A lot of people look down on romantic novels and the people who write them. However, the facts show that millions of readers enjoy this type of fiction and that the demand shows no signs of slowing down. Contemporary romance authors pretty much have job security.
These variations on the 'boy meets girl' theme have been around seemingly forever, or at least since the novel became a popular format. They have been disparagingly called 'bodice rippers', and the movies made from them dismissed as 'chick flicks'. It is a fact, however, that the best of this type of book and film gross millions, which makes the criticism sound a lot like sour grapes.
The theme isn't new, either. Adam was fascinated with Eve from the first time he laid eyes on her and eventually made a life-changing, earth-shaking decision in her favor. Shakespeare raised the plot to everlasting fame in 'Romeo and Juliet' and celebrated it in comedy as well. Today the same old story involves vampires, witches and wizards, or space rovers. It fills the news, too. Where would Jackie O' have been without her men, or the pulp magazines without the loves and losses of the stars?
History validates the reality of attraction between a man and a woman. Think of Henry VIII. He had no problem changing his whole life and his whole world if necessary to get the girl he wanted. He just had trouble liking most of his wives once he got them.
Speaking of kings, remember the fall of Troy when Helen was the prize. King David went blindly ahead in his desire to possess Bathsheba, and he of all people should have known better. His son Solomon was the wisest man on earth and look what the ladies did for him - or did him for. Sampson and Delilah give us another example from the Bible, and the builder of the Taj Mahal one from history.
Hacks there may be in this industry, but many fine writers and scholars have penned romantic tales, often under a pseudonym. The millions of fans that take the best of this genre to the top of the best-seller lists and eagerly await new volumes from their favorite writers don't like the love scenes enough to put up with bad writing. Dorothy Sayers was known for her ability with prose as much as for the charm of her famous dilettante detective, Lord Peter Whimsey. Whimsey has his own romance, by the way, falling for a woman on trial for murder.
No one can say that this sort of literature won't endure, either. Just look at 'Jane Eyre' and 'Pride and Prejudice', which probably will never go out of fashion. Who knows which of the books coming out this year will achieve the same recognition and status.
It is true that there is little fundamental originality in many of the romantic novels. However, just when you think that nothing else can be done with this genre, you get a surprise. Contemporary romance authors may not just get your attention and your money; they may become enshrined in your heart and your memory as well. Go ahead and try a romance novel. You just might like it.
These variations on the 'boy meets girl' theme have been around seemingly forever, or at least since the novel became a popular format. They have been disparagingly called 'bodice rippers', and the movies made from them dismissed as 'chick flicks'. It is a fact, however, that the best of this type of book and film gross millions, which makes the criticism sound a lot like sour grapes.
The theme isn't new, either. Adam was fascinated with Eve from the first time he laid eyes on her and eventually made a life-changing, earth-shaking decision in her favor. Shakespeare raised the plot to everlasting fame in 'Romeo and Juliet' and celebrated it in comedy as well. Today the same old story involves vampires, witches and wizards, or space rovers. It fills the news, too. Where would Jackie O' have been without her men, or the pulp magazines without the loves and losses of the stars?
History validates the reality of attraction between a man and a woman. Think of Henry VIII. He had no problem changing his whole life and his whole world if necessary to get the girl he wanted. He just had trouble liking most of his wives once he got them.
Speaking of kings, remember the fall of Troy when Helen was the prize. King David went blindly ahead in his desire to possess Bathsheba, and he of all people should have known better. His son Solomon was the wisest man on earth and look what the ladies did for him - or did him for. Sampson and Delilah give us another example from the Bible, and the builder of the Taj Mahal one from history.
Hacks there may be in this industry, but many fine writers and scholars have penned romantic tales, often under a pseudonym. The millions of fans that take the best of this genre to the top of the best-seller lists and eagerly await new volumes from their favorite writers don't like the love scenes enough to put up with bad writing. Dorothy Sayers was known for her ability with prose as much as for the charm of her famous dilettante detective, Lord Peter Whimsey. Whimsey has his own romance, by the way, falling for a woman on trial for murder.
No one can say that this sort of literature won't endure, either. Just look at 'Jane Eyre' and 'Pride and Prejudice', which probably will never go out of fashion. Who knows which of the books coming out this year will achieve the same recognition and status.
It is true that there is little fundamental originality in many of the romantic novels. However, just when you think that nothing else can be done with this genre, you get a surprise. Contemporary romance authors may not just get your attention and your money; they may become enshrined in your heart and your memory as well. Go ahead and try a romance novel. You just might like it.
About the Author:
You can visit the website www.laceydancerauthor.com for more helpful information about Contemporary Romance Authors Have A Big Following
Posts
0 comments
Post a Comment