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1) What is romance to you and 2) As a reader, what do you get from reading romance novels?
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message 1:
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Lady
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Apr 13, 2012 09:22PM
Romance is having someone being there for u when things r down. They dont treat u like ur a nobody, They value u as a person. Is that romance is a beautiful thing and that everybody should at least have experience it
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To me, finding someone to love is the most important thing any of us will ever do in our lives. It makes starting and raising a family possible. I used to feel bad when I'd tell people I'm a published author, they'd get excited and ask, "What do you write?" and when I'd reply, "Romance", they'd change the subject as if I had just stepped in something unpleasant.Most songs deal with romance, or the loss of it. How come it's an okay subject when it's a song, or when men write it (Nicholas Sparks anyone?), but when women write it it's seen as a lesser genre?
I write erotic romance because I write for adults, and to me good sex is an integral part of a good romance. My Mom used to drop-kick books across the room when they didn't have any sex, complaining that she had read all of that and didn't get any "pay-off?" So even though she's gone, "I'm writing for you, Mom!" Grin.
And I have a couple of romance/suspense books out, with alpha female heroines who fall in love with mostly beta but gorgeous heroes.
www.fionamcgier.com
Mod
As a writer, I like to show my character's love making. Love scenes don't move me and I can write a story without the hero and heroine sleeping together. I can even read a good catcher, where the hero and heroine doesn't sleep together.
I love showing romance in my stories. I don't like reading a romance book, where there's no romance. Sex will never equal romance to me.
1. One of the definitions of what makes a romance a 'Romance' is that it must end with a 'Happily Ever After'. I think this sums it all up for me. Romance, as an idea, is all about possibilities, optimism and happiness. Underneath it all, romance is about discovering someone who has the potential to alter your life. It brings with the hope that that life-altering someone will be wonderful and the feelings they inspire will be something you can't find with someone else. And in the end you will be happy for the rest of your life. Is this overly idealized? Sure. But that is what it is.2. I read all types of genre fiction, but I always come back to romance. I think because it is the most relatable, most universal of plot-arcs. Not everyone is out there solving mysteries. Not everyone is off in space shooting aliens. Not everyone is searching for a mythical orb to save their world. But mostly everyone is trying to connect with that certain someone to find their version of happiness. Even those people who are solving crimes, shooting aliens and traveling with a band of friends to hunt down an mythical orb, will fall in love.
As for what I get out of it, even though all the stories end the same, just like the people in the book, it is the journey that is the most exciting part.
message 5:
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Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors
(last edited Apr 15, 2012 06:08PM)
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2. I get validation for believing in love conquering all when I read romance. Life can be very tragic, difficult and disappointing at times, but I keep going because of my belief that God loves me and he has good in store for me ultimately. When I read a romance novel, it reminds me that we can make it through tough times through the power of love.
I read a quote once that said, "Women have to feel loved to make love. Men have to make love to feel loved."As females if we want men to show their love in the many other ways that make life enjoyable, we have to be willing to joyfully make love with them, so that they feel loved and appreciated.
In almost 30 years of marriage, that has worked out well for us. I still say good sex is part of the glue that binds a couple together.
Mod
1. Romance for me is beyond a love and/or sexual relationship between two people (or more, if you're polyamory). Romance is feeling beautiful as a woman and feeling a connection with all things you find beautiful. I've always connected strongly with the Greek goddess Aphrodite and I enjoy living and breathing her essence in this life. You can walk in nature and feel as if the wind is embracing you, that everything around you is watching and admiring you. I could go on, but I'll stop here.2. I enjoy the relationship aspect of two people when they connect on a soul level and the dynamics involved therewith. Not all relationships have to employ a negative dynamic to be meaningful, I've read romances where there's been a beautiful dialogue between the two in the entire novel; where they come face to face with themselves in the other person. I will admit that I prefer happily-ever-afters, but I'm willing to bend my rule based on how enthralling I find the story.
