Comments on: Mini Rant: Genre Snobbery

By: DawnMontgomery.com » Blog Archive » 2008 in Review

DawnMontgomery.com » Blog Archive » 2008 in Review — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 05:32:57 +0000

[...] October I ranted on Genre Snobbery. [...]

By: Michelle Hasker

Michelle Hasker — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 22:51:04 +0000

*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.

By: Tambra

Tambra — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 21:12:44 +0000

You 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

By: Jeanne Barrack

Jeanne Barrack — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 14:54:33 +0000

I 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.”

By: Maithe

Maithe — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 14:35:53 +0000

Hi 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

By: Ashlyn Chase

Ashlyn Chase — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 14:34:47 +0000

I 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

By: Nikita

Nikita — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 14:24:11 +0000

Very well said Dawn. If you get bothered again, tell them you’ll sic your editor on them

By: Peggy

Peggy — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 14:17:10 +0000

Too 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-

By: Belinda McBride

Belinda McBride — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 03:06:30 +0000

The best we can do in life if to pursue our own happy spots and not patronize others for doing the same. Huzzah!

By: Robin Snodgrass

Robin Snodgrass — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 02:39:21 +0000

Well 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.