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Romance Books “Black Moments”

I was reading my reviews on amazon the other day (I know, I know, an exercise in masochism I shouldn’t be addicted to), and found one that really made me think. Something about my heroines issuing ultimatums and walking out on their men.

Now, I don’t believe this is true. And if it IS true, it disturbs me because I’m not doing my job right.

I’m primarily a romance writer, and have been with other romance writers in a critique group for mumbledy-mumble years (more than single digits). For us, the hero and heroine should have inner conflicts that will keep them apart, and they will each GROW out of this.

At one point in the book, the black moment, the relationship breaks because one or both can’t change. In my Heart books, more often than not, it is the hero who has the big relationship barrier that he must overcome.

So, to me, this is not the heroine issuing an ultimatum. This is the heroine saying/acting “I will not allow that portion of your dysfunctional self to dictate our relationship. You have to compromise, you don’t get everything your own way.” Then the relationship breaks and the heroine grieves (ok, I don’t like the phrase “walking out on her man.”)

SO, WHAT DO YOU ALL THINK ABOUT “BLACK MOMENTS?” DO THEY STILL WORK IN A ROMANCE?

Most of all, the above comment deflated my spirits because it made me feel like I wasn’t doing my job. If I was doing my job as a writer, the reviewer would understand that the “ultimatums” were irreconcilable differences unless someone changed. I’m not sure how to break my back to fix this, if I have the technique to fix this to the reviewer’s satisfaction. Because, overall, I am happy with the conflicts I’ve set up and think they’re realistic (for my genre). Obviously the reviewer doesn’t identify as much as I would like with my heroines. And, boy, is she going to be unhappy with Heart Quest.

Again, ideas about Black Moments, would be welcomed.

May your reading be ultimately satisfying today.
Robin

8 Responses to “Romance Books “Black Moments””

I live for the black moment!

That’s the point in the book where the word romance really cmes into play, because when this train wreck happens I know that one or both of the characters must start to grow in order for me to get my happily-ever-after ending.

Anyone who sees the black moment as something other that what you’ve described obviously doesn’t understand the genre and IMHO has no business reviewing it. I worked full time as a reviewer for about 3 years and still do the occasional review. I primarily reviewed romance (because the website was designed for romance writers and readers). Anyone who understands the genre will recognize the black moment for what it is — a critical element in the structure of the story.

Again, IMHO, someone who doesn’t understand the genre has no business reviewing it. It would be like asking me to referee at a football game. I don’t know the rules or understand the game. Wouldn’t be fair, would it?

by Marilyn on July 5th, 2006 at 9:30 am
I don’t think a romance novel is complete without a black moment. This is where you find out if one or the other of the characters is mature enough to want to change.

by Estella Kissell on July 5th, 2006 at 3:55 pm
Thanks Marilyn and Estella, good comments that I can add to my information about romance and romance readers.

Robin

by Robin Owens on July 5th, 2006 at 6:04 pm
Hmm. Something I’d point out is that every reader has her own “baggage” that sometimes can impair the way she interprets an event in the book. Even besides that, not everyone “gets it.” So, I would try not to let the review get to you too much. (Yeah, I know, easier said than done. ;))

Personally, I think the “black moment” is necessary in any book. It’s the point at which the main character/s question their choices and ask if it’s really what they want. It’s the point at which they make their irrevocable committment. Without that, I don’t think a story is truly complete, because if their choice cannot stand up to questioning, what does that say for the fate of the romance after the book has ended? (Or am I the only person who thinks about what happens to the characters afterwards?)

by Nonny on July 5th, 2006 at 9:24 pm
Good point, Nonny. I like characters to grow in every book, otherwise what’s the point, they just stay the same and things happen to them?

And I often make up lives for others’ heroes and heroines.

Robin

by Robin Owens on July 5th, 2006 at 10:31 pm
Yes, I agree that the black moment is critical. If it isn’t significant, then the book is weak — the strength of the book depends on the intensity of the black moment. And to me, it is vital that it be caused by internal conflicts, not external.

by Gail Barrett on July 6th, 2006 at 5:46 am
Sounds like the heroine is first to realize that change must be made. Has she already made her change when she realizes this? Or does her change come after his?

Would this reviewer have a different opinion if the hero was first to realize a change must be made?

Sorry. No answers, just questions.

by Sara Walker Howe on July 20th, 2006 at 9:06 am
Usually her change is not as dramatic if it’s the hero who had the BIG change. For instance, in Heart Quest, Trif grows in small spurts, and before the black moment. In my other works, HeartMate — the heroine grows after the Black Moment (but the hero makes the black moment), then the hero grows even after THAT. My brain is mush tonight, but I’d say that the heroine usually completes her arc first.

Re: the reviewer, I have no idea, but I got the idea (s)he didn’t really understand the romance arcs….

Robin

by Robin Owens on July 20th, 2006 at 11:21 pm