I read all sorts of stories, not just romance. I do prefer stories that are different and that don't follow the usual rules of how a story must be written. I've yet to have anyone look down on me for writing romance. Something I find very strange in human beings is about how they crave peace and goodwill, yet they find more meaning in violence and value romance so little.
Chaeya
I used to find it funny when my kids would not be bothered by movies with live evisceration or other graphic violence (my daughter has seen all of the Saw movies! To which I said, "Why?") But let a movie show a man and woman kissing or beginning to make love and they would yell, "Ew!" What a weird way to look at life, eh?
I've been speaking out about this for years, Fiona. One of my favorite favorite romance stories is "Frenchman's Creek" by Daphne du Maurier. The one and only conflict is she's a married woman fooling around with a pirate. Most of the book is her and the pirate sharing dialogue and the only action is them pillaging another guy's ship, where she's spared most of the action, and at the end when he's captured. To many people, this would be boring because it isn't chocked full of needless drama and violence to give it more "meaning." However, the psychological exchange between her and the pirate was far more fascinating for me. I think this is the one and only book that has ever made me cry.In this patriarchy we live in, violence has been linked with personal honor, while sexuality has been linked with decadence and debauchery. Many people would see Dona St. Columbe and the pirate as simple adulterers, whereas I saw two people who were spiritually connected and who needed to share an experience with one another, and for me, what they shared was far more sacred than the loveless marriage she was forced to endure, due to the time period she lived. But these stories have been regulated to "chick books" or "trashy romances."
There is nothing trashy about a romance between two people, whether it contains sex or not. And woe be the day someone dare look down their nose at me for what I choose to write.
Chaeya
I don't like contemporary romance at all. The only contemporary romance I read is if it's romantic suspense. I write mysteries and thrillers so that's what I love to read as well but I enjoy romantic suspense as long as it has real suspense. I don't like cozy mysteries. I've read some books that claim to be romantic suspense and it's nothing but romance mainly or cozy mysteries. I like hardcore mysteries and if it has romance mixed in that's fine as well.My favorite type of romance is Historical. I'm addicted. I LOVE historical romances. What I get from reading them is pure enjoyment. Nothing more, nothing less.
But I don't like modern-day general romance at all. I love Harlequin Historicals but you wouldn't catch me reading a Harlequin contemporary. LOL!
Best Wishes!
http://www.stacy-deanne.net
Fiona wrote: "I read a quote once that said, "Women have to feel loved to make love. Men have to make love to feel loved."As females if we want men to show their love in the many other ways that make life enjoy..."
Amen, Fiona! I feel the exact same way and I'm happy to say that its working for me and my hubby! :)
NYKen wrote: "Hi. Good evening everyone. The genres that I read consists mostly of Mystery and Suspense/Thrillers. Aside from that, I would also read non-fiction. I wanted to try reading something new for a chan..."NYKen wrote: "Hi. Good evening everyone. The genres that I read consists mostly of Mystery and Suspense/Thrillers. Aside from that, I would also read non-fiction. I wanted to try reading something new for a chan..."
Great questions, NYKen! For me romance is more than about just the physical connection (great sex), it's also about connecting on a spiritual, mental and emotional level - where two people totally click. I'm pretty sure I'm addicted to romance novels (reading and writing), and I think its because not only are you guaranteed a happy ending (which is super important to me), but the stories (good stories) take you away from your day-to-day life and throw you into someone's elses. I enjoy watching characters get to know one another, while in turn, get to know themselves better.
message 14:
by
The FountainPenDiva, Old school geek chick and lover of teddy bears
(new)
Great question. The first I'd have to write an essay on because romance encompasses so much to me. In a nutshell though, romance to me is about that other person loving you through quirks, faults, weight gain, hair thinning and erectile dysfunction, LOL. It's also about complimenting the other, NOT completing each other.As far as why I read romance, I have to admit for a long time in my college days it was the LAST genre I wanted to be bothered with. Outside of the serious lack of diversity, the romances from the 80's to the late 90's were just so BORING. The heroines (if you could call them such) were glorified Cinderellas. They were helpless and always at the mercy of an outside agency. The heroes (again if you coiuld call them that) just seemed to be abusive, mean-spirited jerks who used their power and wealth to subdue the heroine. During those years I was reading a LOT of fantasy because those books had the kinds of heroines I enjoyed. It wasn't until I picked up Sherrilyn Kenyon's Fantasy Lover that I started giving the genre another chance. I still prefer fantasy and sci-fi because of the heroine factor, but romance, especially IR, are a part of my repertoire as well. M/M romance too, LOL.
