If you ever write a romance novel, you will at some point experience the disdain and condescension of those who dislike the genre. Every seasoned Romance Author has had it happen, and unfortunately, this phenomenon will probably follow the genre forever.

Again With the Stigma? Really?

It could be as benign as an off the cuff remark from a friend or family member. “I read your book and it was great, and I don’t even like those types of books!”

            Wow, thanks. Glad I could provide the exception to the rule for you.

            Tip #1: If you like a book, say so, regardless of genre. Don’t qualify your statement. Don’t worry about someone judging you for what you read. What are they going to do, take away your reading privileges?

            Or, it might be a snarky comment on a social media post. I recently saw a post where a woman wanted to organize a book club, and immediately the romance-haters came out, complete with their arsenal of trash-terms, such as “mommy porn” and “Fabio”. When I politely mentioned that Fabio has not been associated with romance novels for over twenty-five years, I got no response from the poster.

Tip # 2: If you don’t read a genre, don’t insult the people who do. I never read horror novels, but if you enjoy them? I am happy for you. It does not detract from my reading enjoyment at all.

Romance Author Pride

Sigh. Despite the prejudices, and at the risk of being ridiculed by a certain portion of the population, I chose to write steamy Contemporary Romances. Why would I do that?

I chose to write romance novels because Romance is my favorite genre to read (and I have read widely, in various genres), but it goes much deeper than that. The following list details the reasons why I write romance, and I say this proudly and without reservation. I even posted a series of videos on Tik Tok recently, describing them (follow me at @reneeregentauthor).

9 Reasons Why I Love to Write Romance

1. I love hearing how real-life couples got together, especially when there is an element of fate to it. When you meet people, doesn’t that question ever come up? “How did you two meet?” As an author, I get to make up all sorts of karmic love matches!

2. I love first kiss scenes. You always remember your first kiss as a couple. Whether it was awkward, funny, or magical, it is a milestone moment. Describing that moment for each couple, and making it unique to them, is awesome.

3. I love the push and pull of the characters trying to resist one another, either physically or emotionally. Usually both! The snarky banter, the flirting, the buildup of tension. It sounds easy, but to do this with the proper pacing takes skill, leading up to the big moment when they finally give in.

4. I love pairing different people with opposite goals. It is more than just “opposites attract”, though that is a worthy trope. Both the internal and external differences must be explored and overcome. Slowly, the relationship between the characters becomes more important than the other obstacles, as they bond and share a common goal—being together.

5. I love writing that moment when they finally…become as close as they can be. Just as memorable as a first kiss, with a lot more heat. I write steamy romances, so the “door” is open, but mine are not overly graphic. Romances are written with varying heat levels, from no spice to extra spicy. That way, readers can find the level of intimacy they are comfortable with. And as a side note—the spicy scenes in my books are part of the character’s growth arc, and happen in the story organically.

6. I love exploring the emotional baggage and having the couple find their way through it all, to be with each other. The emotional journey is the heart of any romance novel. My readers have told me the emotions shown are what they love about my books, even when the characters make them want to throw their e-reader across the room! I have always naturally tried to figure out what motivates people to do the things they do, and this gives me an outlet for that curiosity.

7. One of the criticisms of the romance genre is the rule that romance novels must have a happy ending. And how that is bad? Other genres have conventions—in a mystery novel, you know the mystery will be solved at the end. Even sad-ending stories in other genres can be enjoyable to read, but the reader may not know it will end that way. However, the payoff in a romance novel is guaranteed. Yes, we absolutely know the main characters will end up together, but it’s HOW they get there that makes the story. And that is the challenge of writing a romance novel—how to get them to the HEA.

8. Tropes and subgenres—the romance genre has many common tropes and subgenres catering to niche readers, and the list evolves and grows over time. Tropes are like a template of situations—enemies to lovers, second chance, fake fiancée, etc. Using that structure, an author can imagine all sorts of variations while still meeting reader expectations. And the subgenre niches change in popularity, providing more fodder for story ideas. Outsiders see Romance as one genre, but it has many layers. The genre as a whole has grown exponentially and has been the best-selling genre of all for many years now, and authors catering to these changing tastes is one reason why.

9. Which brings me to my final reason for loving what I do. The readers! Romance readers are voracious, many reading a book or more per day. They are loyal to authors they love, and have been more than willing to take a chance on indie authors (independently self-published, and no, it is not the same as vanity publishing.) They also tend to leave reviews, share book recommendations, and support their favorite authors on social media. I cannot speak for authors of other genres, so comment if you like about your experience with readers. But knowing my books have been enjoyed by others is an important part of being an author, and romance readers are a very responsive group.

So there you have it—I am out, loud and proud. I plan to explore other genres at some point in my author career, but for now, having that central relationship between two characters in the backdrop of the plot/setting/subgenre is the thread that keeps the story moving. If you are a romance reader or author, I’d love to hear why romance is your chosen genre.

“Sizzling heat, surprise twists, and all the feels” is my Romance author tagline. And I could not agree more!

 I can be contacted at www.reneeregent.com