biggest problem lie outside the triangle). They trust each other to stay where they are needed with regards to what the girl (Jandi) needs, while not at all switching relationships. Jandi is clearly in love with both of them–equally–but in very different ways, and even this is developed quite well. Jihoo even got pissed when Junpyo got close to marrying someone besides Jandi, when clearly his heart was still with her. Jandi and Jihoo share a love whose soul is in friendship. They started as friends, after all, and in a most spectacular way to boot. They are so content with one another that they can remain friends with no problem at all. Junpyo, to a large extent, depends on that friendship, because he knows that, try as he might, his life will frequently force him to be absent from Jandi’s side, and sometimes, life will win. He isn’t worried that Jandi will choose Jihoo over him, because Jihoo is loyal. “You saw her first.” However, it is Jandi and Junpyo who take the romantic approach. They are the exaggerated couple. They have a ton of problems that range from family differences, to inherent flaws, society wanting them to be apart. This results in them having to constantly prove their dedication. Naturally, they end up being the couple. Jihoo, likewise, counts on this, being he believes the two should be together. He doesn’t do it in a self-righteous way. Surprisingly, it may be the thing that makes the most sense to him. They are already facing enormous challenges as a couple, so why should they back down when it proves how good they are together? I like that there’s no competition–in fact, there’s more cooperation amongst these three. The tug-of-war is quickly resolved by them realizing there are more dangerous problems–it’s Romeo and Juliet in Asia. I also love that their friendship is so much stronger than the triangle, or rather, that this triangle provides support, not conflict. It has allowed them to grow so much as characters. They learn about themselves and each other. BOF is a good example of how a triangle can take a positive role in the story, and even move the story forward. It’s a great way to have more loves than one. storymonger May 5, 2014 This sounds like a neat book, as well as a well-handled love triangle. I’ll have to check it out.
I love the triangle in Boys Over Flowers.
They resolve the tug-o-war in a snap and focus on evolving the friendship amongst the three. The two guys (Junpyo and Jihoo) don’t have a problem with each other because they are best friends (their biggest problem lie outside the triangle). They trust each other to stay where they are needed with regards to what the girl (Jandi) needs, while not at all switching relationships. Jandi is clearly in love with both of them–equally–but in very different ways, and even this is developed quite well. Jihoo even got pissed when Junpyo got close to marrying someone besides Jandi, when clearly his heart was still with her.
Jandi and Jihoo share a love whose soul is in friendship. They started as friends, after all, and in a most spectacular way to boot. They are so content with one another that they can remain friends with no problem at all. Junpyo, to a large extent, depends on that friendship, because he knows that, try as he might, his life will frequently force him to be absent from Jandi’s side, and sometimes, life will win. He isn’t worried that Jandi will choose Jihoo over him, because Jihoo is loyal. “You saw her first.”
However, it is Jandi and Junpyo who take the romantic approach. They are the exaggerated couple. They have a ton of problems that range from family differences, to inherent flaws, society wanting them to be apart. This results in them having to constantly prove their dedication. Naturally, they end up being the couple. Jihoo, likewise, counts on this, being he believes the two should be together. He doesn’t do it in a self-righteous way. Surprisingly, it may be the thing that makes the most sense to him. They are already facing enormous challenges as a couple, so why should they back down when it proves how good they are together?
I like that there’s no competition–in fact, there’s more cooperation amongst these three. The tug-of-war is quickly resolved by them realizing there are more dangerous problems–it’s Romeo and Juliet in Asia. I also love that their friendship is so much stronger than the triangle, or rather, that this triangle provides support, not conflict. It has allowed them to grow so much as characters. They learn about themselves and each other.
BOF is a good example of how a triangle can take a positive role in the story, and even move the story forward. It’s a great way to have more loves than one.
storymonger May 5, 2014 This sounds like a neat book, as well as a well-handled love triangle. I’ll have to check it out.
This sounds like a neat book, as well as a well-handled love triangle. I’ll have to check it out.
