Nicola here. Today I’m talking about the sort of words that people use to describe romance and romantic fiction. In four days, I step down as Chair of the UK Romantic Novelists Association. It’s been an interesting couple of years, sometimes challenging, always busy, but incredibly rewarding to be a part of an organisation that is so involved with the business of romantic fiction. I love the RNA and I love the fact that organisations like it exist to support, celebrate and promote the romance genre. Together with readers, bloggers, writers and all fans of the genre we make up a very loyal band. We’re lucky; we have discovered the joy that reading romantic fiction can bring.
One of the issues of which I have become hyper-aware over the last couple of years is that of the 
language that is used by critics to describe romantic fiction. I’ve always been aware of romantic fiction’s literary reputation – at the very start of my writing career a friend told me how she covered my books in brown paper bags because they were a guilty pleasure. (At least she was eco-friendly about it!) This is hardly a new phenomenon. My grandmother used to hide her genre fiction at the back of her wardrobe. The RNA itself was formed 60 years ago next year to try to tackle the prejudice that there was in the press towards romantic fiction.
Why then is this such a difficult prejudice to shift, and does it matter? Well, for a start it matters to me when I see the reading choices of millions of people publicly scorned. It’s disrespectful and rude. It’s also ill-informed but I’ll come on to that. In one sense I don’t care; as a veteran author of romantic fiction I have a hide almost as thick as a rhino and I’ll read and write what I want, thanks. But I didn’t always feel like that, and not everyone can be so hardy. Criticism can get to anyone at times. I try to embrace the idea that if people dismiss romantic fiction that’s their loss and I don’t need their good opinion of my reading choices anyway.
This is where we come on to the ill-informed part, because as we all know, romantic fiction can be as inspiring and emotionally true as any classic. Romantic fiction holds up a mirror to relationships and to human nature. It can be profound, or joyous or a happy escape, or all of those. It is nuanced, varied, and broad in scope. Not everyone recognises this though.
We’re now approaching the summer and the ubiquitous “What to read on your holidays” lists with which the newspapers and 
magazines fill their pages. In the UK at least, and probably in a number of other countries, romantic fiction features very rarely in the review pages of the main papers. When it does, it’s usually either written by a man – and referred to as a “love story” rather than a romance – or it is by someone so super-famous that it’s newsworthy. On the subject of summer beach reads, a leading article in The Times of London last week stated the following:
“For some it must be a novel that is both immersive and low-stakes, nothing too heavy, nothing too cerebral… The publishing industry floods the shelves with frothy modern fairy tales with titles such as “The Long Third Date or August in Arles… (I was seriously disappointed BTW to find that these books didn’t actually exist – I thought they both sounded intriguing. I've included a photo of Arles.)
They continued: “The popularity of this sort of fluttery summer read goes back a long way. “I really believe, wrote American pastor T De Witt Talmage in 1876 that there is more pestiferous trash read among the intelligent classes in July and August than in all the other ten months of the year.” Of course this last quote was the Times quoting someone else, someone historical, so that makes the criticism okay, doesn’t it?
They conclude: “Others reject the idea that a good summer book must be a drinkable flibbertigibbet. (Sorry, what?) “To each his own, then. Whether one prefers a sober historical tome or a fizzy romance, summer reading is one of the joys of the season. Grab a deckchair, hope for sunshine, and tuck in.” In other words: “We’re denigrating your reading choices through our use of language but hey, enjoy!”
Yes, the language. The deliberate use of certain words to judge and disparage is fascinating. Frothy and fizzy are the sort of words we often see associated with romantic fiction to imply frivolousness and shallowness. Fluttery is a curious choice. “Be still my beating heart!” I’m surprised that fluffy wasn’t mentioned as well. Then we have “flibbertigibbet” which Webster’s dictionary defines as “a silly flighty person.” Yes, they are all “F” words.
I’m not even going to go near Mr De Witt Talmage’s comments but I will ask since when were romance books low-stakes? I would say that the depiction of love in all its many forms is one of the most high-stakes subjects that a book can tackle.
Incidentally, the only word I find remotely interesting when applied to romantic fiction is 
“cheesy”. We all know what that means in this context but where on earth did it come from? Being a nerd, I looked it up and was fascinated to find that it’s nothing to do with cheese. It derives from the Urdu word “chiz” meaning “a thing.” The British in India picked this up in the early 19th century and used it to mean something big, fine and showy – “the big chiz.”
Earlier on I asked why the literary prejudice against romantic fiction is such a difficult thing to shift, and does it matter? In my opinion the first part is to do with value judgments of the sort of fiction that is “worthy” and a dismissal of happy and uplifting books as in some way “lesser.” There is definitely a gender element to it as well, not to mention the hypocrisy of newspapers who welcome income from lonely hearts advertising on one page and then diss romantic fiction on the next.
Does it matter? As Chair of the RNA I would say it does because it’s ill-informed and it’s disrespectful to both authors and readers. As a writer and a reader, though… No, it doesn’t matter, in my opinion. The romance community is a strong and loyal entity and we know what we like and we know how great these books are. We don't need approval.
Thank you to The Times newspaper – we will indeed enjoy our summer reading, whatever we choose. Thank you to everyone reading this for indulging my rant and for being huge advocates for romantic fiction. Amongst the words I’d choose to describe the genre are emotional, thought-provoking and uplifting. What words would you use to describe your favourite romantic fiction?
Thank you!!
Thank you!!
Thank you!!
Thank you!!
Thank you!!
Thank you, Cryssa. I wanted to write about this one last time before I step down because how we use language for all sorts of different things is so important and influential. I know, though, that the romance world is in good shape and doesn’t need the approval of literary heavyweights!
Thank you, Cryssa. I wanted to write about this one last time before I step down because how we use language for all sorts of different things is so important and influential. I know, though, that the romance world is in good shape and doesn’t need the approval of literary heavyweights!
Thank you, Cryssa. I wanted to write about this one last time before I step down because how we use language for all sorts of different things is so important and influential. I know, though, that the romance world is in good shape and doesn’t need the approval of literary heavyweights!
Thank you, Cryssa. I wanted to write about this one last time before I step down because how we use language for all sorts of different things is so important and influential. I know, though, that the romance world is in good shape and doesn’t need the approval of literary heavyweights!
Thank you, Cryssa. I wanted to write about this one last time before I step down because how we use language for all sorts of different things is so important and influential. I know, though, that the romance world is in good shape and doesn’t need the approval of literary heavyweights!
I like “emotional, thought-provoking and uplifting” but I would also add heart warming and positive. I like books that appeal to the best in human nature, rather than the worst.
I think some of these books got the (unfair) reputation as “bodice rippers” because of some of the covers. I once had one of my little nieces ask me why the lady on the cover of the book I was reading was taking off her clothes (smile).
When I was young and in my “learning” phase, my reading was widely varied. There books that I read as a young person that I would not be able to read now – too violent, too negative, too BORING. Nowadays I read purely for enjoyment. What I enjoy are romance (especially historical), mysteries, and biographies. I make no apologies.
I like “emotional, thought-provoking and uplifting” but I would also add heart warming and positive. I like books that appeal to the best in human nature, rather than the worst.
I think some of these books got the (unfair) reputation as “bodice rippers” because of some of the covers. I once had one of my little nieces ask me why the lady on the cover of the book I was reading was taking off her clothes (smile).
When I was young and in my “learning” phase, my reading was widely varied. There books that I read as a young person that I would not be able to read now – too violent, too negative, too BORING. Nowadays I read purely for enjoyment. What I enjoy are romance (especially historical), mysteries, and biographies. I make no apologies.
I like “emotional, thought-provoking and uplifting” but I would also add heart warming and positive. I like books that appeal to the best in human nature, rather than the worst.
I think some of these books got the (unfair) reputation as “bodice rippers” because of some of the covers. I once had one of my little nieces ask me why the lady on the cover of the book I was reading was taking off her clothes (smile).
When I was young and in my “learning” phase, my reading was widely varied. There books that I read as a young person that I would not be able to read now – too violent, too negative, too BORING. Nowadays I read purely for enjoyment. What I enjoy are romance (especially historical), mysteries, and biographies. I make no apologies.
I like “emotional, thought-provoking and uplifting” but I would also add heart warming and positive. I like books that appeal to the best in human nature, rather than the worst.
I think some of these books got the (unfair) reputation as “bodice rippers” because of some of the covers. I once had one of my little nieces ask me why the lady on the cover of the book I was reading was taking off her clothes (smile).
When I was young and in my “learning” phase, my reading was widely varied. There books that I read as a young person that I would not be able to read now – too violent, too negative, too BORING. Nowadays I read purely for enjoyment. What I enjoy are romance (especially historical), mysteries, and biographies. I make no apologies.
I like “emotional, thought-provoking and uplifting” but I would also add heart warming and positive. I like books that appeal to the best in human nature, rather than the worst.
I think some of these books got the (unfair) reputation as “bodice rippers” because of some of the covers. I once had one of my little nieces ask me why the lady on the cover of the book I was reading was taking off her clothes (smile).
When I was young and in my “learning” phase, my reading was widely varied. There books that I read as a young person that I would not be able to read now – too violent, too negative, too BORING. Nowadays I read purely for enjoyment. What I enjoy are romance (especially historical), mysteries, and biographies. I make no apologies.
That’s a lovely way of expressing it, Mary. We need to celebrate the heart-warming and positive more than ever these days.
That’s a lovely way of expressing it, Mary. We need to celebrate the heart-warming and positive more than ever these days.
That’s a lovely way of expressing it, Mary. We need to celebrate the heart-warming and positive more than ever these days.
That’s a lovely way of expressing it, Mary. We need to celebrate the heart-warming and positive more than ever these days.
That’s a lovely way of expressing it, Mary. We need to celebrate the heart-warming and positive more than ever these days.
Now that I am retired, I can finally enjoy reading the Romance novels. I worked so much and was too tired at the end of the day to read much. I am so enjoying the good stories. I do like real characters and story lines – a little mystery does not hurt. So I am coming into the genre pretty late in life. I had read some many years ago and they were not very good so that may have put me off as well as some of the covers. Now I am happy because I found some wonderful authors whose stories I am enjoying.
