The Breakdown is a podcast hosted by television producer turned romance author Ines Johnson. In each episode, join Ines as she breaks television episodes, movies, and/or an aspect of the indie publishing market. Mainly for her own edification, but maybe other authors could find some use in her nerding out over story structure and market analysis.
The podcast is taking a break, but I'm still writing breakdowns. You can find them on my Substack at https://ineswrites.substack.com
One of the four types of deceptions in a romantic comedy is the Magic Potion Deception. Magic potion deceptions in romantic comedies like "Splash," "Mannequin," and "Penelope" offer love and acceptance through the lens of magical realism. Be it a mermaid, a mannequin or a cursed woman, each film cleverly uses the magic potion deception to challenge characters to look beyond the surface, leading to comedic escapades and touching revelations that celebrate the transformative power of love and the importance of embracing one's true essence.
One of the four types of deceptions in a romantic comedy is the Bet Deception. The bet deception is all about trying to win against the odds, but the characters wind up falling down hard -falling in love that is!
One of the four types of deceptions in a romantic comedy is the Identity Deception. Identity deception in romantic comedies can involve characters concealing or misrepresenting their true selves or the nature of their relationship, leading to a series of laugh out loud situations before culminating in an emotional revelation.
One of the four types of deceptions in a romantic comedy is the Merry War. The "Merry War" deception in a romantic comedy happens when the romantic partners engage in a playful, antagonistic, and/or competitive relationship that masks an underlying attraction or affection. This tension-filled interplay is characterized by witty banter, humorous disputes, and a series of conflicts that belie the characters' true feelings for one another.
By treating your setting with the same care and detail as you would a character, you can create a rich, immersive world that captivates readers and enhances the emotional impact of your story known as Anthropomorphizing.
The marriage of convenience trope has a rich history that mirrors societal views on marriage, love, and individual agency. From strategic alliances in ancient times to a tool for social critique and exploration of personal desires in modern literature, this trope has evolved significantly, always offering fresh insights into the human experience of love and relationships.
If we think about scene launches, purposeful middles, and punctuated endings, we can keep readers turning those pages at a fast and satisfying pace.
In this special tips and tricks episode, learn some tools to use in crafting a swoony hero and a strong heroine.
In this episode, I'm breaking down Marvel's The Guardians of the Galaxy using Blake Snyder's Five Part Finale from the Save the Cat Plotting Method.
In this episode, I'm breaking down Marvel's Thor using Blake Snyder's Five Part Finale from the Save the Cat Plotting Method.
In this episode, I'm breaking down Marvel's Black Panther using Blake Snyder's Five Part Finale from the Save the Cat Plotting Method.
In this episode, I'm breaking down Marvel's Doctor Srtange using Blake Snyder's Five Part Finale from the Save the Cat Plotting Method.
In this episode, I'm breaking down Marvel's Incredible Hulk using Blake Snyder's Five Part Finale from the Save the Cat Plotting Method.
I've noticed eight rules for packs in shifter romance. Wanna know what they are? Listen to this episode on Paranormal Pack Rules!
Have you been paying attention to the evolution of the Cinderella story? Young girls and women are no longer waiting around for a man to come by on his horse, sweep them off their feet, and give them shoes…Okay, I doubt any of us would turn down the shoes!
In “Moll Flanders,” Daniel Defoe aimed to pen a tale of a heroine who faced a life of poverty, perversion, and penitence. Instead, the title character was an unlikeable heroine with surprisingly few empathetic qualities and a negative character arc showing that not women are heroines.
To become a Darcy, a hero needs the Five M's. Misunderstood Character(istics) Mistreat the Heroine Movement towards Awkwardly Pursuing the Heroine Magnanimity: an Act of Kindness Missive Swoonworthy Declaration of Love
A BM is a big misunderstanding. What? What did you think it was? This is my least favorite craft technique. I also don't appreciate them as a reader. But I've found that they abound as a plotting device in early romances like "The Flame and the Flower" by Kathleen E Woodiwiss. In this episode, I break it down.
I presented my first academic paper on romance. It got rave reviews and I'd like to present it to you in two parts. It's entitled From Bodice Rippers to Booktok. Ready? Here's Part 2!
I presented my first academic paper on romance. It got rave reviews and I'd like to present it to you in two parts. It's entitled From Bodice Rippers to Booktok. Ready? Here's Part One!
