Genre Misconceptions – Have You Ever Been Wrong?
“Thoughtful Ramblings” is a feature where we discuss bookish subjects. These posts are just our own thoughts about certain topics that may get us hot under the collar and we need a good rant or just things we want to share with fellow bloggers and readers.
Genre Misconceptions – Have You Ever Been Wrong?
Have you ever been so wrong about a genre, you just wish you could take it all back? Well, that’s just happened to me, a few weeks ago actually. Let’s start from the beginning…
When I was 10, after reading lots of Judy Blume and Nancy Drew, I felt I was grown up enough to start reading adult books and the first I plucked from my mums bookshelf was ‘Liverpool Daisy’ by Helen Forrester. I loved it, it was so very different from Judy Blume (as you can imagine) and read all her novels back to back, (if you haven’t read her autobiographical trilogy then do!) I then moved on to Catherine Cookson and other authors in the same genre, which is more ‘saga’ than ‘romance’ and Agatha Christie. It took me a year to read most of their back lists and then one day my mum placed Jane Eyre in my hands… well, I fell in love! The romance, the time period, the writing…
I proceeded to read all the novels by the Bronte sisters and Jane Austen and devoured as many classics as I could. Then in my mid-teens I picked up my first horror: Dracula by Bram Stoker, (which is still one of my favourite books, ever!). This lead me to Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Anne Rice and about ten years ago, urban fantasy, and Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake. I hadn’t read anything like it before and I fell in love… again.
Now, I am a reader who gives anything a go, whether it be genre, subject matter, writing style. I’m up for new experiences. So, it surprises me that there is one particular genre I have stayed away from: Romance. I think the reason I avoided this genre was mostly due to the fear of leaving the kick-arse chick I loved so much in UF to be confronted with a weak and pathetic heroine who can’t live life without a man – no thank you! But where I obtained the idea that all romance heroines were victims I can’t honestly say, but it was strong enough to keep me away. It was also enough to make me negative about the genre, to others, even though I’d never read it, which I am embarrassed to admit, and so sorry now.
To be honest, the more I think about it, the more I am perplexed why I had misgivings for the romance genre. I am SUCH a romantic at heart – I adore Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre, two of my favourite books and I love watching romance movies. Where was the young girl who’s heart broke for Catherine and Heathcliff, who swooned over Mr Darcy?
Having read a lot of Urban Fantasy and Horror over the years, I have wanted to try something different for a while. Since blogging I have seen how much the ‘Romance’ genre is loved, even by book bloggers I completely respect. So, was I just not ‘getting it’? Was I missing out?
So I decided to put my doubts aside and try a romance novel. I sent out a twitter request asking for the best romance authors, as I had absolutely no clue where to begin, and I received lots of recommendations. The main book that kept coming up was Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase and was vehemently recommended by Ana (aka books smuggler). So, I bought it. And to my utter amazement, I *LOVED* it!
Since then I’ve been book buying like a crazy person and have read nothing but romance! I have been reading mainly historical romances as I just love the time period and the way the characters speak. I can honestly say that I am enjoying the experience. I’m sure at some point I will come across a heroine who is too stupid to live, but disappointment happens in every genre. I just can’t believe I waited so long – now I am finding that I have to read every single romance book in sight! At this rate we are going to have to move – to give me more room for all the new books of course!
What I have also realised is ‘Romance’ is not ‘Chick-Lit’, which is another misconception of mine, and, after a chick-lit “phase” in the summer 2008, have pretty much exhausted my interest for this genre, so this didn’t help matters. Romance I now realise is different because it’s the actual ‘romance’ that’s the story; it tugs at the heart strings, makes my heart flutter, causes me to sigh longingly and make sounds like “Ahhhh” and “Awww”, then look at the hubster through narrowed eyes thinking “hey, why d’you not do dat?” Let’s just say, I am in love… again.
So, have you ever been completely wrong about a genre? Have you tried a genre you thought you would hate only for it to become one of your favourites?
29 Comments
I can't tell you how happy I am that you started reading (and loving) romance since I pretty much can't live without it (and people don't consider me romantic in any way).
It's not all I read but I need my dosage regularly.
