10 Tips for Writing Sweet or Clean & Wholesome Romance

Most authors know me for my Ines Johnson pen name where I write hot contemporary, steamy paranormal romance, and spicy romantasy. But lots of readers know me for my clean and wholesome pen name Shanae Johnson where I write sweet military romance. Over the next two weeks, I’m going to give you tips for writing at both of these heat levels.

If you are a PAID SUBSCRIBER, you have access to the workshop I taught called “Writing Sweet,” which is right here on Substack.

Writing a heartwarming, clean romance that keeps readers engaged without relying on explicit content requires a focus on deep emotional connection, compelling storytelling, and satisfying romantic tension. Here are my ten essential tips to craft a captivating sweet romance:

1. The Set-Up: Establish the World and Characters

The opening of your story should introduce the hero and heroine’s ordinary world while hinting at the extraordinary circumstances that will challenge them. Quickly establish their goals, desires, and the “Disturbance” that shakes up their status quo.

2. Establish Emotional Stakes Early

Readers connect with characters through their emotions. As a writer, you should highlight vulnerabilities, personal growth arcs, and internal conflicts that will make their romantic journey meaningful. Fear of loss, self-doubt, or past heartbreaks should play a role in raising the emotional stakes.

3. Incorporate Wholesome Settings

A small-town bakery, a cozy café, or a family gathering can enhance the warmth of a clean romance. These settings create an inviting atmosphere and serve as a backdrop for key emotional moments. The setting should feel like a character in its own right, reinforcing the story’s tone. You can always refer back to the post I wrote about how to make your setting a character.

4. The “Let’s Stick Together” Beat

Once the hero and heroine are forced into close proximity—whether through a shared goal, a work assignment, or a small-town event—they must work together despite their differences. This "Adhesion" moment should ensure they can’t easily walk away from each other, sparking friction and attraction.

5. Add a Twist to Classic Tropes

Tropes like friends to lovers, fake relationships, or second chances are beloved for a reason. However, adding an unexpected twist—such as friends who pretend to hate each other before realizing their love or a married couple that pretends to be divorced for “romance reasons”—keeps the story fresh and engaging.

6. Build Romantic Tension Through Obstacles

In the “fun and games” section of the romance, use obstacles to deepen the connection between the hero and heroine. Think of Three Dates and a Disaster—where each date is met with a different type of obstacle (antagonist, physical obstructions, psychological fears, or mystical forces). These hurdles make the eventual happy ending feel earned.

7. Focus on Chemistry Over Physicality

Romantic tension is about anticipation, not explicit content. Build chemistry through lingering glances, charged dialogue, and emotional depth. Use smooth transitions, just like a camera lens in film, moving between close, mid-range, and wide shots in storytelling to create a natural progression of intimacy.

8. The Reflection Beat

As the story nears its climax, one or both protagonists must have a moment of self-realization. They may physically look in a mirror, reflect on their journey, or recognize that they cannot return to their old ways. This beat solidifies their emotional growth and prepares them for the final test of their love.

9. Deliver a Strong Ending: Black Moment, Wake Up, and Grand Gesture

• Black Moment: Just as everything seems to be falling into place, the relationship crumbles. A misunderstanding, an external force, or self-doubt leads to a painful separation.

• Wake Up Moment: The hero or heroine realizes they made the wrong choice. Whether it’s an epiphany (internal realization) or a revelation (external information), this moment sets them on a path toward reconciliation.

• Grand Gesture: The final act of love—whether a heartfelt confession, a risk taken, or a callback to the opening scene—cements their commitment and ensures a deeply satisfying resolution.

10. The Wholesome Happily Ever After

Your ending should leave readers with a sense of joy and fulfillment.

• Bring the story full circle by revisiting a significant place, motif, or event.

• Give a glimpse into their future—a shared dream, a family gathering, or even just a simple, meaningful exchange.

• End with a memorable line or gesture that encapsulates their love story.

Final Thoughts

Sweet and wholesome romance thrives on emotional depth, strong storytelling, and characters readers can root for. By crafting heartfelt conflicts, meaningful resolutions, and unforgettable chemistry, you’ll create a love story that lingers in readers’ hearts long after they turn the final page.

Download my Sweet Beat Sheet: https://ineswrites.com/HallmarkBeatSheet