A Rant on Writing Romance

I'm suffering from a monster headache that's been here since yesterday so this is an old post of mine from The Paranormal Pretties blog. However, it's an issue that still has me gnashing my teeth so I think it fits nicely...ooh and it's close to Valentine's Day! Even better! So, without further ado....

It’s been awhile since I had a good rant.

I have a friend and fellow book addict who has recommended many great reads in a variety of genres, despite the fact that she doesn’t bother to hide her disgust for most romance novels.

Eventually she began to ask about my writing and my books. Like any writer excited with their work, I told her. And then…::deep breath:: and then she said, “I don’t understand why you want to write crappy romance novels, you could write something so much better.”

And now the rant shall commence. J

First off: I don’t appreciate that judgment coming from someone who hasn’t even read my writing. How would she know if I can write something “better?” In fact, I only hope that I am good enough to write romances. I highly doubt that I have a “literary” bone in my body.

Second: I LOVE writing romance. It makes me happy and brings fulfillment to my life. And it’s not a matter of “wanting” to write them. My characters won’t stop falling in love, but I don’t mind that one bit.

Third: Romance novels are often hard to write. Think about it. They all have the same formula. Two beings get together and fall in love and find happiness at the end. But the author has to find a way to make it new and interesting. With the thousands of romances already out there, that is a daunting task, but it is fun and exciting to tackle.

Finally: It’s not very nice to dismiss something one isn’t familiar with as “crap” out of hand. I’m sure when I am published, readers and book reviewers will crucify my babies, but they are allowed to because they READ it.

Really, I am surprised I haven’t run into this sooner. I mean many people have asked me what I write, their eyes lighting up as if I’m about to claim to be the next Salinger and dimming in disappointment when I say “romance,” but no one has come out and implied that my work is “crap.”

My hero, Stephen King had dealt with this all his life, as have every writer in any genre that is not “literary.” Were you all just as pissed as I was? How did you handle it? And to all of you who write romance, horror, sci-fi, etc. YOU ROCK!