Thank you to all of you word wenches in this group for sharing your talents and writing stories that I can get lost in.
Now that I am retired, I can finally enjoy reading the Romance novels. I worked so much and was too tired at the end of the day to read much. I am so enjoying the good stories. I do like real characters and story lines – a little mystery does not hurt. So I am coming into the genre pretty late in life. I had read some many years ago and they were not very good so that may have put me off as well as some of the covers. Now I am happy because I found some wonderful authors whose stories I am enjoying.
Thank you to all of you word wenches in this group for sharing your talents and writing stories that I can get lost in.
Now that I am retired, I can finally enjoy reading the Romance novels. I worked so much and was too tired at the end of the day to read much. I am so enjoying the good stories. I do like real characters and story lines – a little mystery does not hurt. So I am coming into the genre pretty late in life. I had read some many years ago and they were not very good so that may have put me off as well as some of the covers. Now I am happy because I found some wonderful authors whose stories I am enjoying.
Thank you to all of you word wenches in this group for sharing your talents and writing stories that I can get lost in.
Now that I am retired, I can finally enjoy reading the Romance novels. I worked so much and was too tired at the end of the day to read much. I am so enjoying the good stories. I do like real characters and story lines – a little mystery does not hurt. So I am coming into the genre pretty late in life. I had read some many years ago and they were not very good so that may have put me off as well as some of the covers. Now I am happy because I found some wonderful authors whose stories I am enjoying.
Thank you to all of you word wenches in this group for sharing your talents and writing stories that I can get lost in.
Now that I am retired, I can finally enjoy reading the Romance novels. I worked so much and was too tired at the end of the day to read much. I am so enjoying the good stories. I do like real characters and story lines – a little mystery does not hurt. So I am coming into the genre pretty late in life. I had read some many years ago and they were not very good so that may have put me off as well as some of the covers. Now I am happy because I found some wonderful authors whose stories I am enjoying.
Thank you to all of you word wenches in this group for sharing your talents and writing stories that I can get lost in.
What a thoughtful article, Nicola. Thank you! I’ll add educational and enjoyable to the list. I have learned so many things from reading well written and well researched romances.
What a thoughtful article, Nicola. Thank you! I’ll add educational and enjoyable to the list. I have learned so many things from reading well written and well researched romances.
What a thoughtful article, Nicola. Thank you! I’ll add educational and enjoyable to the list. I have learned so many things from reading well written and well researched romances.
What a thoughtful article, Nicola. Thank you! I’ll add educational and enjoyable to the list. I have learned so many things from reading well written and well researched romances.
What a thoughtful article, Nicola. Thank you! I’ll add educational and enjoyable to the list. I have learned so many things from reading well written and well researched romances.
Thank you, Margot! To be lost in a good book is a wonderful thing. We’ve very glad you found the genre too!
Thank you, Margot! To be lost in a good book is a wonderful thing. We’ve very glad you found the genre too!
Thank you, Margot! To be lost in a good book is a wonderful thing. We’ve very glad you found the genre too!
Thank you, Margot! To be lost in a good book is a wonderful thing. We’ve very glad you found the genre too!
Thank you, Margot! To be lost in a good book is a wonderful thing. We’ve very glad you found the genre too!
Thank you, Kareni. And yes! I too have learned so much that is interesting from reading romance, whether it’s about places, or history, or people 🙂 It’s one of the pleasures of the genre.
Thank you, Kareni. And yes! I too have learned so much that is interesting from reading romance, whether it’s about places, or history, or people 🙂 It’s one of the pleasures of the genre.
Thank you, Kareni. And yes! I too have learned so much that is interesting from reading romance, whether it’s about places, or history, or people 🙂 It’s one of the pleasures of the genre.
Thank you, Kareni. And yes! I too have learned so much that is interesting from reading romance, whether it’s about places, or history, or people 🙂 It’s one of the pleasures of the genre.
Thank you, Kareni. And yes! I too have learned so much that is interesting from reading romance, whether it’s about places, or history, or people 🙂 It’s one of the pleasures of the genre.
The big chiz–I love it! Not that there is anything wrong with cheese of the dairy variety. We see the same silly dismissiveness of romance on this side of the pond. Like you, I have that rhino hide. Their loss!
The big chiz–I love it! Not that there is anything wrong with cheese of the dairy variety. We see the same silly dismissiveness of romance on this side of the pond. Like you, I have that rhino hide. Their loss!
The big chiz–I love it! Not that there is anything wrong with cheese of the dairy variety. We see the same silly dismissiveness of romance on this side of the pond. Like you, I have that rhino hide. Their loss!
The big chiz–I love it! Not that there is anything wrong with cheese of the dairy variety. We see the same silly dismissiveness of romance on this side of the pond. Like you, I have that rhino hide. Their loss!
The big chiz–I love it! Not that there is anything wrong with cheese of the dairy variety. We see the same silly dismissiveness of romance on this side of the pond. Like you, I have that rhino hide. Their loss!
“Romantic fiction holds up a mirror to relationships and to human nature. It can be profound, or joyous or a happy escape, or all of those. It is nuanced, varied, and broad in scope.”
“I would say that the depiction of love in all its many forms is one of the most high-stakes subjects that a book can tackle.”
Absolutely agree …. well said Nicola!
One might go as far as saying that ‘love’ provides meaning to life and provides a path to happiness joy and fulfillment. Romantic fiction provides a lens to explore the different aspects.
To your “emotional, thought-provoking and uplifting” I would add relaxing, enjoyable, amusing, suspenseful, insightful.
“Romantic fiction holds up a mirror to relationships and to human nature. It can be profound, or joyous or a happy escape, or all of those. It is nuanced, varied, and broad in scope.”
“I would say that the depiction of love in all its many forms is one of the most high-stakes subjects that a book can tackle.”
Absolutely agree …. well said Nicola!
One might go as far as saying that ‘love’ provides meaning to life and provides a path to happiness joy and fulfillment. Romantic fiction provides a lens to explore the different aspects.
To your “emotional, thought-provoking and uplifting” I would add relaxing, enjoyable, amusing, suspenseful, insightful.
“Romantic fiction holds up a mirror to relationships and to human nature. It can be profound, or joyous or a happy escape, or all of those. It is nuanced, varied, and broad in scope.”
“I would say that the depiction of love in all its many forms is one of the most high-stakes subjects that a book can tackle.”
Absolutely agree …. well said Nicola!
One might go as far as saying that ‘love’ provides meaning to life and provides a path to happiness joy and fulfillment. Romantic fiction provides a lens to explore the different aspects.
To your “emotional, thought-provoking and uplifting” I would add relaxing, enjoyable, amusing, suspenseful, insightful.
“Romantic fiction holds up a mirror to relationships and to human nature. It can be profound, or joyous or a happy escape, or all of those. It is nuanced, varied, and broad in scope.”
“I would say that the depiction of love in all its many forms is one of the most high-stakes subjects that a book can tackle.”
Absolutely agree …. well said Nicola!
One might go as far as saying that ‘love’ provides meaning to life and provides a path to happiness joy and fulfillment. Romantic fiction provides a lens to explore the different aspects.
To your “emotional, thought-provoking and uplifting” I would add relaxing, enjoyable, amusing, suspenseful, insightful.
“Romantic fiction holds up a mirror to relationships and to human nature. It can be profound, or joyous or a happy escape, or all of those. It is nuanced, varied, and broad in scope.”
“I would say that the depiction of love in all its many forms is one of the most high-stakes subjects that a book can tackle.”
Absolutely agree …. well said Nicola!
One might go as far as saying that ‘love’ provides meaning to life and provides a path to happiness joy and fulfillment. Romantic fiction provides a lens to explore the different aspects.
To your “emotional, thought-provoking and uplifting” I would add relaxing, enjoyable, amusing, suspenseful, insightful.
Well said! I think a version of this essay should be submitted to The Times as a rebuttal. I rarely read anything but romance and biographies these days, I find other fiction usually depressing and there is enough of that in the world I do not need to inflict it on myself. I read for enjoyment, escape and happy endings!
Well said! I think a version of this essay should be submitted to The Times as a rebuttal. I rarely read anything but romance and biographies these days, I find other fiction usually depressing and there is enough of that in the world I do not need to inflict it on myself. I read for enjoyment, escape and happy endings!
Well said! I think a version of this essay should be submitted to The Times as a rebuttal. I rarely read anything but romance and biographies these days, I find other fiction usually depressing and there is enough of that in the world I do not need to inflict it on myself. I read for enjoyment, escape and happy endings!
Well said! I think a version of this essay should be submitted to The Times as a rebuttal. I rarely read anything but romance and biographies these days, I find other fiction usually depressing and there is enough of that in the world I do not need to inflict it on myself. I read for enjoyment, escape and happy endings!
Well said! I think a version of this essay should be submitted to The Times as a rebuttal. I rarely read anything but romance and biographies these days, I find other fiction usually depressing and there is enough of that in the world I do not need to inflict it on myself. I read for enjoyment, escape and happy endings!
“Late Night” is a movie starring Emma Thompson as a late night TV host. Much happens in the film, but one of the better scenes is late in the movie when she interviews a young woman who stars in a TV show based on a YA vampire series. When the young woman dismisses the show as a guilty pleasure, Katherine Newbury (Emma Thompson’s character) corrects her to say no, it’s simply a pleasure. Romance novels may be good, bad, or indifferent, but we don’t need to apologize for liking the ones that speak to us, any more than we need to apologize for not liking literary fiction that we find arrogant and dismissive of even the possibility of happiness.
“Late Night” is a movie starring Emma Thompson as a late night TV host. Much happens in the film, but one of the better scenes is late in the movie when she interviews a young woman who stars in a TV show based on a YA vampire series. When the young woman dismisses the show as a guilty pleasure, Katherine Newbury (Emma Thompson’s character) corrects her to say no, it’s simply a pleasure. Romance novels may be good, bad, or indifferent, but we don’t need to apologize for liking the ones that speak to us, any more than we need to apologize for not liking literary fiction that we find arrogant and dismissive of even the possibility of happiness.
