I love it when I get fabulous feedback. And this morning, I didn’t just get fabulous feedback, I got a big pat on the shoulder from David Thome, Writer.
A few weeks back, I posted a feature on fellow romance writer LA Dale’s blog entitled, “Do Men Really Read Romance.” I suggested that men are closet romance lovers, not least because everyone loves a happy ending.
The post got a lot of feedback–unsurprisingly, perhaps, from women who whole-heartedly agree. So far, so good. However, it emerges that the post resonated loudly with romance writer David Thome, who also whole-heartedly agrees, seeing as that he actually writes romance. And here’s my pat on the back: he emailed me to let me know he’d quoted parts of my humble post on his blog, Man Writing A Romance. I went to check it out, and I loved it. Apart from Dave’s post and blog being really interesting, it’s a wonderful feeling to receive the credit for something you wrote… and seeing such wonderful agreement from, well, let’s face it, the target audience. #romcom4all, let’s make it happen.
Once again, the floor is open to you. What do you make of all of this? Don’t forget to visit Dave’s blog to see what the fuss is all about….
Nicky Wells: Love & Thrills 
I remember that post, it was really refreshing to see it put on the table. Once I’m back at the Castle I will give Dave’s blog a mooch : ) xx
Good morning! That was quick… Glad you enjoyed the post, and Dave’s blog is definitely worth a mooch. See you there! x
Well done, Nicky. Dave’s clearly taken a shine to you. You’ve hit the nail on the head re. men and romantic fiction! Won’t it be great when men celebrate reading romance on buses and trains and planes! x
That would be great, indeed! Not sure that day will happen… but who knows! And the anonymity of e-readers, while usually to the detriment of the author, will certainly liberate men in this regard, haw haw haw! Thanks for your comment today, Harriet! 🙂
Yeah… e-readers… no need for books wrapped in brown paper. Poor authors, but it may liberate the reading public – women as well as men – to read whatever they fancy!! x
Yes, there are men out there who read romance, but I still believe it to be more of a woman’s market. As for my GAJITMAN and my son, they both enjoy car manuals…notmy kind of book, but hey, the car works 🙂 x
What, you don’t enjoy car manuals? They make excellent bedtime reading, especially if you’re an insomniac! Thanks for your thoughts today, Laura, I love it when you visit here. :-)x
I had a review from a man, too, Nicky! A good one! It came just after your post went up. Couldn’t help thinking he read it and thought, hmmm? Shall I? Then plucked up courage and went for it. Do you think they realise we’re ready to give them a pat on the back for saying, OK, it is romance, but it’s good! 🙂 xx
Amazing! I take full responsibility…. heee heee heee. Yes, I do think they need some encouragement and recognition. Except that might frighten them off? X Thanks for your visit and comment, Sheryl, I love it. 🙂
Do you men really read romance? The answer is a definitive YES.
After all, men write romance novels. Of course they’ll never use their own name. What woman would read a novel by a Harold Lowry? In fact they have, because he writes under the name of Leigh Greenwood. Not only that he was the President of the RWA [Romance Writers of America] from 2000-2002.
Hope this has totally answered your question.
Brilliant perspective, thanks so much. 🙂 Of course this has been the case as long as romance has been written; likewise, women have been known to publish crime or literary fiction under an assumed male pen name… but still, good to have some facts, thanks so much, and thanks for taking the time to visit and comment. 🙂
THANK YOU so much for your response Nicky. I truly appreciate it. 😀
Hey there, I always try and respond to comments. On the rare occasions that I don’t manage, it’s simply because I’ve run out of time or fallen asleep on my desk, heee heee. Please come back soon, it’s lovely to chat with you. 🙂 x
I can’t wait to check out Dave’s blog. I think smart men read romance, they realize it gives them the edge when it comes to women. 🙂 of course my hubby is also a car manual guy too.
Well, hm. Right, so if we’re reforming the reading habits of mankind… does that mean womankind has to pick up those manuals?? Thanks for your comment and visit today, Dana! xx
Wrapped up in a rugged leather cover – Romance is better that way don’t you think?
p.s. Tips are a good thing. Perhaps more men will learn a bit more about the, until now, mysterious women in their lives 🙂 Love it.
Maybe that’s the marketing way to go then. A wonderfully escapist romantic read for the ladies… and “how to handle your pesky female” manual for the men. Then we could add different covers, problem solved. Maybe not. Like the idea of a rugged leather cover. Thanks for visiting and commenting, Lesley, I love it! 🙂
I’m in total agreement with you Nicky, one of my first EVER reviews was from a man, a reader I didn’t know and it surprised me. Not only had he taken the trouble to read my psychic romance story, but his review was sensitive and didn’t hold back. I’m also married to a man who isn’t afraid to watch a woman’s film and show his ‘connection’ – I agree you have ‘hit the nail on the head’!
That’s so wonderful to hear! That you’ve got men reading **and** commenting on your romantic novels: congratulations. Maybe the psychic dimensions makes it more interesting for them? Perhaps, then, we need to think of more crossed genres like… uuuh, I think I said this before, romantic crime? Or a crime romance? Thanks for taking the time to read and comment whilst on holiday and using a very tenuous Internet connection: you know I really appreciate it. And now… go and relax!!! xx
Great that men read romance, along with other typically female biased genres, as well as write them. After all Jessica Sterling was male and I know several M&B male authors too. One of my best reviews came from a male reader. Now all I need to do is find a man who “does” romance. You know, flowers, chocs, romantic weekends, white charger to take me off into sunset, thing. … Great post, Nicky and good on ya!
Ha ha ha, Kit, you crack me up! Tell you what–foist all these romances on your OH and highlight the relevant sections. I’m sure he can take a hint!!! Love your sense of humour, thanks for visiting!
Well done, Nicky. It’s great to receive positive feedback from readers and even better from other writers. I certainly agree that Men are closet romance readers. 🙂
Hi Kiru, thanks for visiting and commenting. I think we’re about to out them, heee heee! X Take care and have a great evening…
Positive feedback rocks! I’ve had a few men tell me they’ve read and enjoyed my novels. It’s a great feeling!
It certainly is, and it seems most of us have had male reviews or feedback. So it does make you wonder what all the fuss is about: I stick by my guns, men are closet romance lovers! Thanks for your comment, Talli. 🙂