Maya Rodale's Blog: Maya Rodale's Blog, page 18

Romantic Fantasies We Love To Hate

Valentine’s Day. Pop Songs. Romantic Comedies. Romance Novels. The message they often send is that it’s not enough to be in luuuurrrve, you’ve got to be Crazy In Love, which can put a lot of pressure on a couple. Are hearts still racing? Are there enough roses? And candlelightall the time? It’s exhausting day in day out, but for three minutes to a few hours, it can be exhilarating.

I asked some of my romance-writing friends about some of the worst things we all tend to celebrate in our romantic fantasies (whether on page, speaker, or screen). But are they really so bad?

Interview with Rakes, Rogues and Romance

Fellow New Yorker, J.Crew fan and blogger Nancy and I chat about my new books, the role pina coladas play in my plotting and the inspiration for my first novel. Check it out!

The best books for Romance Reading Virgins

Many people I meet have never–gasp–read a romance novel. Their intrigued, but daunted by the task of selecting a good book to start with. After all, you want your first time to be special. Memorable. Or at the very least, not bad. With millions of romance novels available (and let’s face it: with nearly identical covers and titles) it can be impossible to know where to begin.The trick? Understand why the reasoning why someone hasn’t read a romance and then check out these recommendations.

Stephanie Defends Chick Lit

Last week, The Pacific Standard reported on a new study that suggests chick lit—the novels you typically bring to the beach—is partly why women suffer from low self-esteem. Stephanie and I show why it's really ok to keep reading chick lit and romance (and why your self-esteem will be just fine, thanks!).

I believe in happily ever after

I believe in happily ever after (it's a job requirement, really). Do you?

From the desk of the authoress…

True fact: I've been writing like mad! Here's a sneak peek at some of my upcoming work (hint: new series!).

Must Reads: Dukes, Billionaires, Brits and American heiresses

My obsession with dukes and brits reveals itself yet again in this selection of must read books, which includes an excellent historical romance novel, a very sexy contemporary and some non-fiction if you're feeling serious as well as non-fiction that reads like a collection of gossip columns. All these books are fun and fascinating. Happy reading!

The dangers and delights of Downton Abbey

Romance authors Laura Lee Guhrke, Lorraine Heath and yours truly dish on why we love the masterpiece that is Downton Abbey.

THE DANGERS AND DELIGHTS OF DOWNTON ABBEY

Romance authors Laura Lee Guhrke, Lorraine Heath and yours truly dish on why we love the masterpiece that is Downton Abbey.

A Christmas Love Story

This short story originally appeared at one of my favorite blogs, Ramblings From This Chick. I'm reposting it here for your reading pleasure and a quick dose of holiday spirit and happy-ever-after....Nine Playful Princes, One Scorned Duke and One Daring Wallflower