Creative Writing Corner - Where's the line between romance and rom-com?

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Where's the line between romance and rom-com?

Printed From: NYC Midnight : Creative Writing & Screenwriting
Category: GENERAL DISCUSSION
Forum Name: Creative Writing Corner
Forum Description: Discuss NYC Midnight Creative Writing Competitions or Creative Writing in general.
URL: https://forums.nycmidnight.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=42019
Printed Date: 27 Mar 2026 at 12:33am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Where's the line between romance and rom-com?

Posted By: ZoeLou
Subject: Where's the line between romance and rom-com?
Date Posted: 11 Jul 2021 at 10:22pm

Hello! My genre prompt this round is romance, but somehow my originally tragic idea has morphed into a sickly sweet rom-com which has me wondering - where do the judges draw the line between romance and rom-com? Does my romance run the risk of being disqualified for being too 'cutesy' even if it's still clearly romantic?

I'm confused, and also apologetic for using the word "romance" so many times in one paragraph. Any advice is appreciated!!

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Replies:

Posted By: taaaylor
Date Posted: 11 Jul 2021 at 10:27pm

Well in my mind it's simple :) Romance can be tragic/serious romance or romcom, while romantic comedy only has one choice. I see zero problems with going for a romcom while writing romance, as long as that emotional payoff is still the narrative focus.

Princess Bride is listed on the nycm genre page as an example of romance, so I feel like there's lots of leeway as tone goes

Good luck!

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