Christina here. You know that saying, “It’s not the winning but the taking part that counts”? That’s a hard lesson to learn when you’re little. How many times have we said it to ourselves, our children or our friends when someone lost at something or didn’t win some competition or sport? I know I repeated it to my daughters until I was blue in the face, but it didn’t stop the disappointment on their faces as they came away emptyhanded from yet another school sports day.
“Mummy, can’t we buy a medal?” my oldest asked once, obviously not having grasped the whole concept of such competitions at all. And clearly, she had already learned that a lot of things in life can be bought, which wasn’t a lesson I wanted her to absorb at such a young age. Thankfully, we eventually begin to understand the saying as we grow up and it makes perfect sense.
A couple of days ago I attended the UK’s Romantic Novelists’ Assocations’ (RNA) annual awards event, which was very enjoyable. Drinks, a buffet, and meeting up with friends and colleagues in a lovely setting in central London – perfect! (The venue is close to the Tower which is one of my favourite places to visit in the capital.) The awards themselves comprise lots of different categories and I was lucky enough to be shortlisted in the Fantasy Romance one. I came without expectations – just being a finalist is a huge boost to an author’s morale and I honestly didn’t care whether I won or not. As it happened, the award went to someone else, but it was just fun to be a part of the proceedings and to have my story chosen as a finalist by the readers. Their approval is what really counts for me. (And the main upside of NOT winning is that I didn’t have to make a speech, something I always dread.)
(You can find the full list of winners here).
As we’ve probably mentioned before, authors can be very critical of their own work and I, for one, usually feel that what I’ve written is complete and utter drivel. Self-confidence can be at an all-time low, especially in the middle of a story when everything feels as though it will never work out. So to be shortlisted for anything is exactly what an author needs! It gives us a tremendous boost and helps us to carry on writing.
Of course, winning is the icing on the cake and will make you feel extra special, but it isn’t necessary or as important as when you were younger. I don’t have that feeling of failure I did when I was the clumsy child who was incredibly un-sporty, never won anything, and was always the last person to be picked for the rounders team. These days it doesn’t matter.
Awards events like the one I attended also have another, more important, function – they hopefully raise the profile of romantic fiction as a whole. It is unfortunately a genre that is often derided or looked down upon, which is very unfair considering how many readers around the globe love it! And also how much income it generates for publishers worldwide and how large a share of the book market is taken up by romance. (More than 25% of all fiction, I believe). To be part of a whole evening dedicated to the genre I love was wonderful!
Last month the RNA also celebrated romance in all its various guises by holding a Romance Reading Month with lots of different activities. This was inspired by Sara-Jade Virtue, Brand Development Director, Fiction, at Simon & Schuster UK who has recently been leading a campaign across publishing to demand respect for the genre. As authors of romance, we were encouraged to join in by using the hashtags #RespectRomFic and #ProudToWriteRomFic whenever we posted on social media – something most of us were quite happy to do. There were other activities throughout the month, and I hope that they were enjoyed by many and raised the profile of romantic fiction as intended.
Romance is an incredibly broad spectrum and we all have our own preferences, but the detractors seem to cast shade on the entire genre, often without having read a single one. Love is everywhere and is the thing most people want in their lives, so what is wrong with reading about it? Absolutely nothing!
I very much enjoyed my evening in a room full of romantic fiction authors, readers and publishing professionals, and no matter what, I shall continue to read romance for as long as I live.
How about you? What would you say to those who look down upon romance? We can always do with a really great come-back or two and I look forward to hearing yours!
Great blog, Christina — and congratulations for finalling! It’s a lovely acknowledgement of your writing and your excellent book.
I have always been bemused by the scorn that romance fiction gets. I mean, people don’t seem ashamed of enjoying movies like Love Actually, or Sleepless in Seattle or While You Were Sleeping and many other romantic movies, so why sneer at a romance simply because it’s in book form? As you say, many of the loudest sneerers haven’t often read many or even any genre romance.
I might start by asking the sneerer which romance they were talking about. And I bet they’d flounder to come up with a title. And if they did, I’d ask them what in particular they disliked, and then what other romances were they talking about when they talked about “romance.”
Mind you, I probably wouldn’t end up having the pateince to take the sneers seriously enough for a conversation like that.
Great blog, Christina — and congratulations for finalling! It’s a lovely acknowledgement of your writing and your excellent book.
I have always been bemused by the scorn that romance fiction gets. I mean, people don’t seem ashamed of enjoying movies like Love Actually, or Sleepless in Seattle or While You Were Sleeping and many other romantic movies, so why sneer at a romance simply because it’s in book form? As you say, many of the loudest sneerers haven’t often read many or even any genre romance.
I might start by asking the sneerer which romance they were talking about. And I bet they’d flounder to come up with a title. And if they did, I’d ask them what in particular they disliked, and then what other romances were they talking about when they talked about “romance.”
Mind you, I probably wouldn’t end up having the pateince to take the sneers seriously enough for a conversation like that.
Great blog, Christina — and congratulations for finalling! It’s a lovely acknowledgement of your writing and your excellent book.
I have always been bemused by the scorn that romance fiction gets. I mean, people don’t seem ashamed of enjoying movies like Love Actually, or Sleepless in Seattle or While You Were Sleeping and many other romantic movies, so why sneer at a romance simply because it’s in book form? As you say, many of the loudest sneerers haven’t often read many or even any genre romance.
I might start by asking the sneerer which romance they were talking about. And I bet they’d flounder to come up with a title. And if they did, I’d ask them what in particular they disliked, and then what other romances were they talking about when they talked about “romance.”
Mind you, I probably wouldn’t end up having the pateince to take the sneers seriously enough for a conversation like that.
Great blog, Christina — and congratulations for finalling! It’s a lovely acknowledgement of your writing and your excellent book.
I have always been bemused by the scorn that romance fiction gets. I mean, people don’t seem ashamed of enjoying movies like Love Actually, or Sleepless in Seattle or While You Were Sleeping and many other romantic movies, so why sneer at a romance simply because it’s in book form? As you say, many of the loudest sneerers haven’t often read many or even any genre romance.
