Trashy. Smut. Filth. These are words people have used to describe romance novels. Why do some people insist on using derogatory terms to describe (and therefore define) the genre of romance? If you ask those same people what type of person reads a romance novel they will say ‘bored housewives’. Excuse me! Nothing could be further from the truth! Romance readers are educated. According to statistic on the Romance Writers of America website, 42% of romance readers have a bachelor’s degree or higher. And, whether working in the work place or staying at home, we romance lovers have busy fulfilled lives. So, I ask you, how can those of us who love to read romance change the image of the romance novel?
It seems the people who bash romance novels are people who do not read them. Yet, they lump all romances into one category. The category: Trashy. Because of their lack of knowledge, no matter what the subgenre of romance whether historical, contemporary, western etc it seems these people think romance books are filled with nothing but sex. If they took the time to delve into a romantic book, they would see romance novels are much more than that. They would see romance novels are stories that celebrate the alluring love relationship between a man and a woman. They are stories with intriguing character conflicts and, of course, happy endings which propagate the notion that love conquers all.
Take my historical novel Slave Girl. Slave Girl by Sheniqua Waters is a tantalizing story of a young Egyptian beauty who is kidnapped from the banks of theNile
River and sold into slavery. She is placed on an auction block in
Constantinople and sold into a Turkish harem. Once there, she must deal with harem politics and jealousy from the other women when she becomes their Master’s, Kudar al Numan’s, favorite. Our hero, Kudar, must overcome tradition, distance and other obstacles to be with the woman he loves. While Slave Girl does contain some ravishing love scenes that is not what the story is about. Is it possible to get those who don’t read romance to stop viewing the genre in negative terms and start viewing the genre in a different light? How can we get general audiences to see the genre of romance as one of love, hope and optimism? What do you think? Is it possible to change the image of the romance novel?
Sheniqua Waters
www.TheWorldsBestBook.com
- About the Author
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hello and very nice to meet you. i havent had the good fortune to read any of your books, but Slave Girl looks great. In my opinion the phrase “to each his own” comes to mind. I love romance novels and dont really give a big whoop if other people call it whatever they like. I figure reading is for my enjoyment and i dont push it on them. I also think those people that view it negatively are closed minded, because unless they read it and give it a shot they dont know what they are talking about. Thank you so much for sharing with us today.
I think the public opinion is changing. Nightline did a story on this very topic not too long ago. They spoke to Harlequin and Gena Showalter. On that note, I agree with Sara. I read what I want for myself and my enjoyment. I don’t give a rip what others think. The people who would criticize my choices in reading material need to open a romance novel and their eyes. There is a reason why there are shelves and shelves of books in a bookstore. Choices! You make your choice and I’ll make mine!
Wow… pretty powerful questions, Sheniqua! You are off to a great start here today!
Hi I too havent had a chance to read your work but i have read excerps. Personally this is my view on it most of the people who nay say and slander this genera its because of a few things.One they still believe in the 40’s and 50’s view on things and how everything is black and white and cut and dry. two they believe that its intimidating and thats a shame in this day and age to be ashamed of how a mind works and how a beautiful love story is told.Its sorta sad because of the negativity they miss out on it.a nd lastly they say they arent smart or uneducated because its intimidating to know a grown woman (or man) have minds of their own and like what they like. So they slander something im almost betting they never read a word of it in their lives. So take what you will with it but personally its all about intimidation and exploding what their inside the box thinking gets them.
ty for listening to me go on and on
The problem is getting them to read them in the first place. I think having exciting plots with tons of historical, paranormal and even science fiction elements, will ultimately pull readers in and make them see, we romance writers tell a great story!
Sara and Kimberly – Thank you for your comments. Sara I like your attitude “to each his own”. Kimberly I think you are right. Public opinion may be changing. I hope so! – Sheniqua Waters
Beverly & Susan – Thank you both for taking the time to comment. Beverly I think you are right. I found people with bad attitudes on romance novels have an old way of thinking. Susan you may be on to something. Maybe having history in a story helps pull readers in. If so, that is great since I write historical romance novels! – Sheniqua Waters