I have to agree with Arch, Romance is more than about sex.. Romance is about the little things.. a foot rub, him bringing you a bottle of nyquil with a bow on it if you have a cold. Things like he's in the store and sees that the lastest issue of your favorite magazine, or your favorite author newest books is out and he gets and bring it to you that lets you know he was thinkging about you.. and he knows things about you and that he's actually paying attention to you when you talk.
Mod
You have the opportunity to start threads under the promotions section and you have a thread in the author/writer's folder to solicit opinions on your writing.
Thank you for adhering to the rules of this group.
1] In your opinion, what is romance to you?In real life it's just doing the little things that say you care: a flower, love notes, running my bath water. In books it's all of those things and the idea of two people meeting the one person that they can't exist without.
2] What do you as a reader, get from reading romance novels?
I get the one thing that's never offered in real life:guarenteed happy endings. You know if you invest 500 pages worth of your time everything will work out in the end.
As a writer I love this post. I am happy to read what everyone's idea of romance is and what is expected. I do find it surprising though because alot of the authors that offer these kind or books aren't mentioned much on the boards, or that supported. Not by just buying the book but reviews and ratings are important because it truly influences others. I assumed everybody was wanting all that hardcore sex, rude to almost abusive hero, sex before love type stories. Maybe through discussion? Support? Sales? Ratings? Reviews? I mean if my and so many want the type of romances we grew up with, but written with characters we can relate to or Interracial relationships then why is what we want so dominant in our reader community?
I think we need to make sure we put are actions in to our words. Take a chance and read authors that may not be so "popular" because you might find a treasures. Let publishers and your authors know you're sick of the 44 to 80 page stories they call novels.
Stop allowing the hateful fans of others to ambush your favorite authors websites, review boards, book rating on Amazon and Goodreads to give bad ratings, leave bad reviews. I know you know what I'm talking about. I have read some excellent book and see a review with a 1 on the book by this other person who you wonder if they even read the book at all or did a they read a book different from you. These individuals find time to be hateful. While the sincere people read the book,enjoy it and have no opinion at all because it's a positive one.
I don't know about anyone else but I want my ROMANCE back in my Interracial/Multicutural genres of novels. I want the full stories, I want the research, I want the foreplay, and I don't want to be made to feel like I have to be able to wrap myself around a stripper pole with a whip againt my buttocks before I'm qualified to find and fall in love with a billionaire, a prince, or any man of substantial means. That I have to look a certain way. If all of you believe what you have here, show the authors that are giving it to you, especially the Interracial genre readers and authors that you aren't willing to accept just anything because of the color of the characters skin anymore. You have choices now. You really do.
Hi,I dont really communicate as much.. Just tend to stick to my reading only .. But i would romance is just WONDERFUL! I like a good romance which seem realistic yet hot which makes your toes curl. But i could defo recommend to read a romance book.. Since once you read your going to be hocked.
:)
I love this topic. Romance to me is not about the physical side of the relationship (sex). It's about the development of the relationship and how each person compliments the other thru the good and the bad. It's the little intimate things that count--a kiss, a hug, a caress, a touch (without the sexual part)--and the emotions these things evoke. That's romance to me!I love reading romance books. I love investing my time in a well written and great emotional reads that pull me in and I'm loving it. The story is so captivating that I just keep turning page after page after page to find out what happens next.