I might start by asking the sneerer which romance they were talking about. And I bet they’d flounder to come up with a title. And if they did, I’d ask them what in particular they disliked, and then what other romances were they talking about when they talked about “romance.”
Mind you, I probably wouldn’t end up having the pateince to take the sneers seriously enough for a conversation like that.
Great blog, Christina — and congratulations for finalling! It’s a lovely acknowledgement of your writing and your excellent book.
I have always been bemused by the scorn that romance fiction gets. I mean, people don’t seem ashamed of enjoying movies like Love Actually, or Sleepless in Seattle or While You Were Sleeping and many other romantic movies, so why sneer at a romance simply because it’s in book form? As you say, many of the loudest sneerers haven’t often read many or even any genre romance.
I might start by asking the sneerer which romance they were talking about. And I bet they’d flounder to come up with a title. And if they did, I’d ask them what in particular they disliked, and then what other romances were they talking about when they talked about “romance.”
Mind you, I probably wouldn’t end up having the pateince to take the sneers seriously enough for a conversation like that.
Thank you Anne! Yes putting them on the spot like that would probably work a treat – great idea! I think a whole lot of patience would be needed unfortunately!
Thank you Anne! Yes putting them on the spot like that would probably work a treat – great idea! I think a whole lot of patience would be needed unfortunately!
Thank you Anne! Yes putting them on the spot like that would probably work a treat – great idea! I think a whole lot of patience would be needed unfortunately!
Thank you Anne! Yes putting them on the spot like that would probably work a treat – great idea! I think a whole lot of patience would be needed unfortunately!
Thank you Anne! Yes putting them on the spot like that would probably work a treat – great idea! I think a whole lot of patience would be needed unfortunately!
Lovely blog, Christina! It sounds like a great, uplifting event. A richly deserved recognition for your writing.
Lovely blog, Christina! It sounds like a great, uplifting event. A richly deserved recognition for your writing.
Lovely blog, Christina! It sounds like a great, uplifting event. A richly deserved recognition for your writing.
Lovely blog, Christina! It sounds like a great, uplifting event. A richly deserved recognition for your writing.
Lovely blog, Christina! It sounds like a great, uplifting event. A richly deserved recognition for your writing.
Thank you, Mary Jo! It’s always lovely to be nominated for something – nothing better for giving us a boost!
Thank you, Mary Jo! It’s always lovely to be nominated for something – nothing better for giving us a boost!
Thank you, Mary Jo! It’s always lovely to be nominated for something – nothing better for giving us a boost!
Thank you, Mary Jo! It’s always lovely to be nominated for something – nothing better for giving us a boost!
Thank you, Mary Jo! It’s always lovely to be nominated for something – nothing better for giving us a boost!
I know the rep that romance novels have, but I have never had anyone actually say anything to me about it. If they did I guess I would just point out that we all find comfort and joy in different things.
Some people enjoy action hero movies. I think they are silly, but I would never say that. Same with most sports. Why mock something that brings joy and happiness to so many people?
I discovered romance novels in my thirties. Back then my reading materials were much more varied. Now that I am an old lady, and house bound for the most part, I hardly read anything else. The happy endings help me keep a positive attitude. I’m thankful that I discovered these books years ago and that they were a well established habit.
And congrats on that nomination!
I know the rep that romance novels have, but I have never had anyone actually say anything to me about it. If they did I guess I would just point out that we all find comfort and joy in different things.
Some people enjoy action hero movies. I think they are silly, but I would never say that. Same with most sports. Why mock something that brings joy and happiness to so many people?
I discovered romance novels in my thirties. Back then my reading materials were much more varied. Now that I am an old lady, and house bound for the most part, I hardly read anything else. The happy endings help me keep a positive attitude. I’m thankful that I discovered these books years ago and that they were a well established habit.
And congrats on that nomination!
I know the rep that romance novels have, but I have never had anyone actually say anything to me about it. If they did I guess I would just point out that we all find comfort and joy in different things.
Some people enjoy action hero movies. I think they are silly, but I would never say that. Same with most sports. Why mock something that brings joy and happiness to so many people?
I discovered romance novels in my thirties. Back then my reading materials were much more varied. Now that I am an old lady, and house bound for the most part, I hardly read anything else. The happy endings help me keep a positive attitude. I’m thankful that I discovered these books years ago and that they were a well established habit.
And congrats on that nomination!
I know the rep that romance novels have, but I have never had anyone actually say anything to me about it. If they did I guess I would just point out that we all find comfort and joy in different things.
Some people enjoy action hero movies. I think they are silly, but I would never say that. Same with most sports. Why mock something that brings joy and happiness to so many people?
I discovered romance novels in my thirties. Back then my reading materials were much more varied. Now that I am an old lady, and house bound for the most part, I hardly read anything else. The happy endings help me keep a positive attitude. I’m thankful that I discovered these books years ago and that they were a well established habit.
And congrats on that nomination!
I know the rep that romance novels have, but I have never had anyone actually say anything to me about it. If they did I guess I would just point out that we all find comfort and joy in different things.
Some people enjoy action hero movies. I think they are silly, but I would never say that. Same with most sports. Why mock something that brings joy and happiness to so many people?
I discovered romance novels in my thirties. Back then my reading materials were much more varied. Now that I am an old lady, and house bound for the most part, I hardly read anything else. The happy endings help me keep a positive attitude. I’m thankful that I discovered these books years ago and that they were a well established habit.
And congrats on that nomination!
Thank you, Mary! Yes, that’s it exactly – why mock one thing and not another? There are lots of genres I don’t like but I wouldn’t say so. Pointing out that we all enjoy different things is a great strategy. I will definitely do that! And romance does give joy to so many people – I too find that the happy endings help me to stay positive.
