I’ve noticed something a bit unexpected in the ten months I’ve been blogging.
Some of you do not have girl parts.
Not that I’m inspecting my blog readers’ genitalia, but I can’t help but conclude from the regular appearance of masculine names in the comment trail that there are male readers showing up on a pretty regular basis.
Geoffrey Cubbage, Matthew Rush, Patrick Alan, Matthew AT Banning, Mark Simpson, Douglas Morrison, Nate Wilson, Dr. Goose, Shain Brown, Ricky Bush, Simon Larter, Jason Fleming...probably a few more I’m forgetting, and maybe some who never comment.
I’m fascinated by this.
I make no secret of the fact that I write romance, and in case anyone stumbled over here mistaking it for a discussion on power tools, the blog is pink.
I think that’s one reason I’m so impressed with the guys who keep showing up – you’re obviously secure in your masculinity. Maybe you like the risqué humor or the occasional dose of writing-related advice, or maybe you routinely get drunk and google “pet me” at two in the morning.
I doubt it will shock anyone to know I started this blog with the intention of building a platform and selling books. Not that I’ll fume next August if readers of any gender fail to produce a receipt showing you’ve purchased MAKING WAVES, but I’m hopeful a few of you will end up buying my debut novel.
And this is where I find myself wondering about the boys. Romance isn’t a genre that draws tons of male readers.
And yet genre-straddling authors like Janet Evanovich – whose books are a fabulous meld of mystery and romance, and whose writing I’ve been flattered to have mine compared to – have a rather large male readership.
But Evanovich gets shelved under mystery, while my books will be over on the romance aisle where men don’t tend to venture unless they’re sneaking peeks at heaving bosoms on the covers.
I know I’m stereotyping a lot here, and if some of my male blog visitors happen to be established fans of the romance genre, I applaud you.
But I suspect that’s not the case for most of you, and if you do end up buying my book, it might be your introduction to the genre.
This made me nervous yesterday as I did a final read-through on my revisions for MAKING WAVES.
One of the things my editor requested was a bit more “heat” (a great hardship for me…ha! I said hardship.) MAKING WAVES is written in third person, and like many romances, alternates between the male and female point of view. There’s a particularly steamy shower scene that got steamier with revisions, and it happens to be written from the male point of view.
Concerned about male readers, I printed it out last night and shoved it in front of Pythagoras at dinner.
“Can you read this and make sure it sounds OK from a male perspective?”
He looked up from his spaghetti. “Do I have any other perspective?”
But he read diligently, purple pen in hand, not fazed at all by some of the more acrobatic maneuvers executed by the story’s hero.
In the end, his only concern was whether the hero was injured when he bumped into the showerhead.
“He’s fine,” I assured my spouse.
“I’m glad. He should get to enjoy the afterglow without needing stitches.”
So, potential male readers, you can rest assured the scene has approval from one of your own.
If you happen to be a guy, I’m curious what brings you here and whether you’ve read romantic comedy before.
And for the rest of you – authors of either gender, really – how much thought do you give to your readers’ genitals? Er, you know what I mean. Do you have a target demographic in mind, and if so, how do you think the opposite gender might read differently? Please share.
And then let’s gather together for one big gender-neutral group hug. No fair copping a feel, OK?
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
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43 comments :
I think more men read romances than they care to admit. I remember a football player saying he read them (on a tv interview). He said it helped him in his "game". Now I don't know which "game" he referred but I think I can guess.
Okay, not a guy here. But I have one. I haven't shown him anything I've written, mostly because I'm afraid he's gonna want to try that shower project, and I'd probably be embarrassed trying to explain to the EMT's and the children what happened to Daddy.
But I have to say I am anxious to see what the guys say about this. Unless they are all Nicholas Sparks with sixteen pseudonyms. Well, even then it will be interesting.
“ . . .He should get to enjoy the afterglow without needing stitches.”
That's going in my little "Words to Live By" notebook.
