Taking Chase is out in print today. This makes me very happy. I loved writing it and I love Cassie and Shane as a couple. I love writing romance. All kinds of romance from sensual to downright scorching and I love to read romance from all spectrums. Sometimes, I wish spines weren’t imprinted with genre labels because inevitably people will see that and build expectations and be disappointed.
I was thinking about romance and the things I’ve read lately about romance - from Maureen Dowd’s dismissively insulting op ed piece in the New York Times to some of the things around the web about what a romance is and isn’t and what makes an erotic romance erotic, etc.
It gets back to something I said recently at RTB about perception. We all read a book from our own perceptions. It’s a matter of what we like and don’t like, what our experiences are and what our biases and filters are. Some people look at the Sookie Stackhouse books for instance and think they’re romances while I look at them and see them as paranormals with romantic sub-plots. Doesn’t stop me from reading them, I like them very much, but my perception colors my opinion and expectations.
One person’s best romance ever is another person’s DNF. And IMO, that is what makes the world so interesting. That two people can view the exact same thing in such a different way. I think that’s worth celebrating.
Congrats on Taking Chase being out in print! This is a fantastic series and I can’t wait for the next book!
I agree with what you’re saying about the changing genres and the blurring of lines. Personally, I love the variety of choices in romance these days. There is always something interesting to read.
But labelling has become slightly confused and sometimes books labelled romance are a bit lacking in that area. Not that it makes the book any less enjoyable, but it does set up certain expectations that lead to disappointment when they’re not met.
I’ve read books that have gotten great reviews and wondered what the heck the reviewer was thinking. On the other hand, I’ve read poorly reviewed books which have become favorites. A review is still only one persons opinion. If you don’t like the book you’ve just read that are literally hundreds of new ones per month to try.
So many books, so little time.
by NJ Walters February 20th, 2007 at 6:44 pmCongrats on the print release of Taking Chase
I totally agree about perceptions. There are some books out there that everyone raves about and I’m left shaking my head, and contrarily there are books I love that reviewers and others disparage. It’s all about personal likes and dislikes and the baggage we bring with us as readers.
by Shelley Munro February 21st, 2007 at 1:00 pmHey lady,
Yep, I agree with you on the whole perception thing. My perception is what’s real to me, but I don’t expect anyone to jump on my bandwagon just because I said so. It may work with my kids, but it don’t work wit’ nobody else!
I’m with NJ on the available genres. I love variety and I read all kinds of stuff, not just romance. Which reminds me, I need to send ya somethin’ …
by TJ February 22nd, 2007 at 2:01 pmSometimes I think having any label at all makes it worse!
Thanks everyone for the congrats!!
by Lauren February 22nd, 2007 at 5:53 pm