- Joined
- Sep 25, 2008
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- 161
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Hi there
I was hoping to get opinions on the couple being separated for a time (what amounts to less than two hours story time but 3 chapters/over 7,000 words). It occurs more than 75% into novel. There's been an emotional blow up with the male MC, so this separation has a feeling of downtime while the female MC (POV char), grapples with feelings, has conversation with other characters, etc. She is eventually thrust into life or death action. During the action, she is still apart from the male MC for a while.
I'm wondering if my current separation so far into the story is okay because by that time the reader is more invested in characters and story and willing to read on, waiting for the reunion. I wouldn't want them to feel impatient and start skipping to get there though.
I can reduce their time apart if needed. I'll see what betas say, but was also curious about other people's thoughts on couple separation in a romance novel.
Some other info: the couple also had a separation in the beginning after the "meet" that lasted around 6,000 words, but betas did not have complaints - maybe because there was a lot of action. Also, after they are reunited in this later part of the story mentioned above, they will be together in all scenes to the end.
Thanks anyone who responds.
I was hoping to get opinions on the couple being separated for a time (what amounts to less than two hours story time but 3 chapters/over 7,000 words). It occurs more than 75% into novel. There's been an emotional blow up with the male MC, so this separation has a feeling of downtime while the female MC (POV char), grapples with feelings, has conversation with other characters, etc. She is eventually thrust into life or death action. During the action, she is still apart from the male MC for a while.
I'm wondering if my current separation so far into the story is okay because by that time the reader is more invested in characters and story and willing to read on, waiting for the reunion. I wouldn't want them to feel impatient and start skipping to get there though.
I can reduce their time apart if needed. I'll see what betas say, but was also curious about other people's thoughts on couple separation in a romance novel.
Some other info: the couple also had a separation in the beginning after the "meet" that lasted around 6,000 words, but betas did not have complaints - maybe because there was a lot of action. Also, after they are reunited in this later part of the story mentioned above, they will be together in all scenes to the end.
Thanks anyone who responds.