Grand gestures are significant in romance as they heighten emotions and often bring about resolution or clarity in relationships. They're powerful tools in a writer's arsenal to amplify the romantic stakes. If you're plotting scenes, integrating such moments can evoke strong reactions from readers. FIVE TYPES OF GRAND GESTURES Declaration: The gesture could be a simple declaration of love, especially if the hero isn't good at showing feelings. The ILU should come from a genuine place of love and commitment, rather than being motivated by external factors or social pressure. Public: The grand gesture is often a public act, meant to declare the hero or heroine's love to the world and show their commitment to their partner. Rescue: If one lover is in peril, then the other needs to rescue them at great danger to their own person. Personalization: The grand gesture should be tailored to the specific needs and desires of the hero or heroine, and reflect their unique relationship dynamic. Sacrifice: Similar to a rescue where the hero's life is in danger due to the action, they could willingly offer themselves in exchange for the heroine.
The Dark Moment is a crucial scene in a romance novel, where the hero and/or heroine face a major obstacle or challenge that threatens to tear or keep them apart. This moment typically occurs towards the end of the story, and creates a sense of tension and conflict that the hero and/or heroine must overcome in order to achieve a happy ending. Here's my list: • a revelation of a deep secret or betrayal. • a misunderstanding or miscommunication that creates a rift between the hero and heroine. • a life-changing event that shakes up their world. • an external force, like an antagonist, physical obstruction, or mystic force, pushing them apart. The inner obstruction wouldn't apply here. • Internal issues or insecurities Romance Roadmap: https://ineswrites.com/romancemap Want to write a Bingeworthy Novel in 21 days, check out my course Page Turner Pacing at https://ineswrites.com/PTP
In the romance genre, the "fun and games" phase is pivotal, marked by budding connections and escalating stakes. 1. Buddy Love: From initial friction to deep bonds, relationships often mirror dynamics from buddy films like Lethal Weapon. 2. Romance Beats: Gwen Hayes highlights the crescendo of feelings, leading to relationship turning points. 3. Obstacles: Using tales like Cinderella and Shrek as guides, love stories can interweave challenges from antagonists, physical barriers, internal conflicts, to mystical hurdles. Romance Roadmap: https://ineswrites.com/romancemap Want to write a Bingeworthy Novel in 21 days, check out my course Page Turner Pacing at https://ineswrites.com/PTP
The "Meet Cute" is the memorable first encounter in romance. Four key elements define this moment: 1. Setting: From Pride and Prejudice's Victorian backdrop to Fifty Shades' modern city. 2. Trope: Common narratives, like "opposites attract," set the emotional stakes. 3. Attraction: Mutual allure as in Romeo and Juliet, or one-sided interest like in The Notebook. 4. Situation: Be it a heroic rescue or an embarrassing mix-up, this is the heart of the Meet Cute. Romance Roadmap: https://ineswrites.com/romancemap
Story beginnings vary, but empathy remains key. How do we make readers connect with our characters instantly? 1. Highlight Extraordinary Qualities: Think Buffy's strength or Sherlock's intellect. 2. Position in a Unique World: Like Mark Watney's survival on Mars or the Gilmores in quirky Stars Hollow. 3. The "Save the Cat" Moment: Showcase a kind act, like Buffy befriending the outcast, Willow. Combine these for a character that resonates deeply with readers! Romance Roadmap: https://ineswrites.com/romancemap
Genres like comedy, science fiction, and horror have their classics, but what defines quintessential romance? From iconic authors such as Kathleen E. Woodiwiss to modern BookTok faves, we delve into romance's evolving heart. We'll trace tropes from the 'bodice ripper' era, understand the enduring allure of 'enemies to lovers', and see how societal views on love have shaped narratives. Ready to dive deep? Join us as we kick off with the pivotal romance novel, "The Flame and the Flower". Want to learn more about pacing, try my courses Page Turner Pacing Course https://ineswrites.com/PTP
Ines Johnson is having a bit of a breakdown... so she's going on summer break!
