My favorite thing ever in enemies to lovers is if they admit their feelings through a heated argument. The build up to the line “BECAUSE I LOVE YOU DAMMIT” following with a sappy recap of everything that they love about the other from the beginning of knowing them to now while the other is just dumbfounded FILLS ME WITH A SOUL I AM LACKING
Does anyone else click on Abbie’s videos scared that you’re going to have to rewrite your entire book because you’ve done everything wrong only to discover that you’ve done everything right? And it’s the best feeling ever? Also I laughed in a fair amount of places in this video because Abbie’s little rants about enemies to lovers were so on point 😂 especially at 5:08
Oh my gosh, this comment made me smile 🥲❤ You're doing great, Kassandra! If you follow your heart and enjoy the process, you can't go wrong ✨ I'm so happy this video inspired you!! rock on
Matter of fact I am currently rewritting my first novel (because of Abbie 's videos, but I don't feel scared at all), on the contrary, I feel thrilled because I'll have more tools to write a compelling story!!
You're gonna laugh Abbie, but you just gave me the tools to plot my third novel (and I'm not even done with the first 😂) and I'm already shipping my enemies to lovers couple!! Thanks so much 😊!!
OH MY GOSH-I'm literally writing an enemies-to-lovers romance! I've been scouring the internet for ways to make it more believable and emotional. I've read so many comments on Abbie's videos that say "this came along at the perfect moment"-now I know what they mean. Thank you so, so, so much for making this, Abbie! ❤
Same haha. I realized I actually already have a lot of these stages in my novel, but this video helped me point them out so I can focus on developing them more. Good luck with yours!
my first book was an enemies-to-lovers and i actually wrote down notes for future reference in case i forget how to do it next time :D (haven't finished the video yet so it might overlap with some of abbie's tips; note that it won't work for all dynamics, it's specifically more annoyed-to-lovers, but still should work in some form) 1. *Empty threats.* For example, one is a criminal and the other is a cop. the cop keeps saying they'll catch and arrest the criminal and the criminal always says they'll kill the cop. both of them learn through time that the other won't really do it but they never complain about it because the threats have become some sort of an inside-joke. bonus points if there comes a point when an external force (like the police or the criminal's gang) tell their person to arrest/kill the enemy and all of a sudden, they don't want to and make up ten thousand excuses for it on the spot. extra bonus points if the enemy tells them it's ok because if there's a way they want to die or get justice, it's by the hand of the enemy they're in love with. 2. *Annoyance on both sides.* I mean, if they don’t hate each other or at least aren’t annoyed by each other, it’s not really enemies to lovers, is it? 3. They should *find each other attractive or endearing* in some ways from the beginning. Yeah, things like „oh, you think you’re cool and handsome in that leather jacket, huh?“ „yeah, actually i do.“ „well i think you… don’t." (narrator: it was a lie.) 4....and be *in denial about it.* Denial is a big part of the dynamic and an important ingredient for good banter if you want your audience to have fun. You hate the other person, stop staring at their eyes! When the relationship moves forward and the two get to know each other and become more comfortable with each other, they can still be in denial, believing that the other still hates them or at least that they couldn’t actually like them back, which creates more drama if you want to put off the two of them getting together. Or, if you want the sexual tension to overflow one day and the two of them to just throw it away, get railed and immediately get together, that’s fun too. :D Maybe it only works for fanfiction or stories where you already know the characters will get together, maybe not for some romantic subplots in a fantasy where you don't necessarily see it coming, but I know from experience the glee reading the parts where characters are absolutely smitten with each other but wouldn't admit it under torture give me. :D
The third one made me remember that In ‘they hate eachother’ Jonah said Dylan was hotter then he deserves BTW book recommendation: they hate each other by Amanda woody. It has , enemies to lovers, fake dating, queer rep, #mommy issues, #daddy issues, and so much more ITS SOOOOO GOOD
my favorite part to enemies to lovers is when they're in the early stage of friendship where they'll insult each other but you can clearly feel they no longer meant it and just pretending to hate each other... kinda comes off as playful instead of hate??? AAAHHHHHH!
Isn't that just normal friendships or good relationships. Not degrading insults, but like your partner farts and you laugh and complain how gross it is, or tease them for the goofy things they do? 🤣
I'm planning on making more romance videos but for now definitely check out my 'writing romance' video playlist here: ua-cam.com/play/PLV6pMftb_QTn4QlvZ8knbf4TlAIcH99vk.html
Me struggling with how to write a believable enemies to lovers story. Also me: I wish Abbie uploads another enemies to lovers writing advice. AND HERE IT IS🎉❤
@@AbbieEmmons I wanted to ask some writing advice if possible. First, Englisch isn't my native language so they might be a few Grammer errors🙈 I'm writing a fantasy trilogy and of course there is an enemies to lovers story, which is fondamental for the plot as for the character developments. In the story there are 2 MCs, the ones of enemies to lovers romance. The problem is that the romance is kind of complex. I'll give you the two characters names because explaining it will be difficult and confusing without. I'll give you a quick view about the romance I head in mind. The MC, who is the one who's view the book is written, is Owen(a character who has a lot of trust issues because of his past and has also issues with himself->in the end this missbeliebe will turn). The second MC is Tomás (who believes what's said from 'superior' people with more power then him. ->a part of gis development consist in getting his own point of view of things and make own desicions) About the romance: It starts with kind of a 'we are strangers to friends' story. At the beginning Tomás knows about Owen, but not as person but only things he was told. Basically his intentions are killing Owen by gaining his trust and being friends with him. Owen doesn't know all of Tomás intentions and backstory. But of course all the hate that Tomás had for Owen eventually changes and he starts having feelings even if they are just in a building a friendship phase situation. He realizes he wants Owen not dead, as he were told was right, but alive and as his lover and partner. But then Owen finds out about all this and Drama. Here comes the turning and trickery point where I m struggling a lot. Like said, fantasy book, Tomás wants to talk with Owen but someine shaowshifts into his body and accomplishes the kill and Owen dies. (This is end of book 1, now starts book 2) Owen reawakes, there is a whole complex u can't die because of some prophecies and legend, not the immortality trope btw, and so he thinks Tomás killed him even if Tomás wasn't the killer because it was just his body pissed acting. So Owens feels betrayed and there starts the one loves the other hates. And the en (in book 3), like the last chapters they will love each other equally. So that was short version of the romances plot. Now the questions I can't really answer myself and where I may need an advice if possible: 1°How to create a realistic strangers to lovers (in this case i realise i love the one i should hate) , if they didn't meet each other and have no connection. The only connection is that Tomás saves Owen from an accident but the savior isn't known by Owen. So i struggle. Like there could be a meet-cute but even if there is one Tomás hates Owen. And a hate-cuye is difficult because Owen doesn't hate Tomás the first time they meet. 2° How to avoid the toxic part. I m referring too 'you killed me how can I ever love and trust you'. Because in the end the real Tomás didn't kill Owen and he says it everytime but Owen doesn't believe him. I thought letting the readers know about his innocence at the midpoint of the 2book, but still owen won't know it. Idk how to avoid to let this relationship be toxic because redemption of death and accepting that u where killed by a person you loved but in the you will still love us difficult. like building the whole development is a lot tricky without falling into toxic relationship tropes. 3°I want the readers to get in suspense if Tomás will be the one Owen chooses at he end. Problem: they are connect by prophecy to each other, one important part of the whole fantasy story, so it is kinda ovious that they willend up together even if there are ups and downs. Creating jealousy or a love triangle might work but in this scenario a love triangle seems too forced. But i don't know for sure because in the third book there is kind of a love triangle because there us a whole back in time traveling moment and the person Owen loved, who died in his arms at the beginning of book one(which is mainly part of the inciding incident) is still alive and will be for the whole book. That would create conflict. But it feels forced and also ovious who will be the person he chooses except if I turn it into a polyamory relationship which would be a plottwists that nobody would expect. I want the readers to be interest about those romance and it not being a predictive plot. Do you have for all of this any advice. If you could help, it would mean a lot. And if thanks a lot for taking time for reading all this because it s a lot. I love your amazing videos and I'm trying to search in it too find answers to those questions but still there are missing peaces. Have a nice day. Can't wait for another WritersLiveWednesday video and also for the new book of yours. 🌻☺️
