Health
Romance Fiction Gets Sophisticated
Romance fiction -- long viewed as lightweight reading of middle-aged women in curlers -- is being reborn. A new generation of romance writers is ditching the classic, mushy love story in favor of more complex, modern tales about socially relevant characters with modern, real-life problems.
The new passion press often features professional women who overcome obstacles such as divorce and abuse to find love with modern men -- some of whom don't even have rippling muscles.
The formulaic plots have been infused with issues such as homelessness, sexual abuse and drug addiction and the stories unfold as comedy, drama, action adventure and melodrama. Even the classic "bodice-ripper" clinch picture on the cover has been replaced with sophisticated designs.
The more realistic approach is fueling increased sales in the $1 billion dollar industry, which now accounts for more than half of all mass-market paperback sales. Book industry officials note that romance titles sell almost as much as all other genres combined. But one thing remains constant. Most books still finish a happy ending.
The new passion press often features professional women who overcome obstacles such as divorce and abuse to find love with modern men -- some of whom don't even have rippling muscles.
The formulaic plots have been infused with issues such as homelessness, sexual abuse and drug addiction and the stories unfold as comedy, drama, action adventure and melodrama. Even the classic "bodice-ripper" clinch picture on the cover has been replaced with sophisticated designs.
The more realistic approach is fueling increased sales in the $1 billion dollar industry, which now accounts for more than half of all mass-market paperback sales. Book industry officials note that romance titles sell almost as much as all other genres combined. But one thing remains constant. Most books still finish a happy ending.
