I don't actually heart Presents, I love them! But do check out the I Heart Presents website. It has many interesting posts, one of which is my own guest post on November 8th which I totally forgot to link to: You always remember your first! Now I have added an insightful comment on why I don't think reading romances should be called "escape."
You can also learn about the launch of Amazon's Kindle, Alpha men, Amnesia & so much more...check it all out at the I Heart Presents website.
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6 comments:
I do not know that I have ever heard someone defend romance novels as valiantly before! Your insights reminded me of a discussion I had with a fellow who insisted Jane Eyre was "just a romance."
Jane Eyre is not just about romance, I rebutted. It, like its modern day brethren in the romance genre, is about knowing one's self via the learning experiences a relationship offers. In fact, Jane herself has four life altering relationships in the novel: Mrs. Reed, Helen, Mr. Rochester, and Mr. St. John--only one of which can truly be classified as romantic.
Romance shows me that compromise, connection, and hope can bring people together--even those who at first glance might appear to have nothing in common; those who might in fact seem to have cause to despise one another.
In short, romance is about a coming together--a melding of minds and spirits--that we could all benefit from in ways both big and small every day of our lives.
Thank you for bringing up this topic. It is one close to my heart and yet I've never heard it broached before.
Thank you, Charlotte, for articulating so eloquently what reading romances offers us, why it inspires us and the gift it gives.
Thank you for your kindness, Isabel. It's always comforting to encounter a kindred spirit.
I also wanted to let you know how much it meant to me that you stopped by my blog. I enjoyed your story very much.
Best wishes,
Charlotte
PS I promise to stop spamming you now! :-)
Charlotte:
Thought your blog had great advice & interesting information on writing & enjoyed stopping by. It is amazing--and very comforting--to discover like minded people across the nation and around the world.
I really enjoyed your post over at I heart too, Isabel. I was also reminded of something that happened at a recent booksigning when I was asked if all my books had happy endings.
I said, "Absolutely."
She then asked me why.
My response was basically that there was enough negativity in the world and my books are about hope for the future. I do want to be uplifted when I read. And having two characters overcome their personal obstacles to find happiness in a committed relationship seems pretty darned hopeful to me!
Thanks for a great post as always!
Donna: Thank you for stopping by--and for writing those uplifting stories we all treasure!
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