1<!DOCTYPE html> 2<html data-head-attrs="" lang="en"> 3<head> 4 <meta charset="UTF-8"> 5 <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0"> 6 <meta name="mobile-web-app-capable" content="yes"> 7 <meta name="apple-mobile-web-app-status-bar-style" content="black"> 8 <meta name="theme-color" content="#ffffff"> 9 <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/twitter-bootstrap/5.0.1/css/bootstrap.min.css" integrity="sha512-Ez0cGzNzHR1tYAv56860NLspgUGuQw16GiOOp/I2LuTmpSK9xDXlgJz3XN4cnpXWDmkNBKXR/VDMTCnAaEooxA==" crossorigin="anonymous" referrerpolicy="no-referrer" /> 10 <link href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Roboto:ital,wght@0,100..900;1,100..900&display=swap" rel="stylesheet"> 11 <link rel="preconnect" href="https://fonts.googleapis.com"> 12 <link rel="preconnect" href="https://fonts.gstatic.com" crossorigin> 13
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13 14 <link rel="modulepreload" href="https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/fs1/user-site-dist/assets/vendor.a10ae91f.js"> 15 <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/fs1/user-site-dist/assets/index.22716e57.css"> 16 <link rel="manifest" href="/user-site/manifest.webmanifest" crossorigin="use-credentials"><title>What if the central romance isn't working? | What If? For Authors</title><link rel="icon" href="https://www.podbean.com/favicon.ico"><link rel="apple-touch-icon" href="https://www.podbean.com/favicon.ico"><meta property="og:title" content="What if the central romance isn't working? | What If? For Authors"><meta property="og:image" content="https://d2bwo9zemjwxh5.cloudfront.net/image-logo/17911123/What_If_Podcast_1__q44p8g_1200x628.jpg?s=98648a9cab72d81897ce89367caabd3b&e=jpg"><meta property="og:type" content="article"><meta property="og:url" content="https://www.whatifforauthors.com/e/what-if-the-central-romance-isnt-working/"><meta property="og:description" content="Episode Description 17In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire addresses a common problem for writers: what if the central romance just isn't working? 18Whether you're writing a romance, mystery, fantasy, women's fiction, romantic suspense, or another genre with a romantic subplot, a weak central romance can leave an entire story falling flat. Claire walks us through troubleshooting the relationship using the Enneagram, looking at the characters' personalities, points of connection, and their different approaches to conflict. 19In This Episode, Youâll Learn 20 21 22Why both characters need to be fully developed, rather than treating one as a stock love interest 23 24 25How assigning Enneagram types can reveal unexpected character inconsistencies 26 27 28How similarities and differences between Enneagram types create connection and conflict 29 30 31What Enneagram "polarity" can teach you about romantic tension 32 33 34The three Enneagram conflict styles: avoidant, methodical, and reactive 35 36 37Why pairing two avoidant characters can make an enemies-to-lovers romance especially difficult 38 39 40Why reactive types can bring explosive chemistry, but potentially too much heat 41 42 43How your characters' conflict styles can help you anticipate breakups, reunions, and apologies 44 45 46How your own conflict style as an author might be influencing the way you're troubleshooting your romance 47 48 49Resources Mentioned 50 51 52Write Iconic Relationships KickstarterClaire's upcoming book explores the dynamics between different Enneagram types and how those relationships can be used to create compelling enemies, friendships, romances, and more. The Kickstarter launches August 25 and runs through September 10. 53https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ffsmedia/write-iconic-relationships 54 55 56Write Iconic Charactersbooks2read.com/WIC 57 58 59Liberated Writer (Coaching &amp; Courses)liberatedwriter.com 60 61 62Liberated Writer Substackliberatedwriter.substack.com 63 64 65Support the Show 66If this episode gave you something to reflect on, here are a few ways to support the podcast: 67 68 69Leave a review on your favorite platform - it helps other authors find the show. 70 71 72Share this episode with an author whoâs navigating similar challenges. 73 74 75Subscribe to Claireâs Substack for deeper insights on writing, the industry, and the author life. 76 77 78Happy writing!"><meta name="description" content="Episode Description 79In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire addresses a common problem for writers: what if the central romance just isn't working? 80Whether you're writing a romance, mystery, fantasy, women's fiction, romantic suspense, or another genre with a romantic subplot, a weak central romance can leave an entire story falling flat. Claire walks us through troubleshooting the relationship using the Enneagram, looking at the characters' personalities, points of connection, and their different approaches to conflict. 