Romance

Romance is defined as a feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love.

On several occasions I’ve been asked why I write in the romance genre. This is especially interesting when it comes from people that know me personally; and know my historic failures in my own personal romances.

I can’t give a more profound answer. I am simply I’m in love with love. I have had moments where I’ve been cynical about love. Most of these come after one of my many failures. However, I love the racing heart and the butterflies in the stomach. I love the endorphins and the smile that spreads across my face when someone is romancing me. Who wouldn’t love that?

In researching about writing and publishing, one piece of advice that I heard a lot of was write what you know. Now, I tend to agree and disagree with this advice. I think with enough research, we can “know” quite a lot of things. I would never claim to be an expert in romance, but, being a romantic at heart, I think I’m qualified to write it. Or maybe at least write what I feel it should be. And don’t think I’m not aware that some of the events that happen in books are way beyond unrealistic. It IS fantasy, but it’s nice to think there are real people out there that might be inclined to go the distance to win the love of another. I personally know maybe one or two men that would go to great lengths to romance their ladies, and it fills my heart with hope that one day I’ll get to experience the kind of romance that will put anything I make up in my stories to shame.

I thought long and hard about entering this genre before jumping in. The romance field is saturated and spans many categories. It’s fascinating to me how diverse the subject is.

The Romance Writers of America compiled some interesting facts to consider. I’m sure it’s no surprise that women make up to 84% of romance book buyers. Most of these are aged between 30 and 54 years old.

Fifty-three percent of romance sales in print format are in the suspense sub-genre. Topping the e-book sub-genre is erotica. I can’t say that I’m surprised by that at all. This subject is becoming less taboo as it becomes more popular in the main stream. (Fifty Shades of Grey, anyone?) I would guess that this is highest in e-book format due to the fact no one can actually see the book you're reading.

So, I think my freshman attempt in publishing in romance, was not such a bad idea. I have plans to expand my writing into fantasy/magical fiction and some vampire fiction at some point. However, I am pretty sure that they will all still have romance as a major plot point.

What can I say? I’m a hopeless romantic, after all.

Thanks for stopping by!

Shonna