Kendra E. Ardnek May 1, 2014 Like any cliche, Love Triangles have been overdone, and are usually ridiculous. I’ve read a few good ones, though. Like one where the boy (who is an eleven-year-old prince, for the record) gets betrothed to one girl for political reasons, and absolutely adores her – but she’s older than him, and doesn’t love him back. And then he wakes up a Sleeping Beauty (who is physically his age) who must marry the prince who wakes her up or she’ll die. As a result, he doesn’t want to break off either engagement. And since he’s only eleven, he’s got time to choose. I’ve actually tried my hand at a few triangles (because I’m obsessed with trying to write good cliches) – although in one case it’s more of an hourglass. The trick is to make it vital to the plot without making it the plot, as you’ve mentioned, which can be a hard balance to achieve. Also, don’t make the physical attraction the basis of the triangle, and especially not the basis for the final decision. Physical is fleeting, and your character needs to think through how their life will be affected by the final choice. Which of the love interests would be more committed in the long run, and which has the bad habits that the MC can put up with better – and which would put up with your bad habits. storymonger May 5, 2014 Wow. That sounds awesome. What story is that? Heheh, know what you mean about writing good cliches… Good points! Good looks should never be the basis for any triangle. We don’t like to cheer for characters who are shallow enough to be swayed purely by physical attraction. Kendra E. Ardnek May 9, 2014 Heaven Cent by Piers Anthony. It’s the eleventh book of his Xanth series. He tends to be a bit edgy of a writer, but his Xanths are cleaner than most of the rest of his works. He likes to mess around with cliche’s and puns. Lots of puns. (For instance, the Heaven Cent is a penny that will send the wearer to whomever needs them the most.)
Like any cliche, Love Triangles have been overdone, and are usually ridiculous. I’ve read a few good ones, though. Like one where the boy (who is an eleven-year-old prince, for the record) gets betrothed to one girl for political reasons, and absolutely adores her – but she’s older than him, and doesn’t love him back. And then he wakes up a Sleeping Beauty (who is physically his age) who must marry the prince who wakes her up or she’ll die. As a result, he doesn’t want to break off either engagement. And since he’s only eleven, he’s got time to choose.
I’ve actually tried my hand at a few triangles (because I’m obsessed with trying to write good cliches) – although in one case it’s more of an hourglass. The trick is to make it vital to the plot without making it the plot, as you’ve mentioned, which can be a hard balance to achieve. Also, don’t make the physical attraction the basis of the triangle, and especially not the basis for the final decision. Physical is fleeting, and your character needs to think through how their life will be affected by the final choice. Which of the love interests would be more committed in the long run, and which has the bad habits that the MC can put up with better – and which would put up with your bad habits.
storymonger May 5, 2014 Wow. That sounds awesome. What story is that? Heheh, know what you mean about writing good cliches… Good points! Good looks should never be the basis for any triangle. We don’t like to cheer for characters who are shallow enough to be swayed purely by physical attraction. Kendra E. Ardnek May 9, 2014 Heaven Cent by Piers Anthony. It’s the eleventh book of his Xanth series. He tends to be a bit edgy of a writer, but his Xanths are cleaner than most of the rest of his works. He likes to mess around with cliche’s and puns. Lots of puns. (For instance, the Heaven Cent is a penny that will send the wearer to whomever needs them the most.)
Wow. That sounds awesome. What story is that?
Heheh, know what you mean about writing good cliches… Good points! Good looks should never be the basis for any triangle. We don’t like to cheer for characters who are shallow enough to be swayed purely by physical attraction.
Kendra E. Ardnek May 9, 2014 Heaven Cent by Piers Anthony. It’s the eleventh book of his Xanth series. He tends to be a bit edgy of a writer, but his Xanths are cleaner than most of the rest of his works. He likes to mess around with cliche’s and puns. Lots of puns. (For instance, the Heaven Cent is a penny that will send the wearer to whomever needs them the most.)
Heaven Cent by Piers Anthony. It’s the eleventh book of his Xanth series. He tends to be a bit edgy of a writer, but his Xanths are cleaner than most of the rest of his works. He likes to mess around with cliche’s and puns. Lots of puns. (For instance, the Heaven Cent is a penny that will send the wearer to whomever needs them the most.)