Regarding misconceptions, I think I might have them when it comes to zombies – I still haven't read a single one but I cannot for the life of me understand how can a book featuring a zombie hero be good.
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Actually, I used to think that sci-fi and fantasy novels were for boys, but then I gave Anne Rice a try and after "Interview with a Vampire", I began to devour fantasy books, as well as some sci-fi. Now, I just LOVE the fantasy genre! Vampires, ghosts, werewolves, witches, etc. Bring it on!;)
I think you started a great topic.
P.S. I have an award for you on my blog, here: http://thismisslovestoread.blo.....award.html
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Super post!
I have a slightly different slant on this. When I first started writing I only wrote fantasy. I wrote and wrote (oh how I wrote) but didn't really get anywhere until I realised that all my stories had a very strong romance theme running through them. When I shifted focus to that my writing just fell into place.
My novels and novellas since then are a combination – fantasy romance, paranormal romance etc – and I try to keep that balance. Both romance plot and fantasy plot seem to need each other.
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Excellent post!
So, have you ever been completely wrong about a genre? Have you tried a genre you thought you would hate only for it to become one of your favourites?
Absolutely. And my genre turnaround was so complete that, reader, I started writing it.
My journey is similar to Ruth's, except that she's way ahead of me on the road.
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this subject! I, too, had been 'scared' to submerse myself in to the romance genre in fear of what I would 'find'. As an educator, I have always read predominately YA/middle grade books, and almost trained myself not to even think about anything outside of the stereotypical norms of YA novels. I did, however, read paranormal/urban fantasy adult books on my own time. Then a friend of mine convinced me to start reading the Outlander series (HR genre). And, it was here that I fell in love with romance.
I also began to wonder why I never attempted to appease my own hopeless romantic fantasies through this genre? The only thing that I can honestly say could be an answer for this would be hearing my mother's and grandmother's voices in the back of my head saying that the romance genre was 'smut'. Now, I know that's a complete falsehood, but it's funny how my brainwashing convinced me of that. I was completely wrongly informed! In fact, now all I find myself reading is paranormal/urban fantasy romance! And, wouldn't the two of them disown me if they knew I read erotica?! HA! Apparently I've learned a valuable lesson –don't knock something until you've tried it, or… practice what you preach, huh?!! Again, thanks for this great post!
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Excellent post! I used to feel that way about Young Adult books. Thought I had outgrown them, until I was hooked by Harry Potter! Now I love YA!
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I'm ashamed to say that I understand somewhat the stigma against the romance genre being on that side of the fence myself once a upon a time, a long, long time ago but if it's any consolation- I wasn't on it for very long! I realized I was ALREADY reading romance while snickering at those who hang out at that section at the bookstore.
Like you, in hindsight it's baffling how I could ever think that way of a genre I'm passionate arguing on behalf of. I guess it was the stigma against the clinch covers- bad taste covers meant bad writing was what society was forcing me to believe but I'm a rebel at heart as well as having an artist's eye.
I was thinking (and do think still) that there are beautiful clinch covers, lots and lots of them and wonder why people can't see what I see (love me some classic Johanna Lindsey covers). Some books have the misfortune of having unfortunately tragic covers (think Bonnie Vanak) but with fantastic writing.
I used to think that Anne Rice was Stephen King kind of scary but soon found out it was sexy, gothic, Wuthering Heights kind of scary and I worshipped her Vampire Chronicles and Mayfair days (not so much now alas XP).
Zombies will stay a no go subject for me, Bianca D'arc and Zoe Archer's 'Half Past Dead' was thoroughly enjoyable but I'd rather not venture back into zombie love territory (I don't mean the authors, more the material), it's a lot harder to suspend disbelief!
Great topic!!
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Ines – I prefer my zombie books to be more of the horror genre than I do the romance genre, but there are a few urban fantasy books that are really good. It's just a matter of reading them. You never know, you could be like me and find you actually like them!
This Miss – I loved the Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice – I also love the fantasy genre with vampires, werwolves and demons, although I'm still finding High Fantasy a bit difficult in that I don't often want to read it… another genre I need to work on
Also, thanks for the award! 