81In This Episode, Youâll Learn 82 83 84Why both characters need to be fully developed, rather than treating one as a stock love interest 85 86 87How assigning Enneagram types can reveal unexpected character inconsistencies 88 89 90How similarities and differences between Enneagram types create connection and conflict 91 92 93What Enneagram "polarity" can teach you about romantic tension 94 95 96The three Enneagram conflict styles: avoidant, methodical, and reactive 97 98 99Why pairing two avoidant characters can make an enemies-to-lovers romance especially difficult 100 101 102Why reactive types can bring explosive chemistry, but potentially too much heat 103 104 105How your characters' conflict styles can help you anticipate breakups, reunions, and apologies 106 107 108How your own conflict style as an author might be influencing the way you're troubleshooting your romance 109 110 111Resources Mentioned 112 113 114Write Iconic Relationships KickstarterClaire's upcoming book explores the dynamics between different Enneagram types and how those relationships can be used to create compelling enemies, friendships, romances, and more. The Kickstarter launches August 25 and runs through September 10. 115https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ffsmedia/write-iconic-relationships 116 117 118Write Iconic Charactersbooks2read.com/WIC 119 120 121Liberated Writer (Coaching &amp; Courses)liberatedwriter.com 122 123
124Liberated Writer Substackliberatedwriter.substack.com 125 126 127Support the Show 128If this episode gave you something to reflect on, here are a few ways to support the podcast: 129 130 131Leave a review on your favorite platform - it helps other authors find the show. 132 133 134Share this episode with an author whoâs navigating similar challenges. 135 136 137Subscribe to Claireâs Substack for deeper insights on writing, the industry, and the author life. 138 139 140Happy writing!"><meta name="twitter:card" content="player"><meta name="twitter:site" content="@podbeancom"><meta name="twitter:url" content="https://www.whatifforauthors.com/e/what-if-the-central-romance-isnt-working/"><meta name="twitter:title" content="What if the central romance isn't working? | What If? For Authors"><meta name="twitter:description" content="Episode Description 141In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire addresses a common problem for writers: what if the central romance just isn't working? 142Whether you're writing a romance, mystery, fantasy, women's fiction, romantic suspense, or another genre with a romantic subplot, a weak central romance can leave an entire story falling flat. Claire walks us through troubleshooting the relationship using the Enneagram, looking at the characters' personalities, points of connection, and their different approaches to conflict. 143In This Episode, Youâll Learn 144 145 146Why both characters need to be fully developed, rather than treating one as a stock love interest 147 148 149How assigning Enneagram types can reveal unexpected character inconsistencies 150 151 152How similarities and differences between Enneagram types create connection and conflict 153 154 155What Enneagram "polarity" can teach you about romantic tension 156 157 158The three Enneagram conflict styles: avoidant, methodical, and reactive 159 160 161Why pairing two avoidant characters can make an enemies-to-lovers romance especially difficult 162 163 164Why reactive types can bring explosive chemistry, but potentially too much heat 165 166 167How your characters' conflict styles can help you anticipate breakups, reunions, and apologies 168 169 170How your own conflict style as an author might be influencing the way you're troubleshooting your romance 171 172 173Resources Mentioned 174 175 176Write Iconic Relationships KickstarterClaire's upcoming book explores the dynamics between different Enneagram types and how those relationships can be used to create compelling enemies, friendships, romances, and more. The Kickstarter launches August 25 and runs through September 10. 177https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ffsmedia/write-iconic-relationships 178 179 180Write Iconic Charactersbooks2read.com/WIC 181 182 183Liberated Writer (Coaching &amp; Courses)liberatedwriter.com 184 185 186Liberated Writer Substackliberatedwriter.substack.com 187 188 189Support the Show 190If this episode gave you something to reflect on, here are a few ways to support the podcast: 191 192 193Leave a review on your favorite platform - it helps other authors find the show. 194 195 196Share this episode with an author whoâs navigating similar challenges. 197 198 199Subscribe to Claireâs Substack for deeper insights on writing, the industry, and the author life. 200 201 202Happy writing!"