Just one question, if we somehow manage to turn the tide, and get the respect we so desire from outside the genre, what would we actually gain?
More reviews in serious newspapers? Didn’t I hear something about newspapers trimming down their review pages anyway?
More readers? Somebody remind me how we compare sales-wise to other genres again?
More younger readers? Why, and how young? I started reading romance books when I was eleven years old, I believe quite a lot of romance readers started young. How old were you when you started?
Would it help banish the image of Barbara Cartland lying on a couch stroking her pussy cat, wearing a big assed dress, and looking like that actress from Whatever Happened To Baby Jane?
Would it help settle the debate as to whether or not Gone With The Wind was a romance or not? What do you mean what debate? Heathens!
Will the war in Iraq finally come to an end? What do you mean what war? Heathens!
Will that stupid bint who married Osama Bin Laden’s son, finally come to her senses?
Will Victoria Beckham finally admit that she had a boob job?
Will Tom Cruise finally let Katie Holmes speak in public?
Will Ugly Betty finally get with Henry?
Sigh…So many questions, so few answers…. *g*
What say you?
Gabrielle
July 19
7:20 am
Go, THANK YOU! I hear all this stuff about respect and I couldn’t give a green rat’s patootie about it. I write what I want, read what I want, and I could give a toss about what others think.
BTW, you went to a KYLIE exhibit? Ok, THAT I give a toss about!
Kate R
July 19
10:58 am
The “Screw Them If They Can’t Take A Joke” approach does make life easier.
Only a bit of adjustment and, voila, you have a public image policy: “Smile Politely If They Can’t Take a Joke.”
It’s sort of fun but odd because I agree with Nora and with you and with the pro-swan and anti-swan schools simultaneously. I have come to love the swan.
Good thing survival doesn’t depend on being consistent with this crap. Good thing agreeing with opposing viewpoints won’t make people’s heads explode or cave in or whatever.
And then there’s finally reaching the point of who cares? Where’d I put that damn cup of coffee?
Nora Roberts
July 19
10:59 am
I just answered you on this on the DA site. No point repeating it all.
I don’t fret about respect every minute of every day. But the debate about costumes lent itself.
And yes, it matters.
Anonymous
July 19
12:04 pm
what’s the DA site?
Eve Vaughn
July 19
12:16 pm
I’ve never been to Nationals even though I’m a member. But from what I understand, it’s more geared toward the business end of romance. RT is more of a party. Personally I like dressing up at the RT parties, and I have dressed up at a few of the Sci-Fi conferences I’ve been too. But then again, most of the attendees are in star trek or Lord of the Ring Costumes. And then there conferences where there’s no costuming and I’m fine with that too. I think costuming is fun, and I’d do it again, but everything has its place I guess. Personally whether I wear a costume completely depends on the type of conference I’m attending, RT yes at the parties but in the day time I’m in street clothes, Sci-Fi conventions, yes I’m in costume basically the entire time, RWA, no, I’d probably wear something business casual but if I saw someone with a costume there, it wouldn’t bother me. How a person respresents themselves is a reflection on them not a group as a whole.
shiloh walker
July 19
1:09 pm
I don’t necessary need people who don’t read or write romance to respect it so much as I’d like them not to look down on it.
I don’t care if they ever ‘get it’ or not. But I get frickin tired of people hearing that I write and then they found I write… Gasp… romance romance. The nose goes up, they stare down at me and since I’m trying to grow up, I just have to grit my teeth and bear it.
azteclady
July 19
1:17 pm
Eve Vaughn said, “How a person represents themselves is a reflection on them not a group as a whole.”
I am sure it’s perfectly unfair, but that is not the case for romance writers, romance novels, nor romance readers. We are all judged already on the fact that we read what many consider “porn for women” and that a helluva chunk of romance books have clinch/mantitty covers and syrupy/corny titles.
I for one am fed up with being told that, since I like reading so much, perhaps I could read real/good books instead of that trash.
And it doesn’t help when individual authors behave, or dress, or otherwise present themselves in an outrageous manner during the most important annual event of the genre’s professional organization–after all, it’s not their event, but the whole membership’s.
Anon: DA is dearauthor.com
December/Stacia
July 19
1:18 pm
It’s nowhere near as important to me as Betty and Henry finally getting together. C’mon guys!!!