Thank you, Mary! Yes, that’s it exactly – why mock one thing and not another? There are lots of genres I don’t like but I wouldn’t say so. Pointing out that we all enjoy different things is a great strategy. I will definitely do that! And romance does give joy to so many people – I too find that the happy endings help me to stay positive.
Thank you, Mary! Yes, that’s it exactly – why mock one thing and not another? There are lots of genres I don’t like but I wouldn’t say so. Pointing out that we all enjoy different things is a great strategy. I will definitely do that! And romance does give joy to so many people – I too find that the happy endings help me to stay positive.
Thank you, Mary! Yes, that’s it exactly – why mock one thing and not another? There are lots of genres I don’t like but I wouldn’t say so. Pointing out that we all enjoy different things is a great strategy. I will definitely do that! And romance does give joy to so many people – I too find that the happy endings help me to stay positive.
Thank you, Mary! Yes, that’s it exactly – why mock one thing and not another? There are lots of genres I don’t like but I wouldn’t say so. Pointing out that we all enjoy different things is a great strategy. I will definitely do that! And romance does give joy to so many people – I too find that the happy endings help me to stay positive.
Congratulations, Christina, on being shortlisted in the Fantasy Romance category!
If someone were to denigrate romances, I might ask what they have against love. I believe that the world needs all the love it can get.
Congratulations, Christina, on being shortlisted in the Fantasy Romance category!
If someone were to denigrate romances, I might ask what they have against love. I believe that the world needs all the love it can get.
Congratulations, Christina, on being shortlisted in the Fantasy Romance category!
If someone were to denigrate romances, I might ask what they have against love. I believe that the world needs all the love it can get.
Congratulations, Christina, on being shortlisted in the Fantasy Romance category!
If someone were to denigrate romances, I might ask what they have against love. I believe that the world needs all the love it can get.
Congratulations, Christina, on being shortlisted in the Fantasy Romance category!
If someone were to denigrate romances, I might ask what they have against love. I believe that the world needs all the love it can get.
Thank you so much, Kareni, and great answer! I’ll remember that for next time someone says something mean about romance.
Thank you so much, Kareni, and great answer! I’ll remember that for next time someone says something mean about romance.
Thank you so much, Kareni, and great answer! I’ll remember that for next time someone says something mean about romance.
Thank you so much, Kareni, and great answer! I’ll remember that for next time someone says something mean about romance.
Thank you so much, Kareni, and great answer! I’ll remember that for next time someone says something mean about romance.
I point out that romance fiction is the original feminist literature, in that it has women as the central characters; they are important, they matter, they are more than vague background figures or crackerjack prizes for the men. In our partisan times, that usually shuts them up. So then I add more kindly, you might try some of these stories; they might entertain you, especially if it’s a life you haven’t lived yourself. More information is always good. Then, depending on the recipient, whether literary or pop inclined, I mention a few names we would all know who are still easy to find 🙂
I have no way of knowing if my little speech changes any hearts, but at least they now have something new to think about.
I point out that romance fiction is the original feminist literature, in that it has women as the central characters; they are important, they matter, they are more than vague background figures or crackerjack prizes for the men. In our partisan times, that usually shuts them up. So then I add more kindly, you might try some of these stories; they might entertain you, especially if it’s a life you haven’t lived yourself. More information is always good. Then, depending on the recipient, whether literary or pop inclined, I mention a few names we would all know who are still easy to find 🙂
I have no way of knowing if my little speech changes any hearts, but at least they now have something new to think about.
I point out that romance fiction is the original feminist literature, in that it has women as the central characters; they are important, they matter, they are more than vague background figures or crackerjack prizes for the men. In our partisan times, that usually shuts them up. So then I add more kindly, you might try some of these stories; they might entertain you, especially if it’s a life you haven’t lived yourself. More information is always good. Then, depending on the recipient, whether literary or pop inclined, I mention a few names we would all know who are still easy to find 🙂
I have no way of knowing if my little speech changes any hearts, but at least they now have something new to think about.
I point out that romance fiction is the original feminist literature, in that it has women as the central characters; they are important, they matter, they are more than vague background figures or crackerjack prizes for the men. In our partisan times, that usually shuts them up. So then I add more kindly, you might try some of these stories; they might entertain you, especially if it’s a life you haven’t lived yourself. More information is always good. Then, depending on the recipient, whether literary or pop inclined, I mention a few names we would all know who are still easy to find 🙂
I have no way of knowing if my little speech changes any hearts, but at least they now have something new to think about.
I point out that romance fiction is the original feminist literature, in that it has women as the central characters; they are important, they matter, they are more than vague background figures or crackerjack prizes for the men. In our partisan times, that usually shuts them up. So then I add more kindly, you might try some of these stories; they might entertain you, especially if it’s a life you haven’t lived yourself. More information is always good. Then, depending on the recipient, whether literary or pop inclined, I mention a few names we would all know who are still easy to find 🙂
I have no way of knowing if my little speech changes any hearts, but at least they now have something new to think about.
Christina-thanks for a great post. And congrats on being a finalist. I was one too, once upon a time. I loved reading about Sara-Jade Virtue’s campaign at S & S UK to boost respect for romance fiction. Talk about a genre having a lack of respect! Turning back the clock-when I hadn’t yet been published in book form, I encountered the principal of my former parochial school who asked me what I was doing. I told him I was writing a romance novel. He replied that he hoped that I wouldn’t be published by Harlequin. (!) I immediately replied, “I hope that I will be!” And I was. I’ve never understood the denigration of our genre. Why don’t people denigrate mysteries or suspense thrillers or SF? Is finding a dead body – or a serial killer or an alien more enticing than finding romance in the arms of another? Not that I’m putting down the other genres. I’ve read tons of mysteries and SF too, for that matter. But I can never escape my love for romance. (And yes, I realize other genres can also include elements of romance.) BTW-I’m the program chair of a group called The Baltimore Bibliophiles-book collectors, booksellers, etc. And they’ve demanded I give them a talk on how a bus ride to work led me to become a romance writer.
