What Makes A Love Story by Inge Saunders






I recently watched the movie The Lake House for the hundredth time. It’s become one of my favourite romantic dramas. These two people who fall in love with each other through writing letters because one lived in the past in the other in the future. Talk about having problems! *smile*


So, of course, I did some ‘cyber-stalking’ because I haven’t read anything about Keanu Reeves in a while. (Let’s just take a moment‒Keanu Reeves *deep sigh*) The man does a very good job of staying out of the entertainment news *thumbs up* And I stumbled on an interview done by Keanu and Sandra Bullock about the movie (http://bitly.com/1KgejJj ).



After a series of questions, the journalist asked them a question that had the writer in me sitting up. He asked, “What’s your definition of a good love story?”
At this point Sandra had answered all the questions first, but for some reason Keanu responded first this time and his response had me re-evaluating my current writing project.
He answered, “A good love story is a story of passion. It starts with that first look — I believe in love at first sight. You want that connection, and then you want some problems. You want them to have to fight to be together, maybe even have an epic battle, like they have to figure out how to break the boundaries of time. And then there’s a good kiss. I think this film qualifies.”
Obviously he’d stuck closely to the plot of The Lake House *grin* But there’s a level of truth here that the romance writer in me couldn’t ignore. A good love story needs passion, he’s right. But believable passion. It can be created on such a subtle and sophisticated way as letters written across time itself, where the actions and emotions of the characters drives the mutual attraction through their words and sharing. Or it can be an instant bolt of lightning that freezes the characters into ‘seeing’ the other for the first time and literally being stunned into stillness at the realization on a subconscious or conscious level, that this person’s going to become significant to them. Hence the ‘love at first sight’.
The connection’s established and like he said, then come ‘the problems’. The stakes. What keeps them apart? This shouldn’t be something that could be solved by a simple conversation. It should create enough relevant tension and suspense that it’s either (in my opinion) a ‘fight against outside forces to stay together’ or a ‘fight against their inner demons to stay together’ or both. And then there’s the HEA. Sounds simple right? *laughs*
As a new author I’m still learning, I can’t say I’ve figured out all the kinks to writing and don’t think I ever will. It’s a skill I’m constantly working on. Keanu’s quote stood out to me because he explained what a good love story meant to him, and as much as views differ, there’s a universal feel to his view point. I believe there are some great tips in what he said, and have applied them to my current WIP. I hope his summary of a good love story also inspires you to write your version of one.

Author Bio:
Inge Saunders fell in love with books when she started reading romance novels with her grandmother. Intrigued by the worlds books unlocked, it was inevitable she would take pen to paper.
At age fourteen she wrote her first novel which wasn`t such a roaring success according to her brother. Not discouraged, she realized something fundamental: as a writer you can only write about what interests you, a principle she still upholds in adulthood.
When she`s not writing about that ‘inexplicable attraction’ she`s reading almost every sub-genre in romance out there, spending time with friends and family and taking hikes in her hometown`s National Karoo Park.
She forms part of Romance writers` Organization of South Africa (ROSA) and currently has two books out with Decadent Publishing; Falling for Mr. Unexpected and new release Dance of Love.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/IngeUlrike
Facebook: http://ingesaunders.facebook.com
Other Sites: http://ingesaunders.goodreads.com
                  :  http://ingesauders.pinterest.com

Inge Saunder's new release:

DANCE OF LOVE

All roads lead to Rome when Ashley Solomons embarks on fulfilling her dream to become a world-class dancer. But there’s one person who stands in her way. “It`s a no from me,” Antonio Machiavelli.

When Antonio’s auditions for a lead principal end in wintry Cape Town, the last thing he expects is to have more than a knee-jerk reaction to an audition. Ashley not only verbally challenges him, but also translates her fire and cheekiness into an edge of your seat performance.

Can Antonio keep his distance from Ashley? Can Ashley focus on fulfilling her dream of becoming a lead principal? Or will love have its way?