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message 22:
by
The FountainPenDiva, Old school geek chick and lover of teddy bears
(last edited Jun 20, 2013 03:18PM)
(new)
This has been such an awesome conversation and much respect goes to the authors who have taken the time to listen what we readers are looking for. I can take or leave the explicit sex in my IR books, but I need for it to be well-written as well as hot. That's where the larger romance aspect comes in. These characters need to date, to build up that tension. The hero needs to take a lot of cold showers, LOL. I need to feel the connection between the characters, that they want to express themselves and even be vulnerable in this most intimate fashion. I don't mind the BDSM aspect as long as the writer shows they know what the hell they're talking about (RESEARCH DAMMIT). And what would be awesome (at least for me) is when the hero isn't some sex machine--that he doesn't know automatically how to please a woman. That he's man enough to ASK what pleases his woman. And before you ask, yeah, virgin heroes rock my world! That's fantasy right there--that a hero cares enough about himself to not sleep with every woman in sight. That he's secure enough to buck the so-called trend.
I do understand the deeper reasons why there tends to be an overemphasis on sex in many romance books, including our beloved genre. One, it sells like hotcakes. We all know this. I'm sure you've all heard from fellow authors about great stories being rejected for lack of sex scenes. If this is new to you, sadly it's true. What that ultimately means is that an author who writes sensual as opposed to explicit finds themselves having to outkink their competition (even when they're not comfortable with it).
Two, for women of color I think there's a liberating effect being able to read/write about getting our freak on without the societal stigmas attached to our sexuality. I've said it many times to mainstream feminists that we black women never had a sexual revolution. What white women can get away with sexually tarnishes us in real life. We are either nasty, big booty video hoes, irresponsible ghetto baby mamas or long-suffering asexual mammies whose only goal in life is to serve others at the expense of their personal well-being (see Tyler Perry for glaring examples of all those stereotypes). I think erotica/erotic romance for some of us is an outlet against all that. What makes it better in a way is that we're presented in a powerful, non-judgmental fashion and it's FOR us.
There needs to be a balance however. Too much of a good thing can be bad and lead to serious burnout, as many have indicated here. Again, let's not follow the example of mainstream romance, but diversify our options. We're the new kids on the block: we don't have to follow "the rules". Hell, the fact that our genre even exists attests to this fact.
For me, Romance is simply the thrill of the hunt/the chase/mental seduction. Like Lady Danielle, I want to read about the courtship 1st, and then witness the development of a sexual union. That's one of the reasons I like "Trolling Nights," and other stories like it. Having the opportunity to witness a man fall for a woman, and then work for it (intimacy), is totally my thing...Don't get me wrong, I love erotica, but too much of it, can kill a story.
This is something that I found to ring true with Tiana LaVeen's "Saint" series, and her latest book,
. While the "Saint" series was heavy-handed with erotica (and not to mention, rhetoric),
was more balanced in it's approach to a developing relationship that was grounded in friendship versus sex. The attraction was there between the 2 characters, but the friendship allowed for that attraction to blossom into something more.I just wish more authors would take this into account, because sometimes I feel like I'm about to burn out on IRR's that shift right into multiple scenes of graphic sex and language.
TheFountainPenDiva wrote: "This has been such an awesome conversation and much respect goes to the authors who have taken the time to listen what we readers are looking for. I can take or leave the explicit sex in my IR bo..."
Never really thought about it that way. You're right, Black women have never really experienced a sexual revolution as a whole. We're either on the scale of suffering saint, or nasty sinner, with no in-between. Such a shame...
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message 26:
by
The FountainPenDiva, Old school geek chick and lover of teddy bears
(new)
Lady Danielle aka The Book Huntress wrote: "I'm all for balance. Readers who want the eroticism and the heavy sex should be able to get it. Readers who want a story that more romantic and sensual and not erotic should be able to find plenty ..."I totally agree. It's like wanting to read Scottish-themed romances and there's nothing but Westerns, LOL.
I would say the whole erotica vs. non-erotica thing unfortunately does has a value judgment attached to it whether we want to admit to it or not (or whether we intend for it). I've seen both erotic romance readers and non-erotic romance readers some to cyber-blows defending their choices. It seems to me there's a larger issue surrounduing sex rather than just in romance.
Sharon wrote: "Great questions, NYKen! ..."
