Donna
asked
Maya Rodale:
Hi Maya - I'll help waste some of your time... 'Dangerous Books for Girls' made me think of my 'reading buddy' who is a 40-ish guy. I got him started reading regency romances a few years ago, and he's totally hooked. Question is, how many of your readers do you think are men, and do you consider the sex of your readers when writing?
Maya Rodale
Thank you for helping me procrastinate with your very interesting question :) I know that at least one man reads my romance novels: my husband, because I make him read early drafts of my manuscripts (and by “make” I might mean threaten to withhold meals if he doesn’t). But I do know I have a few male readers because I chat with them on Twitter. And I do know, thanks to RWA’s stats, that 16% of romance readers are menfolk.
When I’m writing I guess I am aware that I write books primarily for women, about women. But here’s the thing: what makes romance novels—or any work—really great are well written, fully developed characters of all and any genders or sex or shapeshifter status or whatever. Fully developed characters lead to a more emotional, and thus engaging and absorbing story for anyone to enjoy.
Thank you for helping me procrastinate with your very interesting question :) I know that at least one man reads my romance novels: my husband, because I make him read early drafts of my manuscripts (and by “make” I might mean threaten to withhold meals if he doesn’t). But I do know I have a few male readers because I chat with them on Twitter. And I do know, thanks to RWA’s stats, that 16% of romance readers are menfolk.
When I’m writing I guess I am aware that I write books primarily for women, about women. But here’s the thing: what makes romance novels—or any work—really great are well written, fully developed characters of all and any genders or sex or shapeshifter status or whatever. Fully developed characters lead to a more emotional, and thus engaging and absorbing story for anyone to enjoy.
More Answered Questions
Cintia
asked
Maya Rodale:
I'm an aspiring writer, but I'm dealing with two things: I get discouraged every single day because 96% of manuscripts are rejected, and I haven't had an idea for years, literally. There's too many people wanting to be writers, and knowing there's so much competition just kills me a little every day. When I get motivated, immediatly something appears about the industry that kills it. Any tips on how to deal with this?
Katie White
asked
Maya Rodale:
Hi, Maya! I love your books, and I’ve read almost all of them. I’ve noticed if noticed in many regency romances, there is often a queer sibling thrown in the mix to drive plot concerns - like in the first book of the Cavendish series. Would you ever consider actually writing a HEA for a queer character? It’s just always been something I would love to see, and I’m curious how my favorite authors feel about it.
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