Often romance novels have gotten a bad reputation in the publishing world. People launch undeserved criticisms of “cookie cutter” plotting, bodice ripping heroes, helpless heroines who can’t find their way out of a paper bag. Of course, these literary folk critiquing have usually never read a single romance novel.
I used to take the time to argue with them, to attempt to change their minds. Long ago, I decided it was a waste of breath. I read and write wonderful novels full of strong, fascinating characters, strong, feeling heroes, exciting plots and conflict. I know I love the books I read, and that they are a true benefit in my life. My readers affirm me of the same regarding my own books. But short of reading one of our books, our critics aren’t going to know that.
An interesting thing is happening right now in the publishing world. Our world is running on high stress today. People are dealing with a great level of economic fear. Joblessness, budget cuts, and family stress are creating and escalating fear about the future. Tension runs rampant.
In the past few weeks, this has been discussed in several newspaper articles, magazines and publications both in and out of the publishing industry. How are many people coping with these escalated life pressures today?
Surprise! Many are quoting that they are turning to romance novels. Attracted to the entertaining aspects of these well written stories, more readers are discovering that their new found reading pleasure is both affordable, fun, and hope inducing. Reading romance novels, it seems, has been discovered to be a very positive thing. Hmmmm.
How about that? I’m not surprised. How about you?
3 comments:
No, I'm not surprised. When times are rough, people need to be reminded of the good things in life - and what's better than a good romance? Or a good mystery? Or a good western? All books that remind us that problems can be resolved if only we persevere.
OK - off the soapbox. Nice post, Christine.
Great post, Christine! I love genre fiction because I know I'll be satisfied at the end. Whether it's a romance, mystery, or western, I know the hero and heroine will wind up together, the murderer will be caught, and the good guy will win. It helps make sense of this crazy, mixed up world.
About time.
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