Writing is hard, and it’s hard to truly understand your
genre. There are nuances, tropes, and clichés you have to be mindful of. Fear
not! I have compiled the ultimate checklist. Follow this list, and I guarantee
your book will probably almost match the book you want to write. Maybe.
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Fading regency estate (alternatively, well-to-do
Victorian household)
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Dramatic sunrise
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Threat of suitor/arranged marriage to loom over
our heroine
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One heroine: eldest of some number of sisters,
rebellious, headstrong, unconventional
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Her name is probably Elizabeth
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But she probably goes by Zabe, because forget
historical norms
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One romantic interest: brooding, dark-haired,
well-built, mysterious, aloof; above all, rich
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He probably goes by his effeminate last name
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At least two house parties
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Not like for frats, for stuffy wealthy Brits
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Libraries. Nothing is sexier than kissing
against the shelves
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Your heroine is not like other girls
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Horses
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Like, she knows how to read
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References to either Napoleon or Victoria; it
shows you did your research
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Heroine complaining about her wardrobe/marriage
prospects/life
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Because how awful is it to have a nice house?
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And supportive parents?
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And nice clothes to wear?
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An obvious “no” in the marriage department
(cousin, stutterer, religious, considerate, etc.)
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Dubious older suitor with ill intentions to
leave your heroine hot and confused
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Is it so bad decent gentlemen sent you flowers?
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Best friend(s) for your heroine; identical and
gushing over the romantic interest
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They are literally interchangeable
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And probably both named Katherine
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One goes by Ther
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One best friend can be poor
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But she just lurves
serving the heroine
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Because she works for the heroine and has no
life of her own
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And an obvious low class English accent
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An insipid rival fiancée for your heroine to
sass at dinner
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References to Jane Austen or the Brontës. A
unique girl only read the most popular literature.
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She has flaxen curls and a peachy complexion
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Fencing, for good measure
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Is it really so difficult to marry Philip
Caldwell, Elizabeth?? WHY, ELIZABETH?!
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Of course, your heroine is an expert
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That rival fiancée purses her lips a lot
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“I’m not beautiful, my lord.”
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“Yes, you are.”
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Swooning (but don’t you dare let your heroine
swoon)
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Let the bodice hit the floor
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Dramatic sunset
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Romantic, peaceful epilogue with the heroine and
love interest all married and stuff
And most importantly:
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Impose modern sensibilities and ideas into your
heroine’s head so she seems super progressive
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