Writing Relationships, Pt 2, Less Sex

[otterdance]

On another blog, a reader asked how I handled creating Seregil and Alec's growing relationship, and how you can keep a long term relationship dynamic.

Comments

[ihrtmr]

Interesting question/answer. In the first book you sense the butterflies that are equally shared. There's certainly an excitement about a new love that can only be captured once. That unknown, will they admit their feelings? A time when even a brief glance in the others direction, or an accidental touch was exciting and thrilling. That sweet innocence is missed, but they can't stay in that place forever.

Not only are they individuals, but they allow their partner their individuality. I feel that they not only love each other despite their flaws, they love eachother because of the flaws.
These are very well written characters and have a beautiful enduring friendship. They choose this love and fight for it, which I think keeps it dynamic and offers longevity. You tend to appreciate and hold on to things you've fought so hard for...

[otterdance]

Very true.

[springstermatic]

I think the way you portray the relationship is not only good to read but can also help readers who are unsure of how to understand and handle real love.

I like Stalking Darkness & Shadows Return the most which is probably exactly because they are seperated and they still manage to keep their love alive. Very well done!

[anonymous]

This is a very healthy and accurate view of relationships. I think you've got it exactly right. And that's why it's so great to read about the individuals/couple of Alec and Seregil!

[raeraesama]

One of the reasons I love your book is because its less of a romance and more of a down-to-eath relationship, which is hard enough to find since so many people import romance novel trope into their stories--which nothing,s wrong with that so long as it doesn't shut down character development once the chase is over...but its everywhere. Its one of the reasons I find your characters so refreshing.

[jenniferthorne]

What I really appreciated in this book were the little moments of gentleness and intimacy- those private things that you do when you're alone.
(Well, that, and the page-turning tension that kept me up too late last night finishing the story ;)