Julie Mayerson Brown speaks about Romantic Fiction

We caught up with Julie Mayerson Brown, author of The Long Dance Home, asked her opinion on Romantic Fiction. Her intial response was to best clarify the ideal title for the genre and then bring definition: Contemporary/Literary and Romantic Fiction.

"This category highlights stories about universal truths that touch the heart and speak to our emotions. Regardless of when or where they take place - from Ancient Egypt to modern day New York, these books revolve around real life conflicts and compelling characters who evoke powerful reactions and feelings.
 
The classic ROMANCE NOVEL is defined as "a book that has at its core two basic elements: first, a central love story about two individuals falling in love and struggling to make the relationship work, and second, an emotionally satisfying and optimistic ending that rewards the lovers." Romance novels offer an escape and allow women (most romance readers are female) to feel the vicarious pleasure of having a man who is completely and utterly devoted to her. She finds joy in cheering on a pair of lovers as they overcome obstacles and find their happy ending. 

In CONTEMPORARY/LITERARY fiction, there may be a love story, but there is no promise of romance or a happy ending. The relationship(s) may be between anyone - lovers, friends, siblings, business partners, even strangers. The conflicts include everything from money to murder, secrets to suicide, rape to redemption... all in believable settings and involving characters that readers connect with and care about. 

These are stories that make you feel an emotion of some kind - anger, sadness, joy, relief. They make you think and worry and wonder. And they weave their way into your mind and stay with you long after the final page is turned and the book is set back on the shelf." 

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