Rosie
July 19
1:54 pm
I’m not out to change the opinion of the world. For the most part I’m a live and let live. However, it does annoy me to have book sellers at check out make a commentary on my book choices or snicker. I don’t say anything or debate the neanderthal thinking of a person who makes a comment to the affect that fat, lazy, housewives read and write romance, but it bugs me.
Once you start defending your choices you can often sound desperate for validation, I refuse to give anyone the satisfaction.
Not to have to deal with that when I go to the bookstore would be a bonus. Besides, to me thinking it’s not important sort of marginalizes us all. We’re important so it’s important.
Nora Roberts
July 19
2:15 pm
~And it doesn’t help when individual authors behave, or dress, or otherwise present themselves in an outrageous manner during the most important annual event of the genre’s professional organization–after all, it’s not their event, but the whole membership’s.~
Word.
And for this:
~Besides, to me thinking it’s not important sort of marginalizes us all. We’re important so it’s important.~
Brace yourself, Rosie, here comes another sloppy kiss on the mouth.
azteclady
July 19
2:27 pm
Nora Roberts quoted me!!! *feeling faint*
*incoherent fangirly babbling*
*ahem*
Rosie, while I agree with you that not having to deal with the smirking, condescending twit behind the counter when I’m spending my hard earned money buying the product s/he peddles… (stopping before going off in yet another tangent). While I agree that that would be indeed good, there’s also the personal component.
My family knows (at least I hope they know!) that I’m intelligent, articulated, etc. Yet I’d bet you anything that, were they to see that picture in the Dallas paper, they would not stop to read that RWA’s literacy signing raised $56K+. They would see the swanhat, blink in horrified fascination, and sadly shake their heads, yet again, in bemusement at my poor reading choices.
And frankly, that peeves me, however petty of me.
Kate R
July 19
3:18 pm
Okay, Nora, I was finally convinced you’re absolutely right. I got it when someone over at SBTB put it on a smaller scale.
The writers who are most outrageous will be the public image of every single author who writes for a particular line. I know someone who writes for that line. She’s quiet and professional and works hard to maintain that image.
Pushing their own distinctive look for that line is unfair to her. I can put that on a larger scale and see why you’re all over this.
Professional means respectful of coworkers who might not want to work with a particular VERY distinctive image you picked out for yourself but will represent them too, whether they like it or not.
See, I can picture this with coworkers in a group blog, a line, a series. You see the whole genre as your coworkers. Interesting.
Karen Scott
July 19
4:10 pm
I have to say, the only time I’ve ever been hassled about my reading choices was when I was in Florida, and that was a Barnes and Noble. But to be fair, I did loudly ask if they stocked Elloras Cave books, hehe. The woman looked like she was about to expire with shock.
On the other hand, the assistant at The Borders Bookstore was bloody marvellous.
In this country, erm England that is.. when people think of romance, I think they tend to think of Mills and Boon books. Whenever there’s any negative commentary in the media re romance, it’s usually with regards to the English equivalent of HQ Presents.
Speaking of HQ Presents, can we honestly expect respect from outside the genre, when we have a whole line with titles such as The Billionaire Sheik’s Virgin Bride’s Secret Baby?
I love romance, and even I (and others) take the piss out of some of the ridiculous book titles that are out there, proudly representing romance. As with the dressing up and the costumes, this is a deliberate marketing ploy that’s been going on for years, and apparently working.
Also, I don’t know how we can argue about people dressing up as their characters, when, as a genre, we still commit some truly heinous crimes when it comes to book cover art.
I think these two elements hurt us far more than somebody dancing round with a swan on her head.
The reason people are more likely to point and laugh, and lump us all as mad crazy hairnet-wearing homebodies, with no lives, is because of what, not only has come before, but what continues to happen within the genre to this very day.
Kate R
July 19
4:58 pm
on the other hand. . .It is a changing world. I’ll bet real dollars that someday some form of cosplay will become the norm for everyone but the biggest names.
Casee
July 19
5:23 pm
However, it does annoy me to have book sellers at check out make a commentary on my book choices or snicker.
Rosie, it annoys me too, though not as much as it used to.
So what would we gain? Again, I answer this as a reader. I think you have to ask yourself this as an individual. Honestly, I would gain nothing. I would still read the same authors and the same books. My husband would still think it’s porn. Some people would still think that I’m not satisfied with my sex life, so I get it out of trashy novels. And I still wouldn’t care what people thought.
As a writer, do they go into this genre looking for respectibility? Or are they just doing what they love to do?
