Myth: Smart people don't read or write romance.
Truth: Yes, they do. The misconceptions come from tropes that are decades old. There's still fluff out there, but nowadays, many romance novels have solid plots, great characterization, and amazing world building. Sometimes there's a shirtless man on the cover or a buxom woman, but beneath those cheesy covers, you can find truly wonderful stories.
Myth: The Alpha males in romance novels create unrealistic expectations for women in real life.
Truth: Ha! Most of the women I know, myself included, do not want an Alpha like the ones in those stories. Possessive, arrogant, and demanding? No thank you. We can do without the conflict. We know the difference between fantasy and reality. It's fun to read about Alphas, but we're smart enough to know we want a man who treats us with respect and sees us as an equal.
Myth: Romance novels are smut.
Truth: Smart folks know romance books focus on relationships. We love them because they take us on an emotional journey. Sometimes there is sex involved. Just like in real life relationships. Books are safe places to live out fantasies. There's nothing wrong with that.
Myth: The women in romance novels are stupid and weak.
Truth: Not at all. Many heroines in modern romances are smart, strong, and independent. The fact that they swoon over the hero doesn't make them any less so. The heroine knows what she wants and she won't settle for less. She's an admirable role model.
Myth: The happily-ever-after is unrealistic.
Truth: Yes, sometimes it is. Yet that's what makes romance books such a great escape. It helps to lift up the reader emotionally and gives them hope. Is it really so wrong to hope and strive for your own happily-ever-after?
If I could hug this blog post, I would! Very well written!
ReplyDeleteAgreeing with Kyra! Excellent post! Well-written romances are smart, clever and witty, just like the rounded characters portrayed within. Anyone who thinks these stereotypes hold true are reading the wrong type of books!
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
ReplyDeleteI was laughing at the myths, and nodding in agreement with the truth.
I don't think happily-ever-after is unrealistic. I'm living it.
ReplyDeleteI do think romance novels are improving because women are expecting more than mush. The content seems to go beyond 'girl meets boy, falls in love, and they live happily ever after.
ReplyDeleteI like it when they turn into thrillers, ghost or horror stories. These, in themselves,can also be romance.
Like your demon romances - wow!
Good post Christine, finally clarifying some of these stereotypes given to romance stories.
ReplyDeleteThank you, everyone. I still get looks and snide comments from folks when they find out I read and write romance. So many people underestimate how great romances can be.
ReplyDeleteI think you've covered all the bases. I agree with your comments.
ReplyDeleteIf romance is just for dummies and has no value then why have the novels of Jane Austen remained so popular? Then there's Jane Eyre and Green Mansions and... so many.
ReplyDeleteI don't read romance. But I do understand trying to shed a stigma that is unfair. Great job debunking some myths.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! My favorite romance novels are the ones where the HEA comes after great loss and hard work, just like it often does in real life.
ReplyDeleteawesome post! Those truths needed to be said. I especially hate the first stereotype, it's ridiculous to think "smart" people don't read romance. Truth: smart people make their own decisions about what they like and don't like.
ReplyDeleteYou said it, woman! I hereby dub you the speaker of all stuff and yeah in defense of romance readers everywhere! Take you cheese crown and wear it proudly.
ReplyDeleteDitto to Kyra. And Alex. ;) This is a fabulous post!
ReplyDeleteI think it's smart to write in a genre that makes most of the money. The rest of us aren't so smart. lol
ReplyDeleteYeah, who needs a high maintenance man. They're nice to look at, though. :)
Really enjoyed this post! Made me smile! Just the word romance turns some folks off, look at what happened to the RFW's - change the name and more folks participate. Funny, because you know everyone has read a romance novel - at least once!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Christine, and I agree with all your responses:)
ReplyDeleteFantastic post! I completely agree with all your points. It's a shame how some people will scoff at a book simply because it's a romance. That genre is just as good as any other!
ReplyDelete