This past week I was interviewed by a reporter for a local newspaper. Funny thing, as part of his questions he asked why do people read romance and who are they? For me, this need not be a question, but I realized that he, like so many others, have biases regarding who reads romance and what romance novels are all about. After the interview I recognized that my career depends of this courageous group of women and men, who still have to deal with snide comments and remarks, implying one is not reading ‘real’ novels. So here are five reasons why I love romance readers:
1. I love the fact that they are voracious readers! They read different sub-genres and are very ambitions. Many read from paranormal to historical romance allowing authors to be creative in their writing styles.
2. They are loyal readers! To authors, romance readers are gold.
3. Intelligent readers! 42% have bachelor’s degrees or higher (source: RWA)
4. Romance readers drive mass market books. 52% of mass market books sold are romances.
5. Lastly, they believe in happy endings!
Thanks to all of you for keeping romance alive, no matter what others say.
Dara
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Thank you. We all appreciate your kind words. Have a great week everyone.
by Pat L
on July 9th, 2007 at 6:24 am
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THANK YOU!!!! Your words are welcome and kind. As a reader and writer of romance, I agree with the happy ending. There is enough trama and hard times in really life, when I read or write I try to escape and romance gives me that.
by Patty L
on July 9th, 2007 at 9:33 am
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I do the same thing when people ask about romance novels, I stress that we want to escape into a good story that gives us hope. Life is tough enough. Who needs to read gloomy, depressing books?
by Gail Barrett
on July 9th, 2007 at 10:49 am
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All of the authors deserve big thank yous from we readers!
by Susan
on July 9th, 2007 at 11:26 am
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Patty L - what name do you write under? What type of romance books do you write?
by Pat L
on July 9th, 2007 at 12:14 pm
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Hi Pat L:
I am not published, yet. I proposed a contemporary story that I have been working on to an editor and she has asked for the full copy, so I am busting my butt to finish it. I recently had back surgery so I have been out of commission for about a month. The story I am working on is about a professional football player who is served with paternity papers after a supposed one night stand. If he could remember that night, everything would be smoother. Deciding to hide from the limelight till he figures out what is going on, he stays with his sister, just outside of Knoxville. Unfortunately, the only girl (his sister’s best friend) that has ever stolen his heart lives there also with her daughter (and his, he just doesn’t know that).
I hope this story may interest you, I would love to hear your comments. You can email me at lacey2002@md.metrocast.net if you would like. I think that we met at the Lori Foster Get Together.
by Patty L
on July 9th, 2007 at 4:10 pm
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What a wonderful post. It’s nice to talk about the good stuff instead of the bad. I truly appreciate your words.
Patty, I didn’t realize you had back surgery - I knew you were in some pain at the get-together but I didn’t realize it was so serious. I hope you’re feeling much better. Oh, and good luck with your story, it sounds pretty good. Maybe next year you’ll be doing a signing :)
by Stacy ~
on July 10th, 2007 at 5:58 am
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Great reasons to love romance readers, Dara! We’re a great bunch of women. I’m speaking as a reader of the genre. ;-) I got a cool t-shirt at the RWA conference in Reno that said “Smart Women Read Romnce — I Write It.” It’s my favorite t-shirt. 
Great post.
Gwyneth
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I am thrilled that all of you related to this posting!
Gwyneth, love the idea of the T-shirt! I am sure you wear it proudly.
Patty, I would like to encourage you to keep going with your writing career, no matter what.
And to the rest of you, I just want you to know that your responses prove that romance readers are a wonderful group of people.
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Thanks Dara for the encouragement. Somedays I need it more than usual. LOL
by Patty L
on July 11th, 2007 at 11:03 am