RF Long – It's funny that you felt almost uncomfortable writing fantasy until you added the romance. Interesting. I'm glad it all fell into place for you
David – Well, it's better you found the genre you wanted to write in before spending years writing the wrong stuff LOL
Tanya – I have the first book in the Outlander series having been told by several people how good it is. I'm looking forward to reading it. I know what you mean, Mills and Boon comes to mind and I remember people of mum and nan's generation hiding the fact that they were reading them! Maybe this is part of my reluctance… who knows!
Alexia – Thanks! I did too – before I began blogging I bought Twilight feeling almost embarrassed that I bought a kids book, once I read it of course everything changed.
Camille – I agree, some of the romance covers are terrible even if the content is excellent. I do feel shy reading a novel that has semi clothed man or woman on the front cover!
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I think the biggest "pfft whatever" for me was the whole sci-fi genre. I really thought it was all space travel and dorks in solid shirts making weird hand gestures. Then I read Stranger in a Strange Land by Heinlein and fell in love. Now I read some of it and like what I read.
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Hi Carolyn – I actually cringed when you mentioned romance and chick lit in the same sentence! They're nothing alike, but I can totally see how readers who haven't experienced both would make that assumption.
Let's see, my biggest eye-opener this year has been graphic novels. I've been branching out, trying some new stuff from time to time, and I've been amazed. Some of those books are amazing, and yes, they can have the depth of full-length novels. I'm floored, and eager to try more.
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I've not been the biggest Romance fan either, but the PNR genre has helped quite a bit in that area. I am more willing to read romance now than I had before. Some are good, some are bad. Just like any other genre. Love the pics and good post!
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I have always stayed away from sci-fi, paranormal, urban fantasy. But I just got my hands on a copy of Guilty Pleasures! I saw the series so much on the blogosphere that I thought I would try it. Don't know when I will get a chance to read it, but I will definitely blog about it once I do!
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I've been wrong many times and so now, I'll give anything a try. Even SF and Fantasy. I've read romance but not that one.
CD
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LilyofDarkness – I know what you mean. I stayed away from sci-fi for a long time until I found Trading in Danger by Elizabeth Moon, which I loved. I'm still very new to the sci-fi genre but I'm much for open to it now that I used to be. I haven't read Stranger in a Strange Land, will have to check it out!
Rebecca – I know… I'm sorry!!! *hangs head in shame* Now I've read romance I realise how wrong I was – ROMANCE IS NOT CHICK-LIT! LOL I am just loving my journey through this new genre, I'm so excited, I can't read books fast enough! I haven't read any graphic novels, and I must admit they don't appeal to me, but after my experience with romance I may just have to give them a go
Melissa – I'm glad you enjoyed post! I think it's great that we are trying out new genres, I feel quite liberated!
Julie – Ooh, Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton?? I LOVED that book! It was my very first urban fantasy. I read it and then went straight on to Amazon and bought the entire series! I have only read up to book ten so far but hoping to re-read them and then finish the series. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Please let me know what you think of it
Clarissa – That's what surprised me as usually I do try anything, but for some reason I just wouldn't go near Romance – all put to rights now though!
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Carolyn, I'm so glad you've decided to give romance another chance. As you probably know I adore the genre. I used to stick mostly with PNR preferring the fantasy aspect it offered however I've ventured into contemporary and several other sub genres within the genre. I think I tend avoid Sci-Fi but with the popularity of the genre I might be missing out? Maybe I should looking into romantic sci-fi?
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I'll read almost anything–even pretentious lit books–so long as the story and writing are good. But i have to admit I find myself cringing when my hubby refers to Romance books as "softcore smut." Even when there is no sex to speak of it makes me cringe.
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I've recently discovered cozy mysteries and chicklit. It's great to suddenly have a massively expanded to-read list!
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For the question, I can't really remeber but I probably didn't give some genres a chance. Later on, I have became addicted to reading books of every genre. However, I can't say the seem about my sister if it is not strongly recommended she would not even look at many of the gernes that I read.
I am so glad you considered taking romance, historical romance (my fav!). I love to read historical romance for the same fact you do also. It just appeals to me more when some author's use the time period to depict the relationship between women and men. I quite lovely.
