Western Romance is a subgenre of both Western and Romance fiction, combining elements of the two to create stories that explore love and relationships against the backdrop of the American West. Although traditionally set in the 19th-century frontier era, modern Western Romance can span different eras and subjects, including contemporary settings, paranormal elements, Christian themes, suspense, and LGBTQ+ narratives.
The Western Romance subgenre provides a unique blend of adventure, hardship, and romance, all set against the grandeur and peril of the American West. These stories often explore themes of freedom, self-reliance, and the struggle between nature and civilization, providing a rich backdrop for a romantic storyline.
This guide will take you through a comprehensive journey of writing a Western Romance story. We'll start by delving deeper into the subgenre and its various settings and themes. We will then explore the key elements of writing such a story, including creating engaging characters, setting the scene in the Western landscape, crafting a plot with balanced romance and adventure, and weaving secondary elements of danger, adventure, and mystery.
We'll also guide you on how to achieve an authentic Western "voice" in your writing, how to effectively self-edit, revise, and gain critique for your story, and how to navigate the publishing industry for Western Romance. Whether you're just getting started or looking to refine your existing writing skills, this blog post is here to help you on your path to becoming a successful Western Romance author.
Understanding the subgenre
History of western romance
The Western Romance subgenre has its roots in the wider Western genre, which became popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as dime novels and pulp magazines painted romantic pictures of the American West. These stories often involved hardy cowboys, lawmen, and outlaws, grappling with the dangers of the frontier. As readers sought more depth and variety in these tales, romance became a significant component, giving rise to Western Romance.
Throughout the 20th century, the subgenre expanded, with authors introducing more nuanced characters, especially female protagonists. Instead of being mere damsels in distress, these women were depicted as strong, independent individuals who could thrive in the harsh Western environment. As societal norms and attitudes have evolved, so too has the Western Romance subgenre, with contemporary interpretations adding more diversity and broadening the range of experiences portrayed.
Key elements of a western romance story
A Western Romance story typically combines elements of adventure and romance, set against the backdrop of the American West. Here are some key elements:
- Setting: Whether it's a small frontier town in the 1800s or a contemporary ranch, the Western setting is crucial. This includes not only the physical landscape but also the cultural and societal norms of the era.
- Characters: The protagonists often include a rugged, strong-willed cowboy, lawman, or outlaw and an equally resilient heroine. They are typically characterized by their independence, grit, and a strong moral code.
- Romantic Plot: The romantic relationship between the protagonists is central to the story. This relationship must overcome obstacles and conflicts, which can stem from external sources (like villains or natural disasters) or internal ones (like emotional baggage or societal expectations).
- Adventure: Western Romance stories often feature elements of danger and excitement, from cattle rustling to stagecoach robberies, which adds to the tension and thrill.
Popular examples and case studies
These stories and authors have played a significant role in shaping the Western Romance subgenre, and their works are excellent starting points for anyone aspiring to write in this subgenre.
- Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey: Often cited as the original Western Romance, this 1912 novel combines elements of the classic Western with a significant romantic subplot.
- Comanche Moon by Catherine Anderson: A bestselling author of the subgenre, Anderson is known for her heartfelt, adventurous tales. In this book, she tells the story of a woman kidnapped by Comanche warriors and the Texas Ranger who tries to save her.
- Montana Sky by Nora Roberts: A contemporary Western Romance by one of the leading authors of Romance fiction, it tells the story of three half-sisters who must live together for a year to inherit their father's ranch.
- The Loop by Nicholas Evans: While it's also a contemporary Western Romance, it introduces elements of environmental drama, setting human and romantic relationships against a backdrop of wolf conservation.
Exploring variations of western romance
Delving into the variations of Western Romance allows writers to spin unique and exciting tales that go beyond the traditional scope of the genre. Whether it's integrating elements of mystery in a Western Romantic Suspense, blending the genre with paranormal themes, or focusing on diverse relationships in LGBTQ+ Western Romance, these variations add rich layers to the storytelling, offering readers a fresh take on the familiar backdrop of the Western setting.
