I couldn’t pass up the opportunity during Valentine’s week to have a post about romance—particularly about writing romances. Even though nowadays romance novels are widely accepted and liked, there are still people who turn up their noses at the thought of reading a romance (or writing one).
Some view such novels as “fluffy” or “trashy” or “titillating.” They may believe that romance novels only serve to fill our minds with unhealthy expectations of relationships. After all, we know that fairy tales and happily-ever-afters don’t happen in real life, right? So why bother reading them?
Instead, why not fill our minds with realistic, wholesome literature? Or deeper, enriching stories that feed the mind and soul?
Such romance novel opponents overlook the fact some of the best classics are the most sigh-worthy romances (Jane Austin fans raise your hands!). But apparently being an “old” book makes the romance more acceptable.
Yes, modern romance novels still get a bad rap. They’re often classified as inferior to other genres. Even among writers, there’s an assumption that writing romances is easy, that anyone can do it, that if all else fails, write a romance—then you’re sure to get published.
Should I be ashamed or guilty for the fact that my books contain romance? Should romance writers feel the impulse to cover up what they write from cynical family and friends as if somehow it’s substandard? Should romance readers hide what they read because for fear others might think they’re not as spiritual or intellectual or whatever?
In the spirit of Valentine’s Day and romance, I want to pose several reasons why I think romances are a valid and important form of literature:
1. Romances give us better insights into relationships.
While I’m writing, I love being able to delve into the various ups and downs of relationships, the push and pull, what works and what doesn’t, and all of the nuances that go into love and romance.
Whether we’re single, married, or divorced, romances offer a safe place to analyze the many issues that arise in relationships. Romance novels can serve as mentors for what it takes to forgive, persevere, and make things work. They can also be mirrors that reflect what real love looks like, displaying healthy relationship skills, sacrificial love, and how to overcome obstacles.
2. Romances can inspire hope in life.
When we’re immersed into writing or reading a romance novel, we often become intertwined with the characters. Their experiences become ours. We have the potential to deeply feel their emotions, including hope for a better life.
We want heroes and heroines who rise above normalcy, who overcome problems, and who find victory (or are at least on their way to finding it). Those characters inspire in us hope that perhaps we, too, can overcome and find victory.
3. Romances are a fun form of entertainment.
Yes. Just like a suspense, fantasy, or legal thriller, romances can offer a break from the real world around us—a real world that is often harsh and demanding. No one would think any less of a person for losing themselves in a romance movie. Romance novels are an equally valid way to take an enjoyable break.
4. Romances renew our belief in love.
I’d hate to see the day when we stop dreaming of happily-ever-afters. However, in a world riddled with marriage problems, divorce, and painful relationships, many people have become cynical about romance and love. Too many choose easy and cheap intimacy instead of doing the hard work of building a loving relationship.
Romance novels show that real love—while not easy—is still possible. Just because ideal love is difficult doesn’t mean we have to give up on romance (and romance books) altogether, does it? Shouldn’t we work hard and strive for better, more positive relationships instead?
Ultimately, those of us who appreciate a well-told romance story will have to ignore the nay-sayers, stand proud, and keep on reading and writing what we love.
So, why do you read or write romances? What draws you to them? And if you think romance novels are slightly substandard literature, why? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Jody Hedlund
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I have been addicted to romance since before I can remember. I love the characters, passion, and chemistry, but I also like learning the lessons that the characters learn through the book. I am an aspiring author so I also write romance. It’s my favorite genre and I have a hard time reading a book that doesn’t have romance.
I hear you, Christina! I have a hard time getting interested in books that don’t have romance either! No matter the genre, I like at least a thread of romance! 🙂
Yay Jody! All your reasons are great ones. Thanks for sharing them.
Thanks, Lynn!
What wonderful reasons you put forth for validation of the romance genre! Those are all reasons that I read and enjoy romance novels. Since historical fiction is my favorite genre, I enjoy historical romance more than contemporary. I learn so much about various time periods whether it be ancient eras (Cleopatra, ancient Greece, etc) through medieval and all the way up to WWII. Setting a romance within these times and many different countries (I’ve read books set in Egypt, India, Greece, China, Italy, France, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and of course England) is highly entertaining as well as informative. And of course I enjoy romances set in the US. That being said, romance literature has to be well-written to catch my attention. I look for description, character development, interesting plots, and realistic dialogue to the time period. I don’t read romance just for the romance, but I admit I enjoy books with HEA’s. I’ve come to know which authors I can count on for that, and it is especially rewarding to pick one of these books when times may be a little demanding, and I feel the need to be uplifted.
Hooray for romance!
Hi Betty,
I agree that historical romances give an “extra” bonus of learning history while being entertained! We can learn so much about different eras, cultures, and about people from all over the world!
Thank you so much for sharing that! I just had a conversation with a friend who was putting down on romance novels.It was great to read this. I agree with all your reasons. 😀 Thanks!
Hi Megan,
I’ve had many of those kinds of conversations too! And I’ve definitely gotten better at being able to defend romances (although I don’t feel we should have to!).
Why I read romance novels? Good Question. They are my favorite. Whether, its an historical, contemporary, or suspense, the romance is what keeps me turning pages. I want to know what happens next to the Hero and Heroine. How do they realize they love each other. What makes their hearts race harder when they see each other.The soul stirring feeling when they are in each others presence. I don’t know… It is just my favorite.
Hi Dana,
I love hearing that the romance is what keeps you turning the pages! One thing I strive really hard to do is keep the romance thread going until the very end. I don’t want to resolve it too soon or too easily. I want romance readers to breathe a happy sigh when the close the pages of my books!
I read romance novels because ‘real’ life often offers such sadness and worry and it is a wonderful break to have a positive resolution in my books. Kind of reminds me that our awesome God can and does work all for His good.
Hi Jen,
Very good point!I love the idea that romances can remind us of how God works things out for our good!
Nothing Jody writes is substandard, romance or not. It adds a little fun to a story and I even learn from reading fiction.
Thank you for the sweet words, Gail! 🙂
Thanks for sharing! I believe that Christian romance novels are important because it is clean entertainment for Believers and also ministers to both the Believer and Non-believer.
I am a widow and have been for 15 years (my husband died relatively young); and I still believe in romance. Many times the stories and characters have ministered to me spiritually as well as encouraged me that romantic love is a beautiful gift (not a fantasy), a blessing and gift from God that my late husband and I were blessed with for almost 31 years ! So keep writing ladies! God’s using you in many ways! 🙂
Hi Veronica,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and how romances have ministered to you! I agree that believers need a healthy alternative. With the release of so many explicit novels, Christian romance gives such a clean alternative that we definitely need!
I’m with you 💯% on your article! My favorite genre is actually Suspense with Romance, I certainly read my share of Romance stories, whether Historical or Contemporary! I read a variety of books 📚 and enjoy them all!
I *love* this post! The word “valid” especially caught my eye. A couple of years ago a friend teasingly-but-not-really called my choice of books lame. She prefers books that are intellectual, depressing, gritty, and realistic. I tried to let it roll off my back, but realized when her comment kept coming to mind that it really did hurt my feelings. Then I got mad (belatedly). Why would she want to make me feel less-than because I choose to read a different genre than her? One that *gasp* has a happy ending! Ever since then I’ve made a point not to be ashamed that I read, enjoy, and recommend romance novels. I’ve also bonded with other friends more over our shared love of books that offer a happy escape and leave us feeling uplifted, not to mention the vast network of readers and authors I’ve connected with through book blogging and reviewing. Thank you for sharing your thoughts Jody!
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