I've been asked why I write romances numerous times. Of course, a good part of why I write romances is that...I read them. Below is a short and incomplete list of the whys and wherefores.
1. Even if a day is gloomy, I know that there will be
hopeful thoughts between the pages of a romance. Something to lift the spirit
and make me smile.
2. Romances promote empathy, something the world is often a
bit shy on.
3. There will always be a satisfying ending.
4. Romances remind me that people should continue to strive
for the greater good, even if real human beings are human and flawed. (Romances are often criticized for being too
idealistic, but in my opinion, that's their value. Romance heroes and heroines,
just like real human beings, aren't perfect, but they always try to be better.
And that's a healthy attitude, I think. None of us should expect perfection of
ourselves—down that path lies ulcers, depression and worse--but we should
continue to try to be a bit better than what we are).
5. There's a world of variety in romance novels, ranging
from contemporary dramatic romance, humorous romance, historical romance,
romantic suspense, paranormal, steampunk, LGBT, young adult…the list goes on.
There is a lot of choice, and I like that.
6. Heroes. There, I said it. I like reading about and
writing about men who are hero material. I like wounded warriors, nerdy heroes,
heroes who are seemingly full of themselves but have a soft center. I like them
all.
7. Empowered heroines. I love being able to make a woman
whatever she wants to be (or whatever I want or the story requires her to be).
8. Fun secondary characters.
9. Exotic (or not so exotic) settings. Writing and reading romance novels enable me to visit
other worlds.
10. Snappy dialogue. Banter between a hero and heroine can
range from the sassy to the dramatic to the soft and tender to the wildly sexy.
It's all good.
11. Escapism. See # 1. Romances are the perfect books for a
time-out if I have a few minutes or a few hours.
NOTE: This is not to say that I don't enjoy other kinds of
books. I have eclectic tastes and read a variety of genres along with lots and
lots of non-fiction. I have lots of books on my keeper shelves that aren't
romance novels. In fact, I may have more of those "saved" books than
I have romances. But if I had to be stranded on a desert island and was told
that I could only take one genre with me, romance would be my first choice.
5 comments:
All excellent reasons!!
I agree with your reasons, Myrna. Much as I can relate, though, you won't catch ME trying my hand at writing them! Way too much work and stress for my liking, what with publishers wanting your stories "yesterday", and writing involving much more than "just" writing books anymore (what with social media, conventions, etc.). I'm surprised that authors have time to actually write BOOKS!
Isn't reading wonderful? I wanted to read long before I was old enough to go to school. So we don't all have to be writers (if we were, life would be pretty boring, and what--or who--would writers have to write about)? I think the best thing is that there's such a spectrum of reading material out there. Something for everyone.
Love your eclectic mix of reasons. I can relate to each one! I also read many types of books, but I tend more and more to pick romance in all its varied genres.
Sherry
Sherry, sometimes things go in cycles for me. A couple of years ago I wasn't reading as much romance as I used to. Now I'm reading more. A few pages (or more) at night is such a nice way to end the day.
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