I read romance for that feeling that I get, right behind my sternum, when two characters really connect, when one character exposes themself emotionally to the other, when things are intense and totally on the line. Okay, I also like the parts of a romance that cause that "ooooh" feeling a little lower down, but really, I would read just for the "oof", and if I don't get the "oof", the "oooooh" isn't going to happen. I don't know what to call it, besides the "oof".
My friend Mary just sent me the first love scene from her NaNo WIP, and I got the "oof", from just a few dozen words. That is so cool! I SO want to be able to nail that.
How does that work? I know that it has alot to do with the whole "Show don't Tell" thing working in sync with deep POV.
What are the best examples of the "oof" feeling out there? One that comes to mind is from An Officer and a Gentleman, when Paula blows up at Zach for being emotionally locked down and she tries to leave their motel room. She can't get the door open, and he jumps off the bed and stops her from going. He has to break his "I am an island" protocol, and admit that she's important to him.
Another favorite of mine is in Hot Target, by Suzanne Brockmann. Cosmo has bailed on his bodyguarding job because he thinks Jane is going to be getting with another guy; and she calls him to ask him what his problem is. He says he didn't want to be there while she was, you know, and she realizes that "you didn't leave because you don't like me, you left because you DO like me!" I'm paraphrasing, but that's the jist. Then Cosmo comes back over, and there is a long complicated scene where they are both kind of paralyzed about getting together because they both want it so bad. Sigh. I love Cosmo.
And I just love me a good "oof".
That's a good way to put it. I love me a good oof too. :)
ReplyDeletehe he ur Cosmo dude sounds goofy. I did have an oof moment in HS. I collided into a guy taller than me (am 5'11) and dropped my books he apologised profusely and helped me pick em up. My bff later told me to the outside eye that was a total M&B moment.
ReplyDelete*sigh* Me, too. I think the key to writing the "oof" is to be true to yourself. What would make you "oof"? Don't wonder about anyone else. Imagine being the MC and think about what the love interest could do in that moment to make your heart flutter and write it down. Every detail. If it makes you "oof", it'll make us "oof".
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Aww shucks, I'm glad you liked the excerpt I sent you.
ReplyDeleteI would say that for me the "oof" moment is THE reason to read romance. I love it when an author just nails the emotional component between two characters and leaves you with that warm, melting, tingly-in-the-stomach feeling.
In the Pride and Prejudice movie from a few years back, it is an oof moment when Mr Darcy is striding through the field and meets up with Elizabeth and tells her that she has bewitched him body and soul.
I love the oof scenes too. The one from An Officer and a Gentleman is a favorite of mine. I think if you start crying while writing it, you're on the right track. Or at least your palms start to sweat and your pulse races. Wait that may be the ooooooh
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