@@iangallagher6671 I stumbled across your comment and couldn't help but read it because your story sounds pretty interesting 😊 I'm in a similar situation where my two protagonists start out as strangers, eventually become allys until an event occurs that makes one hate the other (although he is innocent). The book is written from character A's point of view, so neither character A nor the reader knows if character B really has bad intentions until like the last 20% of the story. I try to circumvent the toxicity of the relationship by including scenes where character B shows his true intentions to character A. He doesn't straight up tell him "I'm actually innocent and you have to believe me". Instead, I have him be gentle and protective of character A over the course of the story. As a result, character A doubts whether the story he believes to be true is actually true and allows himself to develop these positive feelings towards character B (because how can this cinnamon roll have bad intentions?) I don't know if that's been helpful to you, maybe I just got too excited about the similarities in our books 😂 As for the love triangle, maybe Owen could be in an actual relationship with this other person and start to think he's over Tomás, atleast for a while and only if the plot you had in mind allows it, of course. Whatever you decide to do, that person should be a likeable, three-dimensional character with their own motifs, not just a second love interest that will vanish as soon as they are no longer needed. Otherwise the reader will see them as a plot device that serves solely to create drama between the protagonists. The last thing I'd like to say is that if some aspects of your book are predictable, it is not necessarily a bad thing. Your story has many twists and turns as it is - the whole shapeshifting and coming back to life thing, the time travelling, etc. As a reader, it is just as satisfying to watch a meant-to-be couple overcome all obstacles and problems to finally come together and have their happily ever after. I'm sure your trilogy will be amazing either way! 😊
@@candid___cam2248 thanks a lot for ur answer.🎉 It helped a lot. The love triangle struggle: The third person, M.C, of the love triangle is important because it was MC.A boyfriend who died in his Arms understanding and saving him. After the time traveling they avoid his death. MC.A who suffered during the first two books about MC.Cs death, has change in his character arc after MC.C is alive. As MC.C is the only human of the 3, there will be internal conflict of understanding all the fantasy stuff ecc.,and he still is in a relationship with MC.A, because they are back in time and avoiding his death ment that MC.A and MC.C are still together as at begining from book 1 it creates a relief of avoiding a loss of MC. C, a persone he truly loved and kind of still does. But at the same time MC.A was starting two forgive MC.B, maybe creating more than friendship feelings, who loves MC.A. and that's where I m like helppp. Like, just make the classic love triangle or just change it into a unique way, like nobody of them comes together or all of them come together after a lot of conflict and issues. May there will be a polyamory relationship. I don't know. I think time will allow me to think. But thanks for your help☺️🙈 And it s so cool we both have similarities in our story. Have a nice day
I'm currently writing a rivals-to-friends character relationship at the moment (they don't absolutely hate each other at the beginning, they just don't get along, and they're not in love by the end but they do have an extremely close friendship) but a lot of this advice is applicable to that.
Recently I read pride and prejudice, and wow, how Jane Austen managed to create such an amazing enemies-to-Lovers! Thanks for the valuable tips, Abbie, you are amazing!!
My favorite Shakespeare play was always Much Ado About Nothin - cause it's the ultimate enemies to lovers story! If you don't know the story, I'd highly recommend reading a summary of it, or even the play itself, and studying just how masterfully Shakespeare brought two characters who love hating each other to a place where they can't live without each other. ❤❤
abbie! this is a little niche, but do you think you’d ever do one of these tip videos for a best friends to enemies to lovers / exes to lovers romance trope? basically, tropes that deal with both familiarity and alienation at the same time in a romantic arc. i’ve recently realized that i gravitate towards writing this kind of trope (i outlined two stories with this trope before i realized) but it has an extra layer of complexity that enemies to lovers doesn’t quite have. ive already finished outlining my stories but i was wondering if you have any tips on this trope so i can make my outlines even stronger?
My favorite part about enemies to lovers is probably that enemies take each other serious at all times. They might hate each other but they are equals knowing that they shouldn't underestimate the strength of their opponent.
THIS IS SO HELPFUL. Im a young author (well... idk if you'd call me that) and im writing a queer enemies to lovers story and this REALLY helped me realise the flaws in my planning. This story has a lot of potential, (academic rivals, petty challenges, coming to terms with sexuality, homophobia while being bunked together at camp) and I really dont want to botch it, so I watched this and im so pleased I did. I have rethought a big chunk of the book, and im actually happy with the ending now (I wasnt before, it ended as though it needed a sequal and I wanna move on with other books rather than make pt2) so tysm! I hope this turns out a bit better now!
May I say that I LOVE your possitive energy... It's so easy to find videos of people talking about writing tips but relying on beating up other writers and how to do things "the right way" and things like that. It's refreshing to find someone who doesn't do that and still gives really good advice. Thank you so much! (also... forgive my english, not my native language 😂) PS: Your tips really helped me. Enemies to Lovers IS the best trope ever
I just think, when you have an enemies-to-lovers relationship then there is more than just a crush. It is more of "I started to know so much about this person, that my hatred for them turned into compassion, empathy, or even love" which I find very romantic. Just my opinion on it. It just feels like raw love if someone can follow. Tension and compassion is just very exciting to read, for me at least.
Love this! I'm writing an enemies-to-lovers fantasy about an assassin and a lord that hates criminals who have to team up and ugh watching them go from "I despise you" to "you're not actually so bad" to "I love you" is so beautiful! 😍😭The friendship midpoint is so important. So many times I see an enemies-to-lovers where like you said they jump straight from hating to loving and it's just so unbelievable.
Oooh sounds like an exciting story!! 😍 Thank you so much, I'm so happy this video came at the right time for you! And yessss I agree 100% about the friendship thing. So vital!
I kinda hate the Enemies to lovers trope because one (usually the guy) is a grade-A asshole who never changes and they fall in love and get together because the other accepts their treatment from Mr. Asshole. And I always wondered....why do women like this trash? yes become a doormat for the hot bully who verbally abuses you until you marry them because you're "So in love" I've had to read a lot of trash to find the few diamonds. I can't trust reviews either. It seems a lot of people are fine with one side of the couple being total dicks. 'Oh, you can tell he loves her because he stopped calling her Cow" Sorry. I'm going to need a lot more than that/ And by the end of the book I'm just angry and frustrated that they got together in the end because one really needs a spine and the other needs to be set on fire and laughed at till they die. Sorry, I have strong feelings about this, obviously LOL. The past year I've been looking at this trope closer because (Gasp) I have an idea for one I want to write and I want to see what the ones that I do like have in common and I think it's respect. Yeah, I effing hate you and I want nothing more than to kill you in your sleep to save my kingdom, but you're an amazing strategist. You are playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers, you're thinking 5 steps ahead and playing the long game. I respect that you're smart and dangerous. I'm going to be polite to your face while I poison your drink under the table. Once degrading gets introduced. I DNF like 90% of the time.
Thank you Abbie for another amazing video. Could you make a video about redemption arcs ? Like when you have a character who is totaly opposed to the protagonists and end up teaming up with them ? That would be great 😘
I always think that similarities is something great to give characters that will fall in love with each other and for enemies to lovers I think it should be no exception. Just imagine to characters that hate each other find something they both do or agree on!! 💛 Great video!
So what I found helped, especially for a slow burn, is to have sort of a Venn Diagram of 'enemies' and 'lovers' -- they're enemies for the first half, lovers for the second, and for a bit in the middle, they're both.
I love forbidden relationships!!! EHEH I love it when these characters aren’t allowed to be in each other’s vicinity because NO THEYRE NOT LIKE US ❤️😍💖💔🥰
Hi Abbie! I have found your channel by accident after watching every single writing video and reading billions of articles. I can surely say that you are THE BEST and have gave me so much hope about my writing. I am just 12 and I'm currently in the outlining progress for my first novel. However, I'm facing a huge problem... I have solid theme, a message that I want to shout on top of my lungs to the world, adorable flawed characters and yes - their internal conflicts. I also have a pretty good idea of the 3rd act and know exactly how my story's going to end. However, I have no idea about the story's external conflict/plot. I was thinking about some possible options, but none of them align with my theme perfectly and I'm afraid that the misalignment between plot and theme might make the novel too complicated and confusing. Please help! How do I come up with a plot from theme and characters? How do I know what mission my characters are going to go on to return with gained experience and wisdom? Thank you❤
Mari, this comment totally brightened my day!! Thank you so much. I'm so delighted to know that my channel has been inspiring for you. As for coming up with an external conflict/plot for your novel, I would recommend checking out this video where I share my 'story smoothie' method: ua-cam.com/video/wCVZt9qIgec/v-deo.html (it really works! and sooo much better than writing prompts.) If you're still struggling, try taking the pressure off and just play 💃🏼✨ take an idea or simple premise that intrigues you and just start writing about it with no expectations of what is 'needs to be' -- sometimes the best creativity comes when you're not trying! I hope that helps. Happy writing and rock on! 💕
Oh, my goodness. Your reply made my day! I've been checking the comment section every day with the hope that you would respond and I am so happy you did! My main problem has been making my theme fit with the plot. The theme is that we can find good everywhere and anytime, we just need to open our eyes to the world. I want to write character vs. Society conflict (dystopian). Thank you so much! You have no idea how much good you are doing to the world❤
I love the enemies to lovers trope. I'm naturally inclined to write them. I disagree with you when you say "they can't live without each other". Sometimes they can and they have to, because their relationship cannot last. Sometimes, however attracted they are to each other, their relationship is toxic and destructive.
