Spot On Blog Post About Romance Novels

[Carol Rose]

This really struck a chord with me because I've been asked all these questions, and have endured this attitude from others re: romance novels, for decades.

Sarah MacLean: Bashing Romance Novels Is Just Another Form Of Slut-Shaming

 

[MaryA]

Such a sharp, pertinent article, @Carol Rose. It baffles me that people just can't see the skills, professionalism, wit and passion that goes into creating good romances.

 

[Ancora Imparo]

Good article, she makes a lot of valid points. I agree, 'by women for women' has a lot to do with it, and of course sex has a lot to do with it too, but it's not just that. Snobbery is everywhere, sadly (golf, houses, cars, clothes, jobs, wine, younameit...) and the literary world is steeped in it too. So, unfortunately, are many readers. And critics.

I read a (poorly written, I might add) piece by a Guardian book critic not that long ago who said he thought Terry Pratchett was a bad writer and his books not worth reading. Now, if he had read some of the books and didn't like them, then that would have been okay. We all like different things. But no – he wouldn't consider reading Terry Pratchett, ever. He just knew TP was a bad writer because his books were science fiction and fantasy and – gasp – popular! It was the most sanctimonious example of a narrow minded man pretending to be "better" than other people because of what he read. Sheer snobbery, in all its idiocy and unpleasantness, even if it was click-bait. I think that same snobbery is at play in many people's perception of romance books, whether the sweet kind or the erotic. Personally, I think books are like music. If it makes you feel good, go for it. But disengage the ego, and don't judge others on their taste.

Remember, Carol, success is the best revenge!

 

[James Marinero]

@Ancora Imparo - I was somewhat less than generous about 50 Shades of Grey in another thread and now I feel ashamed

 

[Ancora Imparo]

@Ancora Imparo - I was somewhat less than generous about 50 Shades of Grey in another thread and now I feel ashamed

Oh, don't feel bad, James! As an editor and writer I HAD to read some of that to see what the fuss was all about. I thought it was atrocious. Hideous writing, clichéd plotting, one-dimensional characters... and the other stuff wasn't up to much either. But my niece liked it, so there you go. I think sometimes something is just plain bad. I'm sure your criticism was justified.