Trivial Romance?

Writers should avoid reading reviews for their own peace of mind. And yet, like passing an accident scene on the highway, we are compelled to look. I’ve been paying attention lately because of a disturbing trend that seems to be developing. It shows up more often in customer reviews on Amazon and other similar places, but can also be found on dedicated book review sites.

The gist of it seems to be that today’s reviewer wants stories which focus solely on the relationship between hero and heroine.  They consider books that include more than this to be something other than romance novels.

They want few descriptions of setting or atmosphere as this gets in the way of what they consider to be the “meat” of the story. Accurate food, clothing, architecture or room furnishing details are seen as unnecessary.

They dislike secondary plots as these take up pages that might be utilized for give and take between hero and heroine.

They don’t want secondary characters unless they further the relationship between the two main characters and/or provide comic relief.

The logical and timely development of the male-female relationship with its attendant sensual tension is not enough. They expect immediate sexual activity, no matter how unlikely that might be within the context of the story or the given personalities of the hero and heroine.

They don’t want explanations of historical events in their historical romances. Never mind that the story plot would make little sense without this background.

Also in historicals, they demand proactive, modern-thinking heroines regardless of the social dictates of the times or likely consequences of inappropriate, even stupid, action.

 

They object to violence in any form, and have little taste for controversy or anything that might require concentrated thought.

They have scant appreciation for theme and often fail to understand the concept. Many seem to have the mistaken notion that theme and story situation are synonymous.

They consider character development to mean altered physical appearance or change in social status rather than mental or emotional growth.

They prefer that the majority of a book’s text be in dialogue between the hero and heroine, and often admit to skipping everything in between.

They like direct sentences with scant use of metaphor and simile, also short paragraphs and common, nonspecific word choices. Symbolism is regarded as pretentious.

What they want, in fact, is a straightforward, “feel good” experience, the simplified version of a romance as represented by Harlequin category books.

The net effect if writers attempt to please these reviewers must be the trivialization of romance novels.

Now, there's nothing wrong with an uplifting read in a shorter length which prevents the use of much beyond the central relationship. I've written these myself, and enjoy reading them on occasion. But to maintain that all romances must follow that pattern or be considered outside the genre is a serious error.

Yes, the male-female relationship -- the eternal love affair that ensures the continuation of human life -- is central to all romantic stories. But it isn’t the only thing that can or should take place in one. Broad, dramatic events, complicated plot lines, vital secondary characters and ingenious secondary plots are just as valid in the romance genre as they are in any other type of fiction.

Literary style in romances should be as varied as the people who write them.

World building with accurate details of time and place  can be, and of often is, an integral part of the romance experience.

A writer’s life view or acquired wisdom about human relationships is as allowable in romance as in any other genre. No theme available to authors of fiction should ever be excluded.

Reviewers need to study the romance genre in depth before imposing their opinions on writers and readers. They should broaden their horizons, look for more than mere light entertainment.

Romance is not and never has been a trivial genre. Let’s not turn it into one.

Irresponsible Reviews

Review, def., Webster’s Unabridged: “to give or write a critical discussion (of a book, play, etc.)”

Critical, def., Webster’s Unabridged: “characterized by careful analysis.”

Most literary reviews these days, whether in print or online, are thoughtful studies of the books they present.  But some are not. A disturbing trend showing up online is for anonymous, high-decibel opinion pieces masquerading as reviews. Marked by casual grammar, vicious language and an abundance of exclamation points, these posts make no attempt at balanced story analysis. They simply attack the work, and the author, that’s been chosen for special disdain.

Everyone is entitled to an opinion, of course; they are also entitled to put that opinion online. But holding a writer’s work up to extended scorn is cyber-bullying of the worst kind. No author’s work, good, bad or indifferent, deserves that treatment. Add that authors are prevented by tradition from challenging such comments, and the problem is compounded.  

Yet my main concern here is the lack of responsibility. Veteran authors can shrug off unfavorable mention, but beginners lack the thick skin that allows it. Ultra sensitive beginners—and what new author is not super-sensitive?—are all too likely to internalize poisonous comments as truth. Do these bloggers not care who they hurt or the harm they do to budding careers? Have they no concept of the possible consequences? Will they have to be named in a suicide note before they stop?

Something to think about next time you run across one of these posts.

Jennifer Blake Newsletter - July

Greetings:

Summer is truly with us here in the Deep South, with days of temps above the 100°F mark. Time to go inside, shut the door, and hope the air conditioning doesn’t quit. I used to say I’d have written more books if I lived in a frigid winter climate, but, on second thought, I’m not sure. Extreme heat from mid-June to mid-September actually drives us inside in the same way.

