I love romance novels too (and ravishment... huge kink of mine. not to be confused with rape), but I think that even with bodice-ripper romance, there are subgenres and everyone has their own preferred "flavor" of romance (regency, contemporary, fireman, widows, religious, time-jump, vampires etc). I *loved* Coming Home, but An Affair to Remember made me feel slightly queasy and embarrassed for the characters. But I don't think this means I have to turn in my "I-love-Romance" card! (I hope. I mean, I can still read Julie Garwood in earnest, which I feel should count for a lot.)
There is something wonderful about the earnestness of a romance novel... even the ones that have sarcastic and clever characters. The universe in a romance novel clings to the idea that love will conquer all. I remember reading about a publisher translating their romance novels for Japan, and the most important characteristic the new fans loved about these imports? The happy ending. (This is actually a huge draw for me in astolat's fic--I can trust her for joy and love conquering all and a happy ending, but not a cheap one.)
I don't think that most Romance (pro novels or fanfic) are serius bizness, but... so what? Most stories, even the ones we love--nevermind most fic--don't encompass life, the universe and everything. Should I mock a mystery for always being so predictable with those murders and then figuring out what happens in the end? It's even sillier when I think (memory of these stats vague) Romance novels account for something like a third of all paperback sales.
Basically, I always suspect that it's a deep down thing planted in our brains by society because Romance novels are for *girls.* They're predictable, we always know how it's going to end etc etc... I could say the same about a football game, which has rules and the obvious, predictable end, but no one makes fun of football. (not to dis football, or that it's the most prefect analog, just that it seems most male-associated hobbies/activities are fine, but female-associated ones are silly etc etc)
And, hm, this comment was longer than I meant it to be...
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There is something wonderful about the earnestness of a romance novel... even the ones that have sarcastic and clever characters. The universe in a romance novel clings to the idea that love will conquer all. I remember reading about a publisher translating their romance novels for Japan, and the most important characteristic the new fans loved about these imports? The happy ending. (This is actually a huge draw for me in astolat's fic--I can trust her for joy and love conquering all and a happy ending, but not a cheap one.)
I don't think that most Romance (pro novels or fanfic) are serius bizness, but... so what? Most stories, even the ones we love--nevermind most fic--don't encompass life, the universe and everything. Should I mock a mystery for always being so predictable with those murders and then figuring out what happens in the end? It's even sillier when I think (memory of these stats vague) Romance novels account for something like a third of all paperback sales.
Basically, I always suspect that it's a deep down thing planted in our brains by society because Romance novels are for *girls.* They're predictable, we always know how it's going to end etc etc... I could say the same about a football game, which has rules and the obvious, predictable end, but no one makes fun of football. (not to dis football, or that it's the most prefect analog, just that it seems most male-associated hobbies/activities are fine, but female-associated ones are silly etc etc)
And, hm, this comment was longer than I meant it to be...