><meta name="twitter:image" content="https://d2bwo9zemjwxh5.cloudfront.net/image-logo/17911123/What_If_Podcast_1__q44p8g_1200x628.jpg?s=98648a9cab72d81897ce89367caabd3b&e=jpg"><meta name="twitter:player" content="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=vvr4h-1b4dc09&square=1"><meta name="twitter:player:width" content="420"><meta name="twitter:player:height" content="420"><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8"><meta http-equiv="Content-Language" content="en-us"><meta name="generator" content="Podbean 3.2"><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0"><meta name="author" content="PodBean Development"><meta name="Copyright" content="PodBean"><meta name="HandheldFriendly" content="True"><meta name="MobileOptimized" content="MobileOptimized"><meta name="robots" content="all"><meta name="twitter:app:id:googleplay" content="com.podbean.app.podcast"><meta name="twitter:app:id:ipad" content="973361050"><meta name="twitter:app:id:iphone" content="973361050"><meta name="twitter:app:name:googleplay" content="Podbean"><meta name="twitter:app:name:ipad" content="Podbean"><meta name="twitter:app:name:iphone" content="Podbean">
202<script type="application/ld+json">{"@context":"https://schema.org/","@type":"PodcastEpisode","url":"/e/what-if-the-central-romance-isnt-working/","name":"What if the central romance isn't working?","datePublished":"2026-09-02","description":"Episode Description\nIn this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire addresses a common problem for writers: what if the central romance just isn't working?\nWhether you're writing a romance, mystery, fantasy, women's fiction, romantic suspense, or another genre with a romantic subplot, a weak central romance can leave an entire story falling flat. Claire walks us through troubleshooting the relationship using the Enneagram, looking at the characters' personalities, points of connection, and their different approaches to conflict.\nIn This Episode, Youâll Learn\n\n\nWhy both characters need to be fully developed, rather than treating one as a stock love interest\n\n\nHow assigning Enneagram types can reveal unexpected character inconsistencies\n\n\nHow similarities and differences between Enneagram types create connection and conflict\n\n\nWhat Enneagram \"polarity\" can teach you about romantic tension\n\n\nThe three Enneagram conflict styles: avoidant, methodical, and reactive\n\n\nWhy pairing two avoidant characters can make an enemies-to-lovers romance especially difficult\n\n\nWhy reactive types can bring explosive chemistry, but potentially too much heat\n\n\nHow your characters' conflict styles can help you anticipate breakups, reunions, and apologies\n\n\nHow your own conflict style as an author might be influencing the way you're troubleshooting your romance\n\n\nResources Mentioned\n\n\nWrite Iconic Relationships KickstarterClaire's upcoming book explores the dynamics between different Enneagram types and how those relationships can be used to create compelling enemies, friendships, romances, and more. The Kickstarter launches August 25 and runs through September 10.\nhttps://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ffsmedia/write-iconic-relationships\n\n\nWrite Iconic Charactersbooks2read.com/WIC\n\n\nLiberated Writer (Coaching & Courses)liberatedwriter.com\n\n\nLiberated Writer Substackliberatedwriter.substack.com\n\n\nSupport the Show\nIf this episode gave you something to reflect on, here are a few ways to support the podcast:\n\n\nLeave a review on your favorite platform - it helps other authors find the show.\n\n\nShare this episode with an author whoâs navigating similar challenges.\n\n\nSubscribe to Claireâs Substack for deeper insights on writing, the industry, and the author life.\n\n\nHappy writing!","associatedMedia":{"@type":"MediaObject","contentUrl":"https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/hxctw7srdjgp7mwm/WIFA_60_mixdownadver.mp3"},"partOfSeries":{"@type":"PodcastSeries","name":"What If? For Authors","url":"https://www.whatifforauthors.com"}}</script>
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For Authors</em>, Claire addresses a common problem for writers: what if the central romance just isn't working?</p> 216<p>Whether you're writing a romance, mystery, fantasy, women's fiction, romantic suspense, or another genre with a romantic subplot, a weak central romance can leave an entire story falling flat. Claire walks us through troubleshooting the relationship using the Enneagram, looking at the characters' personalities, points of connection, and their different approaches to conflict.