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Elements of Romance

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TheScribe
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Re: Elements of Romance

I agree.

I've had something happen in my life recently which has made me rethink stigmas, because that's what this "looking down upon" is.

We have to find a way to break free of these things, because they are oppressive. Personally, I think it starts with making other people aware of the real facts and the truth. That comes from, in the first instance, courage to hold your head up high and say “I write romance” and be proud of it.

No matter what genre we write in, to have a book published is a huge accomplishment. No one can honestly say that having a romance published is less so. It’s still hard work. The process is just the same. In fact, the fan base is enormous, so why do we cower in a corner? It makes no sense.

I write fantasy and I am proud of that fact.

I write children’s books and I am proud of that fact.

And, yes, I write romance and I am proud of that fact too.

There are always romance threads in my stories; they are just in the forefront with my romance manuscripts. I’m through with cowering in a corner. I’m going to be proud of all my manuscripts from this moment on.

*gets off her soap box*

---
Speculative Realms: Where there's a will, there's a way
A collection of fantasy, science fiction and horror stories
Includes my story “Where Strength Lies”
Purchase now from http://www.speculativerealms.com

11/5/2006, 8:35 pm

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Lady Romance
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Re: Elements of Romance

Woo Hoo!! I am proud someone else has stopped 'cowering' in a corner about what they write about. There are huge markets out there, and romance is one of the biggest. Speaking of, has anyone out there been published wuth Harliquin or is trying to be? I am hoping to at some point.

11/8/2006, 6:23 pm

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SFGirl
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Re: Elements of Romance

I read a little bit of an article yesterday in which the author (a former editor) was denigrating "chick lit." Saying that it was demeaning, degrading, and bad for women to read because of the way the women in the books are portrayed. I didn't read much of the article.

I don't read a whole lot of what falls under "chick lit," but I've enjoyed what I read. It's usually fun, interesting, and surprisingly well-written (maybe I've just found the cream of the crop, but whatever. This article writer was running down *all* of it.) It's often silly. The main characters sometimes do hilarious/silly/ill-advised things that I would never do. That's often what makes it entertaining.

I actually felt denigrated by the writer of the article, who seemed to be saying that reading such books would make me think that my life should be like the characters' lives, and that I should be like the characters. How stupid is that? How stupid does the article writer think I am? Puh-lease. There are a lot worse things out there for women than a little light reading. Maybe the writer should get on her soapbox about those instead.

Sherry
Edited to add; I don't know if this post actually belongs in this thread. I thought it did when I started writing it, and then it turned into a rant. Sorry. But it is kind of about not being ashamed of what we write--or read. ;-)

Last edited by SFGirl, 11/8/2006, 11:46 pm

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Reading: Scardown by Elizabeth Bear
Writing: The Seventh Crow
Editing: One's Aspect to The Sun
Drawing: Gargoyle
Listening: Decoder Ring Theatre (www.decoderringtheater.com)

11/8/2006, 11:44 pm

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TheScribe
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