I have been busy working on book 4 where the main characters used to date as teenagers and write each other love letters.

Does anyone remember sending handwritten letters or even better receiving them? I used to cover mine in doodles – flowers, hearts etc and maybe the odd – T.L.N.D (true love never dies) and S.W.A.L.K (sealed with a loving kiss).

Love letters / romantic post-it notes / romance text messages/ romantic emails serve multiple purposes, enriching the narrative in various ways:

Intimacy and Connection: Love letters provide a glimpse into the intimate thoughts and feelings of the characters. They allow readers to witness the depth of emotions shared between the protagonists, fostering a stronger connection between them and the story.

Romantic Gestures: Love letters often serve as romantic gestures within the storyline, showcasing the effort and thoughtfulness of one character towards another. This can heighten the romance and create memorable moments for readers.

Character Development: The content and style of the love letters can reveal insights into the characters’ personalities, backgrounds, and motivations. Through their writing, characters may expose vulnerabilities, desires, and fears, deepening readers’ understanding of them.

Plot Advancement: Love letters can drive the plot forward by conveying important information, such as hidden feelings, secrets, or conflicts. They may serve as catalysts for character decisions and actions, influencing the direction of the story.

Historical Context: In historical romance novels, love letters can provide historical context and authenticity, reflecting the communication norms and societal expectations of the time period. They offer readers a window into the past and enhance the setting of the story.

Anticipation and Suspense: The exchange of love letters can create anticipation and suspense as characters await each other’s responses, heightening the emotional tension and keeping readers engaged in the unfolding romance.

Overall, love letters serve as powerful literary devices in romance books, enhancing the emotional depth, character development, and overall storytelling experience for readers.

Here’s some tips:

• Be specific. Mention the ‘little things’ – the way they make you laugh, the moment you knew they were special.
• Show vulnerability. Let the character reveal their fears, hopes and desires. Vulnerability makes the letter more moving and initmate.
• Use sensory details. Describe how they feel, sound, taste and smell.
• Stay true to the character.

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