Another huge thing I wish I saw more of in enemies to lovers romances is *HEALTHINESS*. Take Pride & Prejudice for instance. Darcy was callous and demeaning to Lizzie, but he never forced himself upon her and ended up taking immense accountability for his actions. Lizzie did also when she apologized for her own pride.
I have tried starting to write my book and I would like some help or I can send you both what I have written so far for feedback as I'm new to it and I never have before and i don't know how else to get one on one advice (i am neurodivegent)
Hey Abbie! Loved this video! I have a *QUESTION: How do we incorporate the 3-act-story-structure into a duology?* Basically, *how to write a duology?* I know that my story will fit better in a duology, probably not just a standalone, but I dont really have enough ideas to make it into a triology... Thank you!!
I swear by Heaven, Earth and the magical cosmos you can read minds!!! 😭😭 This is exactly what I need right know bc I feel my characters' romance arc suddenly doesn't make any sense anymore...
helloo sweety can you plz do a vedio about forbidden romance and mistakes to avoid and how to build a romance without cliche i write in arabic but your advices really help me with the story
the way this came on my recommendations right when i’m procrastinating an enemies to lovers fanfiction i have in my head because i’m not good at writing 💀
Wow ...thank you for putting this vedio because I wanted this ryt now ...thanks alot ...😃🤠🤝 I am just 14 and wanna write a novel 🤭trying to write one 😅and thats the time you uploaded this vedio😁
One of the best: Enemy to Lovers stories is the one in the disney cartoon The Owl House. Amity and Luz. Amity is shown to be the bully girl, the one who thinks she is better than everyone else. She even tries to get Luz cut open. Then through out the series they end up a couple and even kiss. Its amazing how far they came. And it was done gradually throughout 2 seasons they only become and official couple halfway through season 2. Highly recommend the show.
I'm currently writing an enemies to lovers romance as a fun way to get back into writing after a long pause. Thank you so much for making these videos! It's great to see someone so passionate about writing; it makes me happy I started again❤
I thought of some dialogue for #5 or #4 I don't remember "I can't believe I actually like [or loved your opinion]you!" She says as she turns to leave. "Wait.." He grabs her by the waist (or arm) and turns her back around. "You liked (or loved) me?.." She hesitates before jerking away, leaving (character name)...
Jason and Kier will benefit from this information. Kier is a very skilled and highly trained assassin who was lied to by the antagonist for her whole life, and she’s the secondary antagonist who serves as initial motivation for Jason to take his first active approach to returning home. But when Jason, a 17 year old boy from the modern world explains that he was from another world, and the mark on his neck was proof, during a brief truce due to a perilous situation, she questions what the antagonist told her was the truth, because she had a similar mark in the exact same place. When Kier’s backup arrived, another assassin who was a close friend to the antagonist, he tried to kill Jason and got the edge over him by taking the orphaned, mute little girl that the had rescued, hostage. That action is what swayed Kier into saving Jason and the little girl named Antandre. She kills the other assassin by severing his spinal chord at the base of his neck. Jason still doesn’t really trust her, because she killed people close to him earlier in the story, and she doesn’t trust him because she doesn’t know him. But it’s then that they start their journey together to get back to their world and their journey to discover their true feelings for each other, with Antandre as the bridge between them, keeping them from killing each other until they actually begin to care for one another. This is all what I plan to write later in the book if I can get past the inciting incident.
Nice video! In my opinion the best part of an enemies to lovers story is when they deprioritize the conflict and finally lose their inhibitions. Usually it's before their first kiss.
Yesssssss I'm writing an enemies to lovers, about 60k in. I love my couple through their ups and downs, but I could always use more tips. ❤ My favourite part of E~L is when they're not sure of where they stand and the banter goes from a little bit mean and becomes more playful and flirty. Uhh, it's just delicious. I love writing teasing moments with just a hint of the MC being like "hang on, what was THAT? did I actually enjoy a joke with them?" hahaha *chefs kiss*
Abbie: Make them hate each other from the start! My story: Oh yeah they were neutral at first then she hated him at the SECOND meeting because not everything is about THEM Context: Kind of a standalone series where each book is in dif povs, so the love-hate romance happens in book 2 but they meet and hate each other starting in book 1
ABBIE ABBIE ABBIE I just bought both of ur books bc im trying to branch out from thriller and murder mystery (I write and research it 24/7) and I love the books smmm im so excited to be able to get the otherworld
I've been looking into how to write romance fiction because I'm drafting storylines for an otome game.* One of the nice things about an otome game is the multiple storylines, which means you can indulge as many romance tropes as you have "potential love interest" characters. Enemies to lovers is one trope I've always enjoyed, so I want to incorporate it, and this video was very insightful. I'm sorry I won't be able to attend the live training (prior commitment), but I'll definitely watch the recording. *For those who may not know, otome games are a subset of the visual novel genre of video games. In a visual novel, the progression of the story alters based on choices the reader/player makes at key points. Otome games are visual novels where the protagonist is a female who can have a romance with one of several male characters. Forced proximity is a staple of most otome games - usually the protagonist finds herself living in a houseful of guys, for story reasons - and the relationship develops from there. If you already like reading romance, I recommend trying one of these games, because being the person driving the story (as the player) provides an additional layer of enjoyment.
My favourite thing about enemies to lovers is that the to people experience all the wrongs before getting together and experiencing the right. I believe that the more bad experience you have with someone the more joyful and enjoyable it would be if you end up together. I love Enemies to lovers tropes in books and in real life.
Haha - I'm co-writing a novel with a friend right now... A romantasy with a friends to lovers beat... and I guess you could say we hit #5 pretty successfully since we have the one love interest actually briefly DEAD for a few chapters. The only tip we don't have is jealousy cause we're both fairly opposed to the triangular shapes in romance, but we may introduce an obstacle that reads similarly to jealousy.
Me, immediately clicking on this because the lore behind two YT personas was a hater to lover arc: Also yes i'm talking about @CesarFever and @Teabunnies02
This is so much help as I write my debut novel! Its a historical fantasy, with romance being the end goal. But since it is going to be a series I want to stretch the romance as far as possible to make it burn even better! Any tips on how to stall without making the characters go back to stage 1? Abbie definitely makes the best videos and has amazing advice! I am definitely following her 3 act story structure videos as I write my debut novel!💕
Depending on how long you want the series to be, you can use the point A (enemies), point B (friends), point C (lovers) segments that Abbie was talking about as a guideline. Here are some ideas on how you could break it up/stretch it out. duology: book 1= enemies to friends book 2 = friends to lovers trilogy: book 1= enemies to allies (lukewarm to the other but appreciate/admit the other's abilities) book 2 = allies to friends book 3 = friends to lovers 4+ book series: book 1= enemies to rivals (still dislike each other but appreciate/admit the other's abilities) book 2 = rivals to allies book 3 = allies to friends book 4 = friends to good/best friends book 5 = good/best friends to lovers I gave different starting and ending points for the relationships per book because you generally want some level of a character arc between their dynamics so they don't feel like they're stagnating. If your series is longer than five books, I think it would be be fine to keep them longer in the rival/ally/friend stages as long as you see the characters developing in other ways as well (misbeliefs, character flaws, etc.). These developments can also be staggered where, for example, character A deals with their character flaw in book 2 but character B deals with their character flaw in book 3. That way, even if books 2 and 3 are them being allies, there is still some character progression happening that will help the other character (e.g. character B) see the positive changes in the first character (e.g. character A) and will therefore draw them closer to the character who is getting the character development in said book.