Thanks Sharon. It's great to read the answers posted on this topic. It is very enlightening.
Thanks Sharon. It's great to read the answers posted on this topic. It is very enlightening.
Lady Danielle aka The Book Huntress wrote: "I'm all for balance. Readers who want the eroticism and the heavy sex should be able to get it. Readers who want a story that more romantic and sensual and not erotic should be able to find plenty ..."I actually don't think romance and eroticism are mutual exclusive concepts. I don't like books that seem like setups for just random sex but love connected couples that feel safe enough with each to explore all their options. I personally can't read anything YA because of the PG-13 themes. I at least need a Johanna Lindsey heat level to any romance novels on my favorite list.
Mod
Lady Danielle aka The Book Huntress wrote: "I can respect that, Pagan. I just don't think the assumption should be that everyone needs the eroticism to be satisfied with a story. While I am not a fan of erotica, I do enjoy a steamy, sensual..."Yeah, in the end, fantasy is just like reality in a way; no one has the same sexuality boxes checked. I read erotica but avoid some popular authors because not enough emotional connection exists in their sexorama titles; not just in IR. So I really can see your point.
Don't get me wrong, before discovering Fifty Shades of Grey this stuff wasn't on my radar. Now I'm kind of obsessed with Alpha-billionaire Dom titles because it's so new and have always loved alpha-heroes (they are like alpha's on steroids). Eventually I'll go back to my real love paranormal romance/urban fiction.
message 31:
by
Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors
(last edited Jul 16, 2013 09:44PM)
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I still haven't gotten over my paranormal and historical romance addiction!
1) A Romance, by definition, has to have a HEA. That's just genre convention. However, me, personally, I guess I like watching two people fall in love. Sometimes the story can be humorous, sometimes not. Sometimes it can be erotic, and again, sometimes now. It all just depends on my mood and what I feel like reading. This applies to both IRR and non-IRR books. As long as I enjoy the book and the characters, it's good. I read a bit of everything, Contemporary, Historicals, and etc. Now, do I wish that there were more non-erotic IRR novels out there? Yes, I wish it was a bit more proportionate. Sometimes, as stated, I don't feel like reading erotica. Sometimes, I do want sex but I want the cutesy, sweet, and adorable moments too. And I think, sometimes, in Erotic Romance/Erotica that, unintentionally, gets overshadowed.
2) What do I get? Hmm. An interesting story. Nice characters. Just plain enjoyment really.
Mod
RobinRaven wrote: "1) A Romance, by definition, has to have a HEA. That's just genre convention. However, me, personally, I guess I like watching two people fall in love. Sometimes the story can be humorous, sometime..."I totally agree with you, and as a matter of fact, I believe that I'm going to take a break from books that are weighed down with Erotica, BDSM, and Overtly Graphic Language. The quality of some of the books have gone downhill, and I need a reprieve from reading IRR's that are bombarded with smut.
I want to read about the thrill of the chase, the courtship, the proposal, and all of that fun stuff, not about the clinical aspects of the "act."
And BTW, why can't some of these authors just write a story that's well written and captivating, without having us read about how many times (& ways) that Character X, made Character Y, come?
Anino wrote: "RobinRaven wrote: "1) A Romance, by definition, has to have a HEA. That's just genre convention. However, me, personally, I guess I like watching two people fall in love. Sometimes the story can be..."Well, I do agree that I think the quality of a lot of them has gone down. However, I think, like the "BDSM-loving billionaire", IRR is really "hot" right now, whether that's because of television or just a surge, who knows? Again, this is just an opinion.
Plus, even with some erotica/erotic fiction/erotic romance that I've read, the couple does "the act" early on or a bit before the "middle section", and there is still this thrill of the chase/courtship/etc. Just like there are some where the couple doesn't have sex until near the end of the end of the novel.
I think maybe what happens is that, in some books, not all obviously, the characters do have sex, and then that is considered the "end all", even if the book has some more pages left. It's as though all of the conflict is gone, the characters have decided they're going to be together forever and ever, and so on and so on. You know what I mean?
