Fragrance and Love can never be hidden.: #connievines #bookswelove #RhobinsRambles #heretodayzombietomorrow #RodeoRomance #Lynx #Brede #WhisperUponTheWater

Saturday, September 19, 2015

Social Issues in Entertainment Reading

Thank you Rhobin, once again, for such a timely topic.

Topic: What current issues are important to you? How often do modern social/global issues take place in your stories no matter what era or genre you write?

I am very concerned about many global social issues from climate, religious extremism, over population, pollution, and the loss of native habitats, to food production, the cost of higher education, the increase in income inequality, the shrinking of America’s middle class, failing infrastructure, and humanity’s failure to learn from past mistakes.

Do any of these topics occur in my stories? Yes, even though I write romance and romantic suspense/YA/fantasy/historical novels timely topics appear in my fiction. My Rodeo Romance Series addresses continuing social issues of child neglect and alcoholism, the aftermath that haunts into adulthood. Book 2 in my Rodeo Romance Series shows how death and survivor guilt cannot be ignored. My Native American Series shows the generational effect on a People who have experience Genocide. While my anthology “Gumbo Ya Ya” shows how cultures and belief systems clash and how a fair resolution is sometimes, impossible.

While not all of my novels delve deeply into social issues as part of the story, they make an appearance. I believe no matter the time period, people are aware of the world around them. That world, in turn, is instrumental in the development of a person’s character.

What global issues are important to you?

Do you find global/social issues add to a story? Or, do you wish true escapism without a hint of ‘reality’ in the storyline?

Happy Reading,

Connie

Please visit the other participants of this month’s Round Robin Blog Hop:

http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea

https://ajmaguire.wordpress.com/2015/09/19/round-robin-blog-posts-social-issues-in-fiction/

http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/2015/09/writing-and-current-socialglobal-issues.html

http://margaretfieland.com/blog1/2015/09/19/september-round-robin-current-events/

http://www.marcibaun.com/blog/

https://bobrich18.wordpress.com/2015/09/19/what-matters-in-todays-world/

http://rachaelkosinski.weebly.com/captains-log/preach-to-the-choir-or-gently-whisper

http://helenafairfax.com/2015/09/19/do-social-issues-belong-in-novels-or-should-fiction-help-us-to-escape-the-worlds-problems/

http://lynx-sis.blogspot.com/

Saturday, May 23, 2015

What Changes Have You Seen in Romance Novels in the Past Decade? By Connie Vines #RR 05/23/15

Topic: What changes have you seen in romance novels in the past decade? Is there a change in romance novel direction? Is there still a market for non-explicit sex stories?

I researched data (2010- 2014) for this months' Round Robin blog topic . Multiple sources (online and print) stare that romantic novels are the most popular and most lucrative genre in American publishing, with over $1.35 billion in estimated revenues. This is almost two times the size of the mystery genre, and nearly three times the size of the market for classic/literary fiction.

Best Books (romance) according to Amazon/reader's choice, 2010:
Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage
Burning Lamp
Pleasure of a Dark Prince
Sin Undone
Married by Morning
Finding Perfect

The favorites seemed to be evenly divided between: Paranormal/Romantic Suspense/Sweet Homespun.

The 2013 list of Best Books (romance):
Dark Witch
Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles)
The Rosie Project
The Sear of Tranquility
Fueled

Fast forward a decade: Witchcraft/Paranormal/Possible Destruction of Mankind

It seems historical, homespun, chicklit, and the 'classic' contemporary romances are on the back burner.

However, there seems to be exceptions: Scottish men wearing Kilts are marketable and appearing on the Cable t.v. scene!

What I have seen in the last ten years is less diversity in the romance genre. Erotica and Vampire/Changeling characters are still dominating the market. While series novels by Debbie Macomber and Susan Mallery still break into the top 10-with contemporary/sweet romantic theme, becoming the exception (at least statically speaking) rather than the rule.

Does this mean readers no longer hunger for Sweet Romance, Chicklit or Historical Romance?
I don't believe so. (Hence the popularity of eBooks and re-releases of 1980-90s romantic fiction.)

I believe an author who writes non-explicit romances has a smaller list of publishers to query, and smaller royalties each quarter than in past decades. However, trends peak and fade away and reappear. If a writer writes to his/her strengths and doesn't randomly chase trends, a readership will develop.

I like a good Zombie/Paranormal story and write 'um too (though with a light touch). I watch GRIMM and iZombie. But these are not the only shows I tune in or the only theme in the novels I write. I suspect this is true with readers and publishers also.

Remember when writing a story not slotted to a 'genre' was the kiss of death, so to speak?

Enter: Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter and Pride Prejudice & Zombies. Who could have guessed such stories could be made into a movie?

The key is writing a story that captures the reader.

Do I have predictions for the upcoming year?

Erotica will climb for a bit longer due to the movie (50 Shades) and general interest.
Pirates and Highlanders, and Vikings will gain and retain popularity.
I'm also thinking contemporary romance sweet/ sexual tension (1-flame) will regain a foot-hold on the market. Characterization and emotional connection are the backbone of these novels.

What is your take on the matter?

What books do you plan to focus on this upcoming year?

What are you hungering to read?

What book setting/ theme are you 'not' interesting in reading?

Please post comments/suggestions.