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Monday, July 11, 2005

A new controversy brewing

Last month RWA heated up the tempers of many erotic romance writers when they tried to impose specific rules of graphic standards. This month a new controversy is brewing: The definition of romance.

I didn't find out about this until two days ago. I'd received my copy of RWR, the magazine RWA puts out, a few days ago, but I'd been so busy lately with my writing that I put it under a pile of books and forgot that it was there. That is until Theresa, a member of the Critique Corner, mentioned something about a ballot in it. So when I came home from work, I opened my copy of RWR and found it.

Bottom line: It seems that RWA is conducting a survey on the definition of romance, and they expect romance writers to choose between these two definitions:

A. "Romantic Fiction" or "Romance" means a story in which a predominant part of the story line focuses on the romantic relationship that develops between one man and one woman on more than a physical level. Although other elements and subplots may also be components of the story line, by the book's conclusion the romantic relationship has been resolved in an emotionally satisfying manner.

B. "Romantic Fiction" or "Romance" means a story in which a predominant part of the story line focuses on the romantic relationship that develops between two people on more than a physical level. Although other elements and subplots may also be components of the story line, by the book's conclusion the romantic relationship has been resolved in an emotionally satisfying manner.


Although the second definition seems to give more leeway to those romance authors who write gay and lesbian romance stories, many erotic romance writers (who are known to push the boundaries of romantic relationships) feel that both definitions constrict the idea of what's a romance story by not allowing romance between multiple partners. In some of the lists I'm in, already erotic romance writers are complaining about RWA's persecution against them. How much heat this new controvery will generate is yet to be seen. Although so far it hasn't exploded like the imposed "graphic standards" one did.

The deadline to submit the ballot was yesterday, so I couldn't let them know how I felt about these definitions. Oh well... How many of you, RWA members, filled out the ballot and sent it back? Did you feel the choices given were satisfying or not?

Comments on "A new controversy brewing"

 

Blogger Tracy Sharp - Author of the Leah Ryan Series said ... (4:50 PM) : 

I thought it was an insult.

 

Blogger Silma said ... (9:00 PM) : 

Personally I found it very limiting. I know many erotic romance writers who have written wonderful stories in which there are more than one hero in the heroine's life. And then the last one says "people," but what about those who write futuristic romance? Are aliens considered people too?

 

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