And I've seen this in non-IRR as well. It's like the characters have sex(the ways and number of times will differ), and then all of the conflict is gone. Now, this is excluding if it were resolved beforehand obviously.
I really hope I'm making sense. Haha.
Though again, I agree. Reading just erotica/erotic fiction could get boring and tiresome.
RobinRaven wrote: "I think maybe what happens is that, in some books, not all obviously, the characters do have sex, and then that is considered the "end all", even if the book has some more pages left. It's as though all of the conflict is gone, the characters have decided they're going to be together forever and ever, and so on and so on. You know what I mean? And I've seen this in non-IRR as well. It's like the characters have sex(the ways and number of times will differ), and then all of the conflict is gone. Now, this is excluding if it were resolved beforehand obviously.
"
It's not IR, but I'm reading
the latest book in the Crossfire series. I really like that it's really hot, this is the third book, but this couple still has realistic relationship conflict. I am buying it hook line and sinker. It is one of the better Shades-of-Grey knockoffs. It's good because story isn't sacrificed for sex, which is invasive in romance in general, and IR in particular. The worst are books that are sex centered but the author writes these scenes clumsily, unhot, repetitive, and a little gross. Erotica, in a way is like PNR. A writer either has the ability to take you into their world or not. If that's not your skill set don't go there just because it's popular.
Paganalexandria wrote: "RobinRaven wrote: "I think maybe what happens is that, in some books, not all obviously, the characters do have sex, and then that is considered the "end all", even if the book has some more pages ..."Part of me honestly wants to take this response, print it, and hang it up on my wall. LOL!
But yes, for reasons like that, I think that's why I'm such a big Megan Hart fan now. Because with a lot(or even all) of her characters have problems, whether if that's with themselves, each other, or both. And when those characters do have sex, whether if that's early on or eventually, the problems don't immediately leave them or "the table"; they're still there when it's over, provided it(or) they ever left in the first place.
RobinRaven wrote: "Paganalexandria wrote: "RobinRaven wrote: "I think maybe what happens is that, in some books, not all obviously, the characters do have sex, and then that is considered the "end all", even if the b..."Robin, I am going to add Megan to my to-read pile. Great sex doesn't fix relationship problems. Sometimes the great sex is fueled by the dysfunctional aspects of the relationship. Give me more of that because that's a realistic conflict blue print for any erotic novel. You don't even have to add evil ex-girlfriends, racist parents, or the other overplayed IR tropes.
Paganalexandria wrote: "I actually don't think romance and eroticism are mutual exclusive concepts. I don't like books that seem like setups for just random sex but love connected couples that feel safe enough with each to explore all their options. I personally can't read anything YA because of the PG-13 themes. I at least need a Johanna Lindsey heat level to any romance novels on my favorite list"I agree with this. This in the interesting thing about definitions. As RobinRaven pointed out above, the industry definition of a romance novel involves ending in a HEA. But the industry definition also specifies the 'building of a relationship' and 'developing romantic love.'
Erotica unfairly gets summarily lumped in romance. And a lot of readers run with this. In fact Erotica as a definition is more focused on the sexual component and not necessarily on the romance.
And this is perfectly fine. It is just you need to know your expectations when you read a book. It is like knowing before you crack open the book if you are getting romance vs. chick lit vs. women's fictions or paranormal vs. urban fantasy. What you think you are going to be reading has a big effect on how you feel about it as you are reading it.
I am in the camp that enjoys great, hot sex in my romance novels. But I do not want just great sex. I need to have a good relationship built from the ground up to really, really enjoy the sex when the characters get around to it. Otherwise it just feels gratuitous.
I don't tend to read pure erotica. Not my cuppa. But for those writers whose works of erotica I do read, it is because they tend to infuse a very strong emotional element even if the couple doesn't end with an HEA. On the IR side of the house, Lena Matthews does this well. She writes romance novels mostly, but when she forays into erotica she does an excellent job.