“Late Night” is a movie starring Emma Thompson as a late night TV host. Much happens in the film, but one of the better scenes is late in the movie when she interviews a young woman who stars in a TV show based on a YA vampire series. When the young woman dismisses the show as a guilty pleasure, Katherine Newbury (Emma Thompson’s character) corrects her to say no, it’s simply a pleasure. Romance novels may be good, bad, or indifferent, but we don’t need to apologize for liking the ones that speak to us, any more than we need to apologize for not liking literary fiction that we find arrogant and dismissive of even the possibility of happiness.
“Late Night” is a movie starring Emma Thompson as a late night TV host. Much happens in the film, but one of the better scenes is late in the movie when she interviews a young woman who stars in a TV show based on a YA vampire series. When the young woman dismisses the show as a guilty pleasure, Katherine Newbury (Emma Thompson’s character) corrects her to say no, it’s simply a pleasure. Romance novels may be good, bad, or indifferent, but we don’t need to apologize for liking the ones that speak to us, any more than we need to apologize for not liking literary fiction that we find arrogant and dismissive of even the possibility of happiness.
“Late Night” is a movie starring Emma Thompson as a late night TV host. Much happens in the film, but one of the better scenes is late in the movie when she interviews a young woman who stars in a TV show based on a YA vampire series. When the young woman dismisses the show as a guilty pleasure, Katherine Newbury (Emma Thompson’s character) corrects her to say no, it’s simply a pleasure. Romance novels may be good, bad, or indifferent, but we don’t need to apologize for liking the ones that speak to us, any more than we need to apologize for not liking literary fiction that we find arrogant and dismissive of even the possibility of happiness.
I don’t have a word for this, but maybe I can describe it. Romances tend to center on positive main characters. If there are dysfunctional families or nasty characters, the plot is to move away from or defeat them, often with bravery, humor and clever thinking. The contemporary lit version, in contrast, often seems like turning over a rock to watch dreadful creatures hurt each other. I read the lit, but need a big dose of romances in between to clear my brain out. So … maybe “positive,” but that’s not nearly strong enough for my appreciation of our genre.
I don’t have a word for this, but maybe I can describe it. Romances tend to center on positive main characters. If there are dysfunctional families or nasty characters, the plot is to move away from or defeat them, often with bravery, humor and clever thinking. The contemporary lit version, in contrast, often seems like turning over a rock to watch dreadful creatures hurt each other. I read the lit, but need a big dose of romances in between to clear my brain out. So … maybe “positive,” but that’s not nearly strong enough for my appreciation of our genre.
I don’t have a word for this, but maybe I can describe it. Romances tend to center on positive main characters. If there are dysfunctional families or nasty characters, the plot is to move away from or defeat them, often with bravery, humor and clever thinking. The contemporary lit version, in contrast, often seems like turning over a rock to watch dreadful creatures hurt each other. I read the lit, but need a big dose of romances in between to clear my brain out. So … maybe “positive,” but that’s not nearly strong enough for my appreciation of our genre.
I don’t have a word for this, but maybe I can describe it. Romances tend to center on positive main characters. If there are dysfunctional families or nasty characters, the plot is to move away from or defeat them, often with bravery, humor and clever thinking. The contemporary lit version, in contrast, often seems like turning over a rock to watch dreadful creatures hurt each other. I read the lit, but need a big dose of romances in between to clear my brain out. So … maybe “positive,” but that’s not nearly strong enough for my appreciation of our genre.
I don’t have a word for this, but maybe I can describe it. Romances tend to center on positive main characters. If there are dysfunctional families or nasty characters, the plot is to move away from or defeat them, often with bravery, humor and clever thinking. The contemporary lit version, in contrast, often seems like turning over a rock to watch dreadful creatures hurt each other. I read the lit, but need a big dose of romances in between to clear my brain out. So … maybe “positive,” but that’s not nearly strong enough for my appreciation of our genre.
Nicola – So very well said! As a romance writer as well as a life-long romance novel addict I agree with what you’ve said and the way you’ve said it. As for myself as a reader, I’ve long appreciated the emotions revealed in romance novel and the way love can transform – at least – within the context of the novel. I’m going to post a link to your Word Wenches column on the discussion loop of my local RWA chapter. Thanks again!
Nicola – So very well said! As a romance writer as well as a life-long romance novel addict I agree with what you’ve said and the way you’ve said it. As for myself as a reader, I’ve long appreciated the emotions revealed in romance novel and the way love can transform – at least – within the context of the novel. I’m going to post a link to your Word Wenches column on the discussion loop of my local RWA chapter. Thanks again!
Nicola – So very well said! As a romance writer as well as a life-long romance novel addict I agree with what you’ve said and the way you’ve said it. As for myself as a reader, I’ve long appreciated the emotions revealed in romance novel and the way love can transform – at least – within the context of the novel. I’m going to post a link to your Word Wenches column on the discussion loop of my local RWA chapter. Thanks again!
Nicola – So very well said! As a romance writer as well as a life-long romance novel addict I agree with what you’ve said and the way you’ve said it. As for myself as a reader, I’ve long appreciated the emotions revealed in romance novel and the way love can transform – at least – within the context of the novel. I’m going to post a link to your Word Wenches column on the discussion loop of my local RWA chapter. Thanks again!
Nicola – So very well said! As a romance writer as well as a life-long romance novel addict I agree with what you’ve said and the way you’ve said it. As for myself as a reader, I’ve long appreciated the emotions revealed in romance novel and the way love can transform – at least – within the context of the novel. I’m going to post a link to your Word Wenches column on the discussion loop of my local RWA chapter. Thanks again!
Romance novels are inspiring, cathartic, pleasurable, and satisfying. I could think of lots of other positive adjectives too. I came a bit late to the genre(in my 20’s), and there were some years I didn’t read romance at all. But I always loved my mysteries and other fiction books with a love interest somewhere in there. And not one of those stories where an MC dies of cancer!
Romance novels are inspiring, cathartic, pleasurable, and satisfying. I could think of lots of other positive adjectives too. I came a bit late to the genre(in my 20’s), and there were some years I didn’t read romance at all. But I always loved my mysteries and other fiction books with a love interest somewhere in there. And not one of those stories where an MC dies of cancer!
Romance novels are inspiring, cathartic, pleasurable, and satisfying. I could think of lots of other positive adjectives too. I came a bit late to the genre(in my 20’s), and there were some years I didn’t read romance at all. But I always loved my mysteries and other fiction books with a love interest somewhere in there. And not one of those stories where an MC dies of cancer!
Romance novels are inspiring, cathartic, pleasurable, and satisfying. I could think of lots of other positive adjectives too. I came a bit late to the genre(in my 20’s), and there were some years I didn’t read romance at all. But I always loved my mysteries and other fiction books with a love interest somewhere in there. And not one of those stories where an MC dies of cancer!
Romance novels are inspiring, cathartic, pleasurable, and satisfying. I could think of lots of other positive adjectives too. I came a bit late to the genre(in my 20’s), and there were some years I didn’t read romance at all. But I always loved my mysteries and other fiction books with a love interest somewhere in there. And not one of those stories where an MC dies of cancer!
Quite right, Mary Jo. Their loss! I rather suspected it was a universal problem. And yes, I love cheese of the dairy variety and was fascinated to discover about “chiz!”
Quite right, Mary Jo. Their loss! I rather suspected it was a universal problem. And yes, I love cheese of the dairy variety and was fascinated to discover about “chiz!”
Quite right, Mary Jo. Their loss! I rather suspected it was a universal problem. And yes, I love cheese of the dairy variety and was fascinated to discover about “chiz!”
Quite right, Mary Jo. Their loss! I rather suspected it was a universal problem. And yes, I love cheese of the dairy variety and was fascinated to discover about “chiz!”
Quite right, Mary Jo. Their loss! I rather suspected it was a universal problem. And yes, I love cheese of the dairy variety and was fascinated to discover about “chiz!”
Thank you very much, Quantum. That’s a really great definition of what romantic fiction provides!
Thank you very much, Quantum. That’s a really great definition of what romantic fiction provides!
Thank you very much, Quantum. That’s a really great definition of what romantic fiction provides!
Thank you very much, Quantum. That’s a really great definition of what romantic fiction provides!
Thank you very much, Quantum. That’s a really great definition of what romantic fiction provides!
Thanks, Denise! Oh, I so agree about how depressing fiction can be. I don’t subscribe to the idea that the HEA makes a story less valid or worthy in some way like a lot of literary reviews seem to do!
Thanks, Denise! Oh, I so agree about how depressing fiction can be. I don’t subscribe to the idea that the HEA makes a story less valid or worthy in some way like a lot of literary reviews seem to do!
Thanks, Denise! Oh, I so agree about how depressing fiction can be. I don’t subscribe to the idea that the HEA makes a story less valid or worthy in some way like a lot of literary reviews seem to do!
Thanks, Denise! Oh, I so agree about how depressing fiction can be. I don’t subscribe to the idea that the HEA makes a story less valid or worthy in some way like a lot of literary reviews seem to do!
Thanks, Denise! Oh, I so agree about how depressing fiction can be. I don’t subscribe to the idea that the HEA makes a story less valid or worthy in some way like a lot of literary reviews seem to do!
Hi Susan. I haven’t seen that film but I like the sound of it, and certainly of that message. The phrase “guilty pleasure” is another that gets my back up. I was very happy to read an interview recently when a singer was asked about his guilty pleasures and he said that he thought that was an out-dated concept and he just had pleasures.
Hi Susan. I haven’t seen that film but I like the sound of it, and certainly of that message. The phrase “guilty pleasure” is another that gets my back up. I was very happy to read an interview recently when a singer was asked about his guilty pleasures and he said that he thought that was an out-dated concept and he just had pleasures.
Hi Susan. I haven’t seen that film but I like the sound of it, and certainly of that message. The phrase “guilty pleasure” is another that gets my back up. I was very happy to read an interview recently when a singer was asked about his guilty pleasures and he said that he thought that was an out-dated concept and he just had pleasures.
