How do you write romance characters readers actually care about?

In this episode of The Author Next Door, hosts Angela Haas and Cassie Newell sit down with story revision coach Sue Brown-Moore to unpack the art of character development in romance writing and why transformation is everything.

We dive deep into:

How to write compelling romance characters that feel real

Common tropes (and how to make them fresh)

The balance between creative freedom and market expectations

The role of reader feedback in shaping your story

Why authenticity matters more than ever

And how to avoid cookie-cutter characters in your manuscript

Sue also shares insights on the business side of romance: how marketing, community, and mindset impact your success as an author.

Whether you’re just starting out or revising your tenth draft, this conversation will inspire you to rethink your characters and your storytelling approach.

👇 Let us know in the comments: What’s your biggest struggle with writing romance characters?🔔

🔔 Subscribe for more! ➡ https://www.youtube.com/@TheAuthorNextDoor

🏆EXCLUSIVE FOR AUTHOR NEXT DOOR PODCAST: Free Build Your Character ARC Worksheet

More about SUE BROWN-MOORE Here:

👉 https://www.suebrownmoore.com/

📚 https://suebrownmoore.kit.com/sss

➡️ EXCLUSIVE OFFER LINK: https://www.suebrownmoore.com/free-character-arc-worksheet/?utm_source=referral-AuthorNextDoorPodcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=20minuteheromakeover&utm_content=20250722

🎙️To Find More About The Author NextDoor➡ https://theauthornextdoor.com/

🗺️ Other places to find us and connect:

ANGELA HAAS

Choose your own adventure

🚀💕 https://ahaaswrites.com/

CASSIE NEWELL

Romance 🩷 https://ckdarling.com/

Young Adult 🧚 https://authorcmnewell.com/

Writing Coach 📚 https://www.sassywritingcoach.com/

Keywords 🔑: character development, romance writing, author tips, story arcs, reader engagement, writing advice, character transformation, romance tropes, marketing for authors, writing community