Historical western romance
Historical Western Romances transport readers back in time to the American West of the 1800s. These stories focus on the realities of life in that era, from frontier towns to cattle drives, incorporating historical details and challenges into the romantic narrative. The protagonists may face conflicts like land disputes, lawlessness, or societal norms of the time.
Contemporary western romance
While retaining the Western setting and themes, Contemporary Western Romances are set in the present day. These stories may involve modern ranch life, small-town dynamics, and current societal issues, presenting a fresh twist on the traditional Western Romance formula.
Paranormal western romance
Paranormal Western Romance incorporates elements of the supernatural into the Western setting. Characters might include ghosts, witches, shapeshifters, or other fantastical beings, and the plot may involve magical or supernatural challenges in addition to the typical Western and romantic obstacles.
Christian western romance
In Christian Western Romances, faith plays a significant role in the characters' lives and the storyline. These stories often explore themes like forgiveness, redemption, and divine guidance, with the characters' spiritual journeys intertwined with their romantic ones. They adhere to Christian values and usually avoid explicit content.
Western romantic suspense
Western Romantic Suspense combines the Western setting and romantic subplot with elements of suspense and mystery. The protagonists might be trying to solve a crime, prevent a disaster, or escape a dangerous situation, with the thrill and danger adding to the romantic tension.
LGBTQ+ western romance
LGBTQ+ Western Romances focus on romantic relationships between LGBTQ+ characters in a Western setting. These stories bring diversity and representation to the subgenre, exploring the unique challenges and experiences of LGBTQ+ characters in the American West.
Creating engaging characters
Building believable, three-dimensional protagonists
In every story, characters drive the plot and engage the reader's emotions. For a Western Romance, the protagonists are typically a rugged male character and a strong-willed female character. Yet, these roles can be more than mere archetypes. A truly compelling Western Romance arises when these characters are fully realized, three-dimensional individuals, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, hopes, and fears.
- The Rugged Cowboy / Outlaw / Lawman: In the heart of many Western Romance stories is the rugged male lead, often a cowboy, outlaw, or lawman. This character typically possesses physical strength, resilience, and a deep sense of honor, even if he operates outside the law. To ensure your cowboy, outlaw, or lawman is three-dimensional, give him clear motivations, vulnerabilities, and an inner life that readers can relate to. Perhaps he's fighting for a cause, seeking redemption, or driven by a complicated past. By giving him depth beyond his tough exterior, you create a more nuanced character who will captivate readers.
- The Strong-Willed Heroine: Just as important is the strong-willed heroine. While she can start as a newcomer to the Western setting, she soon proves herself as resilient and resourceful as any man. She may challenge the traditional gender norms of the setting, whether by taking over the family ranch or standing up to outlaws. However, like the male protagonist, she needs her own motivations, vulnerabilities, and inner life. Perhaps she's fleeing from something, protecting loved ones, or pursuing her own version of the American Dream. Her courage, determination, and growth form the emotional core of the Western Romance.
Crafting compelling supporting characters
In addition to the protagonists, your story will include a host of supporting characters, each with their own roles to play. This might include fellow ranchers, law enforcement, outlaws, townsfolk, or family members. When crafting these characters, it's important to ensure that they are fully realized, with their own goals, flaws, and strengths. They should each contribute something unique to the story, whether that's aiding or impeding the protagonists, providing comic relief, or highlighting different aspects of the setting. Remember, every character is the protagonist of their own story, even if that story isn't the one you're telling.
Character growth in the face of adversity
The American West was a harsh, demanding environment that tested the mettle of even the toughest inhabitants. It's therefore a perfect setting for exploring character growth in the face of adversity. As your characters navigate the challenges of their world - whether that's a cattle rustling operation, a harsh winter, or societal expectations - they should change and grow. Perhaps the cowboy learns to open up emotionally, or the heroine discovers a strength she never knew she had. This growth should be tied to both the plot and the romantic arc, with the characters' development affecting their relationship and vice versa. By ensuring that your characters grow and change, you can create a more engaging and satisfying story.
