Comments on: In defense of romance: Proving the stereotypes wrong

By: Stop knockin’ the romance novel | Janelle Madigan

Stop knockin’ the romance novel | Janelle Madigan — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 22:51:56 +0000

[...] those “real books” wouldn’t have anyplace to go. I talked about academic work being done at major universities studying the genre as literature and I talked about how it made people happy. And in the end, [...]

By: Getting to My Happy Place | Jeannie Moon

Getting to My Happy Place | Jeannie Moon — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 06:14:52 +0000

[...] wouldn’t have anyplace to get published. I talked about academic work being done at major universities studying the genre as literature and I talked about how it made people happy. And in the end, [...]

By: Victoria

Victoria — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 03:38:57 +0000

I just wanted to say that Katherine you are an amazing writer and an inspiration. Ive read a couple of the things you wrote and some literature projects you have done and its so amazing. i think that if someone as pretty and creative as you can be also extremly smart and succesful then ha i have a chance to(: im just some highschool freshman but you have honestly inspired me so much, ive wrote down your graduation speech and i hope to be able to present an speech just as good and thoughful and perfect as yours. i bet youll come out with some pieces as original and mind capturing and brilliant as Ayn Rand. i dont know really what im trying to say. but i just cant wait to see how you change the world in the future because i know you will and id also like to let you know that your a big inspiration to me

By: bark » Idaho Students Need More Orgasms to Achieve Satisfaction

bark » Idaho Students Need More Orgasms to Achieve Satisfaction — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 11:03:42 +0000

[...] “…Boise State University found that college students who read romance novels reported a grea… [...]

By: Caroline Clemmons

Caroline Clemmons — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:45:03 +0000

Bravo, Ms. Orazem! I have long believed those who denigrate the romance novel have not read one, at least not recently. Janis Reams Hudson is so right–the heroine always wins. Both the heroine and hero grow emotionally and expand their life views during the novel. They overcome obstacles to achieve their goal, which offers hope to those readers involved in dificult situations. Today’s romance heroine is no wimpy miss easily manipulated by a man. She demands and receives respect, good sex, and a fulfilling life.

Thank you for your excellent article.

By: Eve Paludan

Eve Paludan — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:54:36 +0000

Well said. Tweeting and FB-ing this link!

By: Friday End of the Day Links: GetGlue Is Pretty Cool | Dear Author: Romance Novel Reviews, Industry News, and Commentary

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 01:03:17 +0000

[...] a really delightful news piece on romance genre that is based on the Yale class being taught by Lauren Willig and Andrea DaRif. I really liked this [...]

By: Dawn Kunda

Dawn Kunda — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 02:40:02 +0000

Fabulous article, Ms Orazem. It is amazing that romance novels sell so well, yet are not honored on the cover of popular magazines or news/talk shows as respectable art. Just imagine how much more of the literary market romance would own if they were displayed like movies or music as you mentioned.
Seriously, isn’t the world run by power, money, and sex? Mix those three items, at varying degrees, and throw in a few subplots and you have romance novels.
The majority of the time when power, money, or sex are highlighted in the news is when they have been abused or reach an epic level of noticeability. Then, people are (in)voluntarily interested and search out more of the “story.” Hmmm…Again, it sounds like one of the many romance novel genres. The good thing about the romance novel is there is always a happy ending to the story, no matter how difficult it is for the heroine and hero to get there.
Thank you for your attention to an incredible genre.

By: Janis Reams Hudson

Janis Reams Hudson — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:57:19 +0000

Bravo, Ms Orazem, on your Romance Fiction article. Here’s another fact to refute the “these books are bad for women” idiocy: In a Romance novel, the woman always wins. Always. Romance is perhaps the most, if not The Most, feminist liturature being published.

I burned my bras years ago, yet I am also the proud author of more than 40 Romance novels, am happily married, and yes, by golly, I can still think for myself. I just happen to enjoy good fiction. Go figure.

I confess, I even enjoy a good Western now and then. I don’t think the less of them if the only one the hero kisses and walks off into the sunset with is his horse.

By: Jesi O'Connell

Jesi O'Connell — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 03:57:51 +0000

Excellent article by someone who clearly cared to take a closer look without being blinded by stereotypes. This might open a few more eyes.

But I find myself wondering, Sara Madison, about which romance novels you have read? As was clearly stated in the article, every genre (including, ahem, “literary” fiction) has its good, bad, and ugly. You seem to be focused on the ugly. There is, however, plenty of excellent prose and intriguing, brilliantly-planned plots in romance writing.

I challenge you to dig deeper into the genre before casting sweeping judgments.

sincerely, a reformed literary fiction writer