A lot of people look down on romantic novels and the people who write them. However, the facts show that millions of readers enjoy this type of fiction and that the demand shows no signs of slowing down. Contemporary romance authors pretty much have job security.
These variations on the 'boy meets girl' theme have been around seemingly forever, or at least since the novel became a popular format. They have been disparagingly called 'bodice rippers', and the movies made from them dismissed as 'chick flicks'. It is a fact, however, that the best of this type of book and film gross millions, which makes the criticism sound a lot like sour grapes.
The theme isn't new, either. Adam was fascinated with Eve from the first time he laid eyes on her and eventually made a life-changing, earth-shaking decision in her favor. Shakespeare raised the plot to everlasting fame in 'Romeo and Juliet' and celebrated it in comedy as well. Today the same old story involves vampires, witches and wizards, or space rovers. It fills the news, too. Where would Jackie O' have been without her men, or the pulp magazines without the loves and losses of the stars?
It isn't essentially myth and fiction, of course. History tells us that men have desired women above fortune and reason throughout the centuries. Think of the magnificent and terrifying King Henry VII, who fell for girl after girl and never flinched from murder, law-breaking, excommunication, or immorality.
Helen of Troy, Delilah, Bathsheeba, and Wallas Windsor epitomize the consequences of unbridled passion. Think what these famous sirens cost their lovers in terms of war, faith, kingdoms, and invulnerability. The women are famous but so are the men, who loved enough to risk anything to possess the object of their desire. Who is to say that the force of the passion that animates heroes of romantic fiction is too strong to be believable? Ancient tales and the annals of history tell us otherwise.
There is nothing wrong with the writing, either. Many books are churned out with little imagination and less plot development, but then others have so much appeal that they top the New York Times Best Selling List, and fans eagerly await the next book from their favorite author. Many a light and entertaining read was written by a scholar who sacrificed nothing of his or her classical education when bringing imaginary heroines and heroes together.
If one of the qualifications for a classic is to endure, the genre can hold its own there, too. Jane Austen still could be called contemporary, even though her last novel was published in 1817. 'Jane Eyre' is almost as ubiquitous as 'Pride and Prejudice', as is 'Wuhering Heights'. Who knows which of today's novels will see its popularity endure past its own generation?
It is amazing what originality contemporary romance authors can bring to the age-old story that has been told over and over. Perhaps the perennial fascination with new twists on the theme stems from the fact that most readers have had their own love story, although it might not have been published for the entertainment of others.
These variations on the 'boy meets girl' theme have been around seemingly forever, or at least since the novel became a popular format. They have been disparagingly called 'bodice rippers', and the movies made from them dismissed as 'chick flicks'. It is a fact, however, that the best of this type of book and film gross millions, which makes the criticism sound a lot like sour grapes.
The theme isn't new, either. Adam was fascinated with Eve from the first time he laid eyes on her and eventually made a life-changing, earth-shaking decision in her favor. Shakespeare raised the plot to everlasting fame in 'Romeo and Juliet' and celebrated it in comedy as well. Today the same old story involves vampires, witches and wizards, or space rovers. It fills the news, too. Where would Jackie O' have been without her men, or the pulp magazines without the loves and losses of the stars?
It isn't essentially myth and fiction, of course. History tells us that men have desired women above fortune and reason throughout the centuries. Think of the magnificent and terrifying King Henry VII, who fell for girl after girl and never flinched from murder, law-breaking, excommunication, or immorality.
Helen of Troy, Delilah, Bathsheeba, and Wallas Windsor epitomize the consequences of unbridled passion. Think what these famous sirens cost their lovers in terms of war, faith, kingdoms, and invulnerability. The women are famous but so are the men, who loved enough to risk anything to possess the object of their desire. Who is to say that the force of the passion that animates heroes of romantic fiction is too strong to be believable? Ancient tales and the annals of history tell us otherwise.
There is nothing wrong with the writing, either. Many books are churned out with little imagination and less plot development, but then others have so much appeal that they top the New York Times Best Selling List, and fans eagerly await the next book from their favorite author. Many a light and entertaining read was written by a scholar who sacrificed nothing of his or her classical education when bringing imaginary heroines and heroes together.
If one of the qualifications for a classic is to endure, the genre can hold its own there, too. Jane Austen still could be called contemporary, even though her last novel was published in 1817. 'Jane Eyre' is almost as ubiquitous as 'Pride and Prejudice', as is 'Wuhering Heights'. Who knows which of today's novels will see its popularity endure past its own generation?
It is amazing what originality contemporary romance authors can bring to the age-old story that has been told over and over. Perhaps the perennial fascination with new twists on the theme stems from the fact that most readers have had their own love story, although it might not have been published for the entertainment of others.
About the Author:
If you would like to read more from contemporary romance authors click this link to www.laceydancerauthor.com. For the latest works from author Lacey Dancer, visit her home page at http://www.laceydancerauthor.com today.
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