I usually approach it like I'm writing a mystery, where you start with the answer and build backwards. I start with the couple together getting along in a functional relationship, and then slowly separate them in my mind. Then, if I'm doing a HTL story, I'll find the absolute worst sides or aspects of both characters and have that be their first impressions of each other. In my head it's kind of like watching a 2-party dance number in reverse.
Additional note i thought of: Make their superficial traits conflict but their more intrinsic traits complimentary. Gives a genuine reason for them not to get along and also a reason for that to go away as they get to know each other For example: grumpy, self serious introvert and flirty, jovial extrovert. They'll annoy the hell out of each other at first. But, as they get to know each other they can discover shared interests, experiences and values, maybe they even learn that their opposing personalities are basically opposite coping mechanisms for the same kind of trauma.
I totally disagree, that friendship shoud be a midpoint in such relasionship. A way from hate to love (and also from love to hate) could be really fast and it's not like a -1 to 1 through zero point. It's more like a rotating arrow. Feeling is strong every time, but it rapidly changes direction as a result of some action or a new fact about other person. Something like "He wasn't a traitor, he was a hero".
I’m wondering if I pay for a month or two for the live training, if I’m still able to access the old ones if I can’t afford the tier anymore? Does anyone know if that’s possible? Because I want this enemies to lovers training but I can’t afford $15 a month for long. (Baby decided it was the opportune moment to exist! Lol gotta save for diapers!)
I love your book. It is SO WARM. And I love weston. Truly precious. Usually I'm not into YA and not into contemporary in general cuz firstly, I'm not a teen anymore and second because so many contemporary books are feminist trash. And this one, I loved it. No feminist trash. Im Muslim, but I love the religion part of it. For once there's a book without blasphemy sprinkled in to appear progressive. Inspiring. Your style is not usually my cup of tea, and books written this way rarely do I remember, but yours I will remember for what it's worth. That said, waiting for a new release.
I need help. ) They meet when the girl MC is crying in the bedroom she's been given (a family has offered to house her for a few days) and the boy side-character comes in without realising that she's there... she hates being caught in a 'moment of weakness' because she's never cried in front of anyone before (she isn't a 'strong female character', she's only 16 but I won't explain more) and he hates her because he thinks crying is weak. Instant tension, or contrived hate?
I have an enemies to lovers story on my table for a long long time now and it seems like there is no development. I want to involve so many things that happen (to get more intense, intimate moments) but somehow they don’t give me this feeling of building up great chemistry between those two characters. So I really admire your tips and tricks and hopefully my story will have an end one day
Thanks Abbie for this video... I want to write an ex-lovers to getting back together couple... they see each other 6 years later and they'll realize they both changed and will be gradually attracted to each other again (as they get their ah-a moment, they'll see they should have ever break up in the first place.) Is the enemy to lover the good kind of romance?
Trying to watch this to get some spicy ideas for a good enemies to lovers that revolves around a snarky suitor of the queen and trying to usurp the throne and a female warrior who disguises herself to be the presumed dead king's brother in a greek setting.... Wish me luck
I am writing a book about a girl who moves countries. She meets this guy at her school. At first they hate each other but they fall in love. I am nowhere near done though.
I have 2 oc who were friend but now they want to kill each other to revange the same person. They know each weakness and original dream. They kinda grew up thoughether. They are both underdog in the place they work. And almost nobody know their hated for each other. When they try to kill each other , its always in private.
I got to the 'obstacle' part and I immediately thought of (spoiler) Damen and Laurent's first kiss on the top of the fortress in the series and then Jord running up and interrupting it. Like, Jord, I love you but your presence at this exact moment makes me want to throw you OFF the wall lmao
Ok ennemy to lover is nice but my favorite is still "the let's fake it..." but it works and become real so what do we do ? But it's steal possible to have ennemy forced i the situation were they need to make belive they are couple... gosh i can imagine a family diner...
I’ve got a request on how to write. So I’m writing one of my first ‘stories’ in a first person point of view and frequently finding myself end scenes on cliffhangers only to be resolved in the next paragraph. It’s getting to be so many that it feels like a flaw, how else can I do these transitions into new scenes?
Uuul 😊 Just what I need, my next rewrite is about this. I've never read enemy to lovers, but I like it when it is well writing. The next story will be about my Villlainess and I will prepare them properly. Just can't wait. Thank you!! You're amazing!❤❤
This is great advice. Two people can both be physically attracted to each other but can't stand each others personalities. They can make out with each other like for a fling. Would that be a good start? I've written eight books but not to this extent that they hate each other than become lovers later.
I appreciate this video among all your others because I hate hate HATE this trope. I avoid reading and writing it like the plague. Hollywood has made “opposites attract” the default, when that’s really only true in electromagnetics, and the relevant cliché in people is actually “birds of a feather flock together”. That said, it’s inevitable that at some point I’ll probably have some characters in something I’m writing force me to do it, and now I feel I can do it more justice than I would have before.
Can it still fall under enemies to lovers if they don't personally hate each other so much as they're on opposite sides of a conflict? Or they have reasons to dislike each other in general but not in a specific way (like, he's not the one who killed her parents but he's part of the same overarching regime)?
mine is the topic most writers hate.. fanfic lmao anyways its rough and I'm trying to figure this out right now because I'm having issues with how I'm going to make them go from enemies into the transition to lovers
Hey Abbie! Love your vids, they help so much! You are truly such a smart person😂❤️ I have a question, I have been struggling with really getting into my characters head/ be in their place. Any advice?😊
my enemies to lovers is kinda one sided because the MC has kinda a sad backstory and doesnt trust people, feelings, etc and the love intrest is just a cinnamon roll so how would i do that
Great video ❤ Useful as always. Could you make a video similar to this but about from enemies to siblings (typical good vs. evil )? Point out what should be in it, to make it feel like it's real. It would be great. Thank you.
Something about the chemistry of enemies turned to lovers is just 😭🥵❤️
Yeahh ...its emotional 🤭🤠
Yessss 😂
My favorite thing ever in enemies to lovers is if they admit their feelings through a heated argument. The build up to the line “BECAUSE I LOVE YOU DAMMIT” following with a sappy recap of everything that they love about the other from the beginning of knowing them to now while the other is just dumbfounded FILLS ME WITH A SOUL I AM LACKING
OOF YES 🥹💗💗💗
OMG YESS!!! 🖤🖤💫💫
NEED MORE BOOKS LIKE THIS😅
Yes PLEASE
@@Jeto567I WISH
Does anyone else click on Abbie’s videos scared that you’re going to have to rewrite your entire book because you’ve done everything wrong only to discover that you’ve done everything right? And it’s the best feeling ever?
Also I laughed in a fair amount of places in this video because Abbie’s little rants about enemies to lovers were so on point 😂 especially at 5:08
oh my god YES
oh my god yes I feel this soooo hard!!!
Oh my gosh, this comment made me smile 🥲❤ You're doing great, Kassandra! If you follow your heart and enjoy the process, you can't go wrong ✨ I'm so happy this video inspired you!! rock on
Matter of fact I am currently rewritting my first novel (because of Abbie 's videos, but I don't feel scared at all), on the contrary, I feel thrilled because I'll have more tools to write a compelling story!!
You're gonna laugh Abbie, but you just gave me the tools to plot my third novel (and I'm not even done with the first 😂) and I'm already shipping my enemies to lovers couple!! Thanks so much 😊!!
3. Don't skip the midpoint friendship! Boom! This one really irks me too, Abbie!
OH MY GOSH-I'm literally writing an enemies-to-lovers romance! I've been scouring the internet for ways to make it more believable and emotional. I've read so many comments on Abbie's videos that say "this came along at the perfect moment"-now I know what they mean.
Thank you so, so, so much for making this, Abbie! ❤
Same haha. I realized I actually already have a lot of these stages in my novel, but this video helped me point them out so I can focus on developing them more. Good luck with yours!
@@norsecosmos Thanks! You as well!