Buy Link:

Amazon


35 comments:

  1. Love Keanu! And I agree with what he said 110%! In my stories, my characters always experience some kind of "love at first sight" instant connection/attraction. I think it's the best way to build the romance. And a romance will not be a romance without passion and complications. :)

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    1. So true, he hit the nail on its head. No wonder I like him so much! Thanks for stopping by Chrys :)

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  2. Congrats, Inge! I love what Keanu said. Passion, a connection, and problems keeping them apart are the basics for great love stories.

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    1. Thank you Cherie! It was a lovely reminder to me.

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  3. Connection, conflict, and a kiss... perfect. :-)

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    1. Ah the kiss! Now I'm thinking of the smooch at the end of the movie *grin* Thanks for stopping by Gina!

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  4. Love Keanu too :)
    That instant connection is always fun to write! Love those slow builds too :)

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    1. I love both too Jemi, it makes every story so unique :)

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  5. Great post! This makes me want to go back and watch Lake House again :) And I love that answer--definitely good thoughts for writers!

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    1. Me too *goes off to insert movie* :) Thank you for stopping by Meradeth!

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  6. Great post. The Lake House is one of my favourite movies, too. Congratulations on your latest release.

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    1. Thanks Nana! I'm such a Sandy-B and Keanu fan, it's not even funny. Think I'm going to watch Speed...again!lol

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  7. I think every story needs passion. Not necessarily sexual or romantic, but definitely passion.
    Life without it would be beyond dull.

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    1. Agree with you. Makes me think of Darcy & Lizzy...so much passion! :)

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  8. Passion is definitely a key element in a romance story. Keanu got that right.

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    1. He did...his answer surprised me a bit. And thank you for stopping by :)

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  9. Love Keanu's quote. Love Keanu's too! Love The Lake House. A very loved-up morning! Great post. :-)

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    1. Thanks Denise! I think I can write about Keanu all day...wait let me not get ideas ;)

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  10. It's interesting to me that Keanu (Why yes... yes, we ARE on a first-name basis...) provides a definition of a love story that I think most females would agree with 100%. Somehow, I expected a man to have a different perspective.

    Good luck with your new book, Inge!

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    1. ME too! I was like "What? Keanu, did you just make yourself even more endearing to me? Why yes, you did." *grin*

      (Yep of course you are...I mean *ahem*, we are also cool like that.)

      Thank you Susan!

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  11. Love, romance, the Lake House and Keanu Reeves what’s not to like about your post. Add to that an author bio and a new book – perfect!

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    1. *laughs* Thank you Barbara, and thanks for stopping by and loving the romance, the Lake House and Keanu Reeves!

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  12. I was thinking his story advice sounds a lot like something I read in a writing book not so long ago. Imagine that. Ploy is plot, no matter the artistic medium.

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    1. Yes, Keanu's well read and a lover of the classics (oops just revealed my cyber-stalker tendencies),so I shouldn't have been surprised that he gave such a thoughtful and sensible answer. He knows a good romance plot when he sees it...hence not starring in Speed 2. Smart man!

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  13. I need to see this movie. I might have seen the posters for it, but it really wasn't on my radar.

    I love Keanu's response.

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    1. Yes, it really is a nice movie :)

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  14. Congrats to Inge on her latest release.

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  15. It's nice to meet you, Inge! I found these observations interesting and true from a reader or viewer's standpoint. Like you said, a little more
    challenging from the writing end of it.:) Kelly, thanks for hosting Inge!

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    1. Nice to meet you too Karen! He really helped me to focus one of my current projects :)

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  16. Thank you Kelly for hosting me, I thought I said a 'thank you' yesterday, but I didn't :) it's been a wonderful experience and sharing my love of romance & Keanu!

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  17. I love "love at first sight" stories. They're always the best. Interesting that Keanu thinks so, too!

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  18. I have never seen The Lake House- but I am definitely curious about it. I liked reading this post and it gives me something to think about- what makes a good love story. Keanu's response sounds good, but I am giving it more thought anyway. :)
    ~Jess

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    1. He did the same for me, made me ponder on what I think I love story should have/or not. It's a great conversation starter.

      Thanks for stopping by Jess :)

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