Earlier this week, I made a post with a generic romance novel scene. I was just goofing around trying to amuse myself, but somehow garnered the ire of some serious romance readers. And a few authors as well.
I want to say that I was not trying to ridicule the authors of this genre. I know that it takes lots of dedication, and not an inconsiderable amount of talent to write anything. Romance novels included. I do stand by the statement that they are cranked out by the millions. Just take a look at the bookshelves in your local department store or grocery. (If the store even sells books anymore.)
Along one side, there will be a section of top 10 or top 20 best sellers. Way over on the other end of the shelves, you might find a couple of Westerns, four or five Sci-Fi/Fantasy, maybe a half dozen Thrillers, and a Diet book. The entire rest of the 20 foot display will be Harlequin Romance style books.
Now, this does indicate that they are very popular. And I'm not going to argue that fact. It's just that personally, that style of book doesn't interest me very much.
I am a voracious reader. Sci-Fi and Fantasy mostly with the occasional Western or Military Novel. And I like having a little romance in the story as part of the sub-plots, but I couldn't read a novel that was designed entirely around the romance part. I have tried, and I usually put the book away less than a quarter of the way through.
After a bit of soul searching, the conclusion that I have come to is that... I'm a guy. The Romance Novel is the literary version of the "Chick Flick" (they are even occasionally based on one another), and like most guys, that isn't really what I'm interested in. I'm the same way about Soaps. Another very popular, long running form of Fiction that I would not watch unless my life depended on it.
But to all of those out there who are fans of these styles that I don't like, enjoy watching or reading them as much as your heart desires. If I have offended any of you ...think that you were only surfing the web as you slept, and that this was all a harmless Midspring night's dream. (Yes, I do read Shakespeare occasionally too.)
Posted by GEBIV at May 26, 2005 05:01 PMactually I thought it was pretty funny -- the chin. Who couldn't love that chin?
The best mockery is written by the people who love the genre. If you ever are in the mood to read fantastic mockery of romance, check out this link. http://www.likesbooks.com/ppp2004a.html It's a lot more fun if you actually care about the books though.
You really ought to try a few romances, like maybe one of Jennifer Cruisie's books. If you're cheap, you can one from the library.
If you email me with your snail mail, I'll even send you a couple of mainstream books you might like -- one's by Mercedes Lackey. (Which reminds me, no need to convert me to sci-fi or western or history or military sagas--I already love them. Althought a friend made me try Patrick O'Brian and all those facts about ships put me to sleep.)
OH...
I'm sorry to hear about your grandmother.
Posted by: kate -- again?? at May 26, 2005 07:45 PMSome people just don't have a sence of humor. some people do have a sense of humor, but are touchy about their profession. Then there are people like me that find humor in other people indignity over something amusing.
And yes, I've read a couple of romance novels. One for an english lit class and another because my wife thought I would enjoy it.
Posted by: Contagion at May 27, 2005 08:51 AM