Wow, that is perfect timing!! Best of luck with your enemies to lovers romance, I'm sure it will turn out AMAZING 💕🙌
my first book was an enemies-to-lovers and i actually wrote down notes for future reference in case i forget how to do it next time :D (haven't finished the video yet so it might overlap with some of abbie's tips; note that it won't work for all dynamics, it's specifically more annoyed-to-lovers, but still should work in some form)
1. *Empty threats.* For example, one is a criminal and the other is a cop. the cop keeps saying they'll catch and arrest the criminal and the criminal always says they'll kill the cop. both of them learn through time that the other won't really do it but they never complain about it because the threats have become some sort of an inside-joke. bonus points if there comes a point when an external force (like the police or the criminal's gang) tell their person to arrest/kill the enemy and all of a sudden, they don't want to and make up ten thousand excuses for it on the spot. extra bonus points if the enemy tells them it's ok because if there's a way they want to die or get justice, it's by the hand of the enemy they're in love with.
2. *Annoyance on both sides.* I mean, if they don’t hate each other or at least aren’t annoyed by each other, it’s not really enemies to lovers, is it?
3. They should *find each other attractive or endearing* in some ways from the beginning. Yeah, things like „oh, you think you’re cool and handsome in that leather jacket, huh?“ „yeah, actually i do.“ „well i think you… don’t." (narrator: it was a lie.)
4....and be *in denial about it.* Denial is a big part of the dynamic and an important ingredient for good banter if you want your audience to have fun. You hate the other person, stop staring at their eyes! When the relationship moves forward and the two get to know each other and become more comfortable with each other, they can still be in denial, believing that the other still hates them or at least that they couldn’t actually like them back, which creates more drama if you want to put off the two of them getting together. Or, if you want the sexual tension to overflow one day and the two of them to just throw it away, get railed and immediately get together, that’s fun too. :D
Maybe it only works for fanfiction or stories where you already know the characters will get together, maybe not for some romantic subplots in a fantasy where you don't necessarily see it coming, but I know from experience the glee reading the parts where characters are absolutely smitten with each other but wouldn't admit it under torture give me. :D
very helpful tips, thanks!
@@Missy04 Aw no problem, glad I helped someone! :D
@@trebaneconapise7793 yes, very much! I am planning a story with enemies to lovers and your tips helped me to find a few extra points to add :)
The third one made me remember that In ‘they hate eachother’ Jonah said Dylan was hotter then he deserves BTW book recommendation: they hate each other by Amanda woody. It has , enemies to lovers, fake dating, queer rep, #mommy issues, #daddy issues, and so much more ITS SOOOOO GOOD
my favorite part to enemies to lovers is when they're in the early stage of friendship where they'll insult each other but you can clearly feel they no longer meant it and just pretending to hate each other... kinda comes off as playful instead of hate??? AAAHHHHHH!
Isn't that just normal friendships or good relationships. Not degrading insults, but like your partner farts and you laugh and complain how gross it is, or tease them for the goofy things they do? 🤣
I need a whole series of you talking about romance!!!!❤
There already is though?
I'm planning on making more romance videos but for now definitely check out my 'writing romance' video playlist here: ua-cam.com/play/PLV6pMftb_QTn4QlvZ8knbf4TlAIcH99vk.html
@@AbbieEmmons omg thank you so much! I'm gonna binge-watch them all haha
Me struggling with how to write a believable enemies to lovers story. Also me: I wish Abbie uploads another enemies to lovers writing advice. AND HERE IT IS🎉❤
don't tell anyone, but I have psychic abilities 😜
@@AbbieEmmons I wanted to ask some writing advice if possible.
First, Englisch isn't my native language so they might be a few Grammer errors🙈
I'm writing a fantasy trilogy and of course there is an enemies to lovers story, which is fondamental for the plot as for the character developments. In the story there are 2 MCs, the ones of enemies to lovers romance.
The problem is that the romance is kind of complex. I'll give you the two characters names because explaining it will be difficult and confusing without.
I'll give you a quick view about the romance I head in mind.
The MC, who is the one who's view the book is written, is Owen(a character who has a lot of trust issues because of his past and has also issues with himself->in the end this missbeliebe will turn). The second MC is Tomás (who believes what's said from 'superior' people with more power then him. ->a part of gis development consist in getting his own point of view of things and make own desicions)
About the romance: It starts with kind of a 'we are strangers to friends' story. At the beginning Tomás knows about Owen, but not as person but only things he was told. Basically his intentions are killing Owen by gaining his trust and being friends with him. Owen doesn't know all of Tomás intentions and backstory. But of course all the hate that Tomás had for Owen eventually changes and he starts having feelings even if they are just in a building a friendship phase situation. He realizes he wants Owen not dead, as he were told was right, but alive and as his lover and partner. But then Owen finds out about all this and Drama. Here comes the turning and trickery point where I m struggling a lot. Like said, fantasy book, Tomás wants to talk with Owen but someine shaowshifts into his body and accomplishes the kill and Owen dies. (This is end of book 1, now starts book 2) Owen reawakes, there is a whole complex u can't die because of some prophecies and legend, not the immortality trope btw, and so he thinks Tomás killed him even if Tomás wasn't the killer because it was just his body pissed acting. So Owens feels betrayed and there starts the one loves the other hates. And the en (in book 3), like the last chapters they will love each other equally. So that was short version of the romances plot. Now the questions I can't really answer myself and where I may need an advice if possible:
1°How to create a realistic strangers to lovers (in this case i realise i love the one i should hate) , if they didn't meet each other and have no connection. The only connection is that Tomás saves Owen from an accident but the savior isn't known by Owen. So i struggle. Like there could be a meet-cute but even if there is one Tomás hates Owen. And a hate-cuye is difficult because Owen doesn't hate Tomás the first time they meet.
2° How to avoid the toxic part. I m referring too 'you killed me how can I ever love and trust you'. Because in the end the real Tomás didn't kill Owen and he says it everytime but Owen doesn't believe him. I thought letting the readers know about his innocence at the midpoint of the 2book, but still owen won't know it. Idk how to avoid to let this relationship be toxic because redemption of death and accepting that u where killed by a person you loved but in the you will still love us difficult. like building the whole development is a lot tricky without falling into toxic relationship tropes.
3°I want the readers to get in suspense if Tomás will be the one Owen chooses at he end. Problem: they are connect by prophecy to each other, one important part of the whole fantasy story, so it is kinda ovious that they willend up together even if there are ups and downs. Creating jealousy or a love triangle might work but in this scenario a love triangle seems too forced. But i don't know for sure because in the third book there is kind of a love triangle because there us a whole back in time traveling moment and the person Owen loved, who died in his arms at the beginning of book one(which is mainly part of the inciding incident) is still alive and will be for the whole book. That would create conflict. But it feels forced and also ovious who will be the person he chooses except if I turn it into a polyamory relationship which would be a plottwists that nobody would expect. I want the readers to be interest about those romance and it not being a predictive plot.
Do you have for all of this any advice.
If you could help, it would mean a lot. And if thanks a lot for taking time for reading all this because it s a lot. I love your amazing videos and I'm trying to search in it too find answers to those questions but still there are missing peaces.
Have a nice day. Can't wait for another WritersLiveWednesday video and also for the new book of yours. 🌻☺️
@@iangallagher6671 I stumbled across your comment and couldn't help but read it because your story sounds pretty interesting 😊
I'm in a similar situation where my two protagonists start out as strangers, eventually become allys until an event occurs that makes one hate the other (although he is innocent).
The book is written from character A's point of view, so neither character A nor the reader knows if character B really has bad intentions until like the last 20% of the story.
I try to circumvent the toxicity of the relationship by including scenes where character B shows his true intentions to character A. He doesn't straight up tell him "I'm actually innocent and you have to believe me". Instead, I have him be gentle and protective of character A over the course of the story. As a result, character A doubts whether the story he believes to be true is actually true and allows himself to develop these positive feelings towards character B (because how can this cinnamon roll have bad intentions?)
I don't know if that's been helpful to you, maybe I just got too excited about the similarities in our books 😂
As for the love triangle, maybe Owen could be in an actual relationship with this other person and start to think he's over Tomás, atleast for a while and only if the plot you had in mind allows it, of course.
Whatever you decide to do, that person should be a likeable, three-dimensional character with their own motifs, not just a second love interest that will vanish as soon as they are no longer needed. Otherwise the reader will see them as a plot device that serves solely to create drama between the protagonists.
The last thing I'd like to say is that if some aspects of your book are predictable, it is not necessarily a bad thing. Your story has many twists and turns as it is - the whole shapeshifting and coming back to life thing, the time travelling, etc. As a reader, it is just as satisfying to watch a meant-to-be couple overcome all obstacles and problems to finally come together and have their happily ever after.