Eve Vaughn
July 19
5:36 pm
azteclady, I think we’re basically on the same page, but just saying it in different ways. In my morning ramblings what I was trying to convey is, there’s a time and place for everything. Obviously that time isn’t at National’s, a business conference, but I think where we differ in opinion is this: if there are 2000 people attending a conference and they’re all dressed and carrying themselves in a professional manner and then there’s one person in an outrageous costume, would that reflect on the other 1999 people? If it does, that’s a shame, especially since Romance outsells every other genre in books.
To my way of thinking, those who would latch on to that one person instead of focusing on the other attendees has already made up their minds about the genre and probably nothing will change them. Like you, I think its unfair.
Rosie, well said.
Bev (BB)
July 19
5:40 pm
Yes, but get real, I’m still trying to figure out what costumes most romances lend themselves to on a regular basis. Most don’t lend themselves to anything.
Er, that ISN’T what I meant. ;p
I meant anything in particular unless it’s a historical or fantasy romance. And once you go with anything paranormal, doesn’t cross a line where people might not even get the romance connection?
What I’m getting at is that dressing up is fun but it has to be in context in order to make sense as a promotion. That’s where the “respect” comes in. Stays in. Or not. Lose that in anything and the so-called respect wouldn’t mean anything anyway.
This is something that I’ve argued with people about over the last dozen or so years that I’ve been online within this community. Yes, I know romances don’t get a lot or “respect” from outside sources but I also see quite a bit of, how shall I say this, low respect within the community towards our own reading choice.
We will never get respect from outside the genre until we believe from the heart that there is absolutely nothing wrong with our own reading choice with all its faults.
PERIOD.
No exceptions. No excuses.
Does this mean that we shouldn’t discuss problems with individual books? No. Or even with the genre overall? No, again. But that is not the same thing as allowing those discussions to color our perceptions of our own choice of reading material.
Want respect? Respect yourself.
I honestly don’t know how I’d react if a clerk in a store made a comment about a book I was purchasing. Either it’s never happened before or I don’t remember it ever happening. Maybe I go to the wrong stores. Or the right ones. Whatever. Or maybe the stores I go to simply enjoy getting the money more?
You know the odd thing is that every time these discussions come up it always seems to come back to romance being the biggest genre and again I’m left wondering if that’s so then how can anyone afford to alienate that many customers on such a regular basis?
Truly curious.
Nora Roberts
July 19
8:07 pm
~As a writer, do they go into this genre looking for respectibility? Or are they just doing what they love to do?~
Why in the world, as a writer, shouldn’t we do something we love AND be respected?
MC Halliday
July 19
8:23 pm
In view of the trials of reading or writing Romance (I’ve experienced both sides), might we consider dropping the term ‘Romance’ and using ‘Women’s Fiction’ instead? I know there will be much said against it, the RWA for one (they’ll have to change their name), but the Romance genre is primarily tales of women and WF is an accepted genre. I believe the connotation of ‘romance’ has led to the loss of respect and allocades.
shiloh walker
July 19
8:25 pm
As a writer, do they go into this genre looking for respectibility? Or are they just doing what they love to do?
I wouldnt’ say I went into it looking for respectability. I went into because I love writing. It’s just what I do. But that doesn’t mean I should have to put up the insinuations I get from those who don’t read romance… you know the ones, either it’s porn, or I’m a bored, desperate housewife or that I can’t do any other kind of job or that I couldn’t get pubbed elsewhere.
I gave up a job as a pediatric nurse to write, so i don’t want to get that superior look from those who think it must so easy to do it. I gave up a heartbreaking job for this one, but I work harder now than I ever did as a nurse.
It drives me nuts that people think all I do is type out a paragraph or two every few days and spend the rest of the day on the couch eating bonbons.
I think what I want is just some acceptance. If people don’t want read romance, that’s fine. but those of us do write it, do read it, we don’t need others looking down their noses at us for what we like to read/write.
MC Halliday
July 19
8:25 pm
I meant to end with ‘literary accolades’.
Casee
July 19
8:50 pm
Why in the world, as a writer, shouldn’t we do something we love AND be respected?
In a perfect world you would have both. Absolutely. It shouldn’t be either or. What I’m saying is that a romance writer doesn’t start writing because they’re looking for respect. The majority say they do it because they love it. Their calling, if you will. So while it would be nice to get the respect that is rightfully deserved, would not getting that respect make you change what or how you do what you do?