Artemis June 11, 2014 I’m also trying to write a love triangle -of sorts- in my book. This post has been extremely helpful to me so thank you. However, I read one thing to do in the comments but then someone else says not to do it and it’s a terrible idea! Oh well, I guess you have to work most of it out yourself. You can’t please everyone. Still, this has really helped. I hope my love triangle doesn’t seem cheesy now. storymonger June 13, 2014 Heh, yeah… The thing to remember is that advice is always subjective. There’s no “right” way to write a story, just better ways that have exceptions. 😉 Glad you liked it!
I’m also trying to write a love triangle -of sorts- in my book. This post has been extremely helpful to me so thank you. However, I read one thing to do in the comments but then someone else says not to do it and it’s a terrible idea! Oh well, I guess you have to work most of it out yourself. You can’t please everyone. Still, this has really helped. I hope my love triangle doesn’t seem cheesy now.
storymonger June 13, 2014 Heh, yeah… The thing to remember is that advice is always subjective. There’s no “right” way to write a story, just better ways that have exceptions. 😉 Glad you liked it!
Heh, yeah… The thing to remember is that advice is always subjective. There’s no “right” way to write a story, just better ways that have exceptions. 😉 Glad you liked it!
Micaiah Keough July 29, 2014 Well said! I know that I generally get really frustrated with love triangles!
Well said! I know that I generally get really frustrated with love triangles!
Shannon Counihan March 6, 2015 This has really helped me. I am currently writing a YA and really don’t want to make my readers ill. After reading all of the comments, I have decided to create a love triforce that could compromise everything if one little silver thread of affection frayed. Thank you so much! storymonger March 13, 2015 Glad to hear it! Also glad to hear you don’t want to endanger people’s health and well-being with your YA. 😉
This has really helped me. I am currently writing a YA and really don’t want to make my readers ill. After reading all of the comments, I have decided to create a love triforce that could compromise everything if one little silver thread of affection frayed. Thank you so much!
storymonger March 13, 2015 Glad to hear it! Also glad to hear you don’t want to endanger people’s health and well-being with your YA. 😉
Glad to hear it! Also glad to hear you don’t want to endanger people’s health and well-being with your YA. 😉
Will March 18, 2015 My love triangle I am still debating whether or not it should even happen. Basically, clueless guy has thing going with elf girl, (Braden you may or may not have read this yet so spoilers possible) and Clueless and Elf go through a lot together until eventually, Clueless meets another magic girl who comes onto him without Clueless knowing, cue animosity between Elf and Magic, until eventually one will day (probably) and Clueless will take the remaining. And I don’t mean to critique, but if there was any way you could give some more specific pointers on how to make non-cliche love triangles, that’d be great. at the moment I have a lot of trouble making effective dialogue and therefore it seems to come across as forced as opposed to meaningful/flirtatious. BTW, life lesson, if you’re planning on incorporating aspects of your life into your book, IT IS FAR MORE DIFFICULT THEN IT SOUNDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just a warning to any unsuspecting new writers. Will March 18, 2015 ‘day’ should have read ‘die.’ AUTOCORRECT!!!!!!!!!! YOU HAVE FAILED ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My love triangle I am still debating whether or not it should even happen. Basically, clueless guy has thing going with elf girl, (Braden you may or may not have read this yet so spoilers possible) and Clueless and Elf go through a lot together until eventually, Clueless meets another magic girl who comes onto him without Clueless knowing, cue animosity between Elf and Magic, until eventually one will day (probably) and Clueless will take the remaining.
And I don’t mean to critique, but if there was any way you could give some more specific pointers on how to make non-cliche love triangles, that’d be great. at the moment I have a lot of trouble making effective dialogue and therefore it seems to come across as forced as opposed to meaningful/flirtatious.
BTW, life lesson, if you’re planning on incorporating aspects of your life into your book, IT IS FAR MORE DIFFICULT THEN IT SOUNDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just a warning to any unsuspecting new writers.
Will March 18, 2015 ‘day’ should have read ‘die.’ AUTOCORRECT!!!!!!!!!! YOU HAVE FAILED ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
‘day’ should have read ‘die.’
AUTOCORRECT!!!!!!!!!! YOU HAVE FAILED ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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