Simon’s Comments (group member since Aug 05, 2011)

Simon’s comments from the Romcom With The Emphasis on Com group.

I suppose, as founder of this group, I ought to plug my new romcom, Standing Up. It's about Colin, a divorced lawyer, who does stand up comedy in the evenings to alleviate the boredom and loneliness. He's not much cop, but is just about the only legally qualified 'comedian' who hasn't turned down the chance to host a new law-themed TV panel show. And its producer is love of his life Jane. Colin doesn't care about comedy, only Jane. Can he win her back by doing her bidding? http://amzn.to/1QFdYxK

Chick-lit is essentially frothy, girly romantic comedy aimed at women in the 20 - 40 age bracket. I think. I rarely read it, but it sells like hot cakes apparently. Strikes me that the humour is of a particular type - all about dithery sex, romantic fixations on unattainable men, shopping etc. This discussion was aimed at people who are interested in romantic fiction with an edge; sharp, realistic comedy and relationships as opposed to twee nonsense. But no-one was interested, hence the scarcity of replies since last August!

Well this group is going terribly well. Just you and me, Amy. What shall we talk about?

So, just to get the ball rolling (if anyone's out there!), let me throw this out. I've read a few chick-lit books but have found most of them to be twee and silly. I recognise people like Lisa Jewell are playing to their audience (and good luck to them), but I'd like to see more Louise Wener-style writing. Her books are sharp and spiky but don't alienate the chick-lit aficionados. Who else (apart from me!) prefers edgy, contemporary fiction with a romantic heart? Can you suggest others who write in this vein?