I have been thinking of reading Dracula also and I guess because of the name I never found it interesting. But, lately I've been wanting to know how all this VAMPIRE craze began.
Enjoy the romance bliss
!
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OK, maybe I'm in a minority here, but I have read and still don't like most stereotypical "romance" genre books. But that is because most of them are so formulaic that they offer no real challenge…"gee, I wonder if the lonely woman will end up with the handsome man?" I'm not against romance in general-I love a good Time Traveller's Wife or Cold Mountain. But romance of the Danielle Steele/Nora Roberts variety makes me cringe. I suppose it could also be at least partly because it is always heterosexual romance, but I don't think so…
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FV – Thanks! I'm really pleased I'm reading ROmance now too! I have bought quite a few sci-fi romances to see what they are like – haven't read them yet though. I also really like the historical romances, have you red those? They are my fag right now
Kat – I read almost anything too, that's why I was surprised when I found that I avoided an completely genre! I'm glad I gave Romance a chance as I'm loving it! I think that I used to have a vision that all romance books were like that too, but now I've read quite a few I realise they're really not. Although, I'm sure there are some books out there that are!
Steph – I had a chick-lit phase in the summer of 2008. I read nothing but. Now I can't stand it! I'm So pleased you have found the cosy mystery, this has always been one of my favourite genres – enjoy!
Yellowluva – Thanks! I am enjoying the romance. I think you should definitely red Dracula, but just be aware that it can be slow, but I didn't mind that as I loved the writing and the story. Let me know what you think when you do eventually read it!
Heather – I used to think like you did too, but now I've read quite a few, Romance is so much more that that. It's about the writing, the characters and how they are portrayed. I'm not saying that I could read nothing but romance, as I love too many other genres, but I'm just glad I gave the genre a chance, instead of belittling a genre I didn't really know anything about.
I also think that there are romance authors who are *nothing* like Danielle Steele – I think you are a bit like how I was, stuck in the 80's regarding what romance offers – but many authors have either moved on or are just completely different.
Also, if you want gay or lesbian romance books then there are numerous authors to choose from and many blogs that review them. The two that come to mind are SmexyBooks and SmokinHotBooks
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What an excellent article & some really good comments too.
I stumbled across Romance by accident. Picking up a book with a generic book cover in a bookshop & thinking it was sci fi. As you said it totally tugged on my heart strings & from then on was hooked.
The biggest problem as people have mentioned is the stigma, not helped I think (& apologies to anyone who does like them) by the whole Mills & Boon thing, which I've read a couple too & found them horribly formulaic. I'm not a fan of saga either.
But with Romance you always know there's going to be a happy ending, that's the point for me it's pure escapism & enjoy how the story is told.
As Camille said I do wish they'd do something about the covers as there are some books I want to read but haven't bought because of this, not wanting to be seen reading it on the train. Now I have my ereader this is of course much easier. But we're back at stigma again.
Overall though there are some amazing Romance books out there which I've read not only once but two or three times over losing myself in the story.
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I used to think that I would never ever read a horror book, especially since I don't really enjoy horror movies. But I've read a few, since then – (Laurell K hamilton used to write horror) and Kim Harrison was shelved in the horror section of the book stores. I've enjoyed them although not so much now the Laurell K Hamilton novels (which have really, really changed). In fact, I used to read mainly romance and have "spread my wings" into the SciFi/Fantasy section. The Urban Fantasy books are becoming so popular now, that I really think they need their own section. I like a lot of Sci-Fi – especially space travel books, but mainly written my women, since women tend to write with more……um…er….romance I guess – though I will vehemently deny loving romance books (contrary, who me?) In fact I just found a new (to me anyway) author from England (I believe) whose book was just released – Sara Creasy. Seems to be a mix of romance and science fiction.
I still enjoy the occasional romance book (Julie Garwood, Lynn Kurland), love the occasional mystery (Janet Evanovich), and Horror (Kim Harrison) but my main love of reading falls into the sci-fi/fantasy genres and all the subgenres within (Faith Hunter, Patricia Briggs, Devon Monk, Suzanne McLeod, Ilona Andrews, Ann Aguirre) Authors In the parenthesis have caught my interest from their very first debut novels – There are a few more that are in my current "auto-buy" list, but the list is so big now, that I need to see them in front of me to remember to buy them. Ahhh, the reading life is so good.
