Mine is science fiction western and corporate soap opera, but I show aging romance after the wedding in _The Enduring Legacy_, the fourth book of my Martiniere Legacy series (and it can be read as a standalone). Alas, it goes all the way to the end. However, there are lots of romantic moments, and Gabe is...welp, he's a silver fox to the end.
I’m already tensing up for when you address the male side of romance with an aging heroine. The land of himbos and Silver foxes? Have they learned anything about what makes a woman truly deeply beautiful as she ages? Do tell.
Jul 19, 2023·edited Jul 19, 2023Liked by Maya Rodale
Whew! OTOH, I’d be interested in your clear-eyed vision of semiotics of dudehood, Romance-wise. And as long as I’m making suggestions for your editorial content: How about your take on the Barbie movie? Talk about HOA, in high heels no less!
There’s a trend for older female main characters in paranormal romance, but as a woman in my sixties, I wince when the woman complaining about aches and issues turns out to be 35-45. Not because they are writing about women in midlife, but because the authors seem to frequently exaggerate how it feels to be that age. At 40-- and even at 50-- my knees were just fine. Hot flashes, sure. But aching joints or the like, are going too far unless the woman is actually genuinely older.
Here's a historical novella about a "56-yr old spinster" https://marybalogh.com/portfolio-posts/someone-to-remember/. Interestingly, this character was present in the previous novels in this series as a rather fussy family member. It's nice to see her get her own HEA, after helping others do so.
Great discussion! It calls to mind for me a few fave reads including: Marian Keyes books, also the popular hit “The Idea of You,” and I think the last Bridget Jones book. I want to check out your recs here. The literary novelist Mary Gordon’s “Spending” reads more like a gripping romance featuring an older heroine and I’ve been reading and re-reading it since I was in my 20s. Also there are the Nancy Meyers romcoms that have older heroines played by Meryl Streep and Diane Keaton. If older heroines are successful on screen why not on the page?! Huge yes to older heroines in romance!
I think the 50 plus heroin is the next big thing in romance.
Mine is science fiction western and corporate soap opera, but I show aging romance after the wedding in _The Enduring Legacy_, the fourth book of my Martiniere Legacy series (and it can be read as a standalone). Alas, it goes all the way to the end. However, there are lots of romantic moments, and Gabe is...welp, he's a silver fox to the end.
Thank you for sharing! :-)
I’m already tensing up for when you address the male side of romance with an aging heroine. The land of himbos and Silver foxes? Have they learned anything about what makes a woman truly deeply beautiful as she ages? Do tell.
Don't worry, I don't have plans that topic...but it would be interesting!
Whew! OTOH, I’d be interested in your clear-eyed vision of semiotics of dudehood, Romance-wise. And as long as I’m making suggestions for your editorial content: How about your take on the Barbie movie? Talk about HOA, in high heels no less!
I am SO EXCITED to see the Barbie movie! More TK!
There’s a trend for older female main characters in paranormal romance, but as a woman in my sixties, I wince when the woman complaining about aches and issues turns out to be 35-45. Not because they are writing about women in midlife, but because the authors seem to frequently exaggerate how it feels to be that age. At 40-- and even at 50-- my knees were just fine. Hot flashes, sure. But aching joints or the like, are going too far unless the woman is actually genuinely older.
I would love some paranormal recs with older heroines!
And it sounds like some people need to go to yoga :-)
Here's a historical novella about a "56-yr old spinster" https://marybalogh.com/portfolio-posts/someone-to-remember/. Interestingly, this character was present in the previous novels in this series as a rather fussy family member. It's nice to see her get her own HEA, after helping others do so.
Great discussion! It calls to mind for me a few fave reads including: Marian Keyes books, also the popular hit “The Idea of You,” and I think the last Bridget Jones book. I want to check out your recs here. The literary novelist Mary Gordon’s “Spending” reads more like a gripping romance featuring an older heroine and I’ve been reading and re-reading it since I was in my 20s. Also there are the Nancy Meyers romcoms that have older heroines played by Meryl Streep and Diane Keaton. If older heroines are successful on screen why not on the page?! Huge yes to older heroines in romance!