I recently went back onto X after an extended absence from social media. For a very long time going onto any social media made me anxious AF. I just wanted to see who had new books, funny memes, and maybe cat and puppy videos. Instead, it felt like everyone was either attacking or being attacked. I have to admit, it really didn’t bother me to be away from social media. It’s kind of a time sink and I don’t seem to have good enough posts to interest anyone in responding so it was like shouting into the dark.
Anyway, as I was scrolling through yesterday, I saw someone post something to the effect of does anyone read straight up romance, because the poster thought it was boring on its own.
What the absolute fuck?
Now, this could be click bait or rage bait or whatever, but seriously? Why would you purposely alienate an entire group of readers? I’ve been reading romance in its many forms for 40 + years. I think I’ve read every sub-genre of romance except for maybe Quaker. There are definitely some I like more than others, but after reading I’d say 90% of them, I’ve come away with new knowledge and a feeling of contentment.
I read other genres of books. I’m an English and Social Studies teacher. I read A LOT of fiction and non-fiction. I also got my doctorate, so I had to read a metric ton of journal articles and seminal works. I choose to write romance because that is what feeds my soul. Why would someone shit all over people for reading something that makes them feel GOOD? There’s so much angst and anger in the world, what is wrong with reading something that highlights love?
If you personally don’t like romance, that’s fine, we all have different tastes, but don’t disparage a genre because it’s not your cup of tea.
Now I’m going to go write more on my non-boring rock star romance.
Pax