Christina-thanks for a great post. And congrats on being a finalist. I was one too, once upon a time. I loved reading about Sara-Jade Virtue’s campaign at S & S UK to boost respect for romance fiction. Talk about a genre having a lack of respect! Turning back the clock-when I hadn’t yet been published in book form, I encountered the principal of my former parochial school who asked me what I was doing. I told him I was writing a romance novel. He replied that he hoped that I wouldn’t be published by Harlequin. (!) I immediately replied, “I hope that I will be!” And I was. I’ve never understood the denigration of our genre. Why don’t people denigrate mysteries or suspense thrillers or SF? Is finding a dead body – or a serial killer or an alien more enticing than finding romance in the arms of another? Not that I’m putting down the other genres. I’ve read tons of mysteries and SF too, for that matter. But I can never escape my love for romance. (And yes, I realize other genres can also include elements of romance.) BTW-I’m the program chair of a group called The Baltimore Bibliophiles-book collectors, booksellers, etc. And they’ve demanded I give them a talk on how a bus ride to work led me to become a romance writer.
Christina-thanks for a great post. And congrats on being a finalist. I was one too, once upon a time. I loved reading about Sara-Jade Virtue’s campaign at S & S UK to boost respect for romance fiction. Talk about a genre having a lack of respect! Turning back the clock-when I hadn’t yet been published in book form, I encountered the principal of my former parochial school who asked me what I was doing. I told him I was writing a romance novel. He replied that he hoped that I wouldn’t be published by Harlequin. (!) I immediately replied, “I hope that I will be!” And I was. I’ve never understood the denigration of our genre. Why don’t people denigrate mysteries or suspense thrillers or SF? Is finding a dead body – or a serial killer or an alien more enticing than finding romance in the arms of another? Not that I’m putting down the other genres. I’ve read tons of mysteries and SF too, for that matter. But I can never escape my love for romance. (And yes, I realize other genres can also include elements of romance.) BTW-I’m the program chair of a group called The Baltimore Bibliophiles-book collectors, booksellers, etc. And they’ve demanded I give them a talk on how a bus ride to work led me to become a romance writer.
Christina-thanks for a great post. And congrats on being a finalist. I was one too, once upon a time. I loved reading about Sara-Jade Virtue’s campaign at S & S UK to boost respect for romance fiction. Talk about a genre having a lack of respect! Turning back the clock-when I hadn’t yet been published in book form, I encountered the principal of my former parochial school who asked me what I was doing. I told him I was writing a romance novel. He replied that he hoped that I wouldn’t be published by Harlequin. (!) I immediately replied, “I hope that I will be!” And I was. I’ve never understood the denigration of our genre. Why don’t people denigrate mysteries or suspense thrillers or SF? Is finding a dead body – or a serial killer or an alien more enticing than finding romance in the arms of another? Not that I’m putting down the other genres. I’ve read tons of mysteries and SF too, for that matter. But I can never escape my love for romance. (And yes, I realize other genres can also include elements of romance.) BTW-I’m the program chair of a group called The Baltimore Bibliophiles-book collectors, booksellers, etc. And they’ve demanded I give them a talk on how a bus ride to work led me to become a romance writer.
Christina-thanks for a great post. And congrats on being a finalist. I was one too, once upon a time. I loved reading about Sara-Jade Virtue’s campaign at S & S UK to boost respect for romance fiction. Talk about a genre having a lack of respect! Turning back the clock-when I hadn’t yet been published in book form, I encountered the principal of my former parochial school who asked me what I was doing. I told him I was writing a romance novel. He replied that he hoped that I wouldn’t be published by Harlequin. (!) I immediately replied, “I hope that I will be!” And I was. I’ve never understood the denigration of our genre. Why don’t people denigrate mysteries or suspense thrillers or SF? Is finding a dead body – or a serial killer or an alien more enticing than finding romance in the arms of another? Not that I’m putting down the other genres. I’ve read tons of mysteries and SF too, for that matter. But I can never escape my love for romance. (And yes, I realize other genres can also include elements of romance.) BTW-I’m the program chair of a group called The Baltimore Bibliophiles-book collectors, booksellers, etc. And they’ve demanded I give them a talk on how a bus ride to work led me to become a romance writer.
Google search confirms that romance books are the most popular and profitable genre. So the silent majority appear to vote with their wallets! Congrats on being a finalist … well deserved.
Google search confirms that romance books are the most popular and profitable genre. So the silent majority appear to vote with their wallets! Congrats on being a finalist … well deserved.
Google search confirms that romance books are the most popular and profitable genre. So the silent majority appear to vote with their wallets! Congrats on being a finalist … well deserved.
Google search confirms that romance books are the most popular and profitable genre. So the silent majority appear to vote with their wallets! Congrats on being a finalist … well deserved.
Google search confirms that romance books are the most popular and profitable genre. So the silent majority appear to vote with their wallets! Congrats on being a finalist … well deserved.
All very valid points, Janice! I do hope it makes them stop and think at least, as you say. Definitely more information needed sometimes!
All very valid points, Janice! I do hope it makes them stop and think at least, as you say. Definitely more information needed sometimes!
All very valid points, Janice! I do hope it makes them stop and think at least, as you say. Definitely more information needed sometimes!
All very valid points, Janice! I do hope it makes them stop and think at least, as you say. Definitely more information needed sometimes!
All very valid points, Janice! I do hope it makes them stop and think at least, as you say. Definitely more information needed sometimes!
Thank you Binnie and congratulations to you too! Being asked to give a talk like that is wonderful. I agree with everything you said and feel the same about other genres. I read and enjoy them too but have never understood why they should be perceived as better than romance. I hope you have fun giving your talk – wish I could be there!
Thank you Binnie and congratulations to you too! Being asked to give a talk like that is wonderful. I agree with everything you said and feel the same about other genres. I read and enjoy them too but have never understood why they should be perceived as better than romance. I hope you have fun giving your talk – wish I could be there!
