Sapphic romance is really no different than traditional mainstream heterosexual romance. There’s one rule that rises to the top. You can’t kill off one of the main characters. This rule extends to their furry companions with a few exceptions. The reason for this rule is that it upsets the main romance formula that requires a happily ever after or a happily for now. And this is especially true in the Sapphic community because for too many years we were left with fiction that ended in tragedy like we weren’t really deserving of a happy ending because when you buck society’s norms you have to expect it’ll end in heartbreak. It’s probably the reason why I will personally never read the classic novel, The Well of Loneliness. Even the ending in Rubyfruit Jungle left me screaming, “Okay, really, was that necessary?”
Now, of course, writers can and do break rules all the time. It is our prerogative to do that, because, after all, it’s our book and we can do what we damn well please with it. However, if an author breaks this rule, they need to expect the criticism they will likely get from not just coloring outside the lines, but completely removing those lines. I’ve certainly been known to color outside the lines, but have never completely demolished this rule, but have instead tried to adhere to the exceptions.
So what are the exceptions? If you know from the start that one of the main characters dies and the entire story is a tribute to their love, that’s an acceptable angle for the love story. So how might this work? Well, the story could start when the two women are at the end of their life and they’ve had a long and lovely life with someone telling their story, complete with the requisite manner in which they met and all the challenges between the two that they had to overcome to remain together. Similarly, if the story spans many years, the beloved pet cannot live forever, and as long as the furry companion led a good life and was properly idolized, the author can realistically represent their passing. Another exception is if the author is telling a second chance story. However, this is where it gets a little complicated. Too much about the person who dies and the reader becomes too invested in that character to find satisfaction in the second-chance love story, leaving the reader with conflicting feelings.
As an author, if you’re going to break this rule, ask yourself if there’s a good reason to essentially change your book from romance to general fiction. Why is it necessary to kill off the main character? Is there a point the author is trying to make? I can think of at least one book I read that broke this rule and although I’m definitely a HEA kind of reader, I understood the importance of why the author told the story the way they did. In fact, I’ve often said I believe the book is their best work and I forgave them for breaking the rule. It was, however, a big risk. I’m currently beta-reading a manuscript that breaks this rule spectacularly but is brilliantly written. I haven’t finished yet, so I will wait to provide feedback, just in case an exception rises to the surface. As for my own novels, I’ve never completely broken the rule, but danced on the edge a few times, letting the story fall squarely into one of the exceptions. Interested in checking out my books, you know the drill, just click one of the links below. By the way…Love Bonds is now out in audio!
Audio links: Audible in US Audible in UK
Audio links: Audible in US Audible in UK
Now in Audio ! Audio links: Audible in US Audible in UK
Recent double Award-Winning novel….
Amazon Germany Book 4 in the Trophy Wives Club Series
Links to the Books in Audible:
Undercover Love Politics of Love Love Bonds Sculpting Her Heart Disconnected Artist Free Zone Locked Inside
Proud to be an Affinity Rainbow Publications author!
Annette Mori 
Hi, Annette,
As much as I love an HEA or, more realistically called HFN (because who really knows?), I also like the ones that break our hearts. I prefer for that to be clear from the beginning, so I know not to expect an HEA/HFN.
I loved Claire Highton-Stevenson’s The Promise. I think it’s interesting that it’s called a second chance romance (using the term the same way you did in your newsletter). Because most times it is used, it means a second chance for that couple. Not for one of the people in the couple.
Anyway, I’d be interested in knowing the author/title of the one you’re currently beta reading. It would be an interesting read. I think. 😉
Thanks for your newsletters. I love reading your opinion on things.
Janice .
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I am not sure if the author will keep the story as is, if she does and gives permission for me to share her name, I will do that. However, I can provide the name of the book an author I mentioned earlier in my blog. That book was Slaying Dragons by McGee Mathews. A brilliant novel that breaks the rules!
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