I haven't written any romantic and/or erotic scenes from the male POV. But I do have a male MC in my current WIP, who is having problems dealing with his ex-lover, for whom he has conflicting feelings, despite (and because of) her obsessive, sociopathic behavior.
I'm think I'm going to have to find a male beta . . that sounds like I'd need to keep him in a separate tank, doesn't it? :)
I have to admit, poor Alex's head was the last thing I was considering when I read the shower scene. Guess Pythagoras and I are coming at it from different perspectives. ;)
I'm always happy to see the occasional male name in my blog comments, though, like you, I suspect my books will appeal more to female readers. Should they ever get published, of course. *performs a variety of superstitious rituals*
I knew a guy once who was an unabashed reader of romance novels. When I asked him why, he said he saw them as windows into the female psyche...and instruction manuals. (Yes, he was very popular with the ladies.)
What a wonderful question and interesting topic Tawna!
As a totally studly and manly dude I'm going to try to answer all your questions. First: I think I had discovered your blog beforehand, but as you probably know, I really started coming back here steadily after you (and Cynthia) helped me out so much with that amazing critique. Not because I feel like I owe you something (though I do), but really, mostly, because you're freaking hilarious. Writing advice is cool too sometimes.
So, to the question of reading. I don't read romance, I don't read erotica, but if a book has some other kind of driving force behind the plot, I don't mind a little love or sex. I don't know why exactly, I mean I love love and sex in real life, but reading about them bores me for some reason if that's the only thing going on. My understanding is that Romance is a genre where love or the building of relationships is the crux of the plot, and Erotica is one where the sexual journey of the MC is the focus of the plot. I can't see myself enjoying a story where that was all that happened for 250+ pages, but I don't mind at all if a book has a romantic subplot, or even vivid sex scenes.
Now, I'm also a writer, and I do think about the gender of my readers, but I don't worry about it too much. I mean my current WIP is a YA novel with a male MC, which if my dreams come true will be something that appeals to young men and gets them to actually read a novel, while still being human enough to appeal to young ladies as well. This is probably not wise since women read, what is it 4 times as often as men? That's probably even more pronounced among YA readers.
And finally, I've never read romantic comedy before, but I bet I would enjoy your book, assuming it's even half as funny as your blog.
I usually get drunk and google "pet me" at around 1am, so you're a bit off there.
And we stop by because you're entertaining. And occasionally send us t-shirts. But mainly it's all about the entertainment.
Also, does Jane Eyre classify as romantic comedy? Cuz I've read that.
I have another interesting debate for you: I'm gay - but I also write about heterosexual moments of glory. So although I haven't really worried about male/female POV, I anguish over if I'm not straight enough for handling man-woman love scenes. Hopefully I'm queer enough to handle both POVs - at least I'm rather androgyne!
I've got male genitalia and I stop by because you're entertaining.
I do try and read romance novels as much as I can, they really aren't my cup of tea, I'm a Sci-Fi writer, but it does help in writing Sci-Fi if the romance between the characters feels real to balance out the carefully researched backdrops of fantastic settings. In a lot of Sci-Fi you will lose yourself in this fantastic world, a different society and then be yanked out of all that by a totally corny romance between the characters. I'm trying to avoid that in my novels.
Interesting subject that's come up (oops;) for me a couple of times when a beta reader has shared with her spouse -- usually because he wonders what all the laughing is about -- and one guy in the critique group who swears I've nailed (damn) the male voice and mannerisms.
I still bet these guys wouldn't pick up a book with a "romance cover"...
I guess what I'm trying to say while not quite awake yet at 5:30 in the morning, is that the men I know have more trouble buying or carrying around a "girly" looking book than reading one.
Makes me think it's time to look at some of those covers and consider a manly sounding pen name.
A couple of years ago, my brother was desperate for something to read. Since he made me read some of his high fantasy novels, I thrust J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series in his hands. He was skeptical, but in the end, he read every single one and made me promise I'd loan him the new ones. He enjoyed them, though he said "the heroines can never make up their minds. It's crazy!" I don't know if he got the concept of "emotionally torn", but he went with the flow.