Thank you Binnie and congratulations to you too! Being asked to give a talk like that is wonderful. I agree with everything you said and feel the same about other genres. I read and enjoy them too but have never understood why they should be perceived as better than romance. I hope you have fun giving your talk – wish I could be there!
Thank you Binnie and congratulations to you too! Being asked to give a talk like that is wonderful. I agree with everything you said and feel the same about other genres. I read and enjoy them too but have never understood why they should be perceived as better than romance. I hope you have fun giving your talk – wish I could be there!
Thank you Binnie and congratulations to you too! Being asked to give a talk like that is wonderful. I agree with everything you said and feel the same about other genres. I read and enjoy them too but have never understood why they should be perceived as better than romance. I hope you have fun giving your talk – wish I could be there!
Thank you so much, Quantum! And thank you for looking it up – it’s good to have that confirmed. I like the thought of the silent majority being on our side!
Thank you so much, Quantum! And thank you for looking it up – it’s good to have that confirmed. I like the thought of the silent majority being on our side!
Thank you so much, Quantum! And thank you for looking it up – it’s good to have that confirmed. I like the thought of the silent majority being on our side!
Thank you so much, Quantum! And thank you for looking it up – it’s good to have that confirmed. I like the thought of the silent majority being on our side!
Thank you so much, Quantum! And thank you for looking it up – it’s good to have that confirmed. I like the thought of the silent majority being on our side!
I found this subject very interesting. I wonder if the “put downs” from people come from the Harlequin books back in the 1950’s and ’60’s, when they pumped them out so quickly and it seemed like they were all interchangeable – there seemed to be a formula and just change the characters names – the company even sent out upon request, a formula for writing them if you wrote and asked. Nowadays, if a book has a man with a bare chest grasping a woman, it puts me off a bit. Maybe the publishers think its sexy but maybe it is offputting to some readers and they lump all romance books into the same category?
I found this subject very interesting. I wonder if the “put downs” from people come from the Harlequin books back in the 1950’s and ’60’s, when they pumped them out so quickly and it seemed like they were all interchangeable – there seemed to be a formula and just change the characters names – the company even sent out upon request, a formula for writing them if you wrote and asked. Nowadays, if a book has a man with a bare chest grasping a woman, it puts me off a bit. Maybe the publishers think its sexy but maybe it is offputting to some readers and they lump all romance books into the same category?
I found this subject very interesting. I wonder if the “put downs” from people come from the Harlequin books back in the 1950’s and ’60’s, when they pumped them out so quickly and it seemed like they were all interchangeable – there seemed to be a formula and just change the characters names – the company even sent out upon request, a formula for writing them if you wrote and asked. Nowadays, if a book has a man with a bare chest grasping a woman, it puts me off a bit. Maybe the publishers think its sexy but maybe it is offputting to some readers and they lump all romance books into the same category?
I found this subject very interesting. I wonder if the “put downs” from people come from the Harlequin books back in the 1950’s and ’60’s, when they pumped them out so quickly and it seemed like they were all interchangeable – there seemed to be a formula and just change the characters names – the company even sent out upon request, a formula for writing them if you wrote and asked. Nowadays, if a book has a man with a bare chest grasping a woman, it puts me off a bit. Maybe the publishers think its sexy but maybe it is offputting to some readers and they lump all romance books into the same category?
I found this subject very interesting. I wonder if the “put downs” from people come from the Harlequin books back in the 1950’s and ’60’s, when they pumped them out so quickly and it seemed like they were all interchangeable – there seemed to be a formula and just change the characters names – the company even sent out upon request, a formula for writing them if you wrote and asked. Nowadays, if a book has a man with a bare chest grasping a woman, it puts me off a bit. Maybe the publishers think its sexy but maybe it is offputting to some readers and they lump all romance books into the same category?
It’s fascinating, isn’t it, Donna! I think that perception of Harlequin novels has always been flawed. They did send out advice and tips on what they were looking for, but there was never a ‘formula’ as such and each book has always been very different from the next. I (and many other authors) tried unsuccessfully to write for them – it really wasn’t as easy as some people thought! They have very high standards.
It’s fascinating, isn’t it, Donna! I think that perception of Harlequin novels has always been flawed. They did send out advice and tips on what they were looking for, but there was never a ‘formula’ as such and each book has always been very different from the next. I (and many other authors) tried unsuccessfully to write for them – it really wasn’t as easy as some people thought! They have very high standards.
It’s fascinating, isn’t it, Donna! I think that perception of Harlequin novels has always been flawed. They did send out advice and tips on what they were looking for, but there was never a ‘formula’ as such and each book has always been very different from the next. I (and many other authors) tried unsuccessfully to write for them – it really wasn’t as easy as some people thought! They have very high standards.
It’s fascinating, isn’t it, Donna! I think that perception of Harlequin novels has always been flawed. They did send out advice and tips on what they were looking for, but there was never a ‘formula’ as such and each book has always been very different from the next. I (and many other authors) tried unsuccessfully to write for them – it really wasn’t as easy as some people thought! They have very high standards.
It’s fascinating, isn’t it, Donna! I think that perception of Harlequin novels has always been flawed. They did send out advice and tips on what they were looking for, but there was never a ‘formula’ as such and each book has always been very different from the next. I (and many other authors) tried unsuccessfully to write for them – it really wasn’t as easy as some people thought! They have very high standards.
If someone makes a snarky remark about romances I have to ask them how many they’ve read. And the answer is always none.
If someone makes a snarky remark about romances I have to ask them how many they’ve read. And the answer is always none.
If someone makes a snarky remark about romances I have to ask them how many they’ve read. And the answer is always none.
If someone makes a snarky remark about romances I have to ask them how many they’ve read. And the answer is always none.
If someone makes a snarky remark about romances I have to ask them how many they’ve read. And the answer is always none.
Sad but usually true! Thank you Pat!
Sad but usually true! Thank you Pat!
Sad but usually true! Thank you Pat!
Sad but usually true! Thank you Pat!
Sad but usually true! Thank you Pat!