</p> 217<p><strong>In This Episode, Youâll Learn</strong></p> 218<ul> 219<li> 220<p>Why both characters need to be fully developed, rather than treating one as a stock love interest</p> 221</li> 222<li> 223<p>How assigning Enneagram types can reveal unexpected character inconsistencies</p> 224</li> 225<li> 226<p>How similarities and differences between Enneagram types create connection and conflict</p> 227</li> 228<li> 229<p>What Enneagram "polarity" can teach you about romantic tension</p> 230</li> 231<li> 232<p>The three Enneagram conflict styles: avoidant, methodical, and reactive</p> 233</li> 234<li> 235<p>Why pairing two avoidant characters can make an enemies-to-lovers romance especially difficult</p> 236</li> 237<li> 238<p>Why reactive types can bring explosive chemistry, but potentially too much heat</p> 239</li> 240<li> 241<p>How your characters' conflict styles can help you anticipate breakups, reunions, and apologies</p> 242</li> 243<li> 244<p>How your own conflict style as an author might be influencing the way you're troubleshooting your romance</p> 245</li> 246</ul> 247<p><strong>Resources Mentioned</strong></p> 248<ul> 249<li> 250<p><strong>Write Iconic Relationships Kickstarter<br /></strong>Claire's upcoming book explores the dynamics between different Enneagram types and how those relationships can be used to create compelling enemies, friendships, romances, and more. The Kickstarter launches <em>August 25 and runs through September 10.</em></p> 251<p><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ffsmedia/write-iconic-relationships">https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ffsmedia/write-iconic-relationships</a></p> 252</li> 253<li> 254<p><strong>Write Iconic Characters</strong><br /><a href="http://books2read.com/WIC">books2read.com/WIC</a></p> 255</li> 256<li> 257<p><strong>Liberated Writer (Coaching & Courses)</strong><br /><a href="http://liberatedwriter.com">liberatedwriter.com</a></p> 258</li> 259<li> 260<p><strong>Liberated Writer Substack</strong><br /><a href="https://liberatedwriter.substack.com">liberatedwriter.substack.com</a></p> 261</li> 262</ul> 263<p><strong>Support the Show</strong></p> 264<p>If this episode gave you something to reflect on, here are a few ways to support the podcast:</p> 265<ul> 266<li> 267<p><em>Leave a review on your favorite platform - it helps other authors find the show.</em></p> 268</li> 269<li> 270<p><em>Share this episode with an author whoâs navigating similar challenges.</em></p> 271</li> 272<li> 273<p><em>Subscribe to Claireâs Substack for deeper insights on writing, the industry, and the author life.</em></p> 274</li> 275</ul> 276<p><strong>Happy writing!</strong></p></p></div></div></div></div></div><!--]--><!--]--><!--[--><!----><!--]--><!--]--><div class="episode-detail-bottom"><div class="container"><div class="pb-2"><div class="cc-comments"><div class="comment-title">Comment (0) </div><!----><div class="content empty-content text-center"><svg aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" fill="currentColor" class="bi bi-chat-left-text" viewbox="0 0 16 16"><path d="M14 1a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v8a1 1 0 0 1-1 1H4.414A2 2 0 0 0 3 11.586l-2 2V2a1 1 0 0 1 1-1h12zM2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v12.793a.5.5 0 0 0 .854.353l2.853-2.853A1 1 0 0 1 4.414 12H14a2 2 0 0 0 2-2V2a2 2 0 0 0-2-2H2z"></path><path d="M3 3.5a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h9a.5.5 0 0 1 0 1h-9a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5zM3 6a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h9a.5.5 0 0 1 0 1h-9A.5.5 0 0 1 3 6zm0 2.5a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h5a.5.5 0 0 1 0 1h-5a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5z"></path></svg><p class="pt-3">No comments yet. 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278,{\"id\":\"NavigationBackgroundColor\",\"val\":\"#000000\"},{\"id\":\"NavigationSearch\",\"val\":\"show\"},{\"id\":\"NavigationLinks\",\"val\":[{\"id\":\"Home\",\"type\":\"Link\",\"value\":\"\u002F\",\"text\":\"Home\",\"subitems\":[]},{\"id\":\"Subscribe\",\"type\":\"Link\",\"value\":\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.podbean.com\u002Fsite\u002Fpodcatcher\u002Findex\u002Fblog\u002FvLXbr6fKjf6G\",\"text\":\"Subscribe\",\"subitems\":[]},{\"id\":\"Profile\",\"type\":\"Link\",\"value\":\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.podbean.com\u002Fuser-37V92MiMoSJx\",\"text\":\"Profile\",\"subitems\":[]}]}],\"footer\":[{\"id\":\"FooterType\",\"val\":\"Footer1\"},{\"id\":\"FooterFontColor\",\"val\":\"#ffffff\"},{\"id\":\"FooterBackgroundColor\",\"val\":\"#000000\"},{\"id\":\"FooterCopyright\",\"val\":\"Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.\"},{\"id\":\"SocialMediaLinks\",\"val\":{\"facebook_username\":\"\",\"twitter_username\":\"\",\"instagram_username\":\"\",\"youtube_username\":\"\",\"linkedin_username\":\"\"}}],\"customize-container1\":[],\"customize-container\":[{\"id\":\"EpisodeListType\",\"val\":\"simple-list\"},{\"id\":\"ComponentImageText-1\",\"val\":{\"ComponentFontColor\":\"#ffffff\",\"ComponentBackgroundColor\":\"#1a1a1a\",\"ComponentImage\":\"https:\u002F\u002Fmcdn.podbean.com\u002Fmf\u002Fweb\u002F3ybewuz9y8m6ny2v\u002FScreenshot_2024-05-13_at_85345_AMabbb1f02-68a5-5c4d-9ef2-86b4937aeb09.png\",\"ComponentContent\":\"\u003Cdiv style=\\\"text-align: center;\\\"\u003E\\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cspan style=\\\"font-family:georgia, palatino;\\\"\u003EWhat If... For Authors\u003C\u002Fspan\u003E\u003C\u002Fh3\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\\\"font-family:georgia, palatino;font-size:12pt;\\\"\u003EJoin Enneagram-certified author coach Claire Taylor as she tackles the anxieties and uncertainty of the publishing world head-on. Each episode explores a single âwhat ifâ question, with topics like, What if I hate social media? What if I donât write to market? What if Iâm grieving? Using humor, compassion, and hard-earned wisdom, she lights the way for authors to keep loving their art no matter what happens.