When I wrote my first manuscript, he was the first person to read the majority of it. He didn't have anything to say about the male POV, so I suppose I did it correctly. To be honest, sometimes I have an easier time writing from the male POV than I do the female. I think guys would get into romance more if they weren't pink, or have pictures of half-naked men on them.
Tawna, you are hilarious! This is a great topic of discussion too. I don't actually write romance, but my sci-fi does have a strong romantic subplot so I've wondered about my readers on two levels.
1. I write sci-fi, which I'm told is read mainly by men (I don't really believe this though)--so my goal is to write something that will appeal to women and draw them in without scaring off male readers.
2. Book 2 will be from my male MCs point of view. I'm lining up male alphas and betas now to help me lose my feminine thoughts from his inner dialogue.
I do think about it occasionally, but not so much that it might affect what I write. While some of my short stories are written from a male POV, my novels tend to be from a female perspective.
My current novel is first person and involves mother-daughter relationships. It's literary fiction, but let's face it: it's going to speak to women more than men. And I think that's okay. But the gender divide does bother me -- that women are more likely to read a book written by a man (with male protagonists, etc.) but many men tend to be much less likely to pick up a book, say, like mine. It's this very subconscious thing that inflicts both men and women -- that what men have to say is more relevant, important, worthy. And that bothers me.
I do wonder about the future marketing for my book. Will it get a pink cover, or something more gender-neutral and man-friendly?
You write sex scenes that involve injuries! That's so nice! All the best encounters involve accidents, as far as I'm concerned. Or maybe I'm just a sex klutz.
This is freaking hilarious...*laughing my arse off*
I think you are my new hero...considering you'll be replacing Wonder Woman, you should be proud. Your books will most definitely have a home here.
I write women's fiction/romantic comedy as well and to be honest, I have yet to consider if a man would buy my book, though I have always said I think men should definitely read more romance. Why? Because we women are complicated...and often a little crazy and difficult to understand...this we know. Maybe if they read a few books written from a woman's POV they could begin to figure us out. Maybe. It would be a good start, anyway. :)
Ah, but you forget about shopping online. Anyone can buy anything without anyone else knowing :)
My writing tends toward sci-fi with a twist of urban fantasy. Almost always involves alternating M/F POV. Who would it appeal to? The only people who read my rough draft of the first novel were men, and all three enjoyed it.
A lot of women I know are more forgiving of what they read, so it sometimes seems like if you can hook the men, the women are a natch. Not to make that a big, generalizing statement, but just in my experience.
I killed someone in my last sex scene. No afterglow for him.
I write romance, and think of it as geared more toward women, but when I frequented Eloisa James/Julia Quinn's bulletin board (may it rest in peace), I met a wonderful, romance-reading man. He's a physicist in England and has given me great advice both on England and the male POV. It's always nice to know that men can appreciate the romance side of life, and maybe--just maybe--*get* why women like it. And it gives me someone to go to with the male POV love scenes as a beta (I worry about that, too!)
There's no question why they're here, over other romance sites, though. You're awesome!
I hope your male blog fans will buy your book... Romance gets no respect. Of all genres, this is the one with the most emotional risk - for men and women alike. Even if you don't write romance, you can still learn from it. And, if you're reading Tawna's blog, you're learning a hell of a lot.
Where else can you get Garage Porn? :)
Ebooks. That way no one knows who's reading what! ;o) Would be nice if more men publicly read "women's" books though... I saw a college-aged guy reading one of my favorite YA books recently. He said he loved the book, but had to take the cover off the hardback because he was embarrassed of it!!