Christina, I thank you for this post. And congratulations on being nominated.
Once upon a time, I was part of a group starting the first library in a small Texas town. We gathered donated books from people in order to start out with little to no budget. I was the librarian as well as the janitor.
I was shocked to see so many romance books being donated. What were these silly women thinking? I did not read that stuff. I am a book addict and read everything around, but romance, no way.
My life changed. Big Time.
I moved to a new city where I did not know anyone. I was near a library and that was a blessing. I was looking for books and I found a book Not sure why I picked it, but I did….what a great thing for me. Until You by Judith McNaught. I fell in love with the story and the writing and the characters…in short I fell in love.
I am now a huge fan of romance. I do not want shallow stories which have the depth of a puddle. I do not want characters who are not completely developed. But I want a really good story.
I have been fortunate to find wonderful authors, well written books in all types of situations. I love romance and after being teased – “what the heck are you reading?”, I am happy to explain.
I think one of the best things about romantic stories – people have happy endings.
I am not going to bad mouth men, but I believe that women have difficult lives. I went from what I knew to be a very privileged life, to being very poor in money, friends and familiar support systems.
I believe that one (not the only but one) reason women like romance novels is there is generally a happy ending. The women in the stories find someone who will love them and someone who will protect them from the difficulties of the world. The men in the stories are devoted to their women. I am not saying we all want to be cared for by some guy, but I believe it is nice to know that there are stories that end like that.
Having a happy ending (even if we realize that 20 years down the line, he loses his hair and burps a lot and she lets herself go and nags) is a wonderful thought. And being immersed in the journey toward that happy ending is a gift to each reader.
We live in difficult times, and we all could use a good old fashioned happy ending to remind us of what might be.
Christina, I thank you for this post. And congratulations on being nominated.
Once upon a time, I was part of a group starting the first library in a small Texas town. We gathered donated books from people in order to start out with little to no budget. I was the librarian as well as the janitor.
I was shocked to see so many romance books being donated. What were these silly women thinking? I did not read that stuff. I am a book addict and read everything around, but romance, no way.
My life changed. Big Time.
I moved to a new city where I did not know anyone. I was near a library and that was a blessing. I was looking for books and I found a book Not sure why I picked it, but I did….what a great thing for me. Until You by Judith McNaught. I fell in love with the story and the writing and the characters…in short I fell in love.
I am now a huge fan of romance. I do not want shallow stories which have the depth of a puddle. I do not want characters who are not completely developed. But I want a really good story.
I have been fortunate to find wonderful authors, well written books in all types of situations. I love romance and after being teased – “what the heck are you reading?”, I am happy to explain.
I think one of the best things about romantic stories – people have happy endings.
I am not going to bad mouth men, but I believe that women have difficult lives. I went from what I knew to be a very privileged life, to being very poor in money, friends and familiar support systems.
I believe that one (not the only but one) reason women like romance novels is there is generally a happy ending. The women in the stories find someone who will love them and someone who will protect them from the difficulties of the world. The men in the stories are devoted to their women. I am not saying we all want to be cared for by some guy, but I believe it is nice to know that there are stories that end like that.
Having a happy ending (even if we realize that 20 years down the line, he loses his hair and burps a lot and she lets herself go and nags) is a wonderful thought. And being immersed in the journey toward that happy ending is a gift to each reader.
We live in difficult times, and we all could use a good old fashioned happy ending to remind us of what might be.
Christina, I thank you for this post. And congratulations on being nominated.
Once upon a time, I was part of a group starting the first library in a small Texas town. We gathered donated books from people in order to start out with little to no budget. I was the librarian as well as the janitor.
I was shocked to see so many romance books being donated. What were these silly women thinking? I did not read that stuff. I am a book addict and read everything around, but romance, no way.
My life changed. Big Time.
I moved to a new city where I did not know anyone. I was near a library and that was a blessing. I was looking for books and I found a book Not sure why I picked it, but I did….what a great thing for me. Until You by Judith McNaught. I fell in love with the story and the writing and the characters…in short I fell in love.
I am now a huge fan of romance. I do not want shallow stories which have the depth of a puddle. I do not want characters who are not completely developed. But I want a really good story.
I have been fortunate to find wonderful authors, well written books in all types of situations. I love romance and after being teased – “what the heck are you reading?”, I am happy to explain.
I think one of the best things about romantic stories – people have happy endings.
I am not going to bad mouth men, but I believe that women have difficult lives. I went from what I knew to be a very privileged life, to being very poor in money, friends and familiar support systems.
I believe that one (not the only but one) reason women like romance novels is there is generally a happy ending. The women in the stories find someone who will love them and someone who will protect them from the difficulties of the world. The men in the stories are devoted to their women. I am not saying we all want to be cared for by some guy, but I believe it is nice to know that there are stories that end like that.
Having a happy ending (even if we realize that 20 years down the line, he loses his hair and burps a lot and she lets herself go and nags) is a wonderful thought. And being immersed in the journey toward that happy ending is a gift to each reader.
We live in difficult times, and we all could use a good old fashioned happy ending to remind us of what might be.
Christina, I thank you for this post. And congratulations on being nominated.
Once upon a time, I was part of a group starting the first library in a small Texas town. We gathered donated books from people in order to start out with little to no budget. I was the librarian as well as the janitor.
I was shocked to see so many romance books being donated. What were these silly women thinking? I did not read that stuff. I am a book addict and read everything around, but romance, no way.
My life changed. Big Time.
I moved to a new city where I did not know anyone. I was near a library and that was a blessing. I was looking for books and I found a book Not sure why I picked it, but I did….what a great thing for me. Until You by Judith McNaught. I fell in love with the story and the writing and the characters…in short I fell in love.
I am now a huge fan of romance. I do not want shallow stories which have the depth of a puddle. I do not want characters who are not completely developed. But I want a really good story.
I have been fortunate to find wonderful authors, well written books in all types of situations. I love romance and after being teased – “what the heck are you reading?”, I am happy to explain.
