The Lighthouse Lovers
The new lighthouse keeper on a small, mist-covered island finds out the lighthouse is haunted by two lovers split by tragedy a hundred years ago. Compelled to reunite the spirits, the keeper uncovers a story of love and betrayal, while unexpectedly falling for a mysterious visitor with a secretive past.
Suggested length: A short story: 1,500 to 5,000 words, or flash fiction under 1,000
Start the clock
Pick a sprint, press start and keep going until it stops. Momentum beats polish on a first draft.
Make it yours
Three ways to take this prompt somewhere nobody else will.
- Put them in close quarters they can't escape.
- Tell it from the point of view of the one who falls first.
- Write the first meeting so it goes badly, in a way they'll laugh about later.
Writing romance books
Not whether they end up together, but how.
Romance puts a love story at the center and promises a happy ending: happily ever after, or at least happy for now. Readers know where it's going. The pleasure is in the obstacles, the banter and the moment the two leads finally stop fighting it.
What readers expect
- Two leads the reader roots for
- Obstacles that keep them apart
- Emotional growth, not just attraction
- A happy ending, guaranteed
A tip before you start
The happy ending isn't optional. Without it you've written a love story, and romance readers will tell you so.
More Paranormal Romance prompts
- The Fallen Star at the EclipseDuring a total solar eclipse, your protagonist, a dedicated astrologist, gets a sudden surge of energy that enables them to sense the emotions and…
- The Librarian's Moonlit CurseEvery full moon, the quiet librarian is compelled to dance in the town square under an enchantment that allows them to see the supernatural realm. One…
- The Ghost's Love StoryAt an ancient bookstore tucked away in a neglected part of town, a struggling writer discovers a mystery novel that details their own love life with…
- Three Favours for a Forest SpiritOn your daily walk through the woods, a mythical creature saves you from a near-fatal accident. In gratitude, you agree to grant them three favours…
Fifteen minutes in? Keep going.
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