Oh, the fur is flying! I don’t comment often when folks make snippy remarks online about the romance genre. The reason is simple: it makes me feel tired, and my brain cells are too caught up in actual paid work to get down and dirty. I will say this, however, about the recent conversation at Fangs, Fur, & Fey:
Genre books—romance, science fiction, fantasy, mystery—are not for everyone, nor should they be. Readers have different tastes. Writers are readers, too. But the difference is, writers are part of a common industry, and we all have the same jobs—to tell stories, to entertain. We are all in the same boat.
So remember the Golden Rule, my friends. Or at least, remember common courtesy. When you yourself are a writer, one writer amongst many, think twice about poking fun and dissing entire genres—and by proxy, the writers in such genres. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Because it is a small world, and a small industry, and you—writer—would not think it so pleasant if blanket statements were made about the kinds of books and stories that you create.
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On a lighter note, there’s an interview with me at Mandy Roth’s site today. She very kindly gave her blog over to some writers from Dorchester this week, allowing us to dish about writing for Leisure and the kinds of promotions we do. Which, for me, isn’t much. I still don’t have my head on straight when it comes to that aspect of the business, but I guess that’s fine. It means more time writing.