Hi Susan. I haven’t seen that film but I like the sound of it, and certainly of that message. The phrase “guilty pleasure” is another that gets my back up. I was very happy to read an interview recently when a singer was asked about his guilty pleasures and he said that he thought that was an out-dated concept and he just had pleasures.
Hi Susan. I haven’t seen that film but I like the sound of it, and certainly of that message. The phrase “guilty pleasure” is another that gets my back up. I was very happy to read an interview recently when a singer was asked about his guilty pleasures and he said that he thought that was an out-dated concept and he just had pleasures.
Thank you, Mary. I think that all the positive attributes of romantic fiction are definitely one of the strengths of the genre. It’s weird that literary fiction so often seems to celebrate the dark side of relationships. I think it’s great to have a mix of genres too but I couldn’t be without the happiness. And as a happy ever after is so often hard one, the bravery element is often very important too.
Thank you, Mary. I think that all the positive attributes of romantic fiction are definitely one of the strengths of the genre. It’s weird that literary fiction so often seems to celebrate the dark side of relationships. I think it’s great to have a mix of genres too but I couldn’t be without the happiness. And as a happy ever after is so often hard one, the bravery element is often very important too.
Thank you, Mary. I think that all the positive attributes of romantic fiction are definitely one of the strengths of the genre. It’s weird that literary fiction so often seems to celebrate the dark side of relationships. I think it’s great to have a mix of genres too but I couldn’t be without the happiness. And as a happy ever after is so often hard one, the bravery element is often very important too.
Thank you, Mary. I think that all the positive attributes of romantic fiction are definitely one of the strengths of the genre. It’s weird that literary fiction so often seems to celebrate the dark side of relationships. I think it’s great to have a mix of genres too but I couldn’t be without the happiness. And as a happy ever after is so often hard one, the bravery element is often very important too.
Thank you, Mary. I think that all the positive attributes of romantic fiction are definitely one of the strengths of the genre. It’s weird that literary fiction so often seems to celebrate the dark side of relationships. I think it’s great to have a mix of genres too but I couldn’t be without the happiness. And as a happy ever after is so often hard one, the bravery element is often very important too.
Thank you very much for sharing the blog post, Binnie Syril. The transforming power of love is such a strong theme. There’s nothing low stakes about that, for sure!
Thank you very much for sharing the blog post, Binnie Syril. The transforming power of love is such a strong theme. There’s nothing low stakes about that, for sure!
Thank you very much for sharing the blog post, Binnie Syril. The transforming power of love is such a strong theme. There’s nothing low stakes about that, for sure!
Thank you very much for sharing the blog post, Binnie Syril. The transforming power of love is such a strong theme. There’s nothing low stakes about that, for sure!
Thank you very much for sharing the blog post, Binnie Syril. The transforming power of love is such a strong theme. There’s nothing low stakes about that, for sure!
Thanks, Karin, and you make another very good point about the inclusion of romantic relationships in so many other genres of novel too.
Thanks, Karin, and you make another very good point about the inclusion of romantic relationships in so many other genres of novel too.
Thanks, Karin, and you make another very good point about the inclusion of romantic relationships in so many other genres of novel too.
Thanks, Karin, and you make another very good point about the inclusion of romantic relationships in so many other genres of novel too.
Thanks, Karin, and you make another very good point about the inclusion of romantic relationships in so many other genres of novel too.
The words I would use Nicola are, life saving!! Life is hard, damn hard at times and reading is what gets me through it. I couldn’t live without books. I read a good mixture but always go back to my Regency romances.
Good post.
The words I would use Nicola are, life saving!! Life is hard, damn hard at times and reading is what gets me through it. I couldn’t live without books. I read a good mixture but always go back to my Regency romances.
Good post.
The words I would use Nicola are, life saving!! Life is hard, damn hard at times and reading is what gets me through it. I couldn’t live without books. I read a good mixture but always go back to my Regency romances.
Good post.
The words I would use Nicola are, life saving!! Life is hard, damn hard at times and reading is what gets me through it. I couldn’t live without books. I read a good mixture but always go back to my Regency romances.
Good post.
The words I would use Nicola are, life saving!! Life is hard, damn hard at times and reading is what gets me through it. I couldn’t live without books. I read a good mixture but always go back to my Regency romances.
Good post.
I don’t describe my reading in any other terms than fiction and non fiction. The use of dismissive adjectives is just another method to diminish, dismiss and denigrate women. Suggesting that women, such silly creatures, only read “trash” or “light” books places us squarely back into the place where we are ignored. Early Romance novels of Woodiwiss or Rogers with covers featuring half naked females clasped in the arms of muscular men cemented the bodice ripper label suggesting the writing was just as cheesy. (Thank you for the “big chiz” explanation!). As mentioned by others, human interactions in any genre may include a coupling element which only grounds the tale in reality. Human beings tend to join with each other. It is not a light or fluffy or silly connection and neither are stories about it.
I don’t describe my reading in any other terms than fiction and non fiction. The use of dismissive adjectives is just another method to diminish, dismiss and denigrate women. Suggesting that women, such silly creatures, only read “trash” or “light” books places us squarely back into the place where we are ignored. Early Romance novels of Woodiwiss or Rogers with covers featuring half naked females clasped in the arms of muscular men cemented the bodice ripper label suggesting the writing was just as cheesy. (Thank you for the “big chiz” explanation!). As mentioned by others, human interactions in any genre may include a coupling element which only grounds the tale in reality. Human beings tend to join with each other. It is not a light or fluffy or silly connection and neither are stories about it.
I don’t describe my reading in any other terms than fiction and non fiction. The use of dismissive adjectives is just another method to diminish, dismiss and denigrate women. Suggesting that women, such silly creatures, only read “trash” or “light” books places us squarely back into the place where we are ignored. Early Romance novels of Woodiwiss or Rogers with covers featuring half naked females clasped in the arms of muscular men cemented the bodice ripper label suggesting the writing was just as cheesy. (Thank you for the “big chiz” explanation!). As mentioned by others, human interactions in any genre may include a coupling element which only grounds the tale in reality. Human beings tend to join with each other. It is not a light or fluffy or silly connection and neither are stories about it.
I don’t describe my reading in any other terms than fiction and non fiction. The use of dismissive adjectives is just another method to diminish, dismiss and denigrate women. Suggesting that women, such silly creatures, only read “trash” or “light” books places us squarely back into the place where we are ignored. Early Romance novels of Woodiwiss or Rogers with covers featuring half naked females clasped in the arms of muscular men cemented the bodice ripper label suggesting the writing was just as cheesy. (Thank you for the “big chiz” explanation!). As mentioned by others, human interactions in any genre may include a coupling element which only grounds the tale in reality. Human beings tend to join with each other. It is not a light or fluffy or silly connection and neither are stories about it.
I don’t describe my reading in any other terms than fiction and non fiction. The use of dismissive adjectives is just another method to diminish, dismiss and denigrate women. Suggesting that women, such silly creatures, only read “trash” or “light” books places us squarely back into the place where we are ignored. Early Romance novels of Woodiwiss or Rogers with covers featuring half naked females clasped in the arms of muscular men cemented the bodice ripper label suggesting the writing was just as cheesy. (Thank you for the “big chiz” explanation!). As mentioned by others, human interactions in any genre may include a coupling element which only grounds the tale in reality. Human beings tend to join with each other. It is not a light or fluffy or silly connection and neither are stories about it.
Thank you, Teresa. Yes, it’s true that we all need something that works to help us get through the bad times and books can be such a tremendous solace.
Thank you, Teresa. Yes, it’s true that we all need something that works to help us get through the bad times and books can be such a tremendous solace.
Thank you, Teresa. Yes, it’s true that we all need something that works to help us get through the bad times and books can be such a tremendous solace.
Thank you, Teresa. Yes, it’s true that we all need something that works to help us get through the bad times and books can be such a tremendous solace.
Thank you, Teresa. Yes, it’s true that we all need something that works to help us get through the bad times and books can be such a tremendous solace.
Well said, Janice!
Well said, Janice!
Well said, Janice!
Well said, Janice!
Well said, Janice!
I like your descriptions, but I would also add healing.
There was a time when I could not understand why so many people read romantic books. Of course, I had never read any, but I knew what they were. Then I had my epiphany.
After going through a very painful but official dumping situation, I developed what is a form of PTSD, I went to counseling and learned a great deal. About that same time, I went into a library and picked up a book by Judith McNaught – Until You.
I was amazed. It was about human beings who had a passion for one another. Since that time years ago, I have read various kinds of romantic fiction. I have learned several things. I cannot read anything too intense. I really want to read books which have humor in them. And I believe in happily ever afters again.
I am still unable to deal with intense events in books, or films or TV shows. No thrillers or extreme danger for me. That causes my anxiety to reappear.
But, although it is not a part of my life, I do know that there can be relationships which are based on trust and tenderness, friendship and fun and most of all love.
For me, that is huge. Because of my personal experiences believing in love did not seem probable or possible. Now, I know there can be happily ever afters. For one thing, many of the people who write romance are in long term relationships which are romantic.
And as for the disdain – I reckon they must think that although about 1/3 of the books sold are romance, we all must be village idiots with money. But, hey there are worse things than being underestimated.
And I believe that all of us who appreciate a well written romance should have pity for the ones who consider us flibbertygibbets. Cause here in Texas we would call them all “dumber than a box of rocks”.
I like your descriptions, but I would also add healing.
There was a time when I could not understand why so many people read romantic books. Of course, I had never read any, but I knew what they were. Then I had my epiphany.
After going through a very painful but official dumping situation, I developed what is a form of PTSD, I went to counseling and learned a great deal. About that same time, I went into a library and picked up a book by Judith McNaught – Until You.
I was amazed. It was about human beings who had a passion for one another. Since that time years ago, I have read various kinds of romantic fiction. I have learned several things. I cannot read anything too intense. I really want to read books which have humor in them. And I believe in happily ever afters again.
I am still unable to deal with intense events in books, or films or TV shows. No thrillers or extreme danger for me. That causes my anxiety to reappear.
