Willful Parties
Liz Ellyn
Published by: The Wild Rose Press
Publication date: January 1st 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
Seth is the vibrant bisexual marathoner who sparked the relationship with Kat and Dylan. He remains undeterred in pursuit of their perfect love, even when confronted with a devastating blow. Kat, their sharp-witted pixie, treasures good moments as gifts due to past experiences. She hesitates to wholeheartedly commit based on a deep-rooted fear of heartache and pressing her luck. Dylan exudes irresistible confidence and brilliance and is marked for an impressive political future. However, his internal struggle with identity and career decisions poses a significant hurdle in committing to their love affair.
They share a sizzling three-way passion but are destined to part ways after graduating from their Chicago law school. Legal battles, heart-wrenching losses, and mounting obligations challenge the prospect of reclaiming their love.
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Author Guest post with Liz Ellyn...
Researching for a throuple story
A throuple, also known as a triad, is a relationship where all three people are romantically and often intimately involved with one another. However, the specifics of any given throuple can vary widely, as each triad may establish their own rules, boundaries, and definitions for their connections. For example, the individuals in a throuple may have unique dynamics depending on their personal preferences, sexual inclinations, and libidos. Some may even include members who identify as gray-asexual, which introduces a whole spectrum of nuanced relationship types.
It’s essential to note that there is no singular formula for a throuple. Relationships are as diverse as the people in them, and assumptions about what a throuple "should" look like can lead to misconceptions. Additionally, a throuple is not necessarily an open relationship. While open relationships involve partners who date others outside their core relationship, a throuple is typically more closed, with all three members committed to one another. This is distinct from a "vee" relationship, where one person is romantically involved with two others who are not romantically connected to each other.
When writing about a throuple, two critical aspects should be considered:
1. Developing the Relationships
Writing a throuple is akin to writing three interconnected love stories. For a triad consisting of characters A, B, and C, you’ll need to explore four distinct relationships:
A-B
B-C
A-C
A-B-C (the collective dynamic among all three members)
Each relationship within the triad must be given sufficient depth and development to convey a balanced and believable connection. This means addressing individual romantic arcs, emotional growth, and how the relationships intertwine. Neglecting one relationship can make the throuple feel uneven or incomplete.
Additionally, these relationships can employ a wide variety of romantic tropes and should follow their own narrative arcs. For example, one connection might revolve around a "friends-to-lovers" trope, while another could explore "opposites attract." The overarching throuple dynamic, however, requires its own unique story arc that integrates all three characters’ journeys.
2. Navigating Challenges
A realistic portrayal of a throuple must address both external and internal challenges:
External Challenges: Society’s views on unconventional relationships, family expectations, workplace dynamics, and public perceptions can all create pressure on the throuple.
Internal Challenges: Navigating jealousy, communication issues, time management, and differing needs or expectations are common hurdles. These struggles can create compelling drama and opportunities for character growth.
Equally important is understanding how the characters came to form their throuple. Was it a natural progression of existing relationships, or did it begin as an unexpected romantic entanglement? The origin story of the throuple sets the stage for readers to understand their dynamic and emotional stakes.
Research Tips
To authentically write about a throuple, immerse yourself in resources about polyamory and non-traditional relationships. Listening to podcasts, reading blogs, and following accounts of people who live polyamorous lifestyles can offer invaluable insights. While no two relationships are identical, common themes and challenges often emerge, providing a solid foundation for your story.
That said, it’s crucial to avoid portraying the characters as overly perfect or "expert-level" polyamorous individuals. Flawed characters who make mistakes, learn, and grow are far more engaging. Their conflicts and resolutions should feel real and relatable, giving readers the messy, emotional drama they crave while ultimately delivering the happily ever after (HEA) or satisfying conclusion they expect from a romance novel.
By focusing on these elements, you can craft a rich, nuanced story that captures the beauty, complexity, and challenges of a throuple while resonating with readers who enjoy layered, heartfelt romances.
INDULGE IN LIFE'S GUILTY PLEASURES!
Liz Ellyn nourishes people’s cravings for the irresistible. Like the decadent desserts she delivers, she creates alluring characters deserving of happy endings.
With degrees in both engineering and law, she argues that the positive energy gained by indulging in one’s guilty pleasure appropriately counterbalances the serious forces of daily life.
When she isn’t writing or devouring steamy romance books, she spoils her family, including her two dogs, Boomer and Tanner.
Bon Appetite and Happy Reading!
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Thrilled to be included on your blog! Happy Reading!
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