How to Write a Memorable Meet Cute
We all love a good meet cute. And if you think you have no knowledge of the term, then think of the moment when Steve pushes Mary aside and saves her from a rolling dumpster in the Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey classic romcom The Wedding Planner. Or one of my favorites: The moment Officer Rhodes (Chris O’Dowd) pulls Annie (Kristen Wiig) aside in Bridesmaids because she’s driving erratically.
Pick your favorite romcom (though meet cutes are not exclusive to just the romance genre!) and the moment when the two MCs who will be romantically meet — that’s the meet cute moment!
Meet cutes aren’t hard to write, per se, but they can come off a bit lackluster if not done right. The thing about the meet cute is that it’s one of the most important checkpoints in the romantic arc of the two main characters, especially when the story is considered a romance. For this reason, when you write a meet cute, you should try to make a lasting impression. Your readers are already looking forward to this moment, your job is just to best deliver a meet cute that’s going to trigger their dopamine response.
So what’s a meet cute by definition?
A meet cute is that moment when two characters who are about to become romantically involved meet in an amusing or charming way.
Create a unique scenario
Choose an unconventional or interesting location for the first meeting. This could be a coffee shop, an art gallery, a bookstore, or even a dog park.
Think about the circumstances that bring the characters together. It could be an accident, a mistaken identity, a mutual interest, or even conflicting wants/goals.
Build tension and chemistry
Introduce a bit of conflict or misunderstanding. This creates tension and makes their eventual connection more satisfying. For example, they could compete for the last copy of a book or argue over a parking space.
Even if there’s conflict, there should be a spark or something intriguing about the other person that makes them want to see each other again, or, at the very least, live rent-free in each other’s minds until they do see each other again.
Incorporate humor and charm
Add humor to the interaction. This could be through witty banter, awkward but endearing moments, or humorous misunderstandings.
Highlight the unique quirks of each character that make them stand out and endear them to the reader and each other.
Most importantly, ensure that the unspoken attraction is always palpable to the reader during these MC interactions.
Show, don’t tell
Use body language and non-verbal cues to convey attraction and interest. Eye contact, nervous fidgeting, or a smile can go a long way.
What do they notice about the other character that can foreshadow a physical and romantic attraction?
Let readers into the characters’ minds to understand their immediate reactions and internal conflicts about the encounter.
Keep it authentic
Ensure the dialogue feels natural and reflects the characters’ personalities. Avoid making it too perfect or rehearsed.
While the scenario in which the dialogue is happening can be unique, the emotions and reactions should be relatable to the audience.
Most of all remember to have fun while writing your meet cute! While these are some tips that can help you bring the best out of your writing, creating a meet cute should still feel like a lighthearted experience. Play around and experiment with setting and dialogue, and don’t be afraid to write several drafts!
If you’re writing a romance novel and think you’d like to start the process of editing your novel, then you’re in luck because romance is one of the genres I specialize in! Reach out and let’s have a chat about how I can best assist you on your journey to publishing your romance novel!