It may seem like a far off topic for me since I don’t write erotica. Shoot, I don’t even write steamy romance! But I do read, and I appreciate all storytelling (when done well). I believe in the ‘to each, her own’ literary philosophy.
This is why it astounds me the number of people who won’t admit they read, and actually enjoy, steam. Not only do they hide their own preferences, they are quick to judge anyone who would read such a book. I’ve come across this with not only erotica, but romance in general. The word sends some people running for the hills!
If this is the case, how is it that the romance genre made up 16.7% of the consumer market for the USA in 2012? That’s the largest percentage for any literary genre. Romance sales are estimated to be worth approximately $1.350 billion this year. [i]
*** Big shout out to our favorite romance experts for that little tidbit of information. ***
Like I mentioned, I don’t write steam (yet). I write about love. I write about relationships, and whatever that might entail. However I choose to display that relationship varies and depends on the characters, the scene, and the way the story will be propelled forward from said scene. It’s not because I’m embarrassed or ashamed to write at a hotter level. I just haven’t reached a point where I find it to be the right option. I salute the amazing authors who do, and do it well. I am proud to say I have quite a few mentors in that area should I decide to take that route.
I suppose to sum up my semi-rant, I’d like to say thank you.
Chances are, if you’re reading a blog called “Smart Girls Read Romance”, you are not a closet reader. We appreciate ALL of our readers, but I’d like to give a special shout out to you and your dedication to reading what you love. You get it. You understand it’s not easy to do what we do. Words do not simply find their way into books while authors sit around with their fingers crossed making a wish, especially when it comes to those love scenes and the storylines that surround them.
Not a single one of us would amount to a hill of beans without you. So I’d like to thank you for reading our work, showing support with reviews and word of mouth, and encouraging us to move forward; to push ourselves to strive for new levels of excellence within our craft. You are very much appreciated and deserve many cupcakes.
[i] http://www.rwa.org/p/cm/ld/fid=580
Excellent post, Kimmie. Well said.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post, Kimmie. Well said.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Beth! It's something that's been lingering in my thoughts lately.
DeleteHappy reading!
Ah, Kimmie, you're preaching to the choir. *g* The romance genre is the only one in which a reader is judged as a person based on her reading taste. Romance readers are often considered less educated, often less intelligent, and unable to distinguish fantasy from reality when just the opposite is usually true.
ReplyDeleteHi, Joan! Yes, it's true. Sad, but true...
DeleteI know what you're saying! I get that kind of stuff all the time for my historical western romances. I do write a bit steamy but not anywhere near erotic.
ReplyDeleteMy debut novel has some 'behind closed doors' romance. This particular piece didn't call for more than that. Yet, I've still heard from some people I should have left it out all together. It's unfortunate....
DeleteExcellent post, Kimmie. I write different heat levels depending on the characters.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Caroline. You have to let the characters be the guide. When it's forced, it doesn't work. The same applies to when it calls for more steam and it's left out; leaving the reader feeling cheated. It varies.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! As a reader, it is helpful to get an insight to what an author struggles with.
ReplyDeleteHi, Karren!
ReplyDeleteI agree. I have only been on the published author side for a short time, but the struggles are definitely present.
Thank you for stopping by and commenting!
Happy reading!
Kimmie