Love songs vs. romance novels
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Question: Why is it okay for people to write love songs and not okay for people to write books about love?
I don't get it. Romance novels continue to be trashed by literary (or "litterary") types, yet they probably own at least one love song -- and listen to it over and over again.
And why do people listen to love songs? To feel good. And why do people read romance novels? To feel good.
So what makes one so wrong and the other something to be celebrated? Did I miss the memo or something? All of this stems from a conversation I had with an acquaintance about going to the RWA convention in San Fran. She asked what RWA stood for, so I told her:
BONNIE: The Romance Writers of America.
DUMBASS: Oh.
BONNIE: Is that a problem for you?
DUMBASS: Oh no, I just didn't think you wrote romances. I thought you wrote funny stuff.
BONNIE: I do. Love can be totally hilarious.
DUMBASS: Yeah, well, you know what I mean.
BONNIE: No, I don't.
DUMBASS: Well, romances are nice and all, but don't you want to write a real book?
BONNIE: Pardon me?
And then I kicked her in the head.
Okay, I didn't. But I wanted to. Seriously. Next time someone tries to tell me that romance novels aren't "real," I'll ask them if they feel we should take Sir Elton John's knighthood away. Just because he wasted his time working on "those types of songs."
Discuss.
I don't get it. Romance novels continue to be trashed by literary (or "litterary") types, yet they probably own at least one love song -- and listen to it over and over again.
And why do people listen to love songs? To feel good. And why do people read romance novels? To feel good.
So what makes one so wrong and the other something to be celebrated? Did I miss the memo or something? All of this stems from a conversation I had with an acquaintance about going to the RWA convention in San Fran. She asked what RWA stood for, so I told her:
BONNIE: The Romance Writers of America.
DUMBASS: Oh.
BONNIE: Is that a problem for you?
DUMBASS: Oh no, I just didn't think you wrote romances. I thought you wrote funny stuff.
BONNIE: I do. Love can be totally hilarious.
DUMBASS: Yeah, well, you know what I mean.
BONNIE: No, I don't.
DUMBASS: Well, romances are nice and all, but don't you want to write a real book?
BONNIE: Pardon me?
And then I kicked her in the head.
Okay, I didn't. But I wanted to. Seriously. Next time someone tries to tell me that romance novels aren't "real," I'll ask them if they feel we should take Sir Elton John's knighthood away. Just because he wasted his time working on "those types of songs."
Discuss.
posted by Bonnie Staring at 10:57 PM
8 Comments:
No! She did NOT say that to you, whoever she is. I love that you're going to RWA...from what I hear it's amazing and full of energy and fun and LOVE! I think you should write what you love to read and what you love to write - and then it will be the best book you can write! And think of how many people LOVE romance novels! Those are people just waiting to read your book!!! And I'll for sure read it. Can't wait.
That is a great analogy. I admit, despite my love for "those types of books", I call them "trashy romances" as a defense mechanism from that sort of conversation.
There's such a stigma regarding genre fic in general. I don't see why the enthusiasm for books that make you want to kill yourself by the end of them because everyone is so freaking depressed, even if it is "literary".
BRILLIANT analogy!! I'm going to steal it and call it my own... BWAHAHAHAHAHA
Give me your friend's name. I'm happy to kick em in the head for you :)
Chantel: Wow, you've made my week! I'm very excited about RWA...if only I could decide on what I'm gonna wear. ;)
Garnigal: I'm with you. Plus, it's really hard to read when you're crying...and the pages get wet.
Wylie: Don't you dare! Oh, that's about stealing the idea, not the kicking in the head. LOL
Yeah I get that all the time.
Once, someone said to me "Well, at least someone's reading your books."
He prompty went off to listen to James Blunt over and over. It was my boss, so I booked an annoying client for him 4:30 on a Friday. Muwahahahahaha
I love Romance, mainstream is good, but there's just something about Romance and HEA that just relaxes me and makes me feel so good.
I totally agree Amy. And I hope that client was really, really annoying. Whew! Thank goodness I'm still on your good side. LOL
That's sort of like the comment the past president of a a writers' group I USED to belong to said: "Romances are written by and for people with an eighth grade education."
No wonder why I don't belong to that group anymore ...
Great speech today, by the way, Bonnie!
Oh Leah, that group just don't know what itz missin', is all I can say. Uh-huh.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
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