I was in Ft. Myers, FL for a week last month, hanging out with my daughter, Lindy, and her two girls, also watching the younger, Robyn, graduate summa cum laude. It was a lovely, lazy time, talking, laughing, walking the beach on Sanibel Island or just sitting with chilled drink in hand, listening to the rattle of the palm trees. Everyone needs a break now and then.

But after this trip, the one to New York in May and the Caribbean cruise in April, I won’t be taking a summer vacation. Well, other than escaping the heat by heading to our summer place in the mountains of Colorado, where we go every year. The main reason for staying close to computer and laptop is the summer publication of the Three Graces trilogy. Blog posts and other promotional efforts will fill my days from now until late September.

My author’s copies for Book 1, BY HIS MAJESTY’S GRACE, were delivered this past Friday. These usually show up a couple of weeks before the books are put on the shelves. The original publication date was set for July 27, then changed to the 26th, and is now the 19th. At least the book will go on sale some time in the second half of this month. If you see it in stores, drop me a note? Send to: jenniferblake001@bellsouth.net

Reviews for BHMG have been coming in, with six or seven appearing so far. All are favorable, thank goodness! RT Book Reviews gave it a Top Pick! 4 ½ stars review, saying:

“With her distinctive voice, Blake sets her tale during the reign of Henry VII and sweeps the reader into the precarious lifestyle of battle-scarred knights, court intrigue, scandals and treachery. The sexually charged chemistry between her hero and heroine makes the first of the Three Graces trilogy an exciting, emotion-filled and unforgettable story.”

Eye on Romance posted:

“Set in 1486 England, By His Majesty’s Grace takes place in a new historical era for beloved award winning author Jennifer Blake. Her masterful writing and exquisite sense of pacing shine in this novel, bringing several elements together in one perfectly executed story. Blake includes a great deal of the background of the Tudor family as the story progresses, especially in regard to King Henry VII’s rise to power. Historical detail is abundant and well placed, and Blake’s breadth of research and knowledge is remarkable. The backdrop of a fascinating period in history along with a true whodunit mystery and a tender romance combine to make By His Majesty’s Grace a stunning entrée to a new sub-genre for Blake. Be sure to watch for the two remaining offerings in The Three Graces series, “By Grace Possessed” in August and “Seduced by Grace” in September, which will tell the stories of Isabel’s sisters, Cate and Marguerite.”

Links to additional reviews have been added to the FaceBook page created for the books and called simply The Three Graces Trilogy. If you happen to take a look, it would be helpful if you could click to “Like” the page. Thanks much in advance.

In conjunction with the book release, I will be the featured author for Harlequin’s August Reader to Reader Newsletter. A short article and photo will appear in this publication which goes out with books sold through direct marketing. Also, I’ll be showcased in an Author Spotlight on the RT Book Reviews web site, with an article about how I came to write the Three Graces trilogy and also a short excerpt from the book. I’ve done an online interview with Connie Cox, as well, a writer who frequently has guest author spots on her web site. This series of questions and answers will go public when the new book begins to appear. Look for it around July 19th at: http://www.conniecox.com

Speaking of interviews, I’ll be conducting one for a change. On July 5, I’ll post an online interview with my niece who writes as Phoenix Sullivan. An indie author of great talent and vibrant imagination, she recently e-published her first novel, an Arthurian Saga titled SPOIL OF WAR. For an in depth look at her background and writing life, check out the interview that will be posted on July 5th at: http://jenniferblakejournal.blogspot.com

Meanwhile, the quintessential Stars-and-Stripes summer holiday is looming. In honor of the Fourth, we will grill hamburgers, sausage and chicken, make potato salad and cut a watermelon or two. Afterward, as dusk falls, we’ll take to the boats to view the annual fireworks display held here on the lake. Family, food, fun and tradition, what could be more all American?

With warmest wishes for a happy Fourth, and all the good things of summer,

Jennifer Blake

http://twitter.com/JenniferBlake01

http://www.facebook.com/jennifer.blake#!/profile.php?id=100000468533638

The Jennifer Blake Newsletter - March 2011

Greetings:

