Romancing the Story: Writing Romance, Storytelling, and Book Structure

Sarah Gamez
  • 4.9 (14)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Story enthusiast and romance writer Sarah Gamez explores the creative craft and pragmatic aspects of writing with niche topic discussions, inspirational pieces and industry insights. Join in on conversations with authors and experts on creating engaging stories, marketing your books, and navigating the (self) publishing world. Whether you write romance or not, there's plenty of tips to be found on storytelling, genres, and medias. Sometimes, with a twist of romance.

  1. 12/16/2025

    Ep 89 - Writing & Dual Narrating a Holiday Romance with Loren Sorensen, Willa Jaymes, and Christian Leatherman

    "I think the number one thing (for an audiobook) is collaboration is the key..." Audiobooks are an intimate experience. Author Loren Sorensen and Narrators Willa Jaymes and Christian Leatherman would know about creating stories - both in a book and in the booth. Loren gives us a glimpse behind the inspiration of her novella, The Trouble with Christmas. We also delve into Christian's thorough prep work and Willa's careful, immersive approach to character work. Connect with Loren: https://www.lorensorensenwrites.net/ Instagram: @lorensorensenwrites TikTok: @lorensorensenwrites Shopify: https://lsorensenbookstop.myshopify.com/ Connect with Willa: https://www.willa-jaymes.com/ Instagram: @willajaymesnarrator TikTok: @willajaymesnarrator Facebook: @willajaymesnarrator Connect with Christian: https://christianleatherman.com/ Instagram: @leathermanaudio TikTok: @leathermanaudio Audible: https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Christian+Leatherman Check out The Trouble with Christmas: https://amzn.to/4q3skkk --------- The YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ Support the Show https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory Find me below: Twitter - @RomancetheStory Instagram - @RomancetheStory Facebook - @RomancetheStory  Music: Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo Support the show

    57 min

  2. 12/01/2025

    Ep 88 - Wattpad & Serialized Fiction: Writing That Hooks Readers with Lux Raven

    "There's a reason a lot of the marginalized characters start out in places like Wattpad...it becomes this people driven publishing house in a way...." Watty award winning author, Lux Raven, understands how platforms like Wattpad are influencing publishing, reader's habits, and the rules of writing. We chat the success of serialized fiction and how authors can succeed there too. Plus, we chat the making of binge-able moments that can help build an audience. Connect with Lux: https://www.luxravenwrites.com/ Instagram: @luxravenwrites Wattpad: @LuxRaven TikTok: @luxravenwrites Check out the Siren's Mark Duology: https://amzn.to/48JyxvW --------- Special Thanks to: Heather Kay Ling - Narrator https://www.heatherkayling.com/ --------- The YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ Support the Show https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory Find me below: Twitter - @RomancetheStory Instagram - @RomancetheStory Facebook - @RomancetheStory  Music: Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo Support the show

    58 min

  3. 11/24/2025

    Ep 87 - Ambition and Finding Purpose: Someone's Gotta Give with Alisha Fernandez Miranda

    "Someone said to me in my twenties...you can have it all but not all at the same time and that has stuck with me for a long time."  Award winning author, Alisha Fernandez Miranda joined me to chat the myth of “having it all,” motherhood, following your passions, and embracing strengths featured in her debut, Someone's Gotta Give. We also discuss the realities of working in philanthropy, fiction versus memoire writing, and exploring viewpoints of ambition and burnout.  Connect with Alisha: https://www.alishafmiranda.com/ Instagram: @alishafmiranda LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alishafernandezmiranda/ Check out Someone's Gotta Give: https://amzn.to/47ZkTVt --------- Media Mentions: Poderistas https://poderistas.com/ Good Morning America Interview https://youtu.be/_GmQ1JEE4BI?si=BaG09OBt-uGe_W6V --------- The YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ Support the Show https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory Find me below: Twitter - @RomancetheStory Instagram - @RomancetheStory Facebook - @RomancetheStory  Music: Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo  Support the show

    52 min

  4. 11/10/2025

    Ep 86 - Writing a Witchy Holiday Romance using Yule Magic and Lore with Morgan Lockhart

    "...usually (writing) my central character is early for me and my central themes are early for me and everything else springs from that, and that includes the magic..." Author and Veteran video game writer, Morgan Lockhart blends magic, game‑style lore, and emotional stakes in her writing, enough to craft character thematics and individual journeys of magic. We discuss the influence of game writing mechanics in a narrative, shout-outs to Jim Henson, and using family and traditions to address emotional and mental health in the cozy, small town holiday setting. Connect with Morgan: https://www.lockhartwrites.com/ Instagram: @lockhartwrites BlueSky: @mizdoomcookie.bsky.social Check out A Spell for Midwinter's Heart: https://amzn.to/3WJa8QC --------- Media Mentions: Craft Tips for Writing a Magic-Filled Story with She Writes https://shewrites.com/craft-tips-for-writing-a-magic-filled-story/ The Muppet Christmas Carol https://amzn.to/4hR0mW4 Emmet Otter's Jug-band Christmas https://amzn.to/49LOi6x --------- The YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ Support the Show https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory Find me below: Twitter - @RomancetheStory Instagram - @RomancetheStory Facebook - @RomancetheStory  Music: Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo  Support the show

