I very rarely get upset or allow my feelings to be hurt. My readers’ opinions matter to me and always will. That’s the beast of this writing cycle. We rely on each other and I like that dynamic.
So let me say something to those who feel the need to rant about (or to) me “wasting my talents” on my chosen genre (erotic romance for those who didn’t know *WEG*)…keep your nose in your genre and I’ll keep writing in mine. I won’t tell you what to read or write, nor will I look down my nose at you for your choices. I’ll be thankful you’re at least reading; something most people in my country do far too little of. I read and enjoy all genres: fiction, non-fiction, romance, literary, mystery/suspense, science fiction, etc. Can you say the same?
I won’t spout numbers of romance novel sales figures from the last few years, remind you how hot anything with “erotic” in its genre is in NY right now, or how impossible it is to buy recent copies of my favorite authors at my megabookstore since they’re always sold out. I’ll never belittle you for your opinion or hide my snide remarks under polite southern charm (which I happen to be good at, mind you). I’ll do none of these things and here’s why:
As long as my readers keep enjoying my works, I’ll keep writing them. So keep your genre snobbery to yourself.
That is all.
*Writer steps off crate. A single beam of light focuses on the soapbox. Fade to black. End.*
Lena Austin
/ 03 October 08Oh, hell yes!! Since when did it become the right of anyone to tell another what do read or write as long as such materials were legally allowed?
Since when did one genre gain ascendancy over another? Last I knew, none had. The readers determine with their hard-earned money what they wish to buy.
Thank you, Dawn.
Robin Snodgrass
/ 03 October 08Well said Dawn! It drives me crazy when people look down on me for reading romance. I’ve had people roll their eyes and shake their heads at me while I’m standing in the romance section perusing the titles. Makes me want to shout at them. And, don’t even get me started on the looks I’ve gotten while sorting through the young adult books (I’m 44 and sometimes love a good YA novel). People should read (and write) what they love and let others do the same.
Belinda McBride
/ 03 October 08The best we can do in life if to pursue our own happy spots and not patronize others for doing the same. Huzzah!
Peggy
/ 04 October 08Too true – although the romance section in my local bookstore is getting very crowded the last few years -g- But I’ve always hated the ‘roll the eyes and tell me about the depressing thing that they’re reading’ people. I like to read what I like to read and they’re free to do the same!
And BTW, offering to lend me your books won’t ‘convert’ me and don’t ask to borrow mine -smirk and hugging books to chest-
Nikita
/ 04 October 08Very well said Dawn. If you get bothered again, tell them you’ll sic your editor on them
Ashlyn Chase
/ 04 October 08I won’t argue with you on any of that, seeing as how I’ve experienced genre snobbery because of what I write on two fronts…Erotic romance, which my publisher calls romantica and must be a love story–not a sex story, not that anyone who criticizes us will ever acknowledge the difference, and comedy. Yes, comedy. Ever wonder why so many romantic comedies are made yet so few wind up at the Oscars? Because the public loves them, but it’s unpopular with the snobs to acknowledge their merit. A horribly violent drama is more apt to be nominated even if it has no redeeming merit. That’s my own mini-rant.
Ash
Maithe
/ 04 October 08Hi Dawn! Ignore those ignorant people and just continue doing the fantastic job you have been doing. It is no ones business what you read or write. I am a reader and I enjoy all genres. Yet, I am told by “non-fiction” readers that all I read is trash, rubbish, and porn. I look at them, smile and tell them “Yup…and I love it.”
Don’t let them get you down hon!!!
Hugs,
Maithe
Jeanne Barrack
/ 04 October 08I agree with you. Although my dh is my greatest supporter, every now and then he’ll say, “Wish you were writing mainstream. You’re so good.”
Tambra
/ 04 October 08You are so right about everything, Dawn.
What matters is what my readers think. Like you, I read in a variety of genres and accept them for what they offer.
Not only do I applaud you for this mini-rant, but this Texas girl is standing right beside you.
If not for the sales of romance, said snobs would have far less to choose from.
Hugs!!!!
Tambra
Michelle Hasker
/ 04 October 08*hugs
Unfortunately, that is why I usually just say I’m a writer and leave it at that. Or I say I write smut. I don’t care what they think, I just don’t want an argument about the genre I write in.
It’s unfortunate that we can’t all do what you said and support each other just for the fact we are reading and that we CAN read. And that we can read ANYTHING we want.