Since the 5th Croft book is in Stephanie's court right now, and I'm waiting for copyedits on Passion Unleashed, I sort of have a little extra time (which means I'm procrastinating writing a proposal for the 4th Demonica book,) so I did a little blog-hopping this morning. While be-bopping around the internet, I found an interesting post at Dear Author.
Jane says that, "Every now and again I hear declarations that the contemporary romance is a dying subgenre and it’s harder and harder to find, and that if you’re not an established name, you’ll never get anywhere, because fewer people want to read contemporary romance."
Now, I think that the post is a little tongue-in-cheek, but I've heard the same comment pop up every once in a while. But…really? Do people really think that contemporary romance is a dying subgenre?
A look at the most recent Romantic Times magazine reveals 21 contemporary romances being released in November. These aren't romantic suspense. Romantic suspense releases number 15.
Paranormal romance releases in November? 17.
Granted, a look at past issues shows that paranormal releases outnumbered contemporary releases in the last three months, but when you consider that most of the Harlequin and Silhouette lines publish straight contemporary romance, it seems as though the market favors contemporary. So to me, it appears that contemporary romance genre is going strong.
Of course, it could just be that because paranormal romance is my favorite of the romance genres, I don't notice a lack of contemporary romance. Yes, it does seem like paranormals are everywhere, which is great, but what I want is more quality paranormal and erotic romance. I'd also like more dark paranormal romance.
What about you? Is there a particular sub-genre you think is getting ready to qualify for the endangered species list? Is there something you want to see more of?
And if you enjoy contemporary romance, stop by Dear Author for a chance to win Erin McCarthy's new contemporary, Flat-Out Sexy!
P.S. — don't forget the Writeminded chat tonight at 9PM at Writerspace! Hope to see you there!
I think western romance might qualify. There doesn’t seem to be enough of them at the top of reader’s lists. I think it’s a great sub-genre.
As far a paranormals go – I don’t see the end in sight, and I for one am grateful. I’m drawn to the paranormals that are part of a series and have extensive world building. I become invested in those series and usually cannot wait until the next one is realeased.
I certainly hope contemporary romance isn’t a dying species. I enjoy paranormal but also erotic contemporay and like to mix them up.
From what I’ve seen there is still plenty ro choose from and I don’t see it as a dying species.
Regards
Hi Larissa…I like diff genre of storytelling & diff styles of writing. When I fell like some action, adventure & suspense, PNR does the trick. When I feel hot & bothered, EROTIC reads r perfect. & lastly, when I want 2 fall in luv, ROMANCE is the 1. Ada
Hi Larissa!
I do agree that it’s hard to find a good contemporary romance novel. I know that there are Harlequin and Silhouette books, which are considered contemporary, and they are fine — and can be great when I want a short read. However, I think what I miss are the pure romance full length novels that were written by authors like Nora Roberts, Sandra Brown, Linda Howard, Jane Ann Krentz. More and more of our excellent contemporary romance writers have turned to suspense/romance (where the plot concentrates more on suspense than romance) or paranormal romance in some cases.
I find myself going to Used Book Stores to hunt down books that I didn’t get to yet, and this is a common complaint I hear from a lot of my fellow readers.
I am lucky; I am a HUGE fan of paranormals, erotica, historicals and sci-fi/fantasy so I always have plenty to read!
Maria, I agree on the westerns! I’d love to see more — especially if we could get some really gritty, raw westerns. I’d totally read those!
Hi Ada! Sigh…I love romance! I still can’t believe I waited so long to try it!
Hilcia, you know, I didn’t think of that…how many of our beloved contemporary authors have sort of switched over to more mainstream fiction — or paranormal. I would think there’s a gap of quality/familiarity left when that happens. I know there’s a new crop of fantastic contemporary authors coming up, but they might not write fast enough to fill the gap! *g*
I’m supposed to tell you I’ve chosen you for the Love Your Blog Award. (I need to learn to say no to memes.)
Hope contemps aren’t dying. I just finished one, which I hope will appeal to Linda Howard fans.
I’m basically a genre hopper. I love a little bit of everything, as long as it’s quality like you said. My current favorites are paranormal and contemporary, but I’ve gone through historical phases as well.
Good contemporaries are hard to find. Every now and then I do enjoy a good contemporary when i find out.
I notice certain authors are good with just contemporaries, sometimes I can’t read their historicals because they just don’t catch me
I think category is like the domestic dog to the wolf in terms of contemporary romance. they’re the same, but they’re not. (no offense! Some folks like dogs…some folks like wolves! it’s all good!). I tend to lean more toward the WF end of the spectrum and this seems to satisfy me as a reader though I do wish there was more to choose from.
I agree w/Maria on the western historical. they’re like big foot–you know they’re out there but you don’t see them. Okay i’m exagerating.. u know
Ann, I’m going to have to beat you! But thank you!
Karin, I have to say, I do love historicals — I haven’t read enough lately, but I’m starting to get that itch! *g*
Roanoaid, you might be onto something — GOOD contemps, like any genre, are hard to find. There’s so much mediocrity everywhere, from books to TV shows to movies, and the problem might not be that there aren’t ENOUGH contemporaries out there, but that there aren’t enough GOOD ones!
Amie, I tend to not see the categories quite the same way, either. When I’m in the mood for one, a single title won’t do, you know? There’s just something comforting about a category romance. You know what you’re going to get within a line (usually,) and you know which authors are going to give you the quality you’re looking for!
LOL @ Bigfoot!