Well...not really. When you pick up a romance novel, you are guaranteed a happy ending. And I believe that everyone needs to hear (or read) a happy ending once in awhile; I think it restores a bit of faith in humanity. The hope that comes with watching the human spirit triumph in the ultimate act of giving - loving without reservations - and receiving the ultimate reward of being granted love in return is universally adored. (In my opinion, anyway.)
A few years back, when people asked me what I wrote, I was a bit embarrassed. "Romance," I would mumble, and quickly add, "but closed-door romance." Then I would change the subject.
It took me awhile to realize that there is nothing wrong with romance novels. They're not "bodice-rippers" - that is a term used to categorize novels from the 70s where rape was involved. They're not necessarily pornographic, either (that would be erotica novels).
Simply put, they're fairy tales for grown-ups.
That escape from reality is what I create. It's what wakes me up from a dead sleep in the middle of the night; my characters, once they get going, won't stop until they've been written to their satisfaction. They know that they have their issues to work out, and they won't let me sleep until they finish what they need to say. They are working towards that happy ending because they know they deserve it.
And closed-door romance? That just means I don't get into the nitty-gritty of what happens behind the bedroom doors. But that doesn't mean it isn't sexy...far from it. Because really...if you're going to spend a few hours with a well-muscled, sword-wielding, leather-jacket-wearing alpha male...it's not realistic to keep those doors fully closed, now is it?!
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