Love in a story

[Rulke]

I can never figure out how to do this and it would help alot if i could.

[Snoink]

What kind of love?

[Rulke]

Just like girlfriend/boyfriends, couple love that sort of thing.

[Crysi]

Hmm... It IS somewhat difficult to write love between characters without making it sound corny. See Star Wars Episode III for an example of how NOT to portray love between characters. ("You're so... beautiful." "It's only because I'm in love." "No, it's because I'm so in love with you." "So love has blinded you, then?" "That's... not what I meant..." *GAG*)

Basically, don't do the whole over-the-top thing, where they declare love to each other and then make out passionately. If you want to make it realistic, go out and observe couples. Take notes on how they act around each other, how they look at each other, what they say (if you're close enough to hear), how they touch the other person, stuff like that. For instance, I've noticed that couples don't seem to need personal space. One person allows the other person into their personal space, because they want to be close. And usually true love is pretty subtle. It's soft and sweet. *tries to think of a movie or book example* I can't really think of a good example, unfortunately. But like I said, go out and take notes on couples. That should at least give you the actions and descriptions. As for dialogue, make it natural, as if they were best friends instead of boyfriend/girlfriend. You can always add in a FEW stereotypical couple phrases, like using pet names and saying, "I love you," "I love you, too." But don't overdo it. The main thing is to not make it obvious that you're trying to write a couple.

[KayJuran]

I don't think you even have to have anyone saying 'I love you' in the story, to make it look like they're in love.. 'cause real couples don't necessarily say that all the time. Well, some do.. but not all, and I think for a couple who don't, it's even more special when the l-word does slip out.

Thing is though, even though I know a lot of couples, I do find it hard to realistically show two people falling in love in a story.. I know it should be subtle, and should perhaps happen over time, showing little hints and things.. but I do find it hard to do..

Hm, although it *does* give me an idea for a story..

[Firestarter]

Never say they fall in love.

Introduce it in another way. The devil is in the details. Small things that people do when they're falling in love without realising it. I agree with Crysi - observe people.

But most of all, use your own experiences. I know you love Liz, so use that. When did you realise it? What did you say to her? How do you feel about it? Most people fall in love without realising it, and the word is only placed to it sometime after. If you could try and express that moment when the character realises it's love they feel, that can be some powerful writing.

As with all emotions in writing, back it up with dialogue and action. Show, don't tell. Show us how their in love, what they do.

I hope this helps. Love is hard to represent because it's so hard to understand.

[Elizabeth]

You little weirdo, while you're singing on the phone and I'm listening I'm asking you how could you ASK this.

What we have is love and though there is good advice it has nothing to DO with us.
*slaps you upside your head* BAD VERNON VERY BAD!
*giggles mercilessly*