But, although it is not a part of my life, I do know that there can be relationships which are based on trust and tenderness, friendship and fun and most of all love.
For me, that is huge. Because of my personal experiences believing in love did not seem probable or possible. Now, I know there can be happily ever afters. For one thing, many of the people who write romance are in long term relationships which are romantic.
And as for the disdain – I reckon they must think that although about 1/3 of the books sold are romance, we all must be village idiots with money. But, hey there are worse things than being underestimated.
And I believe that all of us who appreciate a well written romance should have pity for the ones who consider us flibbertygibbets. Cause here in Texas we would call them all “dumber than a box of rocks”.
I like your descriptions, but I would also add healing.
There was a time when I could not understand why so many people read romantic books. Of course, I had never read any, but I knew what they were. Then I had my epiphany.
After going through a very painful but official dumping situation, I developed what is a form of PTSD, I went to counseling and learned a great deal. About that same time, I went into a library and picked up a book by Judith McNaught – Until You.
I was amazed. It was about human beings who had a passion for one another. Since that time years ago, I have read various kinds of romantic fiction. I have learned several things. I cannot read anything too intense. I really want to read books which have humor in them. And I believe in happily ever afters again.
I am still unable to deal with intense events in books, or films or TV shows. No thrillers or extreme danger for me. That causes my anxiety to reappear.
But, although it is not a part of my life, I do know that there can be relationships which are based on trust and tenderness, friendship and fun and most of all love.
For me, that is huge. Because of my personal experiences believing in love did not seem probable or possible. Now, I know there can be happily ever afters. For one thing, many of the people who write romance are in long term relationships which are romantic.
And as for the disdain – I reckon they must think that although about 1/3 of the books sold are romance, we all must be village idiots with money. But, hey there are worse things than being underestimated.
And I believe that all of us who appreciate a well written romance should have pity for the ones who consider us flibbertygibbets. Cause here in Texas we would call them all “dumber than a box of rocks”.
I like your descriptions, but I would also add healing.
There was a time when I could not understand why so many people read romantic books. Of course, I had never read any, but I knew what they were. Then I had my epiphany.
After going through a very painful but official dumping situation, I developed what is a form of PTSD, I went to counseling and learned a great deal. About that same time, I went into a library and picked up a book by Judith McNaught – Until You.
I was amazed. It was about human beings who had a passion for one another. Since that time years ago, I have read various kinds of romantic fiction. I have learned several things. I cannot read anything too intense. I really want to read books which have humor in them. And I believe in happily ever afters again.
I am still unable to deal with intense events in books, or films or TV shows. No thrillers or extreme danger for me. That causes my anxiety to reappear.
But, although it is not a part of my life, I do know that there can be relationships which are based on trust and tenderness, friendship and fun and most of all love.
For me, that is huge. Because of my personal experiences believing in love did not seem probable or possible. Now, I know there can be happily ever afters. For one thing, many of the people who write romance are in long term relationships which are romantic.
And as for the disdain – I reckon they must think that although about 1/3 of the books sold are romance, we all must be village idiots with money. But, hey there are worse things than being underestimated.
And I believe that all of us who appreciate a well written romance should have pity for the ones who consider us flibbertygibbets. Cause here in Texas we would call them all “dumber than a box of rocks”.
I like your descriptions, but I would also add healing.
There was a time when I could not understand why so many people read romantic books. Of course, I had never read any, but I knew what they were. Then I had my epiphany.
After going through a very painful but official dumping situation, I developed what is a form of PTSD, I went to counseling and learned a great deal. About that same time, I went into a library and picked up a book by Judith McNaught – Until You.
I was amazed. It was about human beings who had a passion for one another. Since that time years ago, I have read various kinds of romantic fiction. I have learned several things. I cannot read anything too intense. I really want to read books which have humor in them. And I believe in happily ever afters again.
I am still unable to deal with intense events in books, or films or TV shows. No thrillers or extreme danger for me. That causes my anxiety to reappear.
But, although it is not a part of my life, I do know that there can be relationships which are based on trust and tenderness, friendship and fun and most of all love.
For me, that is huge. Because of my personal experiences believing in love did not seem probable or possible. Now, I know there can be happily ever afters. For one thing, many of the people who write romance are in long term relationships which are romantic.
And as for the disdain – I reckon they must think that although about 1/3 of the books sold are romance, we all must be village idiots with money. But, hey there are worse things than being underestimated.
And I believe that all of us who appreciate a well written romance should have pity for the ones who consider us flibbertygibbets. Cause here in Texas we would call them all “dumber than a box of rocks”.
To all those who criticize our romantic reading choices, I want to say, You Have No Idea How Much Research Goes Into The Writing Of A Romance Novel.
Thanks to Ladies of Romance, I learned that inheritance laws of Britain were imposed on all their colonies. And those laws still exist in today’s modern world. I learned about the language of flowers. But please don’t ask me what is being said. Even though I had read English history in my younger days, nothing made it real till I read Romance Novels. The research done by you Ladies is astounding. The roads, the buildings, the diseases, the social environment, the society, the divide between employer and employee. There is just so much. I will never be able to do you full justice.
Thank you. Romance forever. The Best.
To all those who criticize our romantic reading choices, I want to say, You Have No Idea How Much Research Goes Into The Writing Of A Romance Novel.
Thanks to Ladies of Romance, I learned that inheritance laws of Britain were imposed on all their colonies. And those laws still exist in today’s modern world. I learned about the language of flowers. But please don’t ask me what is being said. Even though I had read English history in my younger days, nothing made it real till I read Romance Novels. The research done by you Ladies is astounding. The roads, the buildings, the diseases, the social environment, the society, the divide between employer and employee. There is just so much. I will never be able to do you full justice.
Thank you. Romance forever. The Best.
To all those who criticize our romantic reading choices, I want to say, You Have No Idea How Much Research Goes Into The Writing Of A Romance Novel.
Thanks to Ladies of Romance, I learned that inheritance laws of Britain were imposed on all their colonies. And those laws still exist in today’s modern world. I learned about the language of flowers. But please don’t ask me what is being said. Even though I had read English history in my younger days, nothing made it real till I read Romance Novels. The research done by you Ladies is astounding. The roads, the buildings, the diseases, the social environment, the society, the divide between employer and employee. There is just so much. I will never be able to do you full justice.
Thank you. Romance forever. The Best.
To all those who criticize our romantic reading choices, I want to say, You Have No Idea How Much Research Goes Into The Writing Of A Romance Novel.
Thanks to Ladies of Romance, I learned that inheritance laws of Britain were imposed on all their colonies. And those laws still exist in today’s modern world. I learned about the language of flowers. But please don’t ask me what is being said. Even though I had read English history in my younger days, nothing made it real till I read Romance Novels. The research done by you Ladies is astounding. The roads, the buildings, the diseases, the social environment, the society, the divide between employer and employee. There is just so much. I will never be able to do you full justice.
Thank you. Romance forever. The Best.
To all those who criticize our romantic reading choices, I want to say, You Have No Idea How Much Research Goes Into The Writing Of A Romance Novel.
Thanks to Ladies of Romance, I learned that inheritance laws of Britain were imposed on all their colonies. And those laws still exist in today’s modern world. I learned about the language of flowers. But please don’t ask me what is being said. Even though I had read English history in my younger days, nothing made it real till I read Romance Novels. The research done by you Ladies is astounding. The roads, the buildings, the diseases, the social environment, the society, the divide between employer and employee. There is just so much. I will never be able to do you full justice.
Thank you. Romance forever. The Best.
Annette, what a beautiful piece of writing. I find it very emotional reading this. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us and expressing so beautifully the healing power of romantic fiction.
One of the things that has often struck me about romance readers is we *know* how great the books are and we don’t need the approval of those people who set themselves up to judge. We’re a pretty strong, impressive and inspiring group of people. And I will treasure the expression “dumber than a box of rocks.”
Annette, what a beautiful piece of writing. I find it very emotional reading this. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us and expressing so beautifully the healing power of romantic fiction.
One of the things that has often struck me about romance readers is we *know* how great the books are and we don’t need the approval of those people who set themselves up to judge. We’re a pretty strong, impressive and inspiring group of people. And I will treasure the expression “dumber than a box of rocks.”
Annette, what a beautiful piece of writing. I find it very emotional reading this. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us and expressing so beautifully the healing power of romantic fiction.
One of the things that has often struck me about romance readers is we *know* how great the books are and we don’t need the approval of those people who set themselves up to judge. We’re a pretty strong, impressive and inspiring group of people. And I will treasure the expression “dumber than a box of rocks.”
Annette, what a beautiful piece of writing. I find it very emotional reading this. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us and expressing so beautifully the healing power of romantic fiction.
One of the things that has often struck me about romance readers is we *know* how great the books are and we don’t need the approval of those people who set themselves up to judge. We’re a pretty strong, impressive and inspiring group of people. And I will treasure the expression “dumber than a box of rocks.”
Annette, what a beautiful piece of writing. I find it very emotional reading this. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us and expressing so beautifully the healing power of romantic fiction.
One of the things that has often struck me about romance readers is we *know* how great the books are and we don’t need the approval of those people who set themselves up to judge. We’re a pretty strong, impressive and inspiring group of people. And I will treasure the expression “dumber than a box of rocks.”
Thank you, Kantu! I love researching my novels and also love learning from reading other romance books. It is definitely a very important part of what we get from reading them – knowledge, lightly imparted but in no way lightweight.
Thank you, Kantu! I love researching my novels and also love learning from reading other romance books. It is definitely a very important part of what we get from reading them – knowledge, lightly imparted but in no way lightweight.
Thank you, Kantu! I love researching my novels and also love learning from reading other romance books. It is definitely a very important part of what we get from reading them – knowledge, lightly imparted but in no way lightweight.
Thank you, Kantu! I love researching my novels and also love learning from reading other romance books. It is definitely a very important part of what we get from reading them – knowledge, lightly imparted but in no way lightweight.
Thank you, Kantu! I love researching my novels and also love learning from reading other romance books. It is definitely a very important part of what we get from reading them – knowledge, lightly imparted but in no way lightweight.
