I love hearing other authors talk about their perspectives on writing or on their own writing journey. I'll be featuring at least one author or artist here on One Woman's Write each month. I've invited author Cassidy Wells to get us started. Welcome, Cassidy.
I haven’t always loved
romance novels. Frankly, the ones I read in my early 30s were historical
romance, and the female characters were controlled by men. As I think back on them,
it amazes me that I could believe that a woman would fall for man when the relationship
was so unequal and nonconsensual. Well, I was young, and it was a much
different time.
Just as society has
changed over the years, and women have demanded relationship equality, romance
novels have changed, too. These days the romance heroine isn’t saved by the
hero; she very often saves herself and others.
Romance novels are
increasingly popular. In fact, they may be one of the most popular genres of
fiction. Romance readers span all age ranges, and the types of romance novels
are diverse and varied. Some take place in exotic locales, others in small
towns. Some characters are young adults and the romance is a coming of age
story. Others are in their late twenties and early thirties. Still other
stories are known as “seasoned” romance with main characters in their forties
and beyond. The search for love isn’t confined to only certain ages anymore.
Sometimes the romance is
sweet, and sexuality is alluded to in “fade out” scenes, much like old
Hollywood romantic comedies. Others are explicit and paint the picture of how
sexuality is expressed naturally within the context of the growing
relationship.
At the center of a romance
novel is always a relationship. Whatever emotional baggage the main and
supporting characters bring into the story, they must make the changes
necessary to grow beyond their history, their experiences, and their relationship
foibles. The love story is always central.
There may be danger and
war, or threats and villains that jeopardize the characters and the
relationship. Sometimes the theme is a second chance romance after an earlier
relationship has crashed and burned. Some are stories of friends who turn into
lovers. Some stories explore love at first sight. Others tell of relationships
that mature like fine wine over years or even decades.
Usually the main
characters in romance novels, just like people in real life, struggle to overcome
trust issues; insecurities; fear; commitment issues; unrealistic expectations;
histories of abuse, rejection, loneliness and trauma; misunderstandings and
communication problems; and different beliefs about what the future could
bring, if, in fact, love really could conquer
all.
The most important promise
of a romance novel is of a happy ending—a “happily ever after,” or at least a
“happily for now.” The appeal is that the internal or external issues that
threaten the relationship are resolved and leave the lovers to appreciate each
other in new ways. Those of us who become invested in their story are left
feeling emotionally satisfied and optimistic.
These days, the power of
romance novels and this happy ending is even more compelling as people throughout
the world are faced with the uncertainty of a global pandemic. Our lives have
changed, and our relationships have changed. Many of us feel disconnected by
the circumstances health concerns impose upon us.
The good news is that
there may be more time to read and lose ourselves in challenging, but
ultimately hopeful relationships found in the different types of romance novels.
Despite the fact that they are fictional, they provide an outlet for our own
hopes and dreams for love and optimism.
After all, isn’t that what
we all want? Love, romance, and most of all, hope for a happy ending.
Cassidy Wells is a snarky, sassy, outspoken storyteller, and
the author of an increasing pile of romance novels. She is 32 today, tomorrow,
and perpetually. Cassidy is the invention of a former psychologist who decided
to abandon the couch for the pen (well, really for keyboard and word-processing
software). After years of doing psychotherapy, Cassidy decided to ensure that
her characters made the changes she always wanted her clients to make. Get a
FREE copy of That Night in Cancún at https://BookHip.com/FGRAHA. That Night in Cancún is the story of what can happen when you’re far from home
under a tropical moon, with something to prove… Also check out her Ridgeview,
Tennessee Series, which takes place in a small town in the foothills of the
Smoky Mountains.
You can also read my review of Cassidy's book: Saved by a Warrior Dog: A Military Romance on Amazon.com