I think a lot about both genders when writing, and the second book in my YA series is from a male POV. Like some of you have said--I hope my books have a gender neutral cover... when they sell... ;o)
I've wondered about the marketablility of one of my projects for just that reason - it's a western, which are usually aimed at men, but it's about teenage girl, which makes me think maybe it would be better for me to label it as a young adult? I don't know. The only male who's read it was my Grandad, and his comment was "I don't know where you come up with all those ideas." ;-)
Well, since you named me, I feel I have an obligation to answer. :)
I ended up here because a co-worker, also a writer, sent me the link and said this is funny, read it. So I did. And it was. And I bookmarked it. And I've been coming back ever since.
And yes, I will absolutely buy your book - and my wife and I will both read it, because your writing style is just plain entertaining. My personal feeling is if the writing is entertaing the genre tends to fade away a bit. If I had to describe what I typically read I would probably say thrillers and mysteries, but if I went over everything I've read in the past year that MIGHT be only half of them. I'm sure some that count as romantic comedy are in there as well, but I will admit they probably were referrals from my wife.
Since you mentioned romantic comedy, I think that's a great parallel with movies. Most of the time I'm not the one to pick it out to watch, but 95% of the time I'm entertained and I laugh. So I enjoy them. Maybe this is your torch Tawna - you get to transcend gender when it comes to romance novels. :)
As for my own writing, so far all my ideas, and the one I finally started, probably qualify as thriller/mystery. They say you should write what you like to read, but I just like to read good writing, regardless of the genre. Stephen King - on his website or various magazine columns - will sometimes talk about books he's read and many of them are not horror/thriller, but that's all he writes (with a smattering of fantasy). I think simply reading and enjoying good writing will always influence what your write. It may not go as broad as the genre, but may instead influence the development of a character in a different way.
I haven't given much thought to a target demographic yet...more concerned with writing, finishing, and making it good. :)
I mostly follow because you have a Pythagoras in the same way I have a St. Pauli Girl who actually introduced me to your blog.
She also got me on twitter and via going through her followings I ended up following a bunch of romance writers. Twitter constantly recommends romance writers to me along with Neil Diamond (interpret that how you wish). Anyway, I follow a lot of romance writers because they are funny, intelligent and entertaining.
I do not have a penis -- well, I do, but it's not attached to my own body -- so I can't say. However, I can say that my husband stops by your blog now and again because he likes to snicker at stroke jokes as much as the next guy, particularly if the joke in question is written intelligently. Will I ever get him to read a romance novel? Not likely. Unless Stephen Ambrose somehow resurrects himself to write one. Love in the Time of Iwo Jima or some such. Or if R. Lee Ermey takes up his pen for the sake of romance. It could happen.
I think this is the first time I've commented, but this post drew me out of the woodwork. (Heh. Wood.) I read your blog because I find it interesting, compelling, hilarious - and because I also have the sense of humor of a 12 year-old, so I feel like we're on the same page!
I am not a romance reader by nature, but I have followed writers I know and love across genres (I bought & read the first several of Holly Lisle's paranormal romances, even though I'm a 23 year-old guy who came in on her fantasy works.)
I also read the first chapter of 'the lost book' you'd posted and fell in love. I would grab that one off the shelves in a heartbeat.
So basically, I read for the entertainment value and because you seem like a funny, cool chick who I'd like to know in real life. And I will buy a copy of Making Waves when it comes out because I believe in supporting authors I, well, support.
Also, you've retweeted me on Twitter a number of times and now I'm in your debt. ;)
Not sure how I found your blog, but the 'Don't Pet Me' title didn't hurt. Your posts show up in the 'blogs I follow' roll, and I like your writing.
Although I'd like to think that my reading your blog is an indication of my security in my masculinity, I'm not sure that's the case at all.
It's an interesting slice of your life and although I've never commented before, I enjoy what you have to say.
Ken Macbeth
Great topic, Tawna.
I write from both male and female POVs and I actually find the male one a little easier to do, but I was raised by a mother that didn't spend a lot of time tutoring me in the feminine arts of seduction and flirtation. I spent a great deal of my childhood in racecar shops or at the race track. That being said, every once in a while my Critters will call me on something that one of my main character says that's just too girly.