I think it is safe to say that ninety percent of my romance reading (and even reading in other genres) is escapism.
Living in a lost corner of the SW of France often means a mundane existence, so how wonderful to be able to live all those different book lives vicariously!
So glad to have found you and the other Word Wenches. You’ve all added adventure to my life.
Thanks!
I think it is safe to say that ninety percent of my romance reading (and even reading in other genres) is escapism.
Living in a lost corner of the SW of France often means a mundane existence, so how wonderful to be able to live all those different book lives vicariously!
So glad to have found you and the other Word Wenches. You’ve all added adventure to my life.
Thanks!
I think it is safe to say that ninety percent of my romance reading (and even reading in other genres) is escapism.
Living in a lost corner of the SW of France often means a mundane existence, so how wonderful to be able to live all those different book lives vicariously!
So glad to have found you and the other Word Wenches. You’ve all added adventure to my life.
Thanks!
I think it is safe to say that ninety percent of my romance reading (and even reading in other genres) is escapism.
Living in a lost corner of the SW of France often means a mundane existence, so how wonderful to be able to live all those different book lives vicariously!
So glad to have found you and the other Word Wenches. You’ve all added adventure to my life.
Thanks!
I think it is safe to say that ninety percent of my romance reading (and even reading in other genres) is escapism.
Living in a lost corner of the SW of France often means a mundane existence, so how wonderful to be able to live all those different book lives vicariously!
So glad to have found you and the other Word Wenches. You’ve all added adventure to my life.
Thanks!
Thank you for writing this, Nicola. You speak for so many of us.
When I read articles and see ‘those lists’ I ask myself if the authors
have the joy of such wonderful readers that we flibbertyjibbit romance authors have.
I doubt it. Instead of getting angry at the ‘literary types’ and their meaningless comments
I think back to readers who say how much they love my books. I think of the joyous books I’ve read. I also think back to an elderly gentleman who helped his disabled wife into a library where I was speaking and held her hand throughout my talk. At the end he came to speak to me and take my photograph with his wife. He turned back and held my hand as he told me that my books had kept his wife fighting during recent hospital treatment. Then he said, ‘you probably don’t realise how much joy you bring to people’s lives’.
Blow the book snobs – I’m happy with my lot. Why else do we write? xx
Thank you for writing this, Nicola. You speak for so many of us.
When I read articles and see ‘those lists’ I ask myself if the authors
have the joy of such wonderful readers that we flibbertyjibbit romance authors have.
I doubt it. Instead of getting angry at the ‘literary types’ and their meaningless comments
I think back to readers who say how much they love my books. I think of the joyous books I’ve read. I also think back to an elderly gentleman who helped his disabled wife into a library where I was speaking and held her hand throughout my talk. At the end he came to speak to me and take my photograph with his wife. He turned back and held my hand as he told me that my books had kept his wife fighting during recent hospital treatment. Then he said, ‘you probably don’t realise how much joy you bring to people’s lives’.
Blow the book snobs – I’m happy with my lot. Why else do we write? xx
Thank you for writing this, Nicola. You speak for so many of us.
When I read articles and see ‘those lists’ I ask myself if the authors
have the joy of such wonderful readers that we flibbertyjibbit romance authors have.
I doubt it. Instead of getting angry at the ‘literary types’ and their meaningless comments
I think back to readers who say how much they love my books. I think of the joyous books I’ve read. I also think back to an elderly gentleman who helped his disabled wife into a library where I was speaking and held her hand throughout my talk. At the end he came to speak to me and take my photograph with his wife. He turned back and held my hand as he told me that my books had kept his wife fighting during recent hospital treatment. Then he said, ‘you probably don’t realise how much joy you bring to people’s lives’.
Blow the book snobs – I’m happy with my lot. Why else do we write? xx
Thank you for writing this, Nicola. You speak for so many of us.
When I read articles and see ‘those lists’ I ask myself if the authors
have the joy of such wonderful readers that we flibbertyjibbit romance authors have.
I doubt it. Instead of getting angry at the ‘literary types’ and their meaningless comments
I think back to readers who say how much they love my books. I think of the joyous books I’ve read. I also think back to an elderly gentleman who helped his disabled wife into a library where I was speaking and held her hand throughout my talk. At the end he came to speak to me and take my photograph with his wife. He turned back and held my hand as he told me that my books had kept his wife fighting during recent hospital treatment. Then he said, ‘you probably don’t realise how much joy you bring to people’s lives’.
Blow the book snobs – I’m happy with my lot. Why else do we write? xx
Thank you for writing this, Nicola. You speak for so many of us.
When I read articles and see ‘those lists’ I ask myself if the authors
have the joy of such wonderful readers that we flibbertyjibbit romance authors have.
I doubt it. Instead of getting angry at the ‘literary types’ and their meaningless comments
I think back to readers who say how much they love my books. I think of the joyous books I’ve read. I also think back to an elderly gentleman who helped his disabled wife into a library where I was speaking and held her hand throughout my talk. At the end he came to speak to me and take my photograph with his wife. He turned back and held my hand as he told me that my books had kept his wife fighting during recent hospital treatment. Then he said, ‘you probably don’t realise how much joy you bring to people’s lives’.
Blow the book snobs – I’m happy with my lot. Why else do we write? xx
I’ve been loving seeing the thing going around the internet that says something about your “beach read” is whatever you take to the beach. I read what I want no matter the season, and it’s usually a lot of mystery and romance.
My favorite romances are really just like old friends.
I’ve been loving seeing the thing going around the internet that says something about your “beach read” is whatever you take to the beach. I read what I want no matter the season, and it’s usually a lot of mystery and romance.
My favorite romances are really just like old friends.
I’ve been loving seeing the thing going around the internet that says something about your “beach read” is whatever you take to the beach. I read what I want no matter the season, and it’s usually a lot of mystery and romance.
My favorite romances are really just like old friends.
I’ve been loving seeing the thing going around the internet that says something about your “beach read” is whatever you take to the beach. I read what I want no matter the season, and it’s usually a lot of mystery and romance.
My favorite romances are really just like old friends.
I’ve been loving seeing the thing going around the internet that says something about your “beach read” is whatever you take to the beach. I read what I want no matter the season, and it’s usually a lot of mystery and romance.
My favorite romances are really just like old friends.
I would use the words poignant, transcending, empowering.
I feel these descriptions in books about relationships, which is every book ever written, fiction or nonfiction, that tells a story about people or animals.
I’ve had to deal with criticism because I enjoy reading romance. I actually had two friends, who are librarians, ask me why I read such low-brow material.
I would use the words poignant, transcending, empowering.
I feel these descriptions in books about relationships, which is every book ever written, fiction or nonfiction, that tells a story about people or animals.
I’ve had to deal with criticism because I enjoy reading romance. I actually had two friends, who are librarians, ask me why I read such low-brow material.
I would use the words poignant, transcending, empowering.
I feel these descriptions in books about relationships, which is every book ever written, fiction or nonfiction, that tells a story about people or animals.
I’ve had to deal with criticism because I enjoy reading romance. I actually had two friends, who are librarians, ask me why I read such low-brow material.
I would use the words poignant, transcending, empowering.
I feel these descriptions in books about relationships, which is every book ever written, fiction or nonfiction, that tells a story about people or animals.
I’ve had to deal with criticism because I enjoy reading romance. I actually had two friends, who are librarians, ask me why I read such low-brow material.
I would use the words poignant, transcending, empowering.
I feel these descriptions in books about relationships, which is every book ever written, fiction or nonfiction, that tells a story about people or animals.
I’ve had to deal with criticism because I enjoy reading romance. I actually had two friends, who are librarians, ask me why I read such low-brow material.
That’s lovely, Suzy – thank you for being a part of the romance community! It is wonderful to escape to other places via our books.
That’s lovely, Suzy – thank you for being a part of the romance community! It is wonderful to escape to other places via our books.
That’s lovely, Suzy – thank you for being a part of the romance community! It is wonderful to escape to other places via our books.
That’s lovely, Suzy – thank you for being a part of the romance community! It is wonderful to escape to other places via our books.
That’s lovely, Suzy – thank you for being a part of the romance community! It is wonderful to escape to other places via our books.
Thank you, Elaine, for such wonderful and inspiring books and for sharing your stories here. It’s incredibly emotional to realise how much romantic fiction means to readers and the positive effects it can have on their lives.
Thank you, Elaine, for such wonderful and inspiring books and for sharing your stories here. It’s incredibly emotional to realise how much romantic fiction means to readers and the positive effects it can have on their lives.
Thank you, Elaine, for such wonderful and inspiring books and for sharing your stories here. It’s incredibly emotional to realise how much romantic fiction means to readers and the positive effects it can have on their lives.
Thank you, Elaine, for such wonderful and inspiring books and for sharing your stories here. It’s incredibly emotional to realise how much romantic fiction means to readers and the positive effects it can have on their lives.
Thank you, Elaine, for such wonderful and inspiring books and for sharing your stories here. It’s incredibly emotional to realise how much romantic fiction means to readers and the positive effects it can have on their lives.
Hi Misti! “Your beach read is whatever you take to the beach.” Perfect!
Hi Misti! “Your beach read is whatever you take to the beach.” Perfect!
Hi Misti! “Your beach read is whatever you take to the beach.” Perfect!
Hi Misti! “Your beach read is whatever you take to the beach.” Perfect!
Hi Misti! “Your beach read is whatever you take to the beach.” Perfect!
Hi Patricia. Sadly that’s still a common attitude but we’re all in the know! Someone once described romantic fiction to me as an underground movement, because it’s largely ignored but it’s very strong all the same.
Hi Patricia. Sadly that’s still a common attitude but we’re all in the know! Someone once described romantic fiction to me as an underground movement, because it’s largely ignored but it’s very strong all the same.
Hi Patricia. Sadly that’s still a common attitude but we’re all in the know! Someone once described romantic fiction to me as an underground movement, because it’s largely ignored but it’s very strong all the same.
Hi Patricia. Sadly that’s still a common attitude but we’re all in the know! Someone once described romantic fiction to me as an underground movement, because it’s largely ignored but it’s very strong all the same.
