September 2019
I want to celebrate romance readers. I feel they are the best in the world. Years ago, I was an avid romance reader. I loved the happily-ever-after ending because it made me feel good. (Why read something that makes you depressed?) Most of my reading is romance fiction, otherwise, it’s nonfiction for research purposes.
It wasn’t until the early 1990s that I took the brave step from reader to learning to write a romance. I loved reading romance so much, I wanted to write stories that made other people sigh with happiness and fall in love with the characters I had created.
Romance readers are thrilled to share their favourite authors and titles. Word of mouth advertising is powerful. Romance readers have made it a top seller of genre fiction for good reason. Romance has quite a number of sub-genres to satisfy the taste of a wide range of readers such as: science-fiction romance, fantasy, paranormal, romantic suspense, steampunk/gaslight punk, gothic romance, erotic and plus others I’m sure I’ve missed.
Romance readers are educated. They want heroines who are smart, sassy, and capable and they know they can find her within the pages of this genre. 86% of romance readers are women and 16% are men who appreciate amazing characters and storylines.
Book signings and contests, appreciation groups all have the point of meeting readers and letting them know they are appreciated. As an author I want to make a positive difference in reader’s lives. To write stories that take them away from their problems and stress for a little while and give them a place to dream, to relax, and to participate in the story I’ve created within the pages of my books.
That’s pure magic.
A reader opens a book/tablet/e-reader and magic ensues. It’s an exchange between the author and the reader and to me that’s enough reason to celebrate. Reading romance has helped feed my love of history and Celtic mythology. It’s taken me to Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales.
Romance novels are about two people who against all odds, fell in love. There’s nothing wrong with more love in the world.
If you haven’t read a romance, try one. Ask your local bookseller for some recommendations. The genre has changed in the last 50 years. Become a celebrated romance reader and discover the magic!
Don’t forget, you can purchase all of my titles on Amazon.com
If you’re a writer, I’ll be teaching my Essentials of Characterization and Plotting one more time this year. It will be for the Young Adult chapter of Romance Writers of America. See you there!
Tambra Nicole
Tambra Nicole Kendall 