I have a lot of male readers and if they ask for a suggestion of which book to read, I usually point them toward the one that features a repo man. They generally come back and buy the romantic suspense and they seem to enjoy both. My dad's only comment was my books needed more sex. :) But he and my youngest son have an affinity for romantic suspense and romantic comedy.
My youngest started reading Janet Evanovich when he was eleven. A little young for the risque humor, but I was so happy he was reading I didn't care.
I do wonder about attracting male readers and chose my pen name with that in mind. I didn't go so far as to get a stand in for my author photo, but if you just look at the name, it's fairly gender neutral.
Sorry this post has wandered around long enough and I didn't even manage to sneak in a double entendre. Guess that's why I write mystery and suspense with a little romance thrown in instead of the other way around.
This isn't a writer singles site? Damn!
I found your site the way most males find things: By clicking on the picture of a hot lady in a comment section. lol
What keeps me coming back?
You have a writing style and character that is seldom seen. Tawna, you are fun and genuine.
My morning read is rather extensive. To make my list, there has to be something extraordinary.
A brief backstory for the commentors: I have a site that focuses on writing news and authors of note. My site runs a series of Interviews with famous authors, and a very select group of debut authors who have books on the market. Tawna is an exception to that rule.
After reading your blog and enjoying the unending stream of humor, I couldn't help but set your talent off against some of my many guests and came to this conclusion: DAMN YOUR GOOD!
I'm not shameless... Noooo! I won't mention you'll be visiting my site soon for an interview on December 17th and why? Because that's just the kind of guy I am... LOL
I will say, I suggest your site to a number of my readers that are incredibly male and working on figuring out the female POV, whether as writers, or in life.
Point of interest: Ask Tawna to talk about the first test page for her interview and how I over did the pirates just a bit... :-)
P.S - I'm one of those that compares Tawna to Janet the Great
In a recent attempt to categorize tracks on my ipod, the pointlessness of genre labels became annoyingly apparent. If one were so inclined, categories could be divided and subdivided down to the artist, or even individual track. (e.g. Tom Petty; Mary Jane's Last Dance--Rock/Americana/Southern/Florida/ Hippie/Marijuana Reference/Harmonica Solo/Necrophiliac Video)
Accordingly my reading is all over the map. I followed up the Millennium Trilogy with "The Longest Day," "The Life of Pi," and (currently) Krakauer's "Under the Banner of Heaven"-- with Brenda Novak's "White Heat" on Deck (Ironically, this one seems as though it may overlap what I am reading now, even though the supposed genres couldn't be more different.)
As far as the "romance" stereotype.. er.. genre...I admit that I would be more likely to open one sans Fabio cover, but that probably has as much to do with assumptions about the quality of the writing as it does with projecting a revoked man-card status. But even if I did, it certainly wouldn't be in an airport bar (at least without hiding it behind a "Black Hawk Down" jacket.)
So if a male audience is part of your target, a cover that won't make us feel like we're holding your purse at the mall would be a good start. (Unless, of course, the male model is me in 1995, in which case I might have it tattooed on my back.)
A friend browsing my ipod recently asked "What do you like?" Since my music library is now meticulously split into two categories, (kept and deleted) I could truthfully answer, "All of them... that's why they're on there." And as hodge-podge ranks of literature swell unsegregated on the bookshelf, the same could be said of them. "This is the 'Shit-That's-Good' section. (like this blog) The 'Shit-That-Sucks' section is in the garage... at least until the next time I clean it out."
I have a fairly strong belief that anyone reading my blog who has a y chromosome is most likely doing so because he married me and i made him read it.
Wouldn't life be so much better if men did read romance! If you turn the tide, I'll be forever grateful. You're fun to read, Tawna.
I found my way here after I used your last name in a 100-word story to win a couple books on Janet Reid's blog.
I keep coming back because you make me laugh. It's as simple as that.
