Despite the perrennial popularity of romance novels (check out the statistics at the Romance Writers of America) there are still many people who denigrate the genre by labeling the books as "trashy," or even worse "formulaic."While it is true that in some romances there are very explicit sexual scenes--there are also romance novels that contain nothing more than a kiss.
The only formula in a romance novel is the happy ending.
What makes a book a romance is not the level of sensuality, it is the level of commitment.
True love is all about commitment and romance novels are all about true love--the real thing. Sex is usually part of that commitment, but it should not be the only thing in the relationship. Genuine love should involve obedience to the marriage vows--for better or worse, in sickness and in health. That is commitment. That is what everyone longs for in their heart. We all want to be loved by someone--even on our bad days--even when we are no longer beautiful--even when we are old and infirm.
That is why the genre is so popular because in each story, the protagonists realize their love for each other is the forever kind.
I write novels of commitment. Don't label them as trashy, or formulaic. My books are about true love.
Read one. It'll give you a warm feeling in your heart.
2 comments:
Well said Penelope. I totally agree. Everyone focuses on the sex in romance novels, but at their heart they are about love and commitment.
Happy Valentine's Day.
Jana
I love romance novels. I don't like the trashy ones that have nothing but immediate sex, sex, sex. I like the building of relationships and the commitments that happen even through the most daunting circumstances.
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