What is the difference between a romance story and a love story

Tornadoboy · May 27, 2007

Here is what's probably a dumb question, what is the difference between a love story and a romance story? I've heard several people refer to them as not being the same but I haven't heard why.
I've been calling my WIP a romance novel but I'm starting to wonder if I've got it catagorized wrong.

Robyn · May 27, 2007

Most people consider a romance story one that end with a happily ever after (or HEA) a love story doesn't require this.

aliajohnson · May 27, 2007

Robyn's right. Also, in a romance novel, the love story takes center stage. You can have all kinds of other things going on around the couple, but it's their relationship that remains the focus.

Robin Bayne · May 27, 2007

To give you an example--

the movie "Sommersby," while a love story, wouldn't qualify as a "romance" because of the ending.

What is the difference between a romance story and a love story

Tornadoboy

I bite

Robyn

aliajohnson

Robin Bayne

~writes for Him~