I've never read romance, favoring stories where the hot lovin' remains a subplot. (In fact, it may be the only major genre -- apart from sparkly vampire lit -- I have yet to sample.) Yet, if your book is as fun as your blog I may have to give it a shot. And even if MAKING WAVES doesn't do it for me, I have plenty of friends and family who are a) women, b) librarians, or c) women librarians, so purchases and/or recommendations are highly likely.
Thanks for yet another stimulating post!
I'm with the general consensus: If you write well they will come (:P) and everyone here likes your writing. Your blog is a lot of fun to read and most people are up for having fun irrespective of what their bits and pieces look like.
I haven't given gender demographics a lot of thought in regards too my own writing. It hasn't gotten to the stage were my attempt at telling a story is actually readable.
In general, I think a lot of guys read and enjoy romance as long as it is not packaged as romance and many of the "books guys like to read" are heavy on the romance and emotional drama. As more books get sold online, more guys will probably give romance a try. Whether they will admit to it is another question entirely.
i won't pretend i wasn't hurt earlier this morning when i didn't see my name amongst the male readers here. so much for my pithy erudite comments of the past.
as for your questions:
* i have no idea where i came across your blog -- likely from someone else's link somewhere on another writing blog i follow. or a link from a link from a link. who knows at this point.
* i stick around because you're rather witty and occasionally insightful and often fun to read. i could care less which gender you are or what genre you write.
* i've read two romantic comedies, both written by a friend. if he hadn't written them, i likely wouldn't have read them. i'm glad i read them, but i won't be hunting down others in the genre to read. (personal preference)
* i know i'm writing for MG boys but i'm hoping the characters are engaging enough for MG girls to enjoy this first series. (from experience as an elementary school librarian, as long as the story is well written and fun, younger kids often don't care too much about the gender of the main characters.)
-- Tom
If it's any consolation, it was a girl who pointed me this way? But I stuck around for the laughs and the shop-talk.
On a related note, I think most of my blog's readers are female. Not that Misanthropology101 is exactly "Geoffrey's 101 Ways That Power Tools Are Awesome Blog," but I think it at least makes it clear what I've got between my legs (an obnoxious cat, right now, for anyone who was wondering).
So you never can tell.
Hi Tawna,
This was probably one of my favorite post of yours. I don't know why, I just enjoyed it.
I enjoy reading the comments contributed by the men and am thankful they add to the discussion. They should buy your book.
Also, TOM M FRANKLIN, you are adorable.
I imagine many of these guys stop by because you are HI-LAR-IOUS. And I mean it- I love your blog, and now I'm going to buy your book because your writing on here is wonderful, you are funny and witty, and seem like a really cool and genuine person. I bet they'll buy your book even if they don't read romance, and then fall in love with it because it's that awesome.
Anne, that is one smart football player!
Teri Anne, if it makes you feel better, my husband has read almost nothing I've written. Unless I print off something short and shove it under his nose at dinner, it's not happening.
Sarah, male betas should definitely be kept in their own tank and fed well :)
Linda G, yeah, I'll admit it...I wasn't too concerned with Alex's safety at that point.
Matthew, what's interesting is that I think my books were a tougher sell with editors because the primary driver wasn't the whole emotional angst/internal struggle aspect. I have no idea how things will play out once the books are released, but I can't help but suspect there's a fairly large market that WANTS books like that. Time will tell...
Simon, so are you passed out with your face on the keyboard by 2 a.m.?
Malin, that's a really fascinating aspect I'd never considered! Thanks for that.
Project Savior, I feel fairly confident my romance isn't corny. It may be lots of other things, but not corny :)
Katt, this is one reason I'm really dying to see what my cover looks like!
Danica, I always think a lot of guys would totally dig Jennifer Crusie if her books weren't shelved under romance. Lots of good male POV there!
Charity, I do occasionally use male beta readers and the input is always fascinating.
Laura, it's frustrating that so much of it is about shelving. One of my Debutante Ball sisters wrote a hilarious book about parenting three daughters with autism, but because it's being shelved under parenting books instead of general humor or memoir, people don't always notice it.
