Do
you write from experience?
Boy,
do I wish I had a dollar for every time I’ve been asked that
question! LOL It’s almost always said with a wink and a smile so
that I understand the asker is talking about the sex scenes.
My
response? Usually something along the lines of…“Since I write as
much about murder as anything else, I hope not!” To me it’s only
logical that if I can use my imagination to stalk and kill someone
(fictionally, of course), I can use the same approach when it comes
to a bedroom scene. But maybe the basis for this question is really
more about the romance genre and some of the myths or out-dated
stereotypes attached to it, such as:
- Romance novels are all about sex. This couldn’t be more wrong. Romance novels are no more about sex than mystery novels are about murder. In a mystery, it’s solving the puzzle that readers like. In a romance novel, it’s watching two people figure out a way to forge a lasting relationship despite all the obstacles keeping them apart. It’s about the HAPPILY EVER AFTER--not the sex.
- Romance novels are all the same. Romance novels are no more “the same” or “written according to a formula” than mystery novels or thriller novels. There are certain conventions readers expect in each genre, but it’s the journey to that happy ending that readers enjoy in romance, and every journey is different. Now that the romance genre has grown and developed to the point that authors are mixing genres, there is more variety than ever (i.e. paranormal romance, romantic suspense, comedy and thriller, erotica, inspirational, and—the most recent addition—urban fantasy).
- Reading romance novels is something to be ashamed of, a guilty pleasure. Why feel guilty about jumping into a good story when you need to relax or have to wait for hours at a doctor’s office? Some of the most touching fan mail I ever receive goes something like this: “I want to thank you for writing (whichever book they’ve been reading). Your characters enveloped me in their world when I needed it most. I’ve never been through a worse time than the past year. I’ve been (fill in the blank with--going through a divorce, watching my mother die, getting chemotherapy treatments, learning to walk again after a terrible accident), and it brought me joy when I needed it most. Please keep writing.” These people make me proud of what I do.
- Anyone can write a romance. Writing romance isn’t easy, especially in this crowded market. It is, however, the genre that sells the best by FAR. (According to Publisher’s Weekly in the latest article I could find, romance outsold every other genre by at least 30%.)
- The people who read romance lack healthy sex lives and thus must live vicariously through fictional characters. An Info Trends study commissioned by Romance Writers of America revealed the heart of the genre’s readership is women aged 31 – 49 who are currently in a romantic relationship.
I
enjoy a lot of genres, have always been an eclectic reader, but
romance will always be my favorite. Why? Because romance novels
promote happiness and hope and act as a testament to the age-old
theme that love conquers all. I believe the Beatles got it right when
they sang, “Love is all you need.”
Check out my review for Finding Our Forever here
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