I feel the same way about romance novels! Why is there such a stigma. There so many good love stories to share and tell. Why aren't they taken seriously. I was absolutely delighted when I read The Scarlet Pimpernel way back in high school. I'm sure it wasn't classified as romance, but there was some in it, and I loved it. When it was all said and done, I read it at least 10 times. Sigh.
a tiny anecdote. a young relative of mine, talented writer and reader, at one time had the task of 'pre-screening' romance novels for a major publisher. roughly, according to account, at times (probably seasonal) skimming up to 500 manuscripts a week!...i can hardly imagine, if that were me, it would feel like (no word for task-agony)...this was a while ago, she persisted, and on to other opportunities. so, a happy ending...; )
I've loved romance novels since my friends handed me some to read in high school. I've never understood why so many people consider things that bring joy are "lesser", and I'm all for people openly supporting and embracing the things they love. These days I'm loving how much more attention is being given to romances by and about BIPOC people and LGBTQ+ people. There's still a lot of work to be done in that regard, but seeing progress is heartening. I want everyone to be able to have that "I deserve a happy ending" feeling!
Are there “romance novels” for men? And don’t say “pornography,” because that’s a whole other drive. Is it the action-espionage genre, creating a world where the average male reader can imagine himself in a world of masculine smarts, mastery, and sexy available women? It is likewise disparaged, and likewise successful, from a sales and adaptation standpoint, plus the “I don’t give a fuck what anybody thinks about what I read” viewpoint. Interesting window into our binary noggins.
So the question for me is why can't romance novels as they are be for men? We have all definitely framed them as NO BOYS ALLOWED FOR WOMEN ONLY OR ELSE!!! And I think we (Romance folks) need to reconsider that. Because a lot of romance novels do have lots of masculine smarts, mastery and sexy women.
But what is it about two people falling in love and having adventures that is so gender specific? I think a lot is going on with how from a young age, we're all conditioned to identify with male characters more than female characters. I saw this cartoon and saved it:
Smart observation: “Girl characters tend to use creative problem solving instead of outright violence, and I found that a lot more engaging.” It’s also a better (the only) way to be in the world. Also ironic: with so many fathers absent or emotionally unavailable, mothers often take on that parent role alone. They’re too often the only ones present to look up to. So why deny female role models, when they’re the ones who are actually present? Confession: I’ve never once picked up a romance novel, because it “wasn’t for me.” Do my faves Ann Patchett and Barbara Kingsolver count?
Peter, we need to find you a romance novel to try! I'll connect with you on some recs. And while Ann Patchett and Barbara Kingsolver are lovely writers, they don't count as genre romance :-)
I feel the same way about romance novels! Why is there such a stigma. There so many good love stories to share and tell. Why aren't they taken seriously. I was absolutely delighted when I read The Scarlet Pimpernel way back in high school. I'm sure it wasn't classified as romance, but there was some in it, and I loved it. When it was all said and done, I read it at least 10 times. Sigh.
a tiny anecdote. a young relative of mine, talented writer and reader, at one time had the task of 'pre-screening' romance novels for a major publisher. roughly, according to account, at times (probably seasonal) skimming up to 500 manuscripts a week!...i can hardly imagine, if that were me, it would feel like (no word for task-agony)...this was a while ago, she persisted, and on to other opportunities. so, a happy ending...; )
What a daunting job! Hope it didn't take the fun out of reading for her!
Not at all...!
This is such a good question and I think the short answer is yes, sure! And a longer answer is coming when I get back to my laptop! 😉
I've loved romance novels since my friends handed me some to read in high school. I've never understood why so many people consider things that bring joy are "lesser", and I'm all for people openly supporting and embracing the things they love. These days I'm loving how much more attention is being given to romances by and about BIPOC people and LGBTQ+ people. There's still a lot of work to be done in that regard, but seeing progress is heartening. I want everyone to be able to have that "I deserve a happy ending" feeling!
I couldn’t agree more! Cheers to your high school friends!
Are there “romance novels” for men? And don’t say “pornography,” because that’s a whole other drive. Is it the action-espionage genre, creating a world where the average male reader can imagine himself in a world of masculine smarts, mastery, and sexy available women? It is likewise disparaged, and likewise successful, from a sales and adaptation standpoint, plus the “I don’t give a fuck what anybody thinks about what I read” viewpoint. Interesting window into our binary noggins.
So the question for me is why can't romance novels as they are be for men? We have all definitely framed them as NO BOYS ALLOWED FOR WOMEN ONLY OR ELSE!!! And I think we (Romance folks) need to reconsider that. Because a lot of romance novels do have lots of masculine smarts, mastery and sexy women.
But what is it about two people falling in love and having adventures that is so gender specific? I think a lot is going on with how from a young age, we're all conditioned to identify with male characters more than female characters. I saw this cartoon and saved it:
https://www.boredpanda.com/boys-like-girl-hero-damian-alexander/?fbclid=IwAR3h_ALtDm9y10On4kdetIBv91uk7oOrq23nAwknQfF0MDJfzJJrx7Y-dgw&utm
Anyway, thank you for the question, seems like a good topic for future posts! :-)
Smart observation: “Girl characters tend to use creative problem solving instead of outright violence, and I found that a lot more engaging.” It’s also a better (the only) way to be in the world. Also ironic: with so many fathers absent or emotionally unavailable, mothers often take on that parent role alone. They’re too often the only ones present to look up to. So why deny female role models, when they’re the ones who are actually present? Confession: I’ve never once picked up a romance novel, because it “wasn’t for me.” Do my faves Ann Patchett and Barbara Kingsolver count?
Peter, we need to find you a romance novel to try! I'll connect with you on some recs. And while Ann Patchett and Barbara Kingsolver are lovely writers, they don't count as genre romance :-)
Are you sure it won’t “take over my life”?
It might! ;-)