Grab your copy of my Give Me a Beat worksheet to help you craft your next amazing love story! https://ineswrites.com/give-me-a-beat-docx/
These episode is all about the Romance Beats. Want to make sure readers fall in love with your love story? Then be sure and follow these seven beats! ORDINARY WORLD MEET CUTE ADHESION FUN AND GAMES Dark Moment Grand Gesture HEA or HFN
Mysteries and Thrillers are similar in beats with a few differences. Check out this episode to get clued into the mystery beats. THE CRIME ADHESION TO THE CASE INITIAL THEORY THREE SUSPECTS AND A KILLER REMINDER OF DANGER HERO IN PERIL (ALL IS LOST) SPEECH IN PRAISE OF THE VILLAIN/WHO DUNNIT RESOLUTION
I believe there are 7 Beats -obligatory scenes that readers or viewers expect- in a thriller; particularly romantic suspense. Come learn all about The Crime or Threat Adhesion to the Case The Initial Theory Three Bangs and an Explosion Reminder of Danger Speech in Praise of the Villain (Why/How Dunnit) Resolution
Want a breakdown of the beats of Paranormal Romance? This episode lists the nine beats I believe are common in all romances that feature werewolves, vampires, fae and other kinds of supernatural beings.
You just finished writing thousands and thousands of words in your manuscript and told an emotional love story with kissing. But wait, you're not done. Now you have to write a couple hundred words to sell that story.
Faith is a tricky subject when it comes to taking someone else's work and making it your own. Following Krevolin's rules of originality, seeking without destroying, keeping the key things, while maintaining the character arc can get you through adapting a work as short as a newspaper headline or as long as a 500-plus page novel.
Did you know there's only four types of obstacles that your protagonist can face? They are an Antagonist, Physical Obstruction, Inner/Psychology Problems, or a Mystic Force. Let's break these four down with a trip to Disneyland! Want to learn more about pacing, try my courses Page Turner Pacing Course https://ineswrites.com/PTP Writing Sweet at ineswrites.com/writingsweet Writing Dirty at ineswrites.com/writingdirty
There aren't three bases in the game of love. There are twelve. Find out the twelve levels of intimacy in this episode. Want to learn more about pacing, try my courses Page Turner Pacing Course https://ineswrites.com/PTP Writing Sweet at ineswrites.com/writingswee
In a romance novel, the love scenes should be integral to the plot. Otherwise it's just description that readers will gloss over to get back to the important action. Best beats or pacing points for a love scene are scenes of Growth, Setbacks or Regroups because those are scenes where characters tend to grow, learn, and evolve emotionally. Want to learn more about pacing, try my courses Page Turner Pacing Course https://ineswrites.com/PTP Writing Sweet at ineswrites.com/writingsweet Writing Dirty at ineswrites.com/writingdirty
In addition to the twelve pacing points that we talked about previously, each genre of popular fiction has beats that readers are expecting see or hear. If you don't hit these beats in your story its like a record scratch. Wanna know the beats I hear every time I read, write, or listen to a love story?
Buttons are like punctuation marks. Like a period, exclamation point, or question mark, a button is a punctuation mark at the end of an act in a show or a scene (or chapter) in a book. To use these in writing treat the end of your chapters like commercial breaks and turn that last sentence into a question mark, or send in the ellipses in that last bit of dialogue, or add a dash that forces the reader to turn the page.
The Pet the Dog moment can be used to remind us of the stakes of your story before the big battle or ordeal your hero must face. But you can also use it for the villain, or the bad boy, to humanize them and add more conflict to your story by giving the reader pause to consider changing, or challenging, their loyalties.
The Save the Cat scene is where we meet the hero and the hero does something to make us identify or empathize with them. I know of three ways to establish empathy and make readers instantly get the feels for characters.You showcase their extraordinary qualities. Or their ordinariness in an extraordinary world. Or you have them save a cat from a tree or a dumpster in a shoot out.
A better way to do an infodump of backstory is to use a Novice. The Novice enters the story when we do. They're also brand new to this world, but they're in the story so they can ask the questions we're dying to know, be shown the process of the way the world works, try to model the behaviors of the customs of the people, and make mistakes and get set straight to ensure we all understand.
Next time you're tempted to write a prologue, determine if you might be better served by a teaser to give your readers a Slice of Life of your world, or Set Up your character's Story question that you'll answer by the end of the book.
A teaser has three jobs; it had to be immediate, quick and grab attention. It gets you ready for the meat of the episode. It's like an amuse bouche that leaves you wanting more before you're served the main dish.
In the battle of Plotters vs Pantsers, let's take a step back and look at the Pacing of your story.
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
