Romance authors Emily Henry, Beverly Jenkins, and others on the state of their genre
On NPR's Book of the Day, romance authors Emily Henry, Beverly Jenkins, Jasmine Guillory, and Helen Hoang discuss the evolution and significance of romance novels. The authors explore how romance novels provide emotional escape during difficult times while tackling complex themes like family dynamics, personal identity, and grief. They also delve into the intricacies of writing romance, including the challenges of crafting intimate scenes and developing authentic characters.
The authors address the historical devaluation of romance novels and the genre's transformation regarding diversity and representation. Beverly Jenkins notes the past scarcity of black historical romance writers, while Helen Hoang brings visibility to characters on the autism spectrum. The conversation examines how romance novels create spaces for women to define their sexuality and experiences on their own terms, even as the genre continues to face criticism.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jan 30, 2026 episode of the NPR's Book of the Day
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1-Page Summary
The Evolving Role and Significance of Romance Novels
Romance novels have established themselves as a cornerstone of the literary world, particularly during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, when they provided readers with much-needed emotional escape. Despite being often dismissed as "cheesy," these novels tackle complex themes including family dynamics, personal identity, grief, and modern love challenges.
The Craft Of Writing Romance, Including Sex Scenes
Writing romance requires a delicate balance of vulnerability and authenticity. Emily Henry discusses the challenge of writing intimate scenes, noting that she must convince herself no one will read her drafts to write effectively. Beverly Jenkins views romance novels as spaces where women can define their sexuality on their terms, while Jasmine Guillory emphasizes the importance of portraying women experiencing pleasure without shame.
Romance authors like Beverly Jenkins and Ali Hazelwood approach their craft organically, focusing on character development rather than specific tropes. While classic frameworks like "Fake Dating" and "Marriage of Convenience" exist, authors strive to bring fresh perspectives to these familiar structures.
Diverse Voices and Deeper Themes in Romance
The genre is experiencing a significant transformation in terms of representation. Helen Hoang and Jasmine Guillory have been instrumental in diversifying romance narratives, with Hoang particularly noted for including characters on the autism spectrum. Beverly Jenkins highlights the historical lack of black historical romance writers, while Guillory advocates for greater diversity within publishing industry teams.
Status and Perception of Romance Novels
Despite ongoing prejudice against romance novels, which Celeste Headlee attributes to the historical devaluation of women's art, authors are actively challenging these perceptions. Emily Henry emphasizes the importance of valuing women's intimate experiences, while Jasmine Guillory chooses to focus on engaging