Setting the scene: the western landscape across eras
Whether your story takes place in a dusty frontier town or a modern-day ranch, a well-crafted setting can immerse your readers in your story, deepen your characters, and drive your plot.
Building an immersive traditional western setting
The traditional Western setting evokes images of wide-open plains, rugged mountains, dusty towns, and hardy settlers. To build an immersive traditional Western setting, you'll need to delve into the details - the heat of the sun, the sound of a horse's hooves, the tension in a saloon. Your setting should also reflect the challenges of life in the Old West, such as the physical dangers, the isolation, and the societal norms. By painting a vivid picture of the traditional Western setting, you can create a world that readers can step into and explore.
Adapting the western setting to contemporary times
While the setting of a contemporary Western Romance still includes elements of the American West, it also reflects modern realities. This might include current farming or ranching practices, small-town dynamics, or present-day social issues. When adapting the Western setting to contemporary times, it's important to balance the traditional Western atmosphere with a realistic portrayal of the modern West.
Integrating historical accuracy into your setting
Regardless of the era, historical accuracy can lend authenticity and depth to your Western setting. This might involve researching the clothing, technology, and customs of the time, or the particular geography and climate of your setting. By integrating these details into your story, you can make your setting feel more real and immersive. However, it's important to weave these details into your story in a way that serves your characters and plot, rather than overwhelming them. Historical accuracy should enhance your story, not detract from it.
Plotting your western romance
Crafting the plot for your Western Romance is a delicate task. The plot needs to incorporate the common tropes and themes of the subgenre while keeping the readers on their toes. And at the heart of it all, there must be conflict—both external and internal—that your characters need to overcome.
Balancing romance and adventure
In a Western Romance, the romance and adventure elements are equally important. The romantic arc should be closely intertwined with the adventure plot, with each affecting the other. The characters' external adventures—such as dealing with outlaws or natural disasters—should influence their romantic relationship, just as their feelings for each other should influence their actions in the face of adventure.
Incorporating common western tropes and themes
Western Romances often draw on common tropes and themes of the genre. This might include the rugged cowboy, the strong-willed woman, the lawless frontier, the showdown, or the quest for justice. However, it's important to use these tropes in a way that's fresh and engaging, and that serves your characters and story. You can play with these tropes, subvert them, or put your own spin on them to create a story that's both familiar and surprising.
Crafting obstacles and conflict: external and internal
Conflict is the engine of any story, and in a Western Romance, it often takes both external and internal forms. External conflict can come from the harsh environment, lawless outlaws, societal expectations, or other external forces. Internal conflict can come from the characters' own fears, doubts, or past hurts. These conflicts should test your characters, driving their growth and affecting their romantic relationship. They should also be resolved in a satisfying way that's consistent with the characters and the story.
Creating tension and suspense
Tension and suspense keep readers turning pages, and in a Western Romance, they can arise from both the romance and the adventure. The romantic tension comes from the characters' feelings for each other, their struggles to express those feelings, and the obstacles to their relationship. The suspense can come from the dangers and challenges of the Western setting, as well as the characters' efforts to overcome them. By weaving tension and suspense throughout your story, you can create a Western Romance that's both emotionally engaging and thrilling to read.
Crafting the romance
Developing a believable romantic arc
The romantic arc should be compelling and satisfying, with clear stages of progression. This could involve initial attraction, growing feelings, conflict and resolution, deepening love, and eventual commitment. Each stage should feel natural and earned, with the characters' feelings for each other evolving in a way that's consistent with their personalities and experiences.
Balancing power dynamics in relationships
Power dynamics play an important role in any romantic relationship, and they should be handled carefully in a Western Romance. Whether it's the rugged cowboy and the strong-willed heroine, or two equals finding love in the rough landscape, each character should have their own strengths, vulnerabilities, and agency. Their relationship should feel balanced and respectful, with both characters influencing each other and contributing to the resolution of the plot.
