Can a Realist Become a Romantic

If the knight in shining armor doesn't exist, what does? Do the moonlit walks and candlelit dinners? Or are those just in the movies? Do men really whisper sweet nothings or is that just in books? Is there really sexual tension or do most couples jump into a physical relationship so quickly that there is no tension?

Think about how sexual relationships on television have changed. Remember the days when couples slept in separate beds? Those days are gone and so has our imagination.  Even during prime time scenes are very explicit.  So, how does that fit into our view of romance?

For realists, romance is dead.  We all have busy lives and are lucky to be able to sit down to have dinner, much less light candles and have a glass of wine.  A quickie is the norm. Romance is for the big screen and novels; a fantasy best left to the imagination.

For romantics, its alive and well.  The slightest touch or softest breath can stir up desire. A look or smile can cause the heart to skip a beat.  Intimacy starts with holding hands and a slight kiss.  Sexual tension is meant to build. Time and place are considered just as important as the act itself.

Which category do you fit in? Realist? Romantic? Is a romance novel or a movie an aphrodisiac? Is there time for romance in the 21st century? Can you be converted?

Giving the Reader What They Want

I write what I want to read. I have heard other authors say that. I love to read historical romance. LOVE IT!  Do I want to write it? No!  Way too much research! I like to write contemporary romance. Once I get published will anyone else want to read my books?  I hope so.

I met up with some friends tonight who are avid readers.  Mostly romance. I listened to the comments they made about other authors they read.  The heroine was too young and not relatable, too many zombies, story didn't move along quick enough, too much sex, not enough sex...

It gave me even more book ideas. I definitely have the writing bug! My muse is busy throwing ideas at me quicker than I can write them down. Surely others will want to read my work and share it with the world. If not I will still have to write. And I will continue to listen to what others want to read and try to accommodate while still enjoying they story my way.