I have respect in relation to my job. Do I love it? No, not at all. If I had to choose between loving my work and being respected for my work, I’d choose the first every time.
I really admire people like you, Shiloh, that have the guts to take a chance.
Nora Roberts
July 19
10:10 pm
~and using ‘Women’s Fiction’ instead?~
I don’t write Women’s Fiction. I write Romance. And I’ve never been ashamed to say so.
I have several good friends who write excellent Women’s Fiction. I just don’t.
Nora Roberts
July 19
10:15 pm
~So while it would be nice to get the respect that is rightfully deserved, would not getting that respect make you change what or how you do what you do?~
Why? This is baffling. I do what I love, I’m respected for it, so I change how or what I do what I do?
Again, I have to say, why?
I got into writing Romance because it’s what I wanted, and because I loved and appreciated AND respected the genre. I didn’t go into it expecting to be disrespected either, but I’ve dealt with that for years. I have gotten more respect for my own work over those years–success will do that to a point. It hasn’t changed what I do or how I do it.
I don’t get this, at all.
Bev (BB)
July 19
10:47 pm
In view of the trials of reading or writing Romance (I’ve experienced both sides), might we consider dropping the term ‘Romance’ and using ‘Women’s Fiction’ instead? I know there will be much said against it, the RWA for one (they’ll have to change their name), but the Romance genre is primarily tales of women and WF is an accepted genre. I believe the connotation of ‘romance’ has led to the loss of respect and allocades.
Well, sure, but the only problem is that I don’t read women’s fiction. I read ROMANCE novels. And personally, I’ve never quite bought into romance being solely for women by women anyway but that’s another argument entirely. Or maybe not. Whatever.
The thing is, say you did change the name, the stories are still going to be the same. Does anyone really believe that’s going to change people’s opinions about their content? Emotional commitment, happy endings, oh, and don’t forget that big one, sex . . . shall I go on?
Frankly, I’ve never seen all that many people rave about women’s fiction either. Or science fiction. Or fantasy. Now, mystery. Hmmm, maybe.
There is respect and then there is respect. When we get right down to it, how do we measure it so that we would recognize it when we get it. I think that’s probably the question that Karen’s ultimately asking.
Casee
July 19
11:42 pm
I’m obviously making a mess of getting my thoughts out there.
Why? This is baffling. I do what I love, I’m respected for it, so I change how or what I do what I do?
My original statement wasn’t directed specifically to you. I think it’s safe to say that you are highly respected in this genre.
Back to Karen’s original question: Just one question, if we somehow manage to turn the tide, and get the respect we so desire from outside the genre, what would we actually gain?
The point I’m trying to make (rather badly) is that I don’t think that getting the respect would change anything. Romance writers are respected by the readers who buy their books. They’re respected by their agents and editors. They’re respected by the families that support them in their writing career. What respect is more important than that?
Nora Roberts
July 20
12:26 am
Even if I changed the I to we–or to anyone–in my response, I still don’t get it.
~Romance writers are respected by the readers who buy their books. They’re respected by their agents and editors. They’re respected by the families that support them in their writing career. What respect is more important than that?~
All of that is very important, of course. Though not all of us are respected by our families, and not all of our families support our careers.
However, this is a business, and a competitive one, not just within the genre but throughout all of publishing. Respect also translates into sales–through media attention, reviews and word of mouth. When a genre as a whole, or the writers within it aren’t respected by the media and those outside our immediate readership, we lose potential sales. When we’re dismissed as froth, as porn, as all the same, as bodice rippers, we fail to reach a bigger market.
Respect matters.
Rosie
July 20
2:20 am
I don’t think getting respect is about changing anyone’s mind. I disagree with people about stuff all the time, their politics, how they raise their kids, where they buy their groceries. Sometimes I don’t get why they do what they do. Sometimes I think they are making dumb or wrong choices.
However, I don’t treat them like they are empty headed or talk down to them because I disagree with their choices.
If you don’t like my favorite reading genre, my book purchases that’s fine. I don’t expect every one to like me or my choice of reading material. Just don’t be derisive, smug and superior about it. I’ll I’m asking for is to be
treated with courtesy, dignity and respect.
Nora, some day, some where, if God is good, I’ll buy you a drink and get that kiss.
Rosie
July 20
6:09 am
Wow, that looks like I’m drinking already doesn’t it?
