Why do I write romances?

At a recent writer’s conference, I sat at a table in which I was the only guy. I was asked why I write romance, in an earnest want-to-know manner. I answered, “I fell out of bed one day hit my head and ever since have been writing romances.” We were on opposite sides of a large table in which many of our table mates had already heard the story. So, I decided not to engage in a long explanation involving raising my voice to be heard and boring just about everybody.

I have found the answer is not complicated at all. My long story about being a romantic, artistic, a renaissance man, a believer in soul mates, about my enjoyment of rom com movies etc. had missed the real point.

Why do I write romance? I care about male-female relationships. I write what I care about, what interests me.

In order for there to be any weddings on this planet there has to be a guy and a gal, hopefully, in love. It is the most important decision of their lives. Men and women fall in love every day and hope the best for a couple when they see it happening to that couple whether it be on a reality TV show, real life, or in a novel. They are pre-sold.

There’s another dynamic at play here that I want to warn all those seeking to be politically correct (akin to boring, sometimes).

This is a fictionalized story in which facts were changed to protect the guilty.

In New York City, years ago, I was at a romantic comedy screen writers’ conference and sat at a table with all men and one woman.

One guy, a bit snooty this one, said to let’s call her, Nora. “Why do you write romantic comedies.”

His question implied a prejudice as subtext which was reinforced or validated by the questioner’s attitude on a number of subjects that day (not at all like my table mate, in which I was the only male, a wonderful person, let me make that perfectly clear). How could she handle the beats necessary for witty repartee, dynamic tension, the quick pacing? After all, dialogue, scene and body language had to carry the meaning. This was no place for someone who might prefer long ruminations and deliberations, just because she was female.

“I love what I do and I write better than any of you schmucks,” Nora answered. Everybody at the table except the guy who asked the question, laughed. Her timing and delivery was impeccable. Nora was a natural born genius. Through hard work and study she applied her craft quite well, thank you very much.

God gave us all fantastic talents to grow. We’re lucky to live in a country in which we can choose what is our best path to help ourselves and our fellow man. Men and women aren’t so different, but viva la difference.

 

Here's two men who chose to sing love songs as their way of contributing. Maurice Chevalier and Bing Crosby compare their little black books.

 

 

This is my 100th post. For anybody who writes me or comments, you can choose a free copy of my Robin Hood noevella or an advance copy of my about to be released romantic comedy, Double Happiness.