Exploring themes of love, passion, and freedom
Western Romances often explore themes of love, passion, and freedom. Love and passion form the emotional core of the story, driving the characters' actions and decisions. Freedom, whether it's the freedom of the open range or the freedom to live and love as one chooses, is a key theme in the Western genre. These themes should be woven throughout your story, reflected in the characters, plot, and setting.
Writing convincing romantic and emotional scenes
The romantic and emotional scenes are some of the most important in a Western Romance, and they should be written with care. Whether it's a first kiss under the stars, a heated argument in the midst of a cattle drive, or a quiet moment of understanding, these scenes should convey the characters' feelings for each other in a way that's vivid, authentic, and emotionally resonant. They should also be grounded in the characters and the setting, reflecting the unique dynamics and atmosphere of the Western genre.
The role of secondary elements: danger, adventure, and mystery
While romance forms the emotional backbone of a Western Romance, it's the elements of danger, adventure, and mystery that keep readers on the edge of their seats. These secondary elements add excitement and complexity to your story, raise the stakes for your characters, and provide obstacles for them to overcome.
Integrating action and danger into your plot
The Western genre is known for its action and danger, whether it's a high-stakes poker game, a dangerous cattle drive, or a showdown with an outlaw. Integrating these elements into your plot can create thrilling moments, heighten the tension, and test your characters. The danger should feel real and significant, presenting a genuine threat to the characters and their goals. And the way your characters react to the danger should reveal their strengths, fears, and true feelings for each other.
Building a gripping adventure
An adventure plot can add a sense of excitement and momentum to your Western Romance. This could involve a perilous journey, a quest for justice, or a fight to protect what's theirs. The adventure should be closely intertwined with the romantic plot, with each influencing the other. It should also be gripping and well-paced, with a clear goal, escalating tension, and satisfying resolution.
Weaving in elements of mystery and suspense
Elements of mystery and suspense can add layers of complexity to your Western Romance. This might involve a hidden secret, a mysterious stranger, or a puzzling event. These mysteries should pique the readers' curiosity and add uncertainty and suspense to your story. They should also be integral to the plot and the characters, rather than being tacked on as an afterthought. As the mystery unfolds, it should impact the characters, their relationships, and the overall plot, leading to a resolution that's both surprising and satisfying.
Writing style and language
Achieving an authentic western "voice"
Crafting an authentic Western "voice" is essential in a Western Romance. This voice should reflect the era, region, and culture of your setting, as well as the personalities and backgrounds of your characters. It can be conveyed through your narrative style, your characters' dialogue, and your use of regional dialects or phrases. However, it's important to balance authenticity with readability, avoiding stereotypes or outdated language that might alienate your readers.
Balancing narrative, dialogue, and description
A well-crafted Western Romance balances narrative, dialogue, and description. Narrative moves the story forward and provides insight into the characters' thoughts and feelings. Dialogue reveals the characters' personalities, relationships, and conflicts, and brings their voices to life. Description paints a vivid picture of the setting, the characters, and the action. Each of these elements should complement the others, working together to create a cohesive and engaging story.
Using symbolism and metaphor
Symbolism and metaphor can add depth and richness to your Western Romance. For instance, the vast Western landscape might symbolize freedom or isolation, a cowboy's hat might represent his identity or status, or a showdown might serve as a metaphor for a personal conflict. Using these literary devices can give your story a deeper meaning, resonate with your readers on an emotional level, and enhance the themes and mood of your story. However, they should be used sparingly and subtly, woven into the story in a way that feels natural and meaningful.
Editing and revising your western romance
Once you've written the first draft of your Western Romance, the editing and revising process begins. This is where you refine your story, fix any problems, and polish your prose until it shines.