\u003C\u002Fspan\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Fdiv\u003E\"}}]},\"allLinks\":[],\"mainStylesDefaultSettings\":null,\"defaultCustomizeComponents\":null,\"scripts\":[],\"metas\":null,\"appConfig\":{\"package\":\"com.podbean.app.podcast\",\"app_store_id\":973361050,\"app_name\":\"Podbean\",\"scheme\":\"podbean\"},\"customizeCss\":null,\"canEditCss\":null,\"enableJsCodeInCustomizeContent\":false,\"enabledIframeCodeInCustomizeContent\":true,\"sectionMaxCount\":10,\"enableEditorLink\":true,\"enableEditCookiesNotice\":true,\"siteRedirectToFeed\":false,\"podcatcherRssUrl\":null,\"showFeed\":true,\"showTopBar\":false,\"enableWebSiteLike\":true,\"organizationName\":null,\"organizationPageLink\":null,\"subscribeLink\":\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.podbean.com\u002Fsite\u002Fpodcatcher\u002Findex\u002Fblog\u002FvLXbr6fKjf6G\",\"isPrivateChannel\":false},\"backToListUrl\":\"\u002F\",\"tinymceLoaded\":false,\"listEpisodes\":[],\"userLikedEpisodes\":[],\"userLikeCheckedEpisodes\":[],\"topBarIframeLoaded\":false,\"listTotalCount\":0,\"listTotalPage\":0,\"listPage\":0,\"listType\":\"all\",\"listValue\":\"\",\"listName\":\"\",\"pageLoading\":false,\"apiBaseUrl\":\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.whatifforauthors.com\",\"apiV2BaseUrl\":\"\",\"apiCommonParams\":{\"t\":\"6abfd621\",\"clientSignature\":\"b037301f273311b5328c4e3c49e3b761\",\"u\":null,\"customizing\":null},\"apiCommonHeaders\":{},\"comments\":[],\"commentsTotalCount\":0,\"commentsTotalPage\":0,\"commentsPage\":1,\"commentEpisodeId\":\"pb28630025-vvr4h\",\"episode\":{\"id\":\"pb28630025\",\"idTag\":\"vvr4h\",\"title\":\"What if the central romance isn't working?\",\"logo\":\"https:\u002F\u002Fpbcdn1.podbean.com\u002Fimglogo\u002Fimage-logo\u002F17911123\u002FWhat_If_Podcast_1__q44p8g_300x300.jpg\",\"shareLogo\":\"https:\u002F\u002Fd2bwo9zemjwxh5.cloudfront.net\u002Fimage-logo\u002F17911123\u002FWhat_If_Podcast_1__q44p8g_1200x628.jpg?s=98648a9cab72d81897ce89367caabd3b&e=jpg\",\"largeLogo\":\"https:\u002F\u002Fpbcdn1.podbean.com\u002Fimglogo\u002Fimage-logo\u002F17911123\u002FWhat_If_Podcast_1__q44p8g.jpg\",\"previewContent\":null,\"content\":\"\u003Ch2\u
278003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEpisode Description\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fh2\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003EIn this episode of \u003Cem\u003EWhat If? For Authors\u003C\u002Fem\u003E, Claire addresses a common problem for writers: what if the central romance just isn't working?\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003EWhether you're writing a romance, mystery, fantasy, women's fiction, romantic suspense, or another genre with a romantic subplot, a weak central romance can leave an entire story falling flat. Claire walks us through troubleshooting the relationship using the Enneagram, looking at the characters' personalities, points of connection, and their different approaches to conflict.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIn This Episode, Youâll Learn\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003Cul\u003E\\n\u003Cli\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003EWhy both characters need to be fully developed, rather than treating one as a stock love interest\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\\n\u003Cli\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003EHow assigning Enneagram types can reveal unexpected character inconsistencies\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\\n\u003Cli\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003EHow similarities and differences between Enneagram types create connection and conflict\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\\n\u003Cli\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003EWhat Enneagram \\\"polarity\\\" can teach you about romantic tension\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\\n\u003Cli\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003EThe three Enneagram conflict styles: avoidant, methodical, and reactive\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\\n\u003Cli\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003EWhy pairing two avoidant characters can make an enemies-to-lovers romance especially difficult\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\\n\u003Cli\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003EWhy reactive types can bring explosive chemistry, but potentially too much