Case Study 11
Axe 5
Objet d'étude 3
Love at first fight
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Write the first scene of an enemies-to-lovers story.
You are a best-selling romance writer having a crisis: you are getting bored of your romantic storylines. Your publisher suggests you try “enemies-to-lovers” instead of “love at first sight”. Can the enemies-to-lovers trope help you find inspiration again? Can you write a first scene so compelling that it gets you the best book deal from your publisher?
You are a best-selling romance writer having a crisis: you are getting bored of your romantic storylines. Your publisher suggests you try “enemies-to-lovers” instead of “love at first sight”. Can the enemies-to-lovers trope help you find inspiration again? Can you write a first scene so compelling that it gets you the best book deal from your publisher?
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A trope is a topic or plot device that is found again and again in stories. Some may say it's a cliché, others that it's a classic! The enemies-to-lovers trope is when two characters start off as enemies and end up in a romantic relationship.
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1Someone you love to hate
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Step 1
1
Why do the people interviewed say they prefer enemies-to-lovers or friends-to-lovers stories? What is your opinion?
2
Looking at the book cover above, what can you guess about the setting and plot?
3
Imagine how they will become lovers. What could the plot twist be?
Action!
Pitch your plot idea to your publisher. Describe the setting, the initial situation, and the plot twist leading to a romantic ending. Convince the editor it will be a story worth reading!
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2What a waste of a lovely night
Still from La La Land, by Damien Chazelle, 2016.
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Step 2
1
Pick out elements showing both romance and conflict.
2
What aspects of Mia and Sebastian's personalities, lives and goals are turned into jokes by the other character?
3
Find similarities between them.
Action!
Well done, your story idea was approved! Now your publisher wants to see character cards developing the main protagonists' personalities and backstories. Think of how opposites attract and how they might be more alike than they think!
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3 Shakespeare did it first!
Shakespeare did it first!
BENEDICK. – What, my dear Lady Disdain! are you yet living?
BEATRICE. – Is it possible disdain should die while she hath such meet food to feed it as Signior Benedick? Courtesy itself must convert to disdain, if you come in her presence.
BENEDICK. – Then is courtesy a turncoat. But it is certain I am loved of all ladies, only you excepted: and I would I could find in my heart that I had not a hard heart; for, truly, I love none.
BEATRICE. – A dear happiness to women: they would else have been troubled with a pernicious suitor. I thank God and my cold blood, I am of your humour for that: I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me.
BENEDICK. – God keep your ladyship still in that mind! so some gentleman or other shall 'scape a predestinate scratched face.
BEATRICE. – Scratching could not make it worse, an't were such a face as yours were.
BEATRICE. – Is it possible disdain should die while she hath such meet food to feed it as Signior Benedick? Courtesy itself must convert to disdain, if you come in her presence.
BENEDICK. – Then is courtesy a turncoat. But it is certain I am loved of all ladies, only you excepted: and I would I could find in my heart that I had not a hard heart; for, truly, I love none.
BEATRICE. – A dear happiness to women: they would else have been troubled with a pernicious suitor. I thank God and my cold blood, I am of your humour for that: I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me.
BENEDICK. – God keep your ladyship still in that mind! so some gentleman or other shall 'scape a predestinate scratched face.
BEATRICE. – Scratching could not make it worse, an't were such a face as yours were.
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Step 3
1
List words or expressions in the text that show negative feelings and opposition.
2
What elements of humour can you find in the text and in the actors' tone and gestures?
3
What does this scene reveal about how they feel towards each other?
Action!
Before you start writing your own scene, the publisher wants you to find inspiration in the classics. Can you rewrite the scene from Much Ado About Nothing in modern language? Make it short, fun and snappy!
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Engraving of William Shakespeare, 1754.
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Famous for great tragedies like Romeo and Juliet, and Hamlet, Shakespeare is also known for his comedies and sense of humour. When his plays were performed, roars of laughter could be heard in the crowd! It is still the case today.
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Ready...
- Go over your plot and setting ideas. Write an introductory paragraph explaining the situation leading to the first encounter between your characters.
Steady...
- Flesh out your characters with details. What makes them tick? What moves them? What are their dreams?
Go!
- Time to write! Give your readers the most witty piece of dialogue you can imagine. Let the sparks fly!
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