Techniques for self-editing
Self-editing involves taking a critical look at your own work and making improvements. This can include fixing spelling and grammar errors, tightening your prose, clarifying unclear sections, and cutting unnecessary words or scenes. To self-edit effectively, it can be helpful to take a break after finishing your first draft, so you can come back to it with fresh eyes. Reading your work aloud, or using a text-to-speech tool, can also help you to spot any awkward or confusing parts.
Importance of feedback and critique
Feedback from others is invaluable in the editing process. This could come from beta readers, critique partners, writing groups, or professional editors. They can provide an outside perspective, point out any issues you might have missed, and give you suggestions for improvement. However, it's important to remember that not all feedback will be useful or relevant, and it's your job as the writer to decide which advice to take on board.
Revising for plot, character, and theme consistency
When revising your story, it's important to check for consistency in your plot, characters, and themes. This might involve making sure your plot develops logically, your characters behave consistently, and your themes are woven throughout your story. If any parts of your story feel disjointed or out of place, you may need to revise them to ensure they align with the rest of your story.
Considering professional editing services
If you're serious about publishing your Western Romance, you might consider hiring a professional editor. They can provide a thorough and objective critique of your work, spotting errors or inconsistencies that you might have overlooked, and suggesting improvements at the language, story, or structural level. Professional editors can be a valuable resource, helping you to polish your manuscript to a publishable standard and ensuring your story is the best it can be. However, it's important to choose an editor who is familiar with the Western Romance subgenre, and who shares your vision for your story.
Publishing your western romance
Once you've written, edited, and polished your Western Romance, it's time to consider publishing. This involves understanding the publishing industry for Western Romance, crafting a compelling query letter and synopsis, and deciding between traditional publishing and self-publishing.
Understanding the publishing industry for western romance
Before you can publish your Western Romance, it's important to understand the subgenre's place in the publishing industry. This involves researching the market, identifying publishers or agents who represent Western Romances, and staying up-to-date with trends and reader preferences. It can also be beneficial to read other recent Western Romances, to get a sense of what's currently being published.
Crafting a compelling query letter and synopsis
If you're seeking traditional publishing, you'll need to craft a compelling query letter and synopsis to pitch your story to agents or publishers. Your query letter should include a brief, intriguing summary of your story, information about your writing credentials, and why you believe your story would be a good fit for the agent or publisher. Your synopsis should provide a more detailed summary of your story, including the plot, characters, and ending. Both should be clear, concise, and engaging, enticing the reader to want to read more.
Exploring traditional publishing vs. self-publishing
The choice between traditional publishing and self-publishing is a personal one, and depends on your goals, resources, and preferences. Traditional publishing involves working with a publishing house, which can provide editorial, design, and marketing support, but also involves giving up some creative control and a portion of your royalties. Self-publishing allows for more control and potentially higher royalties, but requires you to handle all aspects of the publishing process yourself, or hire professionals to help. Both paths have their pros and cons, and it's important to research and consider each option carefully before deciding which is right for you.
Conclusion
As you journey through the rugged landscapes of the Wild West or navigate the complexities of modern rural life, remember that your story's heart lies in the compelling relationships you create and the engaging adventures you weave. The path of writing is filled with twists and turns, but with careful planning, creativity, and persistence, you can craft a Western Romance that captivates your readers and resonates with them long after they turn the last page. Whether you lean towards historical sagas or contemporary tales, embrace the opportunity to transport your readers into a world filled with romance, danger, and adventure.
As with any writing endeavor, remember that writing a compelling Western Romance involves not only drafting, but also revising, seeking feedback, and making improvements. Whether you choose to use professional editing services or rely on your own keen eye for detail, the key lies in honing your manuscript until it truly sparkles.
Finally, remember that the road to publication can be challenging but immensely rewarding. By understanding the publishing landscape and considering the best path for your work, you can find a home for your Western Romance that allows it to reach the readers who will love it most.
May your writing journey be as thrilling as a gallop across the open plains, and may your Western Romance capture the heart and spirit of the timeless frontier.
Header image by 4kclips.