Thank you, Dr. Bob, for this month’s blog topic.
How can contemporary
fiction cope with the rapid changes of today’s world?
First, I’d like to define what I believe defines a contemporary
romance.
·
A bone-deep sense of hope that true love is
possible.
Books that show Love is the way to everything that’s good.
·
Before the HEA there must be character growth and
endings can also aim at a broad moral good.
·
A romance doesn’t have to solve the world’s
problems. Sometimes you want to witness
the power of love.
How Contemporary
Romance Can Cope with the Rapid Changes of Today.
What trends do I see so romance novels can keep pace with
today’s world?
·
Becoming more inclusive (though I have witnessed
this trend over the past several years).
Everyone needs to be experiencing his/her happy ending.
·
This means people over 40, people of color,
same-sex couples, disabled people, the list goes on.
Redefining Motivating Factors.
·
Uphold/subvert capitalism. In so many romance novels, the two seem inextricably
tied (more so in historical novels). Marriage and romance over the centuries
have been connected. Therefore, it isn’t
easy to liberate romance (Cinderella, Jane Eyre, etc.) from this narrative.
·
Or individualism in the romantic arc, “I need to
complete this project so I get a big promotion.”
What do I expect to see in 2020 and in the hear future?
·
Narratives of belonging.
·
The arts
·
Community spirit
·
Family gathered at the dinner table giving thanks
for the meal delivered by a ‘home-chef service’ but prepared by all.
What changes to you expect to see in contemporary romance
novels?
What plot is your favorite?
What do you believe defines a modern day contemporary romance?
List of this month’s participants:
Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea
Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-1OK
Helena Fairfax http://www.helenafairfax.com/blog
Connie Vines http://mizging.blogspot.com/
Judith Copek http://lynx-sis.blogspot.com/
Beverley Bateman http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/
Fiona McGier http://www.fionamcgier.com/
Anne Stenhouse http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com/
Rhobin L Courtright http://www.rhobincourtright.com
Connie