Bev (BB)
July 20
9:24 am
When we’re dismissed as froth, as porn, as all the same, as bodice rippers, we fail to reach a bigger market.
Okay, now see, this is where I get lost. Everyone always quotes those figures that show how romance supports all the other genres and already has this huge share of the market. What do we want, the whole pie?
Karen Scott
July 20
9:47 am
Bev, I’m still not seeing who the bigger market is to be perfectly honest.
Also if somebody gives me a dirty look at a bookstore because they don’t like my choice of reading material, does that not say more about them, than me? I certainly think it does.
Nora Roberts
July 20
11:51 am
Yes, Romance has a big whopping share of the market. A lot of the reason is a huge number of books are published in the genre. Yay for us. But those individual books don’t sell in the same numbers, for the vast majority, as their counterparts in, say mystery. The individual books represent the individual writer–and their income.
Nora Roberts
July 20
12:16 pm
The avid Romance reader buys lots of books every month. God bless her. And there are a lot out there. But there are a gazillion more readers who wouldn’t go within ten feet of the Romance section.
Some of those have tried a few and not found them to their taste. Fine. Some just read Thrillers. Also fine.
But most of those gazillion sniff at Romance due to perception, and much of that perception comes from the presentation. (Not going to talk about the covers here, beyond our control.) We’re also part of that presentation, the media is part of it.
We’re branded by Barbara Cartland and her froo-froo dog (not cat), by Fabio. If we don’t want to be, we don’t sit around in a ballgown and a poodle for a photo shoot, or rush to get our photos taken–and printed–with mantitty. We present ourselves professionally, and we demand respect.
How often do I hear the cries that the new writer, the midlist writer, a really wonderful writer can’t get the sales to hold a career? This is another avenue–and an important one, imo, to changing that.
A swan hat will get you in the paper. But I’ll wager most looked at that photo and thought WTF? Do we really want that?
Gimmicks will get you momentary attention, and may rack up a few sales. It won’t hold them. It’s about the books, the books, the books. But those books won’t get into any of those gazillion hands if the people who own them view us by those gimmicks.
Nora Roberts
July 20
12:19 pm
Let me finish–then go away–by addressing the first comment on this thread. Gabrielle, you may reconsider not caring what others think. Those others are potential readers. Building a career means caring a whole bunch about what others think of what we write.
shiloh walker
July 20
1:25 pm
Casee said “ I really admire people like you, Shiloh, that have the guts to take a chance. “
It wasn’t anything I planned, Casee and it’s not really that big a deal. My boss ticked me off and I was sitting thinking… I don’t need this. So I wrote up a resignation and quit. It was a HUGE gamble and I had vague plans of finding a part time job, but the writing was supporting me so I ended up not bothering.
I can understand both viewpoints on this entire subject. In my personal life, I do ahve the “I don’t really care” outlook when it comes to how people see me.
In my writing life, I have a similiar outlook. I’ve seen so many writers act one way in private, another way in front of readers, editors, or publishers, the term sucking up comes to mind. I just want to be me.
But…I also have to be aware that what I do can reflect on the romance industry. Doesn’t seem fair, really, but hey… there you go.
I was at Waldens and saw this huge book display for Danielle Steel. She had this fur thing around her head, some kind of hat or hood and she was leaning out of a red convertible. That was her publicity photo. And my immediate reaction was to roll my eyes and mutter, “geez, no wonder a lot of people don’t take us seriously”
I think books like the JD Robb books, Evanovich’s Plum books, LKH’s Anita Blake books are actually bringing more readers into the romance genre and it’s wonderful. But I do have to wonder, if romance was seen differently, how many more could we bring it?
If people didn’t think of the fluffy publicity photos or Fabio, as Nora mentioned, would they be more inclined to pick up a book that had a killer title, a decent cover and maybe look at the book blurb, see what it was about?
It’s entirely possible. So I guess, (and I hate saying this) we do need to worry about how those outside the genre see us.
Yeah, I’d like respect, but I’ll say again, I’d be happy if people would just lose the condescending attitude towards romance.
azteclady
July 20
2:06 pm
Shiloh sayeth, “But I do have to wonder, if romance was seen differently, how many more could we bring it?… Yeah, I’d like respect, but I’ll say again, I’d be happy if people would just lose the condescending attitude towards romance.”That’s exactly the thing! It’s really not about the people who already know, read, and love romance–it’s about everyone else’s perception. Less condescension, better chance of a non-romance reader picking up a romance book on a friend’s recommendation and giving it a go. Recommend a good book (or at least one that jives with the friend’s tastes/personality/whatever), and you might just have created a new romance reader.
