What about men who write in the genre, though? I looked up lists and seen names like Jim Butcher, Sergei Lukyanenko, and Scott Westerfield. I wouldn't label any of them paranormal romance. There's elements of romance in their books, but it isn't the focus of them. I came across a few names like Sam Lang, Andrew Fox, and Mario Acevedo, but I've never heard of them, and their titles and blurbs lean more to the witty/humorous side.
Why aren't more men writing in this genre? I still think maybe the name of "romance" frightens some off. There's the misconception that men can't write emotions as well as woman. Men most certainly can. Men fall in love too. Perhaps men don't believe they can write convincing female protagonists. Right now, the majority of protagonists in paranormal romances are women, but that doesn't mean male protagonists aren't equally accepted. If it's a well written story, then it will speak for itself.
Also, there are a few men out there that write in this genre under pseudonyms.
This is an increasingly popular genre. Young readers are eating it up, setting up an audience for a lifetime. This is the perfect time for men to start writing paranormal romance.
Do you know any male paranormal romance writers? Why do you think few men write in this genre?
I think, as you said, it's the label "romance" that scares them a little. It's a real shame, because there really should be more men doing it!
ReplyDeleteI see many people would like to read a romance written by a man in the male POV. Men need to get in on this!
DeleteI think the word romance does caution most away. I know for me it was difficult to introduce that into my series.
ReplyDeleteI think men should take advantage of this, because there is an audience.
DeleteI agree: I think the word "romance" is keeping them away.
ReplyDeleteI think that's why many men write urban fantasy with elements of romance rather than having to say that's their genre.
DeleteOh, great post! Don't know any male paranormal romance writers. Although, Nicholas Sparks jumps to mind as a guy that could totally pull it off, if he ever gave it a go.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to read some romance written by men in the male POV. There's a few out there I could name too.
DeleteInteresting post! I'm a fan of Butcher's and I'd agree; his are paranormal stories with romantic elements, while many of the paranormal romance novels I've read are romance novels with paranormal elements. Big distinction.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, if you love romance and are a paranormal fan, Butcher's books will satisfy in much the same way paranormal fans can be satisfied reading Anita Blake and other stories that are heavier on the romance.
I generally think it comes down to writing strengths. What are you good at? Writing good romance is a talent, as is writing cool supernatural stuff. I suspect it's an issue of using more of what you're best at, and sprinkling in the other elements for diversity and fun. Just my thoughts. :)
I love Butcher's books. I think he does a great job with Harry when it comes to his relationships. I think your point about strengths says it all. Write what you're best at.
DeleteI agree with those who are saying the "romance" part of the genre is scaring people off. I also think pseudonyms probably aren't helping, because they're altering perceptions. It'd be interesting in reading paranormal romances from a male POV.
ReplyDeleteI'd certainly read paranormal romances by men! And you're right about pseudonyms. They're not helping.
DeleteI'd love to read a romance written by a man, with a male main character. Some female writers pull off the male POV wonderfully. Others... not so much. I wish men weren't scared off by the "romance" part.
ReplyDeleteI say a lot of the time, women writers don't write the male POV very well. It's either too alpha or too much like their female POV.
Deletehmmmm i do know i have read wonderful romance by men--but the names escape me now--interesting topic!
ReplyDeleteThanks! If you ever remember, send the names my way, please. :)
DeleteI don't have an answer to your question, but I think genre divisions are becoming less distinct as more writers continue to blend and mix them.
ReplyDeleteThat's true. Lots of blending going on.
DeleteInteresting post. I can't think of any male paranormal romance writers. I have read books written by men with a strong focus on romance in other genres, though.
ReplyDeleteSome genres would only take a little shift to become another. Sometimes I think genre naming is quite subjective too.
DeleteThere are a few that I really like... Simon Green is probably my fav:)
ReplyDeleteWhich ones of Simon Green's would you recommend? I see he has a lot of series.
DeleteYou know, I can't think of one. *hangs head in shame*
ReplyDeleteDon't worry. Neither could I.
Deletewow..I do not think I would have guessed this. My husband is the sensitive romantic in our relationship..he cries at chick flicks! and writes me beautiful poems and loves the science fiction stuff.... maybe he could be a paranormal romance writer for his next profession!!
ReplyDeleteWow. That's great you have such a romantic husband. Mine flees at even the word! *LOL*
DeleteI think the male readership is expanding in a huge way because of ereaders. No one knows what you're reading so men don't need to be 'scared off' by being seen reading a romance :)
ReplyDeleteSo, if the male readers are growing, then the number of male writers in this genre will grow as well.
That's a good point about ereaders. More anonymity.
DeleteI don't know why, but I think you're right. Maybe because of the covers? I know my son loves reading on his Kindle because then he doesn't have to worry about what's on the cover.
ReplyDeleteSome of the covers are even too much for me!
DeleteI can't think of any male paranormal romance writers right away, but I have heard that men who write romance are often told to write under pseudonyms, so perhaps some of the books we like are actually written by men.
ReplyDeleteHopefully that will change and we'll see some men's names on covers.
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