The
Sophistication of the Romance Novel
By Cheryl Bolen
Just as an adolescent with a foul mouth and too much makeup can
blossom into a fine adult, the fledgling romance novels of the early
eighties have refined and evolved into a respected fiction genre as we
approach the Y2K. Some of the early romance writers who relied more on
raging hormones than talent would be hard pressed to find a publisher in
today's sophisticated romance market.
Take a look in the romance section of your favorite bookstore. The
once-popular bodice ripping covers have given way to tasteful
"icon" covers sporting a single rose or a medieval sword over
a drape of lace.
Nearly every single romance editor I queried said there is no rule
governing "requisite" sex scenes at their houses. In fact, at
my own house--Harlequin Historical--there is absolutely no sex scene
required at all though many authors include sex scenes to fully explore
the relationship between the hero and heroine.
If you're like I used to be, you have a vision of the typical
romance reader as an oversexed, bored housewife who sits around reading
smaltzy love stories. Nothing could be farther from the truth.
Statistics show that 68 percent of romance readers are college educated,
and 55 percent of them have jobs outside the home.
In an effort to dispel the bad rep given romance novels, the
Romance Writers of America--an 8,000-plus member organization--has
launched an advertising campaign which shows real people from real life
reading romance. These real people include a male airline pilot, a
female pediatrician who is the mother of three, a Harvard cell
biologist, a Superior Court Judge, a petroleum engineer, and NFL lineman
Mark Smith.
Why do all these people read romance? One of every two books
purchased is a romance. There is a reason for it.
While all romance novels revolve around the relationship between
the hero and heroine and all feature a happy ending, the similarities
end there. Subjects can range from contemporary to historical, from
religious inspirational to paranormal which run the gamut from vampires
to time travels.
All of the novelists know the essentials of craft, of honing a
good story. Some have a message, some purely provide entertainment.
Perhaps what makes the popularity of romance continue to increase
is that in romance novels--as in the classic cowboy movies--good
triumphs over evil. While neither the hero nor heroine are without
flaws, they always end up being noble.
Heroines are never promiscuous. Sex is used only to strengthen the
relationship between the hero and heroine.
I would estimate half of the 182 million romance books sold in
1996 did not have any sex scenes in them. If I had a 12-year-old
daughter I would not hesitate to allow her to read one of the squeaky
clean lines like Harlequin Romance. She'd learn about people from all
walks of life, she'd learn about making the right choices, and she'd
learn about relationships where there is true commitment. And, lastly,
her hunger for happy endings would be indulged.
This article was first published in Houston Writer in February
1999.