I had a discussion with a male associate yesterday that I can’t get off my mind. He said:
“I only read non-fiction. Fiction is better in movies and fictional books are a waste of time.”
He isn’t the first man to tell me this, either. Me being a writer, I had no choice but to express my disagreement with him. I told him that they are two different mediums and that although I love a good movie myself, there is something about the way a book mentally stimulates you and moves you creatively that a movie can never replicate.
His response was pretty much, “Eh.”
As I was trying to come up with some good books to suggest to him, he surprised me by informing me that he did find my short story Being Sincere rather intriguing. Being the extra macho type that he is, I never would have pegged him for one interested in fantasy or romance. But when I thought about it further, it made sense. I could see how this guy could relate to the powerful but stoic male main character in the story. I told him that if he liked that, he just may really enjoy more of my stories or novels.
Which then got me to thinking – why DON’T more men (straight men, anyways) read romance, especially those that fall under the paranoraml fantasy and sci-fi subgenres? They’ve got action, tension, danger, bad guys, cool alpha males, gorgeous babes and hot sex.
What’s there not for a guy to like in tales like that?
Perhaps men are just generally more visual creatures than women and have more difficulity getting excited over text. Or maybe it is simply the outdated assumption by guys that all romances are sweet and frilly and are for girls only. Or maybe I’m just wrong altogether, and most guys WOULD pick up more romances if only there weren’t half naked men on the book covers. I really want to know!
Either way, I usually have male readers in the back of my mind when I write and try to include content and perspectives that I imagine they would enjoy, even though I know that in general I am creating stories for a female audience. But still, I can’t help but hope that I can be one of those authors that both men and women don’t mind getting hot and bothered over. If anybody can help provide me with some further insight on this topic I’d love to hear it!
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Actually for me, the only reason that I won't read paranormal romance outside of the comfort of my own home is the covers of some of the books. When the cover art looks like a typical harelquin novel that usually has the same big buff guy with his hair blowing in the wind, and a damsel at his side… I will pass.
It looks wayyy to chick lit for me to be seen reading it outside on the train or on a lunch break.
I agree with BadWolf, covers for romance novels are made to appeal to women.
You know something…I never really thought about that but your friend just might be right. With me, I can enjoy a good read, period, but I admit that I've never sat and read a romance novel. I don't know – I think it's written in a way to make the reader feel like a woman whose courting a man or something.
With movies I think we are able to place ourselves in bed with the woman or take notes, during the times where (movie Unfaithful) dude took control of the woman in the hallway. I don't think a male viewer will read into that, the same way the screen visualized it.
Good post. And the subscription is working again.
I'm not male, but I'm going to agree with the fact that sometimes the covers are a put-off. If I see some kind of Fabio cover or the kinds where you cant' see the faces-but they're locked in some kind of embrace? I'm not buying it…looks much too girly for my peace of mind. I'm probably missing out on some good fiction, but I still can't bring myself to buy or borrow it.
)
I agree with you 100% on the fact that you can't hide everything from your mate forever. They will find out, yes indeed. Great post.
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