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.
The theme isn't new, either. Adam was fascinated with Eve from the first time he laid eyes on her and eventually made a life-changing, earth-shaking decision in her favor. Shakespeare raised the plot to everlasting fame in 'Romeo and Juliet' and celebrated it in comedy as well. Today the same old story involves vampires, witches and wizards, or space rovers. It fills the news, too. Where would Jackie O' have been without her men, or the pulp magazines without the loves and losses of the stars?
It isn't essentially myth and fiction, of course. History tells us that men have desired women above fortune and reason throughout the centuries. Think of the magnificent and terrifying King Henry VII, who fell for girl after girl and never flinched from murder, law-breaking, excommunication, or immorality.
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.
There is nothing wrong with the writing, either. Many books are churned out with little imagination and less plot development, but then others have so much appeal that they top the New York Times Best Selling List, and fans eagerly await the next book from their favorite author. Many a light and entertaining read was written by a scholar who sacrificed nothing of his or her classical education when bringing imaginary heroines and heroes together.
If one of the qualifications for a classic is to endure, the genre can hold its own there, too. Jane Austen still could be called contemporary, even though her last novel was published in 1817. 'Jane Eyre' is almost as ubiquitous as 'Pride and Prejudice', as is 'Wuhering Heights'. Who knows which of today's novels will see its popularity endure past its own generation?
It is true that there is little fundamental originality in many of the romantic novels. However, just when you think that nothing else can be done with this genre, you get a surprise. Contemporary romance authors may not just get your attention and your money; they may become enshrined in your heart and your memory as well. Go ahead and try a romance novel. You just might like it.
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.
The theme isn't new, either. Adam was fascinated with Eve from the first time he laid eyes on her and eventually made a life-changing, earth-shaking decision in her favor. Shakespeare raised the plot to everlasting fame in 'Romeo and Juliet' and celebrated it in comedy as well. Today the same old story involves vampires, witches and wizards, or space rovers. It fills the news, too. Where would Jackie O' have been without her men, or the pulp magazines without the loves and losses of the stars?
It isn't essentially myth and fiction, of course. History tells us that men have desired women above fortune and reason throughout the centuries. Think of the magnificent and terrifying King Henry VII, who fell for girl after girl and never flinched from murder, law-breaking, excommunication, or immorality.
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.
There is nothing wrong with the writing, either. Many books are churned out with little imagination and less plot development, but then others have so much appeal that they top the New York Times Best Selling List, and fans eagerly await the next book from their favorite author. Many a light and entertaining read was written by a scholar who sacrificed nothing of his or her classical education when bringing imaginary heroines and heroes together.
If one of the qualifications for a classic is to endure, the genre can hold its own there, too. Jane Austen still could be called contemporary, even though her last novel was published in 1817. 'Jane Eyre' is almost as ubiquitous as 'Pride and Prejudice', as is 'Wuhering Heights'. Who knows which of today's novels will see its popularity endure past its own generation?
It is true that there is little fundamental originality in many of the romantic novels. However, just when you think that nothing else can be done with this genre, you get a surprise. Contemporary romance authors may not just get your attention and your money; they may become enshrined in your heart and your memory as well. Go ahead and try a romance novel. You just might like it.
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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