June 27, 2011 | By: Tracy

It's the Little Things That Count

I'm in a romance-y frame of mind (must be the warm weather), so bear with me if my post seems to focus a bit more on that theme.


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When it comes to romance in literature (whether the main focus or as a side-story) we tend to appreciate the big sweeping gestures. We're not fully satisfied until we've gotten the happily ever after where the hero was willing to risk it all for the sake of the heroine.

Those grand gestures are all fine & good, but it's the little things that make us (and our heroines) fall in love with the hero.

To prove my point, I've borrowed examples from a couple movies I'm sure most of us have seen before:


NEVER BEEN KISSED
Josie realizes how special Sam (Mr. Coulson: AKA -- hottest English teacher. EVER.) truly is when he volunteers himself to ride the Ferris Wheel, despite his fear of heights, simply because she had no one else to ride with. And then he tops it off by telling her he feels like he can really talk to her. *sigh*


27 DRESSES
Jane and Kevin can barely stand each other, until one little song plays on the jukebox in a dive bar out in the middle of nowhere. Next thing you know, they're dancing on the bar and getting hot & steamy in the backseat of his car. Who knew "Benny & The Jets" karaoke could provide the spark for true love?


How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days
Andie and Ben were both secretly using each other in an attempt to further their careers. Neither expected to actually fall in love, but for Andie things changed quickly after an afternoon spent playing "Bullshit" with Ben at a cookout. Watching him interact with his family shot an arrow straight to her heart, where all his smooth loverboy lines had missed the mark.

Bottom line, it's all the little unique pieces of someone that make us fall in love with them. Don't forget to add those things into your stories. We tend to fall in love in fragments, which means our characters should too.

13 witty remarks:

S.A. Larsenッ said...

You said it perfectly when you mentioned 'unique pieces' of someone. Mix that with the subtle gestures and you can have a wonderful romance.

Unknown said...

So true. I was thinking this same thing while reading this weekend. It's always the simple, little gestures that when placed in the right moment with the right couple, become golden. And make me fall in love with them:) Great Post Tracy.

Angie Paxton said...

I love that phrase 'falling in love in fragments'. It's so true and you phrased it so beautifully.

Matthew MacNish said...

Great point! It's hard to convey in writing something that is already so subtle in real life.

Meredith said...

So true! It's always the little things that attract you to somebody. And, oh my goodness, Mr. Coulson!!! My love for that movie knows no bounds. :)

Sophia said...

I'm with Angie, loving your line about falling in love in fragments.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

When you truly take an interest in someone...it shows. I think this is how subtlety in love is truly magnificent.

Colene Murphy said...

Oooooooh tinglies. I love those movies. Great examples and excellent point. The big sweeping gesture (that, you're right, we all love!) means nothing if we don't give a crap about either one and love them too.

Beth said...

Great point.
bethfred.com

KM Nalle said...

I really like the idea of falling in love with unique pieces of a person. I know exactly what you are talking about - it's always the little stuff that makes me swoon (and you've got some pretty great examples up there).

Dawn Simon said...

Such a good point! The little, subtle things mean so much in real life too! :)

Anonymous said...

Great post. Swept of their feet by big gestures. Yes good point. I like those too. :O)

Carol Riggs said...

These are great examples! Now to put these principles to use in our novels...Hmm.... ;o)

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