CKHB, I've made it my mission to always write sex scenes that involve at least a little injury or awkwardness.
Claire Dawn, you don't know how much I'm counting on online shopping to make or break my career :)
Summer, interesting point about female readers maybe being a bit more forgiving!
Noelle, aw, thanks!
Patty, hooray for garage porn!
Janelle, yeah, I'll admit I've been known to peel the cover off more than one hardback book.
Kendra, that actually sounds like a really interesting concept.
Jason, good point about the movies. I would definitely love to end up being an author who can transcend the gender barriers.
Dexter, Neil Diamond? How do you explain that one?
Delia, the mere fact that your penis...er, I mean your HUSBAND...will occasionally read my blog is enough satisfaction for me!
Rick, ah, yes...I recognize you from Twitter. Hello there!
Ken, the petting thing probably lures in more people than I'd like to imagine :)
KD Easley, so what did your 11yo think of Evanovich?
Douglas, aw, thank you! See that? I'm blushing. That's a rarity :)
Mark, great point about the difficulty in categorizing music. It's often tough with writing as well. Personally, I think it's odd that Janet Evanovich gets shelved under mystery and Jennifer Crusie gets shelved under romance when the two are actually quite similar.
lora96, the irony there is that my husband almost never reads my blog.
Renee, maybe we should start a big movement trying to get men to read romance? It sure would improve life for a lot of women!
Nate, you said "stimulating."
Christina, you said "they will come."
Tom, awww, shit. I knew I'd forget someone important. Sorry about that! Haven't seen you here for a few weeks, so you slipped my mind. Want me to add you to the post? Hug you? Whisper sweet nothings in your ear?
Geoffrey, laughing hysterically about what's between your legs (er, the cat).
Harley May, want to do a group hug with me & Tom?
Abby, aw, thank you. My head is swelling now (and I don't mean that in a sexy way).
Thanks for reading, guys!
Tawna
I started reading your blog after following you on twitter. Though I'm not a romance writer/reader, I continue to follow your blog because you've got a great voice and you do humor well--not an easy task to pull off. I'll very likely pick up Making Waves for the same reasons. Who says Twitter doesn't sell books?
Well, admittedly, I'm not much of a romance reader unless it crops up in a Fantasy book, but I've enjoyed all your posts up here. I don't really think the genre of the book is that big of an issue. I think most books encompass several different genres and can't be restricted down to one. All that matters is that the book is engaging enough for me to be interested and I can say from the first couple of paragraphs I read on your website, yes I will be looking to buy your book in August. I'm interested to find out what the story is about beyond all the "steaminess" :D
From my giant list of book ideas, I'm currently writing a book in first person from the perspective of an eighteen year old girl. My mom was shocked when she first read a bit of it, because I don't tell you the gender of the protagonist until a couple pages in. I'm also over halfway through another book where the main character (yes she is female and highly independant at that) starts hearing all the thoughts of the guys around her. Your blog has been mighty helpful for that. :)
Unfortunately, that book is going to take a while since I'm working on getting the smaller one published first.
Writing is writing.
I come here because you're smart and funny (and the appetizers are great!), but I stay because you give good advice.
Writing is writing, whatever the genitalia.
I find your blog fun to read, so I keep coming back. I also think you have some good insights on writing, which I find helpful.
I have read a few romance titles (does Anita Shreve count?), but I wouldn't say that I am a fan. I'm willing to give your romantic comedies a try.
To quote AC/DC "I've got big balls."
I found your blog via Shain Brown's blog. I not only find your blog fun to read, but as a noob I like the writing advice.
While I am not a romance reader it doesn't hurt to have some exposure to the genre, especially since there's an element of romance in every good story.
I hadn't noticed tawnafenske.blogspot.com before in my searches!
Me & my fellow classmates use your blogs as our reference materials. We look out for more interesting posts from your end about the same topic . Even the future updates about this topic would be of great help. Thanks again Admin
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