When trying to write a story centered around two characters (regardless of their sexual orientation) who will most definitely having sex (and probably often). It is important that there is chemistry between them. Because if there is no chemistry, it’s like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.

And I’ve read stories where the characters seem almost forced together. There is no chemistry or only a basic lust but nothing underlying or even just a friendship vibe. And those stories read like the author had an idea and forced the story and characters to fit, regardless of how it may have read or what would have been better. And, as authors, writers, it’s our stories/books/characters and we can do with them what we want. And after reading one of those books, it made me wonder do authors/writers consider character chemistry when writing. Because, for me, as a reader, if I notice something is off, or don’t feel the sparks between the characters be it in an erotic romance, traditional romance, sweet romance or other type of book then I will put down the book.

Now with Take Me As I Am the characters started off differently. Jay came to me fully formed and with his own story ideas. I had originally planned on the story being a M/F erotic love story. But Jay let me know in no uncertain terms that it was gonna be a M/M story. And at first I was scared, I never wrote M/M before and wanted to make sure I did the story and characters justice.

In Second Chances, it was easy. Sebastian and Elaina came to me as a couple and wanted their story told. Their chemistry was instantaneous and off the charts.

Now here’s the reason for this post today. I’ve been working on the second story in the Ramos Brothers Series. I have the stories plotted out and was working on Alvarez’s story but there is resistance. To the other lead character and to the storyline. I was trying to avoid another reunited lovers type story but I’m going to have to listen to the characters in this one again because the chemistry between the hero and heroine is more like brother and sisters or cousins instead of lovers of longtime loves.

I guess all this proves that no matter how we, as writers, try to plot sometimes the pantser in us comes out. And sometimes, the characters know more and we have to do a bit more planning. I don’t mind reworking a story. And I can always use the other character for another story.

This post was inspired by the story struggles described above and Kati Talks Personal Chemistry.