    45 min

  5. 10/13/2025

    Ep 85 - Addiction Recovery and Resilience in Romance Novels with Thea Claire

    "My therapist and I talk all the time about how the support system you have and where you're at (in life) totally dictates how you handle recovery." Romance Author Thea Claire portrays realistic recovery from addiction in her novels and how resilience shapes character arcs, emotional truths, and heals trauma. We explore the track of her own recovery and the importance of community, pushing through setbacks, and the impact it has on long-term growth.  Connect with Thea: https://thea-claire-author.square.site/ Facebook: @theaclaireauthor Instagram: @theaclaireauthor TikTok: @theaclaireauthor Check out The Recovering Good Girl Series: https://amzn.to/4n5Ayqz --------- Media Mentions: Pucking Around by Emily Rath https://amzn.to/47jFm6O Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez https://amzn.to/4okOjCL --------- The YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ Support the Show https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory Find me below: Twitter - @RomancetheStory Instagram - @RomancetheStory Facebook - @RomancetheStory  Music: Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo  Support the show

    53 min

  6. 05/05/2025

    Ep 84 - Dark Fantasy Worldbuilding: Rebellion and Magic with Sarah Hawley

    "You want to (write dark themes) in a way that's sensitive and include the dark content but also consider the impact."  Sarah Hawley, USA Today Bestselling Author, writes dark fantasy worldbuilding that makes rebellion feel inevitable and magic feel consequential, a drastic shift from her lighter rom-coms. Focusing on her high fantasy series, we discuss creating believable rebellion arcs, designing a dark narrative that shapes story stakes, and techniques for deepening character motivation, along with themes of escapism, rebellion, and fighting for a better world even when the odds are against you. Connect with Sarah: https://www.sarahhawleyauthor.com/ Instagram: @mssarahhawley Twitter: @MsSarahHawley Check out "Servant of Earth" by Sarah Hawley, the first book in The Shards of Magic Series: https://amzn.to/3GE7RRW --------- The YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ Support the Show https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory Find me below: Twitter - @RomancetheStory Instagram - @RomancetheStory Facebook - @RomancetheStory  Music: Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo  Support the show

    45 min

  7. 11/12/2024

    Ep 83 - Time Travel RomCom: Chivalry in Modern Romance with Bryn Donovan

    "One thing I love about the romance genre is that you're allowed to have those big, emotional moments....without apology." Romance Author and former Hallmark creative producer, Bryn Donovan discusses the charming and humorous moments that arise with miscommunication in romcoms, the challenges of a love that transcends time, and the heartwarming journey that led to her novel being published and made into a movie. Connect with Bryn: https://www.bryndonovan.com/ Instagram: @bryndonovanauthor TikTok: @bryndonovan Twitter/X: @BrynDonovan YouTube: @BrynDonovanWriter Facebook: @AuthorBrynDonovan Find "Her Knight at the Museum" by Bryn Donovan: https://amzn.to/44nRClL --------- The YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ Support the Show https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory Find me below: Twitter - @RomancetheStory Instagram - @RomancetheStory Facebook - @RomancetheStory  Music: Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo  Support the show

    47 min

  8. 11/05/2024

    Ep 82 - Character Development using Enneagram with Krystal Shannan

    "...each enneagram has a really unhealthy bar all the way up to a healthy bar. So for me, it's 'where did my character start on the bar?' and 'how do I get them to a healthy place of the enneagram through the story?'..." USA Today Bestselling Author Krystal Shannan explains how the Enneagram can shape believable motivations, conflicts, and arcs to make characters unforgettable. We explore their powerful application in character development and character arcs. Discover how the nine Enneagram types can help you create characters who are relatable, genuine, and dynamic. Krystal provides insights to craft characters that resonate deeply with your readers and drive compelling narratives. Connect with Krystal: https://www.krystalshannan.com/ YouTube: @KrystalShannan Facebook: @KrystalShannan Instagram: @krystalshannan --------- Other Media Mentions: The Enneagram Institute https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/ --------- The YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcGXevs2NQk3Ab9OD66zuQ Support the Show https://www.buymeacoffee.com/romancethestory Find me below: Twitter - @RomancetheStory Instagram - @RomancetheStory Facebook - @RomancetheStory  Music: Strawberry Flavor Love by Daystar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMi0dxVgqvo  Support the show

    55 min
See All (90)

4.9
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Story enthusiast and romance writer Sarah Gamez explores the creative craft and pragmatic aspects of writing with niche topic discussions, inspirational pieces and industry insights. Join in on conversations with authors and experts on creating engaging stories, marketing your books, and navigating the (self) publishing world. Whether you write romance or not, there's plenty of tips to be found on storytelling, genres, and medias. Sometimes, with a twist of romance.

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