Hi Patricia. Sadly that’s still a common attitude but we’re all in the know! Someone once described romantic fiction to me as an underground movement, because it’s largely ignored but it’s very strong all the same.
When I was younger, it was science fiction that got all the scorn from mainstream – you know, science fiction is just silly TV trash, man can never/should never explore outer space, that can’t happen (until, of course, it did, and sf suddenly became respectable). Those who love to throw brickbats had to find a new target, and there was romance writing, just sitting there.
Most of the bad stuff I read about romance writing and romance readers comes from those who have never read the genre themselves, and most of them are male, I am sad to say. At work guys would ask me what do women want? and I’d think, go read some romance novels and find out. It is more than hot sex (however compelling that may be). It’s love, affection, loyalty, companionship, equality in the partnership, maybe a family too — all the nights before and the mornings after as well.
Some people still think that romance writing is totally about hot sex and that we readers of romance use it as a substitute for the great sex we may not be getting in real life. I don’t believe that’s true. The romance readers I have spoken with want a good story that hooks them in emotionally and in which the bond between the couple is the essential element. They want to believe in love, whether they ever had it themselves or not. It’s a very idealistic genre. Which is why I love it. I too want to believe.
When I was younger, it was science fiction that got all the scorn from mainstream – you know, science fiction is just silly TV trash, man can never/should never explore outer space, that can’t happen (until, of course, it did, and sf suddenly became respectable). Those who love to throw brickbats had to find a new target, and there was romance writing, just sitting there.
Most of the bad stuff I read about romance writing and romance readers comes from those who have never read the genre themselves, and most of them are male, I am sad to say. At work guys would ask me what do women want? and I’d think, go read some romance novels and find out. It is more than hot sex (however compelling that may be). It’s love, affection, loyalty, companionship, equality in the partnership, maybe a family too — all the nights before and the mornings after as well.
Some people still think that romance writing is totally about hot sex and that we readers of romance use it as a substitute for the great sex we may not be getting in real life. I don’t believe that’s true. The romance readers I have spoken with want a good story that hooks them in emotionally and in which the bond between the couple is the essential element. They want to believe in love, whether they ever had it themselves or not. It’s a very idealistic genre. Which is why I love it. I too want to believe.
When I was younger, it was science fiction that got all the scorn from mainstream – you know, science fiction is just silly TV trash, man can never/should never explore outer space, that can’t happen (until, of course, it did, and sf suddenly became respectable). Those who love to throw brickbats had to find a new target, and there was romance writing, just sitting there.
Most of the bad stuff I read about romance writing and romance readers comes from those who have never read the genre themselves, and most of them are male, I am sad to say. At work guys would ask me what do women want? and I’d think, go read some romance novels and find out. It is more than hot sex (however compelling that may be). It’s love, affection, loyalty, companionship, equality in the partnership, maybe a family too — all the nights before and the mornings after as well.
Some people still think that romance writing is totally about hot sex and that we readers of romance use it as a substitute for the great sex we may not be getting in real life. I don’t believe that’s true. The romance readers I have spoken with want a good story that hooks them in emotionally and in which the bond between the couple is the essential element. They want to believe in love, whether they ever had it themselves or not. It’s a very idealistic genre. Which is why I love it. I too want to believe.
When I was younger, it was science fiction that got all the scorn from mainstream – you know, science fiction is just silly TV trash, man can never/should never explore outer space, that can’t happen (until, of course, it did, and sf suddenly became respectable). Those who love to throw brickbats had to find a new target, and there was romance writing, just sitting there.
Most of the bad stuff I read about romance writing and romance readers comes from those who have never read the genre themselves, and most of them are male, I am sad to say. At work guys would ask me what do women want? and I’d think, go read some romance novels and find out. It is more than hot sex (however compelling that may be). It’s love, affection, loyalty, companionship, equality in the partnership, maybe a family too — all the nights before and the mornings after as well.
Some people still think that romance writing is totally about hot sex and that we readers of romance use it as a substitute for the great sex we may not be getting in real life. I don’t believe that’s true. The romance readers I have spoken with want a good story that hooks them in emotionally and in which the bond between the couple is the essential element. They want to believe in love, whether they ever had it themselves or not. It’s a very idealistic genre. Which is why I love it. I too want to believe.
When I was younger, it was science fiction that got all the scorn from mainstream – you know, science fiction is just silly TV trash, man can never/should never explore outer space, that can’t happen (until, of course, it did, and sf suddenly became respectable). Those who love to throw brickbats had to find a new target, and there was romance writing, just sitting there.
Most of the bad stuff I read about romance writing and romance readers comes from those who have never read the genre themselves, and most of them are male, I am sad to say. At work guys would ask me what do women want? and I’d think, go read some romance novels and find out. It is more than hot sex (however compelling that may be). It’s love, affection, loyalty, companionship, equality in the partnership, maybe a family too — all the nights before and the mornings after as well.
Some people still think that romance writing is totally about hot sex and that we readers of romance use it as a substitute for the great sex we may not be getting in real life. I don’t believe that’s true. The romance readers I have spoken with want a good story that hooks them in emotionally and in which the bond between the couple is the essential element. They want to believe in love, whether they ever had it themselves or not. It’s a very idealistic genre. Which is why I love it. I too want to believe.
I am in total agreement with all the praise above. i would like to add my take on a part of this dismissiveness.
There is a type of critic who pretends to “critique” but who is really showing off how much smarter and more erudite the critic is than the rest of the poor yokels. They don’t care about books, only about points. This type of critic has brain washed people into believing that ANY genre is in poor taste, of low intelligence, and automatically unworthy. Mysteries and horror are low class UNLESS they are bby Edgar Allen Poe; romance is dumb and fighty, UNLESS it’s Jane Eyre or by Jane Austen, and so on.
I truy don not see why inteligent peope et them get away with this. My personal name for this type of critique is “Jack Horner” caritic; and I don’t think those critics are “good boys” at all.
I am in total agreement with all the praise above. i would like to add my take on a part of this dismissiveness.
There is a type of critic who pretends to “critique” but who is really showing off how much smarter and more erudite the critic is than the rest of the poor yokels. They don’t care about books, only about points. This type of critic has brain washed people into believing that ANY genre is in poor taste, of low intelligence, and automatically unworthy. Mysteries and horror are low class UNLESS they are bby Edgar Allen Poe; romance is dumb and fighty, UNLESS it’s Jane Eyre or by Jane Austen, and so on.
I truy don not see why inteligent peope et them get away with this. My personal name for this type of critique is “Jack Horner” caritic; and I don’t think those critics are “good boys” at all.
I am in total agreement with all the praise above. i would like to add my take on a part of this dismissiveness.
There is a type of critic who pretends to “critique” but who is really showing off how much smarter and more erudite the critic is than the rest of the poor yokels. They don’t care about books, only about points. This type of critic has brain washed people into believing that ANY genre is in poor taste, of low intelligence, and automatically unworthy. Mysteries and horror are low class UNLESS they are bby Edgar Allen Poe; romance is dumb and fighty, UNLESS it’s Jane Eyre or by Jane Austen, and so on.
I truy don not see why inteligent peope et them get away with this. My personal name for this type of critique is “Jack Horner” caritic; and I don’t think those critics are “good boys” at all.
I am in total agreement with all the praise above. i would like to add my take on a part of this dismissiveness.
There is a type of critic who pretends to “critique” but who is really showing off how much smarter and more erudite the critic is than the rest of the poor yokels. They don’t care about books, only about points. This type of critic has brain washed people into believing that ANY genre is in poor taste, of low intelligence, and automatically unworthy. Mysteries and horror are low class UNLESS they are bby Edgar Allen Poe; romance is dumb and fighty, UNLESS it’s Jane Eyre or by Jane Austen, and so on.
I truy don not see why inteligent peope et them get away with this. My personal name for this type of critique is “Jack Horner” caritic; and I don’t think those critics are “good boys” at all.
I am in total agreement with all the praise above. i would like to add my take on a part of this dismissiveness.
There is a type of critic who pretends to “critique” but who is really showing off how much smarter and more erudite the critic is than the rest of the poor yokels. They don’t care about books, only about points. This type of critic has brain washed people into believing that ANY genre is in poor taste, of low intelligence, and automatically unworthy. Mysteries and horror are low class UNLESS they are bby Edgar Allen Poe; romance is dumb and fighty, UNLESS it’s Jane Eyre or by Jane Austen, and so on.
I truy don not see why inteligent peope et them get away with this. My personal name for this type of critique is “Jack Horner” caritic; and I don’t think those critics are “good boys” at all.
P.S> I beiieve that the Jack Horner critic is truy horrified when the genre writer is a best seller. Apparenty being successfu is a crime.
P.S> I beiieve that the Jack Horner critic is truy horrified when the genre writer is a best seller. Apparenty being successfu is a crime.
P.S> I beiieve that the Jack Horner critic is truy horrified when the genre writer is a best seller. Apparenty being successfu is a crime.
P.S> I beiieve that the Jack Horner critic is truy horrified when the genre writer is a best seller. Apparenty being successfu is a crime.
P.S> I beiieve that the Jack Horner critic is truy horrified when the genre writer is a best seller. Apparenty being successfu is a crime.
First of all, I refuse to read anything with a sad ending. I am 70 and a retired doctor. I saw and heard enough sad stuff in my everyday life and do not need any more of it. So if I like a book, I don’t care what anyone else thinks. And literary critics? Pooh!!! Generally speaking, I have started to read dunnamany critically-acclaimed books that were too bad, boring, or tedious to finish. So, read what you like and don’t worry about anyone else’s opinion.
Second, I still read YA and children’s books. They have a lot to teach anyone.
Third–I looked at my Kindle. I have 235 pages of books. (I plan to have stuff to read until I die), and most of the books were written by women. Not sure why–but books by men tend to tick me off. The last book I read by Jim Harrison did a lousy job on a main female character. I haven’t bothered with any of his books since, and he is a cult hero up here in Northern Michigan.
