So You Wanna Write a BL Novel, Huh? Buckle Up, Buttercup!
Ah, the glorious realm of Boys Love (BL) novels. Where hearts flutter, fists fly (sometimes in passionate encounters!), and the power of love conquers all (even that pesky childhood trauma). If you've been bitten by the BL bug and have a story screaming to be unleashed, then this guide – dispensed with a generous helping of sarcasm and a dash of helpfulness – is for you!
Crafting Your Dream Duo: The BL Boys
First things first, you need your boys! Here's where the magic happens:
- The Sunbeam & The Grump: The classic pairing. One is sunshine personified, the other a walking raincloud. Will sunshine melt the grump's icy exterior? Or will Mr. Grumpy drag Sunshine down to his level of perpetual existential dread? You decide!
- The Jock & The Nerd: A tale as old as...well, high school cafeterias. Can the star athlete resist the nerdy charm hidden behind those giant glasses? Will the nerd finally shed his textbooks and embrace the world of dodgeball (or whatever sport jocks do these days)?
- The Enemies to Lovers: They loathe each other with the burning passion of a thousand suns. But wait! Is that...respect bubbling beneath the surface? Gasp! Could it be...dare we say it...love?
Remember: Don't be afraid to break the mold! Maybe your BL couple is a grumpy vampire and a sunshine-obsessed werewolf. Just make sure their dynamic is electric (and not in the "we accidentally touched and now we're both inexplicably attracted" kind of way).
Plot Twist Paradise: Where Angst Meets Adventure (and Maybe Some Spice)
Okay, you've got your boys. Now, what shenanigans will they get up to?
- The Misunderstood Confession: A love note gets mixed up, leading to hilarious misunderstandings and a healthy dose of pining.
- The Fake Dating Scheme: They need to fool their families/friends/entire school into thinking they're a couple. But what happens when the lines between pretend and reality start to blur?
- The Forced Proximity Romp-Com: Stuck on a deserted island/snowed in cabin/locked in a janitor's closet – the possibilities are endless!
Don't forget the Angst! Every good BL novel needs a good dose of emotional turmoil. Childhood trauma, societal pressures, disapproving parents – the struggle is real! But fear not, for true love will conquer all (usually after a dramatic tearful confession scene).
Spice Up Your Life (But Do It Well)
Let's be honest, BL wouldn't be BL without a little...spice. But remember, dear writer, there's a fine line between sensuality and creepy unsolicited close-ups.
- Focus on building emotional intimacy before the big moment.
- Use vivid descriptions that set the scene without resorting to overly clinical language.
- Respect your characters' boundaries.
Bonus Tip: If you're unsure, less is often more.
The All-Important BL Checklist: You've Got This!
Before you unleash your masterpiece on the world, make sure you've got all the BL essentials:
- The Steamy Confession: Bonus points for dramatic declarations under a cherry blossom tree/during a meteor shower/while skydiving (safety first, people!).
- The Supportive Best Friend: Every good BL couple needs a wingman (or wingwoman) to dispense sage advice and questionable romantic tactics.
- The Inevitable Beach Episode: Because nothing says romance like glistening muscles and questionable swimsuits.
There you have it, aspiring BL author! With a dash of creativity, a sprinkle of humor, and a whole lot of heart, you're well on your way to crafting a BL novel that will have readers swooning (and maybe reaching for a cold shower). Now get out there and write that story! Remember, the BL world awaits your brilliance (and questionable plot devices).