I'm sure your trilogy will be amazing either way! 😊
@@candid___cam2248 thanks a lot for ur answer.🎉 It helped a lot.
The love triangle struggle: The third person, M.C, of the love triangle is important because it was MC.A boyfriend who died in his Arms understanding and saving him. After the time traveling they avoid his death. MC.A who suffered during the first two books about MC.Cs death, has change in his character arc after MC.C is alive. As MC.C is the only human of the 3, there will be internal conflict of understanding all the fantasy stuff ecc.,and he still is in a relationship with MC.A, because they are back in time and avoiding his death ment that MC.A and MC.C are still together as at begining from book 1 it creates a relief of avoiding a loss of MC. C, a persone he truly loved and kind of still does. But at the same time MC.A was starting two forgive MC.B, maybe creating more than friendship feelings, who loves MC.A. and that's where I m like helppp. Like, just make the classic love triangle or just change it into a unique way, like nobody of them comes together or all of them come together after a lot of conflict and issues. May there will be a polyamory relationship. I don't know. I think time will allow me to think. But thanks for your help☺️🙈
And it s so cool we both have similarities in our story.
Have a nice day
I'm currently writing a rivals-to-friends character relationship at the moment (they don't absolutely hate each other at the beginning, they just don't get along, and they're not in love by the end but they do have an extremely close friendship) but a lot of this advice is applicable to that.
That’s exactly what I’m doing!! How are things going?
@@DefinitionOfCons Good, but things are progressing for them slowly as it’s a series long arc and I’m only on book 2. How about you?
I'm doing that too ❤️
Recently I read pride and prejudice, and wow, how Jane Austen managed to create such an amazing enemies-to-Lovers! Thanks for the valuable tips, Abbie, you are amazing!!
My favorite Shakespeare play was always Much Ado About Nothin - cause it's the ultimate enemies to lovers story! If you don't know the story, I'd highly recommend reading a summary of it, or even the play itself, and studying just how masterfully Shakespeare brought two characters who love hating each other to a place where they can't live without each other. ❤❤
abbie! this is a little niche, but do you think you’d ever do one of these tip videos for a best friends to enemies to lovers / exes to lovers romance trope? basically, tropes that deal with both familiarity and alienation at the same time in a romantic arc. i’ve recently realized that i gravitate towards writing this kind of trope (i outlined two stories with this trope before i realized) but it has an extra layer of complexity that enemies to lovers doesn’t quite have. ive already finished outlining my stories but i was wondering if you have any tips on this trope so i can make my outlines even stronger?
My favorite part about enemies to lovers is probably that enemies take each other serious at all times. They might hate each other but they are equals knowing that they shouldn't underestimate the strength of their opponent.
THIS IS SO HELPFUL. Im a young author (well... idk if you'd call me that) and im writing a queer enemies to lovers story and this REALLY helped me realise the flaws in my planning. This story has a lot of potential, (academic rivals, petty challenges, coming to terms with sexuality, homophobia while being bunked together at camp) and I really dont want to botch it, so I watched this and im so pleased I did. I have rethought a big chunk of the book, and im actually happy with the ending now (I wasnt before, it ended as though it needed a sequal and I wanna move on with other books rather than make pt2) so tysm! I hope this turns out a bit better now!
May I say that I LOVE your possitive energy... It's so easy to find videos of people talking about writing tips but relying on beating up other writers and how to do things "the right way" and things like that. It's refreshing to find someone who doesn't do that and still gives really good advice. Thank you so much! (also... forgive my english, not my native language 😂) PS: Your tips really helped me. Enemies to Lovers IS the best trope ever
I just think, when you have an enemies-to-lovers relationship then there is more than just a crush. It is more of "I started to know so much about this person, that my hatred for them turned into compassion, empathy, or even love" which I find very romantic. Just my opinion on it. It just feels like raw love if someone can follow. Tension and compassion is just very exciting to read, for me at least.
Love this! I'm writing an enemies-to-lovers fantasy about an assassin and a lord that hates criminals who have to team up and ugh watching them go from "I despise you" to "you're not actually so bad" to "I love you" is so beautiful! 😍😭The friendship midpoint is so important. So many times I see an enemies-to-lovers where like you said they jump straight from hating to loving and it's just so unbelievable.
That sounds interesting!
@@GeorgiaPeach05 Thank you! It's called Master of the Desert, and I hope to release it in October.
Oooh sounds like an exciting story!! 😍 Thank you so much, I'm so happy this video came at the right time for you! And yessss I agree 100% about the friendship thing. So vital!
I kinda hate the Enemies to lovers trope because one (usually the guy) is a grade-A asshole who never changes and they fall in love and get together because the other accepts their treatment from Mr. Asshole. And I always wondered....why do women like this trash? yes become a doormat for the hot bully who verbally abuses you until you marry them because you're "So in love"
I've had to read a lot of trash to find the few diamonds. I can't trust reviews either. It seems a lot of people are fine with one side of the couple being total dicks. 'Oh, you can tell he loves her because he stopped calling her Cow" Sorry. I'm going to need a lot more than that/ And by the end of the book I'm just angry and frustrated that they got together in the end because one really needs a spine and the other needs to be set on fire and laughed at till they die.
Sorry, I have strong feelings about this, obviously LOL.
The past year I've been looking at this trope closer because (Gasp) I have an idea for one I want to write and I want to see what the ones that I do like have in common and I think it's respect.
Yeah, I effing hate you and I want nothing more than to kill you in your sleep to save my kingdom, but you're an amazing strategist. You are playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers, you're thinking 5 steps ahead and playing the long game. I respect that you're smart and dangerous. I'm going to be polite to your face while I poison your drink under the table.
Once degrading gets introduced. I DNF like 90% of the time.
Thank you Abbie for another amazing video. Could you make a video about redemption arcs ? Like when you have a character who is totaly opposed to the protagonists and end up teaming up with them ? That would be great 😘
That's a great idea!
@@AbbieEmmons Omg Please!
When I saw Elizabeth Bennett I said "Mr.Darcy" and love u Abbie. When I don't have any writing inspiration I go to u
I always think that similarities is something great to give characters that will fall in love with each other and for enemies to lovers I think it should be no exception. Just imagine to characters that hate each other find something they both do or agree on!! 💛 Great video!
yes I agree!! character similarities are sooo important to create that CHEMISTRY 💗 so happy you liked this video!!
So what I found helped, especially for a slow burn, is to have sort of a Venn Diagram of 'enemies' and 'lovers' -- they're enemies for the first half, lovers for the second, and for a bit in the middle, they're both.
I never bought into the hate to lovers trope, until I read, "Just a Touch Away By Jae." It is such an awesome romance novel.
I was hoping for something like this between Draco and Harry 🤣🤭🤭
I love forbidden relationships!!! EHEH I love it when these characters aren’t allowed to be in each other’s vicinity because NO THEYRE NOT LIKE US ❤️😍💖💔🥰
Hi Abbie! I have found your channel by accident after watching every single writing video and reading billions of articles. I can surely say that you are THE BEST and have gave me so much hope about my writing. I am just 12 and I'm currently in the outlining progress for my first novel. However, I'm facing a huge problem...
I have solid theme, a message that I want to shout on top of my lungs to the world, adorable flawed characters and yes - their internal conflicts. I also have a pretty good idea of the 3rd act and know exactly how my story's going to end. However, I have no idea about the story's external conflict/plot. I was thinking about some possible options, but none of them align with my theme perfectly and I'm afraid that the misalignment between plot and theme might make the novel too complicated and confusing. Please help! How do I come up with a plot from theme and characters? How do I know what mission my characters are going to go on to return with gained experience and wisdom? Thank you❤
I'm not Abbie but might be able to help?
Mari, this comment totally brightened my day!! Thank you so much. I'm so delighted to know that my channel has been inspiring for you. As for coming up with an external conflict/plot for your novel, I would recommend checking out this video where I share my 'story smoothie' method: ua-cam.com/video/wCVZt9qIgec/v-deo.html (it really works! and sooo much better than writing prompts.) If you're still struggling, try taking the pressure off and just play 💃🏼✨ take an idea or simple premise that intrigues you and just start writing about it with no expectations of what is 'needs to be' -- sometimes the best creativity comes when you're not trying! I hope that helps. Happy writing and rock on! 💕
Oh, my goodness. Your reply made my day! I've been checking the comment section every day with the hope that you would respond and I am so happy you did!
