A lot of people have a certain idea what romance novels are like. Sometimes that idea isn't a very good one. I've heard a lot of bad things about romance. So many bad things that for years, I refused to say I was writing romance. I'd call it strict fantasy or sci-fi, but really, I was writing romance.
It's only been in recent years that I've been proud to be a romance writer. I hold my chin up and smile as I say it. I'm an educated, strong woman. I'm married and a mother, and I love romance.
Do I still get laughed at or looked down upon for it? Yes. But it doesn't matter what those people think. Romance is a hard genre to write. There are quality stories out there. No woman or man should be ashamed for writing romance.
Sometimes I hear the same things over and over. I never really know what to say in the moment. I'm shy. But here are some snappy comebacks to ignorant and snarky comments made about the romance genre.
Ignorant comment: Romance is just porn for women.
Response: Nothing is wrong with women enjoying pleasure. Sometimes romance novels have no more than a kiss in them. It's about emotions.
Ignorant comment: Romances have no plot.
Response: They most certainly do! Again, it's not porn. There are several quality romance stories out there if you look.
Ignorant comment: Romances destroy the independent heroine.
Response: Wow. You couldn't be further from the truth. My favorite novels have extremely independent heroines. You might argue that the independent woman gives up everything to be with the man she loves in the story, but she chooses it and you have to respect her right to do so. A truly good romance makes sure to have the hero and heroine rescuing each other.
Ignorant comment: Some women might think the way men act in romances is real.
Response: Reading romance (or any genre) better equips people for reality. It prepares them to better understand and interact with the world, and romance particularly helps readers to empathize with people. Romance can inspire people to strive for happier lives.
A lot of people mock the romance genre and say the readers and writers are idiotic and/or delusional. I know several intelligent readers and writers, many who are feminists, and a few the least likely folks you'd think that would love romance. You find strong women, hope, and inspiration in romance novels. Perhaps the ignorant people are just trying to hold us back.
If you're a romance reader and/or writer, has anyone ever said something ignorant or snarky to you? What did they say and what did you say in return?