I think one of the best things about romantic stories – people have happy endings.
I am not going to bad mouth men, but I believe that women have difficult lives. I went from what I knew to be a very privileged life, to being very poor in money, friends and familiar support systems.
I believe that one (not the only but one) reason women like romance novels is there is generally a happy ending. The women in the stories find someone who will love them and someone who will protect them from the difficulties of the world. The men in the stories are devoted to their women. I am not saying we all want to be cared for by some guy, but I believe it is nice to know that there are stories that end like that.
Having a happy ending (even if we realize that 20 years down the line, he loses his hair and burps a lot and she lets herself go and nags) is a wonderful thought. And being immersed in the journey toward that happy ending is a gift to each reader.
We live in difficult times, and we all could use a good old fashioned happy ending to remind us of what might be.
Christina, I thank you for this post. And congratulations on being nominated.
Once upon a time, I was part of a group starting the first library in a small Texas town. We gathered donated books from people in order to start out with little to no budget. I was the librarian as well as the janitor.
I was shocked to see so many romance books being donated. What were these silly women thinking? I did not read that stuff. I am a book addict and read everything around, but romance, no way.
My life changed. Big Time.
I moved to a new city where I did not know anyone. I was near a library and that was a blessing. I was looking for books and I found a book Not sure why I picked it, but I did….what a great thing for me. Until You by Judith McNaught. I fell in love with the story and the writing and the characters…in short I fell in love.
I am now a huge fan of romance. I do not want shallow stories which have the depth of a puddle. I do not want characters who are not completely developed. But I want a really good story.
I have been fortunate to find wonderful authors, well written books in all types of situations. I love romance and after being teased – “what the heck are you reading?”, I am happy to explain.
I think one of the best things about romantic stories – people have happy endings.
I am not going to bad mouth men, but I believe that women have difficult lives. I went from what I knew to be a very privileged life, to being very poor in money, friends and familiar support systems.
I believe that one (not the only but one) reason women like romance novels is there is generally a happy ending. The women in the stories find someone who will love them and someone who will protect them from the difficulties of the world. The men in the stories are devoted to their women. I am not saying we all want to be cared for by some guy, but I believe it is nice to know that there are stories that end like that.
Having a happy ending (even if we realize that 20 years down the line, he loses his hair and burps a lot and she lets herself go and nags) is a wonderful thought. And being immersed in the journey toward that happy ending is a gift to each reader.
We live in difficult times, and we all could use a good old fashioned happy ending to remind us of what might be.
Thank you Annette! I’m so glad you found romantic fiction when you needed it and I totally agree that we need happy endings, at least to read about! I love escaping from the real world into one where I know things will work out. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of that! And I hope all is well with you.
Thank you Annette! I’m so glad you found romantic fiction when you needed it and I totally agree that we need happy endings, at least to read about! I love escaping from the real world into one where I know things will work out. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of that! And I hope all is well with you.
Thank you Annette! I’m so glad you found romantic fiction when you needed it and I totally agree that we need happy endings, at least to read about! I love escaping from the real world into one where I know things will work out. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of that! And I hope all is well with you.
Thank you Annette! I’m so glad you found romantic fiction when you needed it and I totally agree that we need happy endings, at least to read about! I love escaping from the real world into one where I know things will work out. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of that! And I hope all is well with you.
Thank you Annette! I’m so glad you found romantic fiction when you needed it and I totally agree that we need happy endings, at least to read about! I love escaping from the real world into one where I know things will work out. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of that! And I hope all is well with you.
I simply say that I like character-driven novels much more than plot-driven ones. Romance writing guarantees character development.
I simply say that I like character-driven novels much more than plot-driven ones. Romance writing guarantees character development.
I simply say that I like character-driven novels much more than plot-driven ones. Romance writing guarantees character development.
I simply say that I like character-driven novels much more than plot-driven ones. Romance writing guarantees character development.
I simply say that I like character-driven novels much more than plot-driven ones. Romance writing guarantees character development.
I worked in a university library for almost 40 years but they all knew I read romance & sci-fi, and some folks, as they joined the staff, would make a comment about it & quickly learned not to do so! I admit, I was more public library oriented than university but with a bachelor’s in literature, I knew more than my romances & they quickly found that out. The ones that teased & I could tease back; I simply raised an eyebrow (a la Spock) and said softly, Snob. We’d all laugh and go back to our books.
Congrats on being in the top of the group–did you feel a bit like the Oscars nominees? I never know whether to believe them or not when they say being nominated is as good as winning…in our culture, that doesn’t seem quite possible! But shoot, I think it’s quite impressive!
I worked in a university library for almost 40 years but they all knew I read romance & sci-fi, and some folks, as they joined the staff, would make a comment about it & quickly learned not to do so! I admit, I was more public library oriented than university but with a bachelor’s in literature, I knew more than my romances & they quickly found that out. The ones that teased & I could tease back; I simply raised an eyebrow (a la Spock) and said softly, Snob. We’d all laugh and go back to our books.
Congrats on being in the top of the group–did you feel a bit like the Oscars nominees? I never know whether to believe them or not when they say being nominated is as good as winning…in our culture, that doesn’t seem quite possible! But shoot, I think it’s quite impressive!
I worked in a university library for almost 40 years but they all knew I read romance & sci-fi, and some folks, as they joined the staff, would make a comment about it & quickly learned not to do so! I admit, I was more public library oriented than university but with a bachelor’s in literature, I knew more than my romances & they quickly found that out. The ones that teased & I could tease back; I simply raised an eyebrow (a la Spock) and said softly, Snob. We’d all laugh and go back to our books.
Congrats on being in the top of the group–did you feel a bit like the Oscars nominees? I never know whether to believe them or not when they say being nominated is as good as winning…in our culture, that doesn’t seem quite possible! But shoot, I think it’s quite impressive!
