In thanking Valerie Geary yesterday for her recent interview, I admitted to being a fellow spurner of romance. As I should have expected, my good friend Bane of Anubis called me on that statement, by leaving this succinct comment:Anybody that read Twilight+3 in such a short span cannot call herself a spurner of romance :p
He might be a smart ass, but he's completely accurate. Although I stand by my disgust of the kind of romances that might feature Fabio on the cover – or could be easily adapted for the Hallmark television network – I have a considerable romantic side. Why else would I cry while watching Avatar or eagerly seek out romantic comedies like Catch and Release? Even my novel, Hollow Souls, centers around a lifelong love affair.
That said, it probably comes as no surprise that love features prominently on one of the other blogs that I maintain – Come In Character – where today we're even attempting a group romance. Okay, so participation has seemed low as of late – in fact, this is probably the shortest group story that CIC has ever experienced – but that won't stop me from focusing on love and all its various forms during the month of February.So, as difficult as it might be for me to say this, I guess Bane was right. I am a sucker for romance – and hopefully, my hubby knows it.

14 comments:
Aw, don't hate on romance. :) I admit some of the covers are a bit much, but there are loads of wonderful romance authors and stories out there. Of course, I'm a bit biased since that's what I write, lol.
Don't tell Bane he was right!!! We'll all rue the day! :P (And my name on your blog two times in a row?! I'm blushing!)
Well, to be fair, Roni, I haven't given romance much of a chance. And now, of course, I feel bad that I "hated" on your own genre. I hope you know that it's nothing personal. :-)
P.S. Incidentally, plenty of people don't like MY genre of choice - literary fiction - so I should have known better.
Oops, sorry, Valerie. Guess I already let that one slip. Hope it doesn't go to his head. 'Cause then we WOULD rue the day.
P.S. I made you blush?! How cool!
:) No worries, Laura, don't feel bad. I think each genre has its stereotypes to overcome. I used to think all lit fiction was depressing, which of course isn't true.
Oh, goody. I certainly didn't want to offend you, Roni. :-) And, yes, you're right - every genre has its pesky stereotypes. My lit fic novel, in fact, isn't all that depressing - no Virginia Woolf in sight.
P.S. So, who are you gonna root for in the Super Bowl?!
Group romance -- ha ha -- you and your secret terms...
PS - I do love so being right.
PPS -- if it weren't the colts, I'd be rooting for the Saints, but I'd like to see Manning win again just b/c I dislike Mr. Bunchen. I know, it doesn't make sense, but, to steal from Mr. Ford, hey, it's me :) That being said, I'll be thrilled either way.
I'd laugh, but I'm just too miffed right now. I mean, it was bad enough that my father-in-law is rooting for the Colts, but now you, too?! That's it - I hate to say it - but our online friendship is officially over. Phlbbt!
Of course, I'm kidding, Bane. ;-) If it weren't for the Saints, I'd be rooting for the Colts. And, honestly, I'd love to see someone stomp Brady's record - I just can't stand that guy!!!
P.S. But, of course, I want the Saints to win. I'll be in the Quarter on Sunday - and I can't imagine what the party'll be like if our boys go all the way!
Laura, my hubby and I were in New Orleans for the last game visiting my family, so I can't imagine what the city is going to be like for the Super Bowl. I still can't believe out Saints are in it. Be careful partying in the Quarter, hopefully you'll have a lot to celebrate!
That's awesome that you'll be back in NO -- it'll be a huge pre-party, and yeah, I can't imagine how epic the post SB bash'll be should they win.
Oh, how exciting, Roni! My hubby and I were in Florida at the time, but we were still freaking out when they won. Frankly, I'm still in a bit of shock - hard to believe the Saints are finally in the show! And, yes, while I plan to be careful on Sunday night ('cause no doubt the crowds will be crazy), I aim to have a good time, too!
Yeah, I'm pretty darn excited, Bane! I'll tell you all about the madness - which should be intense, whether they win or not.
You can have a romantic subplot without writing a "romance novel." I can't stand all that heavy breathing and sweating and icky stuff. Or even the fluttering heartbeats. Gag me with a conversation heart, why don't you?
However, a good romantic subplot is almost essential to any story. I think it was Anton Chekov who said "A story without love is like a meal without wine."
You're absolutely right, Christine. Romantic subplots can be terrific - though I don't think they're necessary in every story (sorry, Mr. Chekhov). But some of my favorite genre books - horror, mystery, and crime thriller - are even better because of the romantic subplots. Dean Koontz seems to understand that.
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