WARNING. RHETORICAL QUESTION AHEAD!
Do you think the Romance Genre deserves respect?
Today I’d like to introduce you to some people and blogs that aren’t waiting for the public at large to give our genre respect. Without an ounce of sarcasm, interested and intelligent people are examining the romance genre on a level that was once reserved for the great literary works of our time. I believe these scholars have taken a cue from our ever-endearing Alpha Male hero: Forget about asking for respect—just take it!
A good place to start my introductions is with Jayne Ann Krentz’s “Dangerous Men and Adventurous Women; Romance Writers on the Appeal of the Romance”. On the 1-10 scale of difficult reading, it’s a 2 or 3. Don’t be scared of its non-fiction classification. My favorite essay in this collection is “Judge Me by the Joy I Bring” by Kathleen Gilles Seidel. If you are a writer, I strongly urge you to read this essay for a pick-me-up.
jay Dixon’s articles in The Romance Writers Report (the official RWA magazine) and her book “The Romance Fiction of Mills & Boon 1909-1990s” offer a glimpse into the romance genre and its history. She has so much to say in her writing, I can hardly sum it up in a blog, but her close examination of sex, love and marriage in those early works is eye-opening. It’s heavy reading but worth it if you love romances.
Now for something more accessible (especially since it comes in small doses!) My latest on-line addiction is the Teach Me Tonight blog. This is where I learned there are people who use the title “Romance Scholar”. Before stumbling onto this blog a few weeks ago I had no idea anyone other than jay Dixon was writing academic papers on our genre.
So if an entire book seems like too much, try skimming through some of the archived posts. The posts in this blog aren’t only literary critiques of the romance novel (many of them recent releases), but often delve into other romance novel topics. One of my favorite posts is “Solidarity Among Novels” (see the June 2006 archives) which relates how characters in one novel will discuss a book written by fictional character in another novel. Fun stuff, I tell you!
So there you have it. Sure maybe respect from the publishing world and the public at large would result in better publicity and more money, but the respect we have for ourselves as readers and writers serves us better. A big thank you to these scholars for leading the way.
I have a link to the teach me tonight blog on my website, as I’d like to actively promote the fact that romance is finally being taken seriously. First stop the academic sector, next stop the world! There are actually quite a few people out there studying the romance genre, and why not? Millions of people the world over enjoy reading romance, so a fad it’s not. And romance novels so often explore emotional issues that aren’t covered in as much depth in other genres but which impact us all.
I think it’s unfortunate that many people don’t feel free to admit they read romance novels for fear of being snickered about, having their intelligence questioned, or having their favourite novels belittled and/or likened to porn (yikes!). Why is it more acceptable for people to read about gruesome serial killers than love? Don’t get me wrong, I love a good crime novel too. But when I want to be reminded of what life is really all about (for most of us, not just FBI profilers), if I need to have hope restored or feel the need to smile, I’ll pick up a romance. When I want to share this feeling with others, I write one.
Thanks for the great topic Margo.
Sami – “Why is it more acceptable for people to read about gruesome serial killers than love?” Yes, yes, yes! I’ve thought that same thing so many times. And you are so right that romance is no fad. If it was, I doubt I could pick-up 1980 novels and still feel the emotional pull that I do. Glad you liked my topic.
Great topic, Margo. I’ve had Jayne Ann Krentz’s book on my shelf for years. This is a good reminder to take it out and read it again.
It’s amazing how many people read romance, but so few will actually admit it. I worked at a bookstore for years and all kinds of people, from all walks of life, read romance. And why not? Terrific writers, timely plots and a guaranteed HEA. Works for me!
Thanks for this post. I’m fascinated by the topic since I come from a family that rather looks down on romance writing rather than celebrating my success with me.
Wow, how many times have I banged my head against the wall trying to beg for respect of my chosen writing genre. “Just take it!” AMEN! I will now adopt that attitude and act accordingly
N.J.- I experienced the same at the library where I worked. However, I had a group of women that I coffee breaked with who loved romances and we talked about our favorites all the time. (That’s about the only thing I miss about that job!)
Bonnie- Sorry your family isn’t supportive. That stinks. At least you have all of us
Toni- Banging your head against the wall hurts. Try the keypad…this also helps with writer’s block. hee hee. But check out some of these sites. They totally give “inner strength” when the outside peer pressure takes hold.
Great post Margo – and thanks so much for sharing the link to the Teach me Tonight blog!! Can’t wait to dig into those archives.
Terrific post – and thanks for reminding me about Teach me Tonight. I visited their blog a few months back and promptly forgot about it!
As someone who earned an MA in English LIterature, only to have most of my friends in the program go on and get their PhDs, it’s been an uphill battle trying to convince them that what I write is still “scholar-worthy.”
Here’s to hoping the tide is changing…