Which Comes First: The Setting or the Romance?
Written By Heidi McCahan
As a reader of contemporary romance novels, the setting heavily influences my decision to read a particular book. While I am a loyal reader and eagerly anticipate the release of a favorite author’s newest book, I’ve noticed some consistent preferences in my recent selections. Is it clever marketing on the part of the publisher? Do they know what the reading population wants? Am I just like every other warm-blooded female who wants to read as a means to escape reality for a little while?
CC – NASA
Growing up in rural Alaska in the 80’s, entertainment options were limited, to say the least. By the time I had access to television and movies, I was already a voracious reader. Although my parents made sure my options were age-appropriate, I read anything I could get my hands on. Once I graduated from Nancy Drew and Judy Blume, my first exposure to ‘romance’ in a novel was Francine Pascal’s Sweet Valley High series. The beautiful twin sisters driving their convertible to school, hanging out on the beach with their friends, and Elizabeth’s hunky boyfriend, Todd, set me on the path toward seeking swoon-worthy romance set in interesting locations.
Although my tastes are a bit more sophisticated now, I’m still drawn to contemporary romances set in close knit communities, both in the general market and some in the inspirational market, as well. Let’s face it: cowboys and a ranch, with a city-slicker heroine reels me in every time. New York Times Bestselling author Linda Lael Miller and her Big Sky series, set in Parable, Montana are all enjoyable. In the inspirational market, Denise Hunter does a fabulous job of crafting phenomenal characters in a variety of small-town settings, but her Big Sky romance series set in Montana is one of my favorites. As readers of contemporary romance, we want to become engrossed in the story, experiencing the emotions of the characters. Denise Hunter’s novels do that for me every single time.
CC Papalars
In addition to cowboys and one-horse towns, I’m instantly drawn to a contemporary romance set in a coastal location. Dorothea Benton Frank, Patti Callahan Henry, Mary Alice Monroe and Karen White are four authors that write enjoyable novels set in small, southeastern US coastal communities. This is the ultimate example of escapism for me. Everything about the coast is relaxing and romantic, in my opinion. Slap some sand and surf on the cover of a novel and I’m sold.
Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my latest fave, the contemporary ‘sports’ romance. I hadn’t given this sub-genre much consideration until I saw two different publishers mention an interest in acquiring manuscripts with a sports romance. So I decided to write one. A quick search on Goodreads indicates that baseball players and hockey players are the ones women want in these novels. I think setting is a bit trickier here. While the novel might revolve around a stadium or an ice rink, the intimacy and chemistry that occurs off the playing field drives the readers’ interest. At least this reader, anyway.
All About Heidi
Here’s the scoop: Heidi was raised in Alaska, but recently migrated to the South, where she’s cultivating a writing career in the midst of mothering three fabulous boys. When she’s not stepping on Legos, chauffeuring the fellas around suburbia or folding laundry, Heidi likes nothing more than to curl up with a great cup of coffee and a compelling contemporary romance. She blogs about motherhood and writing at heidimccahan.com.
CC Photoeverywhere
I met up with Heidi through Harlequin’s 2013 So You Think You Can Write Contest. I loved her entry, a sports romance set in Tokyo. Check it out when you get the opportunity
http://www.soyouthinkyoucanwrite.com/manuscripts-sytycw-2013/love-finds-you-in-tokyo/
