In this fun and sweet romcom from 2022, we don’t have one but two writer characters.
Let’s get the plot summary out of the way; then we will go over why Book of Love (aff.link) is a must-watch for romance writers.
Plot Summary for Book of Love (with minor spoilers)
Henry Copper (Sam Claflin) is an English author scheduled to give interviews in Mexico due to the success of his book there. There, he’s welcomed by his translator Maria (Verónica Echegui), her young son, and her father.
Comedy and conflicts start when Henry realizes that while translating, Maria has essentially turned his story into erotica, creating the sort of fan base he’s in no way ready or willing to deal with.
But as his Mexican publisher puts it, it’s simple: either he accepts the cash and popularity or he goes back home, disappointing readers. Henry and Maria tolerate each other until they realize the other person is a lot more charming and impressive than they initially thought, and sparks start flying.
But just getting over their differences isn’t enough: They are forced to write a book together and Maria’s estranged husband will stop at nothing to stop this blossoming attraction. Can these two get a book-worthy happy ending?
Book of Love’s Writer Characters
And now, there will be more spoilers. You might want to watch the movie and come back.
At first, I was on Henry’s side. OK, I never really left Henry’s side. I just understood and empathized with Maria about certain aspects.
I am a writer after all. My stories are dear to my heart. Hell, who am I kidding? They are my babies. They’re personal and they take a lot of effort from coming up with the premise to seeing through final edits. And after that, you have to work even harder because now people have to hear about it.
I’d be shocked and pissed if I found out a translator just wrote almost a completely different book.
Frankly, I think Henry took it better than I’d have.
But, and this is an important but, Maria caused something very important: money and popularity (as in lots of sales and devoted – albeit slightly crazy fans).
Money and popularity matter because they bring power and options. Flexibility. The freedom to write things you love.
So like Henry, I’d eventually suck it up and play the game. And hey, the romance between two smart, sweet, and sexy creatives? More than welcome.
What can I say? I am a romantic I mean, hello, I’m a romcom author who writes happily-ever-after endings. I even wrote a guide on how to write the ultimate non-tragic romance.
Romance Tropes of Book of Love
Haters to lovers
Opposites attract
Close proximity
Co-Writing
This is a bit tricky. You need to share a similar vision for the future of the story. You need to like each other as people.
If you get on each other’s nerves, it’ll become a bit of a nightmare. Writing, like all professions and activities, has ups and downs. And it can get difficult, complicated, and frustrating. But at its core, it should be a labor of love. And you can’t co-create if you are miserable. (Or is it just me?)
Luckily, our characters from the film work things out. And I wouldn’t say no to working with a cute, romantic Brit. (Yes, you got me. I’ve been crushing on Sam Claflin since he appeared in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. (aff.link))
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My Writer Characters
I love writer characters on the page and screen. I feel seen. And I definitely relate. Unless the character is a total jerk, that is. In addition to dedicating an entire category on this blog to fictional writers, I sometimes feature writer characters in my novels as well.
In my New York-set romcom Making A Difference (M.A.D.) (aff.link), novelist Colin initially self-publishes only to find success after Zoe, a talented publicist, stumbles upon his book. Sparks fly, but their blossoming romance is threatened big time when Zoe’s offered a job to work with her mentor, humanitarian Jay Clark. How can a guy compete with someone who’s actively making the world a better place?
Jay’s sister, Angie, is a free-spirited rock journalist. So you‘ve got two important (supporting) writer characters in Making A Difference (M.A.D).
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How do you feel about writing characters? What are your favorite books, movies, and series with writers?
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