Paganalexandria wrote: "RobinRaven wrote: "Paganalexandria wrote: "RobinRaven wrote: "I think maybe what happens is that, in some books, not all obviously, the characters do have sex, and then that is considered the "end ..."I would suggest reading Dirty and Broken. While I think a lot of her books feature that kind of stuff, I can say for sure it's in both of those books. So, yeah. I'm really glad that I found her books. They're like a breath of fresh air for me really. :)
message 41:
by
Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors
(last edited Jul 29, 2013 08:02PM)
(new)
Mod
With non-IR, you have plenty of choices. You can read just about anything you want, and if you don't like something, it's easier to avoid it. We don't really have the option overall in IR. You read what's available.
I think that it's a situation where if you are not in the minority, you don't see the what the minority is dealing with. In this case, it's readers who aren't interested the hot stuff, or those like me who mind the non-vanilla elements thrown in a story with no warning. If you do, then you suck it up and end up paying $5-10 for a book that leaves you unsatisfied or you stop buying books, which I have done, largely speaking.
I think that a good, conscientious writer can write very well in any genre they choose. You have never heard me say that erotica/erotic romance writers are not good writers or that there is a lack of quality in the genre. It's immaterial because it's not my genre. All I want is for there to be books I want to read available to enjoy. And for me to be able to follow up on a recommendation without reading something that goes past what I enjoy reading as far as sexual content. And honestly, my barriers aren't that strict. They may not bother others, but they bother me, so my opinion is valid as an interracial consumer.
message 42:
by
The FountainPenDiva, Old school geek chick and lover of teddy bears
(new)
Whether we want to admit it or not, the truth is when it comes to the erotic romance/erotica versus non-erotica issue, moral judgments tend to come into play. I'm not saying those who like "sweet" romance act like prudes, or that those who like steamy are nymphomanics, LOL. But there is an underlying assumption from both sides about that. I think it's due in large part to society's discomfort with sexuality as a whole.Having said that, what Danielle said is true, which goes back into my whole spiel about the lack of diversity in IR. While I don't mind the steamy stuff (as long as it's written well), it would be nice to see more in the way of variety. As a genre, we simply have to do better and not be tied down to "rules".
@Danielle and FountainPenDiva: I agree. I completely agree.
TheFountainPenDiva wrote: "As a genre, we simply have to do better and not be tied down to "rules". ..."
Hi FountainPenDia. I hope all is well on your side. Please pardon my ignorance, but what did you mean by "rules" on your message? Thank you for taking the time to answer this question.
Hi FountainPenDia. I hope all is well on your side. Please pardon my ignorance, but what did you mean by "rules" on your message? Thank you for taking the time to answer this question.
message 45:
by
The FountainPenDiva, Old school geek chick and lover of teddy bears
(new)
NYKen wrote: "Please pardon my ignorance, but what did you mean by "rules" on your message? Thank you for taking the time to answer this question..."Not an ignorant question in the least. What I meant by IR not getting bogged down by rules is that we have the freedom to explore. We can and should be open to all the various subgenres of romance, especially those we normally don't write in such as sci-fi, high fantasy and steampunk. We also have the freedom to play around with and subvert tropes, like having a billionaire heroine and a regular hero.
I hope my explanation helps. *grin*
TheFountainPenDiva wrote: "NYKen wrote: "Please pardon my ignorance, but what did you mean by "rules" on your message? Thank you for taking the time to answer this question..."Not an ignorant question in the least. What I ..."
Please don't take PenDiva's post as permission to ignore the "rules" of punctuation and grammar. LOL
message 47:
by
The FountainPenDiva, Old school geek chick and lover of teddy bears
(new)
Exactly, LOL. And spelling too.
Shiree wrote: "As a writer I love this post. I am happy to read what everyone's idea of romance is and what is expected. I do find it surprising though because alot of the authors that offer these kind or books..."You'd probably like this book: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-o...
Fans of Interracial Romance
Books mentioned in this topic
Dirty (other topics)Broken (other topics)
Entwined with You (other topics)
Forgive Me Father For I Have Loved (other topics)
Fantasy Lover (other topics)
