Romance Writing 101: Wound Your Protagonist!
Creative, Actually Season 1, Episode 6
In today’s episode, Elizabeth at Creative, Actually chats with sweet romance author, Fictionary Story Coach Editor and Instructor Linda O’Donnell who shares why all successful romance novels have a “wound” for their protagonist to overcome.
She shares fun examples of how writers can progress their character’s wound across the romance beats from the meet cute to breakup and their epiphany.
We also get a sneak peak into her upcoming debut romance novel Behind the Scenes, where a woman returns to her hometown only to become stuck in the same house with a movie star she wants nothing to do with.
The first of a six-book series, Linda’s closed Northern Star Series focuses on a small-town where women cross paths with various kind of celebrities and misunderstandings abound!
We find out more about how her co-authored bookswith the CEO of Fictionary, Secrets to Writing a Romance and the upcoming Secrets to Writing a Novel can help even brand new writers craft their romance story arc and protagonist’s wound with confidence.
So glad to have you here with us!
About Linda O’Donnell
Linda O’Donnell is a writer, certified structural editor, certified copy editor, and a writing and editing instructor. She co-authored Secrets to Writing a Romance with Kristina Stanley, and together they are working on their latest book, Secrets to Writing a Novel. Linda’s contemporary romance novel, Behind the Scenes, is coming out mid-2026.
Links
Behind the Scenes - Book 1 in the Northern Star Series - Linda’s Debut Romance Novel (Link Will Be Added When Book Is Available This Summer)
Linda O’Donnell Sweet Romance Author Website
The Write Bones - Linda’s Editing & Coaching Services
