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.
Of course, this is the theme that animates Romeo and Juliet. Adam's rhapsody on first encountering Eve is the first utterance of a man is helpless before the wonder that is woman. On a more recent note, the blockbuster vampire books and movies are the same-old same-old with a new, clever twist.
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.
So maybe a crazy king is a bad example. The fall of Troy comes to mind, as another example of a ruler risking all for a gorgeous gal. King David almost blew it all for Bathsheba. Sampson pretty much did lose everything because of his weakness for Delilah, although he did get his moment of glory at the end. All the wisdom in the world couldn't keep King Solomon out of trouble with the ladies.
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.
There's not a lot of plot deviation in this genre. The genius of past and contemporary romance authors is in the details. The heroines are beautiful and fascinating, with more than a pretty face to keep the man they attract. The heroes are either fabulously wealthy and mysterious or unjustly downtrodden with a troubled but mysterious history. Their interaction and conflict, along with the details of their lives, make the stories that enchants readers of all ages.
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.
Of course, this is the theme that animates Romeo and Juliet. Adam's rhapsody on first encountering Eve is the first utterance of a man is helpless before the wonder that is woman. On a more recent note, the blockbuster vampire books and movies are the same-old same-old with a new, clever twist.
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.
So maybe a crazy king is a bad example. The fall of Troy comes to mind, as another example of a ruler risking all for a gorgeous gal. King David almost blew it all for Bathsheba. Sampson pretty much did lose everything because of his weakness for Delilah, although he did get his moment of glory at the end. All the wisdom in the world couldn't keep King Solomon out of trouble with the ladies.
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.
There's not a lot of plot deviation in this genre. The genius of past and contemporary romance authors is in the details. The heroines are beautiful and fascinating, with more than a pretty face to keep the man they attract. The heroes are either fabulously wealthy and mysterious or unjustly downtrodden with a troubled but mysterious history. Their interaction and conflict, along with the details of their lives, make the stories that enchants readers of all ages.
About the Author:
If you would like to read more from contemporary romance authors click this link to www.laceydancerauthor.com. For the latest works from author Lacey Dancer, visit her home page at http://www.laceydancerauthor.com today.
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