So much has been going on here recently that I’m not sure where to start except to take things more or less in order. First up was the reprint of FIERCE EDEN by Sourcebooks in their Casablanca Classics program of presenting romance novels from the classic period of romance in trade-size editions. Reviews for the book have been heart-warming with many sites awarding it top honors of 4 ½ or 5 stars. A selection can be found at these web addresses:

http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-fierce-eden-by-jennifer-blake/

http://www.nightowlromance.com/nor/Reviews/Danya-reviews-Fierce-Eden-by-Jennifer-Blake.aspx

http://mindingspot.blogspot.com/2011/02/fierce-eden-by-jennifer-blake.html

http://www.suite101.com/content/historical-romance-fiction-book-review--fierce-eden-a337219

http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=28008

http://saveyspender.com/2011/02/10/fierce-eden-book-review/

http://debsbookbag.blogspot.com/2011/02/review-fierce-eden.html



A great “5 book” review was also posted at the Long and Short Reviews web site, where readers voted FIERCE EDEN the Best Book of the Week for February 6 – 12. The review and special button showing its winning status are here: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2011/02/fierce-eden-by-jennifer-blake.html

For work in progress, I completed the second round of pen-and-ink self editing/polishing for SEDUCED BY GRACE, book 3 in the medieval Three Graces trilogy that will be out later this year. Though I still have to transfer the corrections and additions from paper to computer, it looks as if I’ll easily make my editorial deadline of April 1. The closer I get to the final The End, the more I like this book, which is always a nice feeling. As this is the last book in my current contract, I’m looking forward to a few weeks of R & R after I zap it off to my editor.

A side note: book 1 of the new trilogy, BY HIS MAJESTY’S GRACE is already available for preorder on Amazon.com. It won’t ship until late July, but readers can reserve their copies. Last time I looked, Amazon had no cover art available for the title. I posted the covers for the trilogy to a Facebook album last week, so my “friends” there got an advance look at them. I’ll add these to the Photo section of this Yahoo group soon, so you’ll have a sneak peek, too. If you’d like to join me on Facebook, just do a “search” for Jennifer Blake. Several people have that name, but I’ll be only one with a book cover for my profile photo!

Meanwhile, the Three Graces trilogy has been sold in Turkey. I was in Istanbul year before last while on a Mediterranean cruise. It’s a great pleasure to think of my books being read in this lovely old city beside the Bosporus.

I can’t remember if I told you that TRIUMPH IN ARMS, final book of the Masters at Arms series, has been nominated as Best Historical Romance 2010 in the Romantic Adventure category by Romantic Times Book Review Magazine. This award will be presented to the winner at the RT convention in Los Angeles next month. In addition, I received my author’s copies of the hardcover library and large print edition of TRIUMPH IN ARMS this past week. That means it’s out there now in this additional format.

For some time I’ve been posting a “Writing Tip of the Day” to the blog on my web site. I’m now coming up on Tip #250, and will actually post that one tomorrow. The current subject is Dialogue. The next will be Manuscript Preparation, the dos and don’ts of preparing professional-looking manuscripts. You can view these at: http://jenniferblakejournal.blogspot.com/

On the subject of blogs, I’ll be posting a new one on March 9 to the Mira Author Blog on the Harlequin web site. The title for it will be “10 Tips for Productive Writing.” Check it out here: http://community.eharlequin.com/content/mira-author-blog

On March 11 -12, I’ll be at the NOLA Stars conference, the annual writing conference for the North Louisiana branch of Romance Writers of America. I’m not speaking or giving a workshop this year, but have donated a basket of writing-themed goodies to the silent auction to be held during the weekend, and also a personal critique for a synopsis. You’ll need to be present to bid on these and the other great items, as well as to enjoy the super workshops and speakers. A Barnes and Noble book signing with several authors from NOLA will be a part of the conference as well. FMI: http://www.nolastars.com/nola-stars-conference

I’ve also contributed an autographed book and hand-knitted lace scarf in turquoise/aqua shades of silk and wool to Brenda Novak’s annual auction for the benefit of diabetes research. These things will be included in a basket of books and hand-crafted items gathered by author Winnie Griggs, a fantastic collection from romance authors who are also do handicrafts. FMI: http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/Home.taf

And, speaking of autograph sessions, I’ll be signing books at Book Expo America in New York on Wednesday, May 25th. At this session, advance copies of BY HIS MAJESTY GRACE will be given away to booksellers. The invitation-only event is by arrangement with my publisher, Mira Books, and should be great fun.

While all this has been going on, the unusually cold weather here in Louisiana has slowly warmed to something near normal, or even a bit above. Daffodils and narcissus are blooming, along with maples, pears, plums and redbud trees. The grass is beginning to show a haze of green, as are the weeping willow trees at the lake’s edge. What grand timing, to be almost done with my book and contract just in time for my favorite season of the year. It couldn’t have worked out better if I’d planned it that way!

With warmest wishes for a well-timed spring wherever you are,

Jennifer