"The Art of the Almost Kiss"—Writing Romance in YA with Sara B. Larson

Join WIFYR and author Sara B. Larson online on Thursday, May 21, 2026 for "The Art of the Almost Kiss"— Writing Romance in YA!  

In young adult fiction, romance isn’t just about love—it’s about longing, tension, identity, and everything at stake when feelings get complicated. The almost-kiss matters just as much as the kiss. The silence can be louder than the confession.  In this class, you’ll learn how to craft irresistible romantic arcs that feel authentic to teen experiences while keeping readers completely hooked. We’ll break down how to build chemistry that sparks, create emotional stakes that ache, and pace relationships for maximum swoon—from first glance to final payoff.  

Through examples, discussion, and hands-on exercises, you’ll explore:

• Writing tension that keeps readers turning pages -Mastering slow burns, enemies-to-lovers, and fan-favorite tropes 

• Balancing romance with plot without losing momentum 

• Creating characters whose emotional journeys feel real, messy, and unforgettable 

• Writing kissing scenes that feel like payoff without needing spice 

• Whether your story is soft and sweet or full of angst and heartbreak, this class will help you write romance that lingers long after the final page.  

ABOUT SARA B. LARSON 

Sara B. Larson is the best-selling and critically acclaimed author of Every Beat After, her adult debut, a forthcoming adult book (05.04.27), as well as multiple YA fantasy books, including A Promised Vengeance, the Defy trilogy, the Dark Breaks the Dawn duology, and the Sisters of Shadow and Light duology. She can’t remember a time when she didn’t write books—although she now uses a computer instead of a Little Mermaid notebook. Sara lives in Utah with her family, Loki the Maltese, and Bindi the English cream retriever, where she also runs a commercial preschool. When she’s not mothering, preschooling, or writing, you can often find her at the gym repenting of her sugar addiction.