Writer’s block can feel like an immovable wall, especially when you’re trying to pen a story full of swooning hearts and electric chemistry. But sometimes, all it takes is a spark—a fresh idea wrapped in a familiar structure—to get your creative juices flowing. That’s where romance tropes come in. These timeless storytelling elements can act as the perfect jumping-off point to help you craft unforgettable scenes, characters, and conflicts.
Here’s a fun and actionable writing exercise to help you break through your creative block. It’s designed to be flexible, allowing you to infuse your unique voice while working within the beloved structure of a romance trope.
The Exercise: “Opposites Attract in a Storm”
Step 1: Meet the Characters
Start by creating two characters who are opposites:
- One thrives on structure and logic—a meticulous planner.
- The other lives spontaneously, embracing chaos and creativity.
Spend five minutes jotting down their personalities, quirks, and backstories. Why are they so different? What values or fears define their worldview?
Step 2: The Setting—Stranded Together
The trope begins with a classic setup: these two characters find themselves stranded together during a storm. Maybe their car breaks down on a remote road, or they’re stuck in an airport during a blizzard.
Describe the setting in 200 words. What does it look like, feel like, and sound like? How does the storm mirror their inner emotional states?
Step 3: The Conflict Sparks
Write a scene where they clash over how to handle the situation. The planner might insist on a strict course of action, while the free spirit argues for letting fate take its course. Let their personalities shine through dialogue and body language.
For example:
- Does the planner obsess over the map while the free spirit lights candles for ambiance?
- Does the free spirit suggest they wait it out while the planner is ready to charge into the storm?
Step 4: A Moment of Vulnerability
As the night deepens, introduce a moment where their walls begin to crack. Maybe the storm forces them to confront a shared fear, or they bond over an unexpected commonality.
Write this scene focusing on their inner thoughts as much as their words. What do they notice about each other in this quiet moment? How do they feel about letting their guard down?
Step 5: Leave the Ending Open
End the exercise on an ambiguous note. Did the storm strengthen their bond, or are they still figuring each other out? Leave enough room for your characters to grow, and you might find yourself inspired to expand this scene into a full story.
Why This Exercise Works
- It Builds Conflict: Opposites Attract is a classic trope that thrives on friction, creating instant tension and drama.
- It’s Relatable: Stranded-in-a-storm scenarios bring out human vulnerability, a powerful tool for connecting with your audience.
- It’s Open-Ended: You can take this scene anywhere—whether it’s the start of a slow-burn romance or the beginning of a lifelong partnership.
Writer’s block thrives on perfectionism and overthinking. Exercises like this let you focus on doing, giving you the freedom to experiment without pressure. So grab a cup of tea, open your notebook or laptop, and let the storm roll in. Your characters—and your inspiration—are waiting.