heat\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\\n\u003Cli\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003EHow your characters' conflict styles can help you anticipate breakups, reunions, and apologies\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\\n\u003Cli\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003EHow your own conflict style as an author might be influencing the way you're troubleshooting your romance\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EResources Mentioned\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003Cul\u003E\\n\u003Cli\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWrite Iconic Relationships Kickstarter\u003Cbr \u002F\u003E\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003EClaire's upcoming book explores the dynamics between different Enneagram types and how those relationships can be used to create compelling enemies, friendships, romances, and more. The Kickstarter launches \u003Cem\u003EAugust 25 and runs through September 10.\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\\\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.kickstarter.com\u002Fprojects\u002Fffsmedia\u002Fwrite-iconic-relationships\\\"\u003Ehttps:\u002F\u002Fwww.kickstarter.com\u002Fprojects\u002Fffsmedia\u002Fwrite-iconic-relationships\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\\n\u003Cli\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWrite Iconic Characters\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003Cbr \u002F\u003E\u003Ca href=\\\"http:\u002F\u002Fbooks2read.com\u002FWIC\\\"\u003Ebooks2read.com\u002FWIC\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\\n\u003Cli\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELiberated Writer (Coaching & Courses)\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003Cbr \u002F\u003E\u003Ca href=\\\"http:\u002F\u002Fliberatedwriter.com\\\"\u003Eliberatedwriter.com\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\\n\u003Cli\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELiberated Writer Substack\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003Cbr \u002F\u003E\u003Ca href=\\\"https:\u002F\u002Fliberatedwriter.substack.com\\\"\u003Eliberatedwriter.substack.com\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESupport the Show\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003EIf this episode gave you something to reflect on, here are a few ways to support the podcast:\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003Cul\u003E\\n\u003Cli\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003ELeave a review on your favorite platform - it helps other authors find the show.\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\\n\u003Cli\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EShare this episode with an author whoâs navigating similar challenges.\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\\n\u003Cli\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003ESubscribe to Claireâs Substack for deeper insights on writing, the industry, and the author life.\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHappy writing!\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\",\"publishTimestamp\":1
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For Authors\u003C\u002Fem\u003E, Claire addresses a common problem for writers: what if the central romance just isn't working?\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003EWhether you're writing a romance, mystery, fantasy, women's fiction, romantic suspense, or another genre with a romantic subplot, a weak central romance can leave an entire story falling flat. Claire walks us through troubleshooting the relationship using the Enneagram, looking at the characters' personalities, points of connection, and their different approaches to conflict.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIn This Episode, Youâll Learn\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003Cul\u003E\\n\u003Cli\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003EWhy both characters need to be fully developed, rather than treating one as a stock love interest\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\\n\u003Cli\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003EHow assigning Enneagram types can reveal unexpected character inconsistencies\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\\n\u003Cli\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003EHow similarities and differences between Enneagram types create connection and conflict\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\\n\u003Cli\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003EWhat Enneagram \\\"polarity\\\" can teach you about romantic tension\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\\n\u003Cli\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003EThe three Enneagram conflict styles: avoidant, methodical, and