Fated Mates - Episode 07.21: "Meet My Vibe Criteria: V.E. Schwab on Writing, Obsession, and Romance Outside of Romance"

Release Date: February 4, 2025

Hosts: Sarah MacLean & Jen Prokop
Guest: V.E. Schwab, acclaimed author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and upcoming novel Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil

1. Introduction to the Episode

At the outset ([07:03]), Sarah MacLean warmly welcomes V.E. Schwab to the podcast, expressing excitement about the upcoming conversation. Jen Prokop highlights Schwab's reputation for creating compelling characters with intricate relationships, even outside the traditional romance genre.

2. Exploring Romance Beyond the Genre

a. Defining Romance vs. Relationship

V.E. Schwab delves into the distinction between "romance" and "relationship" ([08:26]). She emphasizes that while romance often implies a specific trajectory toward a happily ever after, relationships encompass a broader range of dynamics, including friendship, enmity, and evolving connections influenced by the plot's stakes.

Notable Quote:

"I think that the existence of romance does not make a romance." — V.E. Schwab ([09:25])

b. Character-Driven vs. Plot-Driven Narratives

Schwab discusses the importance of character development as the driving force behind a compelling romance, rather than relying solely on plot devices. She contrasts her character-driven works like The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue with plot-driven series such as Shades of Magic, illustrating how external conflicts can serve as catalysts for authentic romantic arcs.

Notable Quote:

"There is no romance, romantic arc, love, obsession, whatever it is we're going to use as a word without character first." — V.E. Schwab ([11:36])

c. Authenticity in Romantic Relationships

The conversation highlights Schwab's commitment to portraying romantic relationships that feel genuine and are deeply rooted in character dynamics, rather than forced or artificially constructed scenarios.

Notable Quote:

"I don't ever want to put romance in there that feels inauthentic because of the kind of story I'm telling." — V.E. Schwab ([12:16])

3. Industry Pressures and Genre Boundaries

a. Marketing and Labeling Challenges

Sarah and Jen discuss the industry's tendency to label books strictly, often forcing works with romantic elements into the romance category, regardless of the story's primary focus. Schwab echoes these sentiments, expressing frustration with how genre labels can limit both readership and creative expression.

Notable Quote:

"There's a continuous pressure to narrow the definitions of those genres instead of allowing them to touch." — V.E. Schwab ([40:36])

b. The Impact of Trends on Storytelling

The hosts and Schwab explore how current trends, like the surge in popularity of "romantasy," can lead to reductive storytelling, where the essence of a genre is overshadowed by commercial expectations. They advocate for more nuanced and flexible genre intersections to foster creative diversity.

Notable Quote:

"When you try to appeal to everyone, you end up appealing to no one." — V.E. Schwab ([39:31])

4. The Role of Tropes and Character Dynamics in Romance

a. Tropes as Tools, Not Templates

Schwab emphasizes that tropes should serve the story and characters, not dictate them. She criticizes the overuse of simplistic tropes that prioritize romantic outcomes over meaningful character development.

Notable Quote:

"A trope or a dynamic or a setup — if it can be reduced to a hashtag, you know, or if it's a Plot Tag, that does not convince me." — V.E. Schwab ([75:48])

b. Balancing Multiple Dynamics

The discussion underscores the importance of balancing romantic relationships with other character interactions, such as friendships and rivalries, to create richer and more engaging narratives.

Notable Quote:

"Characters are the heart of a good story. And I have to make sure that whatever relationship you are trying to sell, no matter what it is, you have to sell it on its own merits." — V.E. Schwab ([66:22])

5. Recommendations and Final Thoughts

a. Book Recommendations

Both Sarah and Jen share their favorite works that exemplify romance outside the conventional genre boundaries. V.E. Schwab recommends titles that offer complex character relationships without relying solely on romantic plots.

Notable Mention:

"If you haven't read Milla Vane's A Heart of Blood and Ashes, I believe it’s a must-read for those interested in nuanced romantic dynamics." — Sarah MacLean ([82:59])

b. Encouraging Creative Exploration

Schwab encourages writers and readers alike to explore beyond genre constraints, fostering creativity and preventing storytelling from becoming stagnant or overly derivative.

Notable Quote:

"We choose how much of that hierarchy to give them. It is not just that they're not the lead; it's that we understand that the thing that they're bringing to the story is best in a different size dose." — V.E. Schwab ([76:10])

6. Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with heartfelt appreciation for V.E. Schwab's insights and a reminder for listeners to explore the recommended books. Sarah and Jen encourage aspiring writers to pursue their unique storytelling voices without being confined by genre expectations.

Notable Quotes Overview:

• "I think that the existence of romance does not make a romance." — V.E. Schwab ([09:25])
• "There is no romance, romantic arc, love, obsession, whatever it is we're going to use as a word without character first." — V.E. Schwab ([11:36])
• "When you try to appeal to everyone, you end up appealing to no one." — V.E. Schwab ([39:31])

This episode offers a profound exploration of how romance can be interwoven into diverse narratives without being confined to the traditional genre's limitations. V.E. Schwab's perspectives provide valuable guidance for both writers seeking authenticity and readers desiring deeper character-driven stories.