And that benefits the already-there-and-loving/hating-romance readers because in a growing market more mid list and new authors get a chance at publication.
Is it fair that a primarily female written and female geared genre has to fight and fight and fight for respect? (or at least a toning down on the condescension) Hell, NO.
But it IS a reality nonetheless, so lets face that and change it.
Sharon Cullars
July 20
2:15 pm
Jumping into the fray here. I think the lack of respect has far more to do with sexism than with clinch covers and costumes (although the covers don’t help at times). This is my opinion, but I truly believe that if more men were writing Romance, the non-appreciators, including reviewers, would find a way to make the genre “respectable” or at the least, not as condemnable.
If you have any doubts about the sexism, let’s recall that women mystery writers have to have their own recognition awards because they are basically shut out of the mainstream mystery awards.
Even when women’s fic is “serious,” it doesn’t get the same respect or accolades as any fiction written by males. And it is read less, as was shown with at least one study.
So, depending on whom you want respect from, it really shouldn’t matter, nor interfere with your joy of reading or writing a genre you love. And obviously your readers give you much respect and love when they buy your book, talk about it, blog about it, analyze it, parse it, want to imitate it. In other words, the non-appreciators really shouldn’t matter.
Gabrielle
July 20
2:31 pm
Nora, I meant I don’t care in the sense that someone else’s derision is not going to stop me from doing what I love.
azteclady
July 20
2:55 pm
Sharon Cullar: In other words, the non-appreciators really shouldn’t matter.”
Unless you want to bring in new readers.
See, this is one of those things that keep circling in my head.
Warning: what follows is more a rambling stream of consciousness than a reasoned and articulated thought.
I agree with you, completely, on the sexism issue. But to me it’s not active sexism–I’ve managed to “convert” a couple of male friends to romance by recommending well written, interesting, engaging romance books to them. Now they are reading through backlists like nobody’s business.
Before they didn’t really know what to make of romance. They only got the “women’s porn” and “fluffy trash” image, and it never occurred to them that there was substance and worth under the stereotype.
I gotta confess that for a while (childhood, very early adolescence) I had the same bias against SF that many people (mostly men, yes), have against romance. I thought there was NO way it could be of interest to me. Then one of my brothers dared me to read Asimov’s Bicentennial Man and dislike it. Do I have to say I loved, loved, LOVED it? I still don’t read hundreds of SF novels a year, but my mind is now open to the genre.
I hope that makes some sense…
Sharon Cullars
July 20
3:31 pm
Azteclady, I understand what you’re saying. I’m thinking of the intractable haters of the genre, those who you have no chance of converting. The fence straddlers may listen to a well-reasoned pitch and take a chance. But for those who’ve already made up their minds that they will never read Romance (or any other genre fiction, for the real snobs), no time should be wasted trying to convert or convince them that you as a writer or reader are “worthy.”
Potential new readers are worth the effort. But you have to know when the effort is wasted.
Jane
July 20
6:18 pm
I guess I would argue that what M&M are doing are bringing in new readers, younger readers who wouldn’t ordinarily read romance because their perception of romance is that it is boring or old fashioned or something their mother would read when there are great stories in it that would appeal to anyone who likes Twilight.
M&M seems to be turning off more existing readers who would respect the genre regardless.
Angela
July 21
10:23 am
I’m more worried about what goes on inside of the genre(my main pet peeve: the utter disinterest shown in historical authenticity in historicals) than what outsiders think.
And on the age issue, I keep bringing this up: why would younger readers need to “graduate” to the romance genre(or any other “adult” genre) when YA now provides anything they need(romance, historicals, mysteries, paranormal,etc). When I was an adolescent(granted, not so long ago), I never saw so many types of books available for people my age as I see now.
The industry is treating their long-time romance readers the way the rest of the consumer industry treats its loyal(and mostly older) consumers: ignoring the fact that they have more expendable income and time than the coveted 18-34(a lot of the time, male) market. Have romance novels become dumbed down and trend-chasing as a result of trying to appeal to a younger, time-crunched market? I don’t know, but something has to have happened for the genre to have turned out the way it has.
And on for the record, I didn’t even begin to read romance novels until I was 18.