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I loved reading this potted autobiography in reading! My Mam had the Helen Forrester books, which I didn't read – and all the Catherine Cooksons – which I did!
I like to think that I read across every genre – but it's only in recent years that I've realised how much I enjoy Crime writing. I was always put off it before, for some reason. About four years ago I discovered the whole Cosy Mystery scene and I read masses of them. I'm still not keen on very hard-edged, violent crime fiction, though. Or very soulless, technical sf.
I can go to any genre so long as the characters are really strong and good fun.
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I LOVE LOVE LOVE Romance! I just can't get enough! I've never read Lord of Scoundrels though, so I will have to pick it up NOW!!
I did have a common misconception about Sci Fi. I thought it was all Aliens and outer space. It's not. My mom is a huge Science Fiction fan and is always saying there isn't enough good Sci Fi in the world. I've decided to give it a go and I've actually found some really great books so far! I never thought it would be something I'd like. I'm not sure I'd be a die hard fan, but there are elements of Sci Fi that I have been enjoying and will be seeking out some more good books to enjoy.
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Good post. I used to be stunned that people had preconceptions about genre because to me a book is a book is a book, and it's either good or it's bad. But then I started assigning reading to my writing students (all pros, trying to get better) and they would say things like "I thought romance stank, but I liked it," or "I thought science fiction didn't have characters, but it does." I was stunned.
So I'm happy to see this thread. It's cool. I'm glad people breaking through the genre walls. It's better for all of us.
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Laura – Thanks, I'm glad you liked it! I agree with the whole Mills & Boon thing, and some of the covers, and how they are great for escaping real life, just for a little while
Mardel – It's funny but I don't see LKH or KH as 'horror' writers, I see them as Urban Fantasy writers, but maybe because I've read quite a lot in the horror genre and there's a lot more scary stuff out there. I enjoy mystery too. I have read a few sci-fi books but I'm still pretty new to the genre. I have quite a few on my shelves though, so no excuse, I should read more!
Paul – Thanks! I love the cosy mystery genre, it's such great reading. I think my reading is pretty eclectic but I do favour certain genres over others. But I was indeed perplexed why I avoided the romance genre, so I'm pleased I have resolved the issue and found that it is actually very enjoyable – and I agree, good, strong characters is at the heart of my liking any book
Mary – DO read LoS, I really enjoyed it! I think there are many of us who have had doubts about certain genres, but it's great that we are putting those doubts aside and trying different genres.
Kristine – Thanks! I'm so pleased you liked it! I know, I am embarrassed to admit having preconceptions about the romance genre. It's quite unusual for me as I am pretty widely read. But I'm pleased I put my doubts aside and took the plunge, otherwise I wouldn't have found so many more fantastic books to read!
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For me that genre was fantasy. The book covers can be ridiculous– busty chicks in bikinis riding unicorns and dragons and slaying trolls with bedazzled slingshots, etc.– but after my first R.A. Salvatore fantasy, I couldn't put them down.
While I may not write fantasy (yet… never say never) I do very much enjoy the places it takes me when I read and am glad I gave it a shot.
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Romance can be tough sometimes. I love it, but I can't stand overly sappy, miscommunication that one second of just listening would clear up, so I tend to be careful on what Romance I pick up.
Paula
Tomes Devotee
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LoS is one of my very favorite books in the world. Historical romance is my favorite genre because of this book alone! It's hard to find books that are as good, but here are some of my favorite historical romances: Loretta Chase: Mr. Impossible (hilarious), The Last Hellion; Anne Stuart: The Devil's Waltz, Hidden Honor, A Rose at Midnight; Lisa Kleypas: Then Came You, Where Dreams Begin, Lady Sophia's Lover (you really can't go wrong with LK); Kate Noble: Revealed, Compromised; Julia Quinn: The Viscount Who Loved Me; Judith McNaught: Almost Heaven, A Kingdom of Dreams ENJOY ENJOY ENJOY!
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