My main problem has been making my theme fit with the plot. The theme is that we can find good everywhere and anytime, we just need to open our eyes to the world. I want to write character vs. Society conflict (dystopian).
Thank you so much! You have no idea how much good you are doing to the world❤
I love the enemies to lovers trope. I'm naturally inclined to write them. I disagree with you when you say "they can't live without each other". Sometimes they can and they have to, because their relationship cannot last. Sometimes, however attracted they are to each other, their relationship is toxic and destructive.
😄😄😄 yo!... this video is so incredibly helpful and hilarious too 👏👏👏 Thanks Abbie, you definitely Rock!!
Another huge thing I wish I saw more of in enemies to lovers romances is *HEALTHINESS*. Take Pride & Prejudice for instance. Darcy was callous and demeaning to Lizzie, but he never forced himself upon her and ended up taking immense accountability for his actions. Lizzie did also when she apologized for her own pride.
I have tried starting to write my book and I would like some help or I can send you both what I have written so far for feedback as I'm new to it and I never have before and i don't know how else to get one on one advice
(i am neurodivegent)
Hey Abbie! Loved this video! I have a *QUESTION: How do we incorporate the 3-act-story-structure into a duology?* Basically, *how to write a duology?* I know that my story will fit better in a duology, probably not just a standalone, but I dont really have enough ideas to make it into a triology...
Thank you!!
I swear by Heaven, Earth and the magical cosmos you can read minds!!! 😭😭 This is exactly what I need right know bc I feel my characters' romance arc suddenly doesn't make any sense anymore...
I'm writing an enemies to best friends relationship and this gives me a lot of inspiration
helloo sweety can you plz do a vedio about forbidden romance and mistakes to avoid and how to build a romance without cliche i write in arabic but your advices really help me with the story
I'm so glad that I did all of this in book 1! I'm on the right track. ❤️
OH MY GOD!!! I'm loving these videos focused on romance, Abbie. They're super cool! Keep on! 🎉❤
the way this came on my recommendations right when i’m procrastinating an enemies to lovers fanfiction i have in my head because i’m not good at writing 💀
Wow ...thank you for putting this vedio because I wanted this ryt now ...thanks alot ...😃🤠🤝
I am just 14 and wanna write a novel 🤭trying to write one 😅and thats the time you uploaded this vedio😁
One of the best: Enemy to Lovers stories is the one in the disney cartoon The Owl House. Amity and Luz.
Amity is shown to be the bully girl, the one who thinks she is better than everyone else. She even tries to get Luz cut open. Then through out the series they end up a couple and even kiss. Its amazing how far they came. And it was done gradually throughout 2 seasons they only become and official couple halfway through season 2. Highly recommend the show.
For real :>
Don't forget Catra and Adora from She-ra
@@lisoak6504 never seen that show, can you elaborate?
I'm currently writing an enemies to lovers romance as a fun way to get back into writing after a long pause. Thank you so much for making these videos! It's great to see someone so passionate about writing; it makes me happy I started again❤
I thought of some dialogue for #5 or #4 I don't remember
"I can't believe I actually like [or loved your opinion]you!" She says as she turns to leave.
"Wait.." He grabs her by the waist (or arm) and turns her back around. "You liked (or loved) me?.."
She hesitates before jerking away, leaving (character name)...
Jason and Kier will benefit from this information.
Kier is a very skilled and highly trained assassin who was lied to by the antagonist for her whole life, and she’s the secondary antagonist who serves as initial motivation for Jason to take his first active approach to returning home.
But when Jason, a 17 year old boy from the modern world explains that he was from another world, and the mark on his neck was proof, during a brief truce due to a perilous situation, she questions what the antagonist told her was the truth, because she had a similar mark in the exact same place.
When Kier’s backup arrived, another assassin who was a close friend to the antagonist, he tried to kill Jason and got the edge over him by taking the orphaned, mute little girl that the had rescued, hostage.
That action is what swayed Kier into saving Jason and the little girl named Antandre. She kills the other assassin by severing his spinal chord at the base of his neck.
Jason still doesn’t really trust her, because she killed people close to him earlier in the story, and she doesn’t trust him because she doesn’t know him.
But it’s then that they start their journey together to get back to their world and their journey to discover their true feelings for each other, with Antandre as the bridge between them, keeping them from killing each other until they actually begin to care for one another.
This is all what I plan to write later in the book if I can get past the inciting incident.
Nice video! In my opinion the best part of an enemies to lovers story is when they deprioritize the conflict and finally lose their inhibitions. Usually it's before their first kiss.
Yes it's time to write my radioapple fanfic
Yesssssss I'm writing an enemies to lovers, about 60k in. I love my couple through their ups and downs, but I could always use more tips. ❤
My favourite part of E~L is when they're not sure of where they stand and the banter goes from a little bit mean and becomes more playful and flirty. Uhh, it's just delicious. I love writing teasing moments with just a hint of the MC being like "hang on, what was THAT? did I actually enjoy a joke with them?" hahaha *chefs kiss*
OH MY GOSH YES
Abbie: Make them hate each other from the start!
My story: Oh yeah they were neutral at first then she hated him at the SECOND meeting because not everything is about THEM
Context: Kind of a standalone series where each book is in dif povs, so the love-hate romance happens in book 2 but they meet and hate each other starting in book 1
ABBIE ABBIE ABBIE I just bought both of ur books bc im trying to branch out from thriller and murder mystery (I write and research it 24/7) and I love the books smmm im so excited to be able to get the otherworld
I've been looking into how to write romance fiction because I'm drafting storylines for an otome game.* One of the nice things about an otome game is the multiple storylines, which means you can indulge as many romance tropes as you have "potential love interest" characters. Enemies to lovers is one trope I've always enjoyed, so I want to incorporate it, and this video was very insightful. I'm sorry I won't be able to attend the live training (prior commitment), but I'll definitely watch the recording.
*For those who may not know, otome games are a subset of the visual novel genre of video games. In a visual novel, the progression of the story alters based on choices the reader/player makes at key points. Otome games are visual novels where the protagonist is a female who can have a romance with one of several male characters. Forced proximity is a staple of most otome games - usually the protagonist finds herself living in a houseful of guys, for story reasons - and the relationship develops from there. If you already like reading romance, I recommend trying one of these games, because being the person driving the story (as the player) provides an additional layer of enjoyment.
This is perfect for my story/novel❤, thank you so much Abbie love your videos!.
My favourite thing about enemies to lovers is that the to people experience all the wrongs before getting together and experiencing the right. I believe that the more bad experience you have with someone the more joyful and enjoyable it would be if you end up together. I love Enemies to lovers tropes in books and in real life.
Is everyone here writing an actual book or is anyone else here for fanfiction?
thank you Abbie, you always inspire me. Love you
I have been a writer for years and have had to change my story in a lot of areas thanks to this girl’s videos.
I'll watch THIS video bcz I love Abbie but I ABSOLUTELY HATE this trope. Will Not touch anything with it.
Haha - I'm co-writing a novel with a friend right now... A romantasy with a friends to lovers beat... and I guess you could say we hit #5 pretty successfully since we have the one love interest actually briefly DEAD for a few chapters. The only tip we don't have is jealousy cause we're both fairly opposed to the triangular shapes in romance, but we may introduce an obstacle that reads similarly to jealousy.
Me, immediately clicking on this because the lore behind two YT personas was a hater to lover arc:
Also yes i'm talking about @CesarFever and @Teabunnies02
This is so much help as I write my debut novel! Its a historical fantasy, with romance being the end goal. But since it is going to be a series I want to stretch the romance as far as possible to make it burn even better! Any tips on how to stall without making the characters go back to stage 1?
Abbie definitely makes the best videos and has amazing advice! I am definitely following her 3 act story structure videos as I write my debut novel!💕
Depending on how long you want the series to be, you can use the point A (enemies), point B (friends), point C (lovers) segments that Abbie was talking about as a guideline. Here are some ideas on how you could break it up/stretch it out.
duology:
book 1= enemies to friends
book 2 = friends to lovers
trilogy:
book 1= enemies to allies (lukewarm to the other but appreciate/admit the other's abilities)
book 2 = allies to friends
book 3 = friends to lovers
4+ book series:
book 1= enemies to rivals (still dislike each other but appreciate/admit the other's abilities)
book 2 = rivals to allies
book 3 = allies to friends
book 4 = friends to good/best friends
book 5 = good/best friends to lovers
I gave different starting and ending points for the relationships per book because you generally want some level of a character arc between their dynamics so they don't feel like they're stagnating. If your series is longer than five books, I think it would be be fine to keep them longer in the rival/ally/friend stages as long as you see the characters developing in other ways as well (misbeliefs, character flaws, etc.). These developments can also be staggered where, for example, character A deals with their character flaw in book 2 but character B deals with their character flaw in book 3. That way, even if books 2 and 3 are them being allies, there is still some character progression happening that will help the other character (e.g. character B) see the positive changes in the first character (e.g. character A) and will therefore draw them closer to the character who is getting the character development in said book.
@@xfairfaeriex thank you so much! This really helps!!
I usually approach it like I'm writing a mystery, where you start with the answer and build backwards. I start with the couple together getting along in a functional relationship, and then slowly separate them in my mind. Then, if I'm doing a HTL story, I'll find the absolute worst sides or aspects of both characters and have that be their first impressions of each other. In my head it's kind of like watching a 2-party dance number in reverse.
Additional note i thought of:
Make their superficial traits conflict but their more intrinsic traits complimentary. Gives a genuine reason for them not to get along and also a reason for that to go away as they get to know each other
For example: grumpy, self serious introvert and flirty, jovial extrovert. They'll annoy the hell out of each other at first. But, as they get to know each other they can discover shared interests, experiences and values, maybe they even learn that their opposing personalities are basically opposite coping mechanisms for the same kind of trauma.
Just what I needed
I totally disagree, that friendship shoud be a midpoint in such relasionship. A way from hate to love (and also from love to hate) could be really fast and it's not like a -1 to 1 through zero point. It's more like a rotating arrow. Feeling is strong every time, but it rapidly changes direction as a result of some action or a new fact about other person. Something like "He wasn't a traitor, he was a hero".
Can you a Tips for Writing Lovers-to-Enemies but still loving Romance Plzzzzz
I’m wondering if I pay for a month or two for the live training, if I’m still able to access the old ones if I can’t afford the tier anymore? Does anyone know if that’s possible? Because I want this enemies to lovers training but I can’t afford $15 a month for long. (Baby decided it was the opportune moment to exist! Lol gotta save for diapers!)
I love your book. It is SO WARM. And I love weston. Truly precious.
Usually I'm not into YA and not into contemporary in general cuz firstly, I'm not a teen anymore and second because so many contemporary books are feminist trash. And this one, I loved it. No feminist trash.
Im Muslim, but I love the religion part of it. For once there's a book without blasphemy sprinkled in to appear progressive. Inspiring. Your style is not usually my cup of tea, and books written this way rarely do I remember, but yours I will remember for what it's worth.
That said, waiting for a new release.
I need help.
) They meet when the girl MC is crying in the bedroom she's been given (a family has offered to house her for a few days) and the boy side-character comes in without realising that she's there... she hates being caught in a 'moment of weakness' because she's never cried in front of anyone before (she isn't a 'strong female character', she's only 16 but I won't explain more) and he hates her because he thinks crying is weak. Instant tension, or contrived hate?
I have an enemies to lovers story on my table for a long long time now and it seems like there is no development. I want to involve so many things that happen (to get more intense, intimate moments) but somehow they don’t give me this feeling of building up great chemistry between those two characters. So I really admire your tips and tricks and hopefully my story will have an end one day
Is Lovers-to-Enemies a recognized sub-genre too? If not, I think I see a sub-plot...
Thanks Abbie for this video... I want to write an ex-lovers to getting back together couple... they see each other 6 years later and they'll realize they both changed and will be gradually attracted to each other again (as they get their ah-a moment, they'll see they should have ever break up in the first place.) Is the enemy to lover the good kind of romance?
Trying to watch this to get some spicy ideas for a good enemies to lovers that revolves around a snarky suitor of the queen and trying to usurp the throne and a female warrior who disguises herself to be the presumed dead king's brother in a greek setting....
Wish me luck
OH MY GOSH, YOU'VE READ MY MIND! I was literally just trying to figure out an enemies to lovers dynamic in my story, thanks 😁
I am writing a book about a girl who moves countries. She meets this guy at her school. At first they hate each other but they fall in love. I am nowhere near done though.
I have 2 oc who were friend but now they want to kill each other to revange the same person. They know each weakness and original dream. They kinda grew up thoughether. They are both underdog in the place they work. And almost nobody know their hated for each other. When they try to kill each other , its always in private.
How about sticking them in a lift together, because Time Stands still. like the SI-FI When the earth stood still.
I got to the 'obstacle' part and I immediately thought of (spoiler) Damen and Laurent's first kiss on the top of the fortress in the series and then Jord running up and interrupting it.
Like, Jord, I love you but your presence at this exact moment makes me want to throw you OFF the wall lmao
Humm, I wonder what that sounds like... oh yeah 100 days of sunlight
Ok ennemy to lover is nice but my favorite is still "the let's fake it..." but it works and become real so what do we do ?
But it's steal possible to have ennemy forced i the situation were they need to make belive they are couple... gosh i can imagine a family diner...
I’ve got a request on how to write. So I’m writing one of my first ‘stories’ in a first person point of view and frequently finding myself end scenes on cliffhangers only to be resolved in the next paragraph. It’s getting to be so many that it feels like a flaw, how else can I do these transitions into new scenes?
Uuul 😊 Just what I need, my next rewrite is about this. I've never read enemy to lovers, but I like it when it is well writing. The next story will be about my Villlainess and I will prepare them properly. Just can't wait. Thank you!! You're amazing!❤❤
This is great advice. Two people can both be physically attracted to each other but can't stand each others personalities. They can make out with each other like for a fling. Would that be a good start? I've written eight books but not to this extent that they hate each other than become lovers later.
I appreciate this video among all your others because I hate hate HATE this trope. I avoid reading and writing it like the plague. Hollywood has made “opposites attract” the default, when that’s really only true in electromagnetics, and the relevant cliché in people is actually “birds of a feather flock together”. That said, it’s inevitable that at some point I’ll probably have some characters in something I’m writing force me to do it, and now I feel I can do it more justice than I would have before.
Thank u sooo much for this! Im currently writing a romance abt a flirty boy and a girl who despises him and this helped sooooo much!!!!
Can it still fall under enemies to lovers if they don't personally hate each other so much as they're on opposite sides of a conflict? Or they have reasons to dislike each other in general but not in a specific way (like, he's not the one who killed her parents but he's part of the same overarching regime)?
Sounds kinda like forbidden romance for the first one...
Do enemies to lovers even exist in real life?? I haven't seen it... We all know the other way around, though...
How would I write a girl who is in a good relationship fall for another guy without every reader hating her for losing/betraying her bf?
I'm writing a Monica and chandler enemies to friends to unexpected lovers
Loving all the romance tips. Thanks Abbie.
I’m trying to save a spot, but it freezes when I submit my name. Any suggestions?
mine is the topic most writers hate.. fanfic lmao anyways its rough and I'm trying to figure this out right now because I'm having issues with how I'm going to make them go from enemies into the transition to lovers
I don't like the enemy to lovers trope, it seems too energy consuming and it's giving me second-hand exhaustion.
I like it. thanks for the help. Geraldo Cebola. J Lucas
this was more interesting to watch than actually any story i have read so far...jk but yeahhh ^^
Hey Abbie! Love your vids, they help so much! You are truly such a smart person😂❤️ I have a question, I have been struggling with really getting into my characters head/ be in their place. Any advice?😊
my enemies to lovers is kinda one sided because the MC has kinda a sad backstory and doesnt trust people, feelings, etc and the love intrest is just a cinnamon roll so how would i do that
Hi I'm loving your vids so much can you do grumpy x sunshine trope?
I wish enemies to lovers was my favorite. But i read too much of bad ones. I'm wary of now 😂
Can you recommend some good enemies to lovers books? I've actually never read any and I'd like to read a good one for my first book!
abbie, i would love to have some enimies to lovers book recomendations from you!
Me: I need tips for my book
You: oh look at all these videos….
Great video ❤
Useful as always.
Could you make a video similar to this but about from enemies to siblings (typical good vs. evil )?
Point out what should be in it, to make it feel like it's real.
It would be great.
Thank you.