reactive\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\\n\u003Cli\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003EWhy pairing two avoidant characters can make an enemies-to-lovers romance especially difficult\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\\n\u003Cli\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003EWhy reactive types can bring explosive chemistry, but potentially too much heat\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\\n\u003Cli\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003EHow your characters' conflict styles can help you anticipate breakups, reunions, and apologies\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\\n\u003Cli\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003EHow your own conflict style as an author might be influencing the way you're troubleshooting your romance\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EResources Mentioned\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003Cul\u003E\\n\u003Cli\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWrite Iconic Relationships Kickstarter\u003Cbr \u
278002F\u003E\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003EClaire's upcoming book explores the dynamics between different Enneagram types and how those relationships can be used to create compelling enemies, friendships, romances, and more. The Kickstarter launches \u003Cem\u003EAugust 25 and runs through September 10.\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\\\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.kickstarter.com\u002Fprojects\u002Fffsmedia\u002Fwrite-iconic-relationships\\\"\u003Ehttps:\u002F\u002Fwww.kickstarter.com\u002Fprojects\u002Fffsmedia\u002Fwrite-iconic-relationships\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\\n\u003Cli\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWrite Iconic Characters\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003Cbr \u002F\u003E\u003Ca href=\\\"http:\u002F\u002Fbooks2read.com\u002FWIC\\\"\u003Ebooks2read.com\u002FWIC\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\\n\u003Cli\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELiberated Writer (Coaching & Courses)\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003Cbr \u002F\u003E\u003Ca href=\\\"http:\u002F\u002Fliberatedwriter.com\\\"\u003Eliberatedwriter.com\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\\n\u003Cli\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELiberated Writer Substack\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003Cbr \u002F\u003E\u003Ca href=\\\"https:\u002F\u002Fliberatedwriter.substack.com\\\"\u003Eliberatedwriter.substack.com\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESupport the Show\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003EIf this episode gave you something to reflect on, here are a few ways to support the podcast:\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003Cul\u003E\\n\u003Cli\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003ELeave a review on your favorite platform - it helps other authors find the show.\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\\n\u003Cli\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EShare this episode with an author whoâs navigating similar challenges.\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\\n\u003Cli\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003ESubscribe to Claireâs Substack for deeper insights on writing, the industry, and the author life.\u003C\u002Fem\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Fli\u003E\\n\u003C\u002Ful\u003E\\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHappy writing!\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\",\"publishTimestamp\":1
278788374308,\"duration\":1229,\"mediaUrl\":\"https:\u002F\u002Fmcdn.podbean.com\u002Fmf\u002Fweb\u002Fhxctw7srdjgp7mwm\u002FWIFA_60_mixdownadver.mp3\",\"mediaType\":\"audio\u002Fmpeg\",\"shareLink\":\"https:\u002F\u002Fadmin5.podbean.com\u002Fembed.html?id=pb-vvr4h-1b4dc09\",\"likedCount\":0,\"deepLink\":\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.podbean.com\u002Few\u002Fpb-vvr4h-1b4dc09\",\"transcriptUrl\":\"https:\u002F\u002Fmcdn.podbean.com\u002Fmf\u002Fweb\u002Fxyu635x447xxx47r\u002F81667f27-59b7-3915-ac09-d9870444aae2.srt\",\"permalink\":\"\u002Fe\u002Fwhat-if-the-central-romance-isnt-working\u002F\",\"downloadLink\":\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.podbean.com\u002Fmedia\u002Fshare\u002Fpb-vvr4h-1b4dc09?download=1\",\"fallbackResource\":null,\"fallbackResourceMimetype\":null,\"downloadCount\":185,\"status\":\"publish\",\"hasMoreContent\":false,\"chaptersUrl\":null,\"explicit\":true},\"loginUrl\":\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.podbean.com\u002Fsite\u002Fuser\u002Flogin?return=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.whatifforauthors.com%252Fe%252Fwhat-if-the-central-romance-isnt-working%252F&rts=f2067126d4ff9853a4ead185e0f61bf337c14bb8\"}"</script>
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