First of all, I refuse to read anything with a sad ending. I am 70 and a retired doctor. I saw and heard enough sad stuff in my everyday life and do not need any more of it. So if I like a book, I don’t care what anyone else thinks. And literary critics? Pooh!!! Generally speaking, I have started to read dunnamany critically-acclaimed books that were too bad, boring, or tedious to finish. So, read what you like and don’t worry about anyone else’s opinion.
Second, I still read YA and children’s books. They have a lot to teach anyone.
Third–I looked at my Kindle. I have 235 pages of books. (I plan to have stuff to read until I die), and most of the books were written by women. Not sure why–but books by men tend to tick me off. The last book I read by Jim Harrison did a lousy job on a main female character. I haven’t bothered with any of his books since, and he is a cult hero up here in Northern Michigan.
First of all, I refuse to read anything with a sad ending. I am 70 and a retired doctor. I saw and heard enough sad stuff in my everyday life and do not need any more of it. So if I like a book, I don’t care what anyone else thinks. And literary critics? Pooh!!! Generally speaking, I have started to read dunnamany critically-acclaimed books that were too bad, boring, or tedious to finish. So, read what you like and don’t worry about anyone else’s opinion.
Second, I still read YA and children’s books. They have a lot to teach anyone.
Third–I looked at my Kindle. I have 235 pages of books. (I plan to have stuff to read until I die), and most of the books were written by women. Not sure why–but books by men tend to tick me off. The last book I read by Jim Harrison did a lousy job on a main female character. I haven’t bothered with any of his books since, and he is a cult hero up here in Northern Michigan.
First of all, I refuse to read anything with a sad ending. I am 70 and a retired doctor. I saw and heard enough sad stuff in my everyday life and do not need any more of it. So if I like a book, I don’t care what anyone else thinks. And literary critics? Pooh!!! Generally speaking, I have started to read dunnamany critically-acclaimed books that were too bad, boring, or tedious to finish. So, read what you like and don’t worry about anyone else’s opinion.
Second, I still read YA and children’s books. They have a lot to teach anyone.
Third–I looked at my Kindle. I have 235 pages of books. (I plan to have stuff to read until I die), and most of the books were written by women. Not sure why–but books by men tend to tick me off. The last book I read by Jim Harrison did a lousy job on a main female character. I haven’t bothered with any of his books since, and he is a cult hero up here in Northern Michigan.
First of all, I refuse to read anything with a sad ending. I am 70 and a retired doctor. I saw and heard enough sad stuff in my everyday life and do not need any more of it. So if I like a book, I don’t care what anyone else thinks. And literary critics? Pooh!!! Generally speaking, I have started to read dunnamany critically-acclaimed books that were too bad, boring, or tedious to finish. So, read what you like and don’t worry about anyone else’s opinion.
Second, I still read YA and children’s books. They have a lot to teach anyone.
Third–I looked at my Kindle. I have 235 pages of books. (I plan to have stuff to read until I die), and most of the books were written by women. Not sure why–but books by men tend to tick me off. The last book I read by Jim Harrison did a lousy job on a main female character. I haven’t bothered with any of his books since, and he is a cult hero up here in Northern Michigan.
I hear you about the lousy jobs done on main female characters by many male writers. We are still seeing females who are no more than the hero’s crackerjack prize – oh, they now have labels like nuclear physicist, president, or whatever – but they have no real existence outside their labels.
One thing I like about Alan Furst’s novels is that the hero’s love interest (when there is one) is a realer sort of woman, not a physically perfect plastic nonentity. In Mission to Paris, the movie star hero falls in love not with some actress or spy but a wardrobe seamstress – older, a bit dumpy, with real problems of her own that relate to what was going on in pre-WW2 Paris. And they see each other through. If Furst can do it, I don’t see why others can’t.
That said, I have seen in poorer romances many male characters who were also empty – cardboard figures of utter perfection whose only job is to validate the heroine.
I hear you about the lousy jobs done on main female characters by many male writers. We are still seeing females who are no more than the hero’s crackerjack prize – oh, they now have labels like nuclear physicist, president, or whatever – but they have no real existence outside their labels.
One thing I like about Alan Furst’s novels is that the hero’s love interest (when there is one) is a realer sort of woman, not a physically perfect plastic nonentity. In Mission to Paris, the movie star hero falls in love not with some actress or spy but a wardrobe seamstress – older, a bit dumpy, with real problems of her own that relate to what was going on in pre-WW2 Paris. And they see each other through. If Furst can do it, I don’t see why others can’t.
That said, I have seen in poorer romances many male characters who were also empty – cardboard figures of utter perfection whose only job is to validate the heroine.
I hear you about the lousy jobs done on main female characters by many male writers. We are still seeing females who are no more than the hero’s crackerjack prize – oh, they now have labels like nuclear physicist, president, or whatever – but they have no real existence outside their labels.
One thing I like about Alan Furst’s novels is that the hero’s love interest (when there is one) is a realer sort of woman, not a physically perfect plastic nonentity. In Mission to Paris, the movie star hero falls in love not with some actress or spy but a wardrobe seamstress – older, a bit dumpy, with real problems of her own that relate to what was going on in pre-WW2 Paris. And they see each other through. If Furst can do it, I don’t see why others can’t.
That said, I have seen in poorer romances many male characters who were also empty – cardboard figures of utter perfection whose only job is to validate the heroine.
I hear you about the lousy jobs done on main female characters by many male writers. We are still seeing females who are no more than the hero’s crackerjack prize – oh, they now have labels like nuclear physicist, president, or whatever – but they have no real existence outside their labels.
One thing I like about Alan Furst’s novels is that the hero’s love interest (when there is one) is a realer sort of woman, not a physically perfect plastic nonentity. In Mission to Paris, the movie star hero falls in love not with some actress or spy but a wardrobe seamstress – older, a bit dumpy, with real problems of her own that relate to what was going on in pre-WW2 Paris. And they see each other through. If Furst can do it, I don’t see why others can’t.
That said, I have seen in poorer romances many male characters who were also empty – cardboard figures of utter perfection whose only job is to validate the heroine.
I hear you about the lousy jobs done on main female characters by many male writers. We are still seeing females who are no more than the hero’s crackerjack prize – oh, they now have labels like nuclear physicist, president, or whatever – but they have no real existence outside their labels.
One thing I like about Alan Furst’s novels is that the hero’s love interest (when there is one) is a realer sort of woman, not a physically perfect plastic nonentity. In Mission to Paris, the movie star hero falls in love not with some actress or spy but a wardrobe seamstress – older, a bit dumpy, with real problems of her own that relate to what was going on in pre-WW2 Paris. And they see each other through. If Furst can do it, I don’t see why others can’t.
That said, I have seen in poorer romances many male characters who were also empty – cardboard figures of utter perfection whose only job is to validate the heroine.
Yes, just giving a woman a job like “heart surgeon” or “Physicist” doesn’t add emotional depth! I like the sound of the Alan Furst books.
Yes, just giving a woman a job like “heart surgeon” or “Physicist” doesn’t add emotional depth! I like the sound of the Alan Furst books.
Yes, just giving a woman a job like “heart surgeon” or “Physicist” doesn’t add emotional depth! I like the sound of the Alan Furst books.
Yes, just giving a woman a job like “heart surgeon” or “Physicist” doesn’t add emotional depth! I like the sound of the Alan Furst books.
Yes, just giving a woman a job like “heart surgeon” or “Physicist” doesn’t add emotional depth! I like the sound of the Alan Furst books.
Oh, I love reading children’s books and YA! The stories often have so much energy and imagination. I re-read the old ones from my childhood and eagerly seek out new ones.
Oh, I love reading children’s books and YA! The stories often have so much energy and imagination. I re-read the old ones from my childhood and eagerly seek out new ones.
Oh, I love reading children’s books and YA! The stories often have so much energy and imagination. I re-read the old ones from my childhood and eagerly seek out new ones.
Oh, I love reading children’s books and YA! The stories often have so much energy and imagination. I re-read the old ones from my childhood and eagerly seek out new ones.
Oh, I love reading children’s books and YA! The stories often have so much energy and imagination. I re-read the old ones from my childhood and eagerly seek out new ones.
Yes, that is so true! Being a successful genre author is so often looked down upon! But could that simply be envy in some cases…
Yes, that is so true! Being a successful genre author is so often looked down upon! But could that simply be envy in some cases…
Yes, that is so true! Being a successful genre author is so often looked down upon! But could that simply be envy in some cases…
Yes, that is so true! Being a successful genre author is so often looked down upon! But could that simply be envy in some cases…
Yes, that is so true! Being a successful genre author is so often looked down upon! But could that simply be envy in some cases…
So true, Sue! We’ve all come across those sorts of reviewers who score points to make themselves look good. I guess it’s all just part of the business. Sigh.
So true, Sue! We’ve all come across those sorts of reviewers who score points to make themselves look good. I guess it’s all just part of the business. Sigh.
So true, Sue! We’ve all come across those sorts of reviewers who score points to make themselves look good. I guess it’s all just part of the business. Sigh.
So true, Sue! We’ve all come across those sorts of reviewers who score points to make themselves look good. I guess it’s all just part of the business. Sigh.
So true, Sue! We’ve all come across those sorts of reviewers who score points to make themselves look good. I guess it’s all just part of the business. Sigh.
Well said, Janice! So many of the people who criticise have absolutely no concept of what the genre is about or why it appeals. If they went away and read some of the books and came back with a reasoned debate it would be more worth engaging with them.
Well said, Janice! So many of the people who criticise have absolutely no concept of what the genre is about or why it appeals. If they went away and read some of the books and came back with a reasoned debate it would be more worth engaging with them.
Well said, Janice! So many of the people who criticise have absolutely no concept of what the genre is about or why it appeals. If they went away and read some of the books and came back with a reasoned debate it would be more worth engaging with them.
Well said, Janice! So many of the people who criticise have absolutely no concept of what the genre is about or why it appeals. If they went away and read some of the books and came back with a reasoned debate it would be more worth engaging with them.
Well said, Janice! So many of the people who criticise have absolutely no concept of what the genre is about or why it appeals. If they went away and read some of the books and came back with a reasoned debate it would be more worth engaging with them.