When we fall in love with a fantasy romance, it’s not just because of the magic, the worldbuilding, or the danger lurking in the shadows—it’s because of the emotional undercurrent that pulses between the characters. That tug of longing. That fiery spark of lust. That quiet, vulnerable bloom of love.
As writers, layering these three emotional threads—longing, lust, and love—can turn a good romance into an unforgettable one. Here’s how to weave them into your story in a way that resonates and burns.
1. Longing: The Ache Before the Touch
Longing is the slow simmer. It’s the glance that lingers too long, the hand that almost brushes another, the whispered what-if. This is often where fantasy romance shines—two characters bound by fate, duty, or danger, who want but can’t—at least not yet.
How to write it:
- Let characters almost connect. Interrupt kisses. Cut off confessions.
- Use internal monologue. Show the character fighting their feelings: “If I touch them, I won’t stop.”
- Place physical or emotional barriers—political alliances, species taboos, cursed bloodlines, a sworn vow.
Bonus Tip: Tie longing to a deeper desire. Do they crave comfort? Freedom? Redemption? That deeper layer makes the ache more personal.
2. Lust: The Fire That Threatens to Burn
Lust isn’t just about physical attraction—it’s about the pull. That magnetic force that makes your characters aware of each other even when they’re supposed to be focused on something else. Lust in fantasy can feel even more dangerous when paired with forbidden power, primal instincts, or supernatural bonds.
How to write it:
- Use sensory detail. Go beyond appearance—describe breath, heat, tension, scent, even magical resonance.
- Let restraint crack. Even a single moment of surrender can shift the dynamic.
- Mix it with emotion. Lust becomes richer when tangled with fear, fury, or heartbreak.
Bonus Tip: Build a scene where lust becomes a turning point—something they can’t undo, something that changes everything.
3. Love: The Bond That Anchors the Soul
Love deepens what lust awakens and longing teases. In fantasy romance, love isn’t just emotional—it can be mythic. Think soulbonds, shared lifeforce, reincarnated lovers, or the one person who makes a god feel human.
How to write it:
- Show emotional safety. When your characters choose to be vulnerable, they invite the reader in.
- Highlight sacrifice. What are they willing to risk or give up for the other?
- Use quiet moments. A healing scene, a shared memory, a silent understanding can hold more weight than a grand gesture.
Bonus Tip: Let love grow in layers. They don’t fall all at once—show the slow reveal of trust, the realization of “Oh… it’s you.”
Final Thoughts: Let It All Tangle
The most powerful fantasy romances don’t treat longing, lust, and love as separate. They’re intertwined. Your characters may start with desire and end with devotion—but along the way, those emotions will clash, evolve, and deepen. Maybe your fire mage aches to touch the frost prince who could kill him with a kiss. Maybe your cursed queen dreams of the one man who could break her chains—or become her undoing.
Let the tension build. Let the sparks fly. Let the emotions unravel and wrap back together again.
Because when you layer longing, lust, and love…
You don’t just write romance.
You create magic.
Happy Writing ^_^
Sara's Writing Sanctuary 