I worked in a university library for almost 40 years but they all knew I read romance & sci-fi, and some folks, as they joined the staff, would make a comment about it & quickly learned not to do so! I admit, I was more public library oriented than university but with a bachelor’s in literature, I knew more than my romances & they quickly found that out. The ones that teased & I could tease back; I simply raised an eyebrow (a la Spock) and said softly, Snob. We’d all laugh and go back to our books.
Congrats on being in the top of the group–did you feel a bit like the Oscars nominees? I never know whether to believe them or not when they say being nominated is as good as winning…in our culture, that doesn’t seem quite possible! But shoot, I think it’s quite impressive!
I worked in a university library for almost 40 years but they all knew I read romance & sci-fi, and some folks, as they joined the staff, would make a comment about it & quickly learned not to do so! I admit, I was more public library oriented than university but with a bachelor’s in literature, I knew more than my romances & they quickly found that out. The ones that teased & I could tease back; I simply raised an eyebrow (a la Spock) and said softly, Snob. We’d all laugh and go back to our books.
Congrats on being in the top of the group–did you feel a bit like the Oscars nominees? I never know whether to believe them or not when they say being nominated is as good as winning…in our culture, that doesn’t seem quite possible! But shoot, I think it’s quite impressive!
I am still catching up on Harlequin regencies and I concur — they are very well written. I very, very rarely find a word or a sentence that is so inept it throws me out of the book, which says to me that Harlequin has some very good editors working with their authors and the result is quite polished. (I find wallbanging prose in so many self-published ebooks that I don’t even look at them anymore unless someone I trust recommends them.) I can’t speak to any of Harlequin’s other lines, as I’m not interested in contemporaries much, but the Harlequin regencies I’ve read so far are at a pretty high level.
Editors! Anonymous people. Who knew I would miss them so much?
I am still catching up on Harlequin regencies and I concur — they are very well written. I very, very rarely find a word or a sentence that is so inept it throws me out of the book, which says to me that Harlequin has some very good editors working with their authors and the result is quite polished. (I find wallbanging prose in so many self-published ebooks that I don’t even look at them anymore unless someone I trust recommends them.) I can’t speak to any of Harlequin’s other lines, as I’m not interested in contemporaries much, but the Harlequin regencies I’ve read so far are at a pretty high level.
Editors! Anonymous people. Who knew I would miss them so much?
I am still catching up on Harlequin regencies and I concur — they are very well written. I very, very rarely find a word or a sentence that is so inept it throws me out of the book, which says to me that Harlequin has some very good editors working with their authors and the result is quite polished. (I find wallbanging prose in so many self-published ebooks that I don’t even look at them anymore unless someone I trust recommends them.) I can’t speak to any of Harlequin’s other lines, as I’m not interested in contemporaries much, but the Harlequin regencies I’ve read so far are at a pretty high level.
Editors! Anonymous people. Who knew I would miss them so much?
I am still catching up on Harlequin regencies and I concur — they are very well written. I very, very rarely find a word or a sentence that is so inept it throws me out of the book, which says to me that Harlequin has some very good editors working with their authors and the result is quite polished. (I find wallbanging prose in so many self-published ebooks that I don’t even look at them anymore unless someone I trust recommends them.) I can’t speak to any of Harlequin’s other lines, as I’m not interested in contemporaries much, but the Harlequin regencies I’ve read so far are at a pretty high level.
Editors! Anonymous people. Who knew I would miss them so much?
I am still catching up on Harlequin regencies and I concur — they are very well written. I very, very rarely find a word or a sentence that is so inept it throws me out of the book, which says to me that Harlequin has some very good editors working with their authors and the result is quite polished. (I find wallbanging prose in so many self-published ebooks that I don’t even look at them anymore unless someone I trust recommends them.) I can’t speak to any of Harlequin’s other lines, as I’m not interested in contemporaries much, but the Harlequin regencies I’ve read so far are at a pretty high level.
Editors! Anonymous people. Who knew I would miss them so much?
Oh yes, we’d be lost without our editors! It’s always good to have someone else look at your work as they can see it with fresh eyes. Usually as authors we are too close to the story.
Oh yes, we’d be lost without our editors! It’s always good to have someone else look at your work as they can see it with fresh eyes. Usually as authors we are too close to the story.
Oh yes, we’d be lost without our editors! It’s always good to have someone else look at your work as they can see it with fresh eyes. Usually as authors we are too close to the story.
Oh yes, we’d be lost without our editors! It’s always good to have someone else look at your work as they can see it with fresh eyes. Usually as authors we are too close to the story.
Oh yes, we’d be lost without our editors! It’s always good to have someone else look at your work as they can see it with fresh eyes. Usually as authors we are too close to the story.
That sounds good to me, Dani, and it’s very true!
That sounds good to me, Dani, and it’s very true!
That sounds good to me, Dani, and it’s very true!
That sounds good to me, Dani, and it’s very true!
That sounds good to me, Dani, and it’s very true!
Thank you, Karen, raising an eyebrow a la Spock is perfect! And thank you for the congratulations – it does feel good to be nominated. It can never be as good as winning, but when your book is chosen out of hundreds to be on a shortlist of five it gives you a definite morale boost!
Thank you, Karen, raising an eyebrow a la Spock is perfect! And thank you for the congratulations – it does feel good to be nominated. It can never be as good as winning, but when your book is chosen out of hundreds to be on a shortlist of five it gives you a definite morale boost!
Thank you, Karen, raising an eyebrow a la Spock is perfect! And thank you for the congratulations – it does feel good to be nominated. It can never be as good as winning, but when your book is chosen out of hundreds to be on a shortlist of five it gives you a definite morale boost!
Thank you, Karen, raising an eyebrow a la Spock is perfect! And thank you for the congratulations – it does feel good to be nominated. It can never be as good as winning, but when your book is chosen out of hundreds to be on a shortlist of five it gives you a definite morale boost!
Thank you, Karen, raising an eyebrow a la Spock is perfect! And thank you for the congratulations – it does feel good to be nominated. It can never be as good as winning, but when your book is chosen out of hundreds to be on a shortlist of five it gives you a definite morale boost!