You definitely need to read more! Yes, there's a lot of crap in the romance novel genre, but that's true with fiction in general. I recommend starting with Smart Bitches, Trashy Books, an incredible blog by two of the funniest, smartest women on the web - And they're romance novel fans to boot. They spend a lot of time exploring the mythos of romance novels as well as why the rest of the publishing wrold (and the world in general) has such a low opinion of the genre. I can't recommend it enough. Also, the authors (Sarah Wendell and Candy Tan) have recently published an amazing book called Beyond Heaving Bosoms, which is "A guide to the most popular and maligned fiction genre, this hilariously sarcastic but always affectionate study of romance novels is perfect for hardcore fans and dabblers alike." AND IT'S AWESOME.
I completely agree with everything that theserubyshoes said. I also think that you should like what you're writing. Have fun with it! If you hate the genre and are dismissive of it, that'll come across to your readers. There's nothing I hate more than being insulted by an author. If you aren't having fun, how can you expect your readers to? Find something you like about romance (I like the theme of people overcoming incredible odds in order to be with each other; that love is worth struggling against your family or your society, and that love will succeed in the end) and roll with that. And your hero doesn't have to be an alpha male. Really! He can be dorky and awkward, or sensitive and cheerful, or morbid and taciturn.
There is a huge variety of romance novels; not all of them degrade women! Really! I promise! I read historical romances the most, so I can't vouch for these personally, but the sub-genre of paranormal romance is rife with strong, powerful, and kick-ass women. As far as historical romances go, I'm a fan of Eloisa James, who I discovered because she's a professor at my alma mater. Her novels are interesting, well researched, and her feminist beliefs come across strongly. It can be hard to balance feminism and anachronism, but I always thought James handled it well.
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Poor abused romance novels
Date: 2009-08-15 11:12 pm (UTC)I completely agree with everything that
There is a huge variety of romance novels; not all of them degrade women! Really! I promise! I read historical romances the most, so I can't vouch for these personally, but the sub-genre of paranormal romance is rife with strong, powerful, and kick-ass women. As far as historical romances go, I'm a fan of Eloisa James, who I discovered because she's a professor at my alma mater. Her novels are interesting, well researched, and her feminist beliefs come across strongly. It can be hard to balance feminism and anachronism, but I always thought James handled it well.
Good luck! And again, have fun with it!