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Writing the Meet-Cute with Ashley Poston

Annie Cosby
February 08, 2023 | 2 min read
Romance writer Ashley Poston

 

By Annie Cosby

We're thrilled to bring you a special interview with Author & Freewrite Ambassador Ashley Poston! Ashley writes adult and young adult romance with a speculative (or paranormal) twist. Her latest release, The Dead Romantics, was a NYT Notable Book of 2022 and Good Morning America Book Club pick. (And, yes, the hero is a ghost.)

We sat down with Ashley to pick her brain about the romance genre, her writing process, and more...

What are the staples of a romance novel?

A happy ending! Or a happy-for-now. And of course the romance has to be the central theme of the book. But a happily-ever-after is the hallmark of the genre.

What is a "meet-cute" and how do you write one?

The meet-cute has to be one of the most memorable scenes that either character has in the entire novel. It has to be the scene that you think back on when you think of these characters. This is where they start.

Personally, I like full-circle narratives: starting them in one place and finishing them in the exact same place but in a different mindset and a different scenario. So I usually make the characters' last scene together the antithesis of their meet-cute.

The meet cute for Dead Romantics happens in the first chapter — they butt heads, and that’s the start of their relationship. Obviously, that happens before he gets hit by a Prius and dies. And after he gets hit by a Prius and dies, they have another meet cute!

(Oh, and if you’re hesitant to pick up a ghost romance story — don’t worry, it has a happy ending.)

What’s your favorite part of writing romance?

You know that “oh shit” moment where they realize they’re in love? I love writing that.

Why do your books have an element of magic?

I've always gravitated toward a little bit of magic in the romances I write. I've always loved speculative, fantastical scenarios, like time travel, ghost romances, this character from a book came to life and now we’re catching feelings...

How do you use the Freewrite in your writing process?

I have the Traveler, and I use it to draft my books. I don’t even take my computer with me when I travel. Instead, I just take my Freewrite!

 

Freewrite typewriter

 

What's your favorite literary love story?

Howl Pendragon and Sophie from Howl's Moving Castle. Specifically the book [by Diana Wynne Jones], not the movie — Howl is so different in the book.

And what do you have to say to people who "don't like love stories"? 

Every story is a love story Ashley Poston

 Thank you so much, Ashley, for sitting down with us to share some writing wisdom!

Ashley's next book, The Seven-Year Slip, comes out June 27, and you can pre-order it today.

 

Note: This interview was minimally edited for clarity and brevity.

 

October 26, 2025 2 min read

NaNoWriMo has fallen. A band of rebels known as NoNotWriMo has risen to take its place.

Every November, writers around the globe attempt to write 50,000 words in one month. But last year the organization behind the beloved National Novel Writing Month disintegrated.

In 2025, it's more important than ever to support feats of human creativity. So an intrepid group of humans has banded together to face the antagonist of our age.

Join us in the fight against the Modern Prometheus.

October 21, 2025 2 min read

Official Rules for the Giveaway

No purchase necessary to enter or win. A purchase will not increase your changes of wining. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.

1. Sponsor

The Haunted Traveler Giveaway (“Giveaway”) is sponsored by Freewrite (a product of Astrohaus Inc.), located at Astrohaus, 1632 1st Avenue #29179, New York, NY 10028 (“Sponsor”).

2. Eligibility

The Giveaway is open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are at least 18 years of age at the time of entry. Employees of Sponsor and their immediate family members or persons living in the same household are not eligible to enter. The Giveaway is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations and is void where prohibited.

3. Giveaway Period

The Giveaway begins at 12:01 a.m. EST on Tuesday, October 21, and ends at 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, October 30 (“Giveaway Period”). Entries submitted before or after the Giveaway Period will not be eligible. Sponsor's computer is the official timekeeping device for this Promotion.

4. How to Enter

To enter the Giveaway, participants must submit the official giveaway form with their name and email address. Limit one (1) entry per person unless otherwise stated. Entries that are incomplete or do not adhere to the rules or specifications may be disqualified. Find the form here:https://getfreewrite.com/#hauntedtraveler

5. Prize

One (1) winner will receive one (1) Freewrite Traveler with an approximate retail value of $549. Prize is non-transferable and no substitution or cash equivalent is allowed, except at Sponsor’s sole discretion.

6. Winner Selection and Notification

Winner will be selected at random from all eligible entries received during the Giveaway Period. The drawing will take place on or about October 31. The winner will be notified via email within 5 business days of selection. If the winner cannot be contacted, is ineligible, or fails to respond within 3 business days, the prize may be forfeited and an alternate winner selected.

7. Publicity

By entering, participants grant Sponsor the right to use their name, likeness, and entry for promotional and marketing purposes without further compensation, unless prohibited by law.

8. General Conditions

By participating, entrants agree to abide by these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final. The Sponsor reserves the right to cancel, modify, or suspend the Promotion if it becomes technically corrupted or cannot be conducted as planned. The prize is non-transferable. All federal, state, and local taxes are the responsibility of the winner. Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual who tampers with the entry process or otherwise violates these Terms and Conditions.

9. Limitation of Liability

By participating, entrants agree to release and hold harmless the Sponsor, its affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, employees, and agents from any and all liability arising from or in connection with participation in the Giveaway or acceptance, use, or misuse of the prize.

10. Privacy

Information submitted with an entry is subject to the Sponsor’s Privacy Policy.

October 12, 2025 4 min read

The winner of the inaugural Freewrite 500 flash fiction competition is Brie Ripley Sparks, with her short story "High Holy Days."