Perform research. If you are planning to publish your book, look at love stories already on the market. Find out which books are selling; this gives an indication of what readers are enjoying at the moment. If you can afford it, buy some love books and get a feel for how they are written. You could also visit your local library to stock up on books. Pay attention to the tone of voice and personalities of the characters in each book.
Think of a story. Gain inspiration by visiting new places. Observe people, especially couples, to see how they interact. Observe individuals and imagine what they are hoping for in their lives, including their romantic lives. Imagine what their love might be like, where they might meet their soul mates and other circumstances surrounding their lives. Introduce some controversy and some drama. Think of what, or who, could prevent the lovers from being together. Imagine a perilous or unfortunate incident. Explore how your characters might overcome obstacles. Open your mind to creativity because you can make anything happen in your book. Choose which era your love story takes place in, as well as its geographical location and setting.
Develop your characters. They are very important in a love book because the story centers around them. Decide what kind of person your leading lady is --- she could be strong and feisty or a sensual temptress. Think about how she changes the story. Consider the personality of your leading man --- he could be strong and power-hungry or romantic and sensitive. Think about your characters' motivations and goals --- they can be anything you choose. Decide the ages of your characters as well as their physical appearance, social background and history. These are facets that add depth to your characters. Develop supporting characters including friends, family members, co-workers and rivals, but ensure that they do not outshine your main characters.
Write an outline of your story. This lets you break the story down chapter by chapter and work on its structure. An outline also enables you to keep track of what is happening while you are writing. Change the outline and get more creative as you write your love book. Refer back to the outline and add to it, while matching up twists in the plot and connecting elements together throughout the story. The outline is like a map of your love story.
Let go of your inhibitions. Keep up the pace to keep your readers interested. Do not let the story become boring in the middle as can often happen. Employ a characteristic and unique writing voice so that your love book feels different from others. Captivate your reader by making the book passionate and exciting. Create sparks between characters by conveying emotions enthusiastically yet believably.
Weave in a sub-plot or two. This helps to uncover new aspects of your characters or main plot. Build layers to your story and allow them to meet and intertwine. Ensure that your sub-plots become relevant and contribute to the story overall. Sub-plots do not necessarily have to be romantic.
End your book in a satisfactory way. Unsatisfactory endings can be annoying or frustrating for readers. Readers' emotions should have been raised and lowered throughout your story, therefore a logical resolution at the end is rewarding. The lack of a good ending can make or break a good love book. Tie up all loose ends in the story.
Revise your book. Read it through again and again. Correct misspellings and grammatical errors and ensure that the story reads smoothly. Ask others to read it to pick up errors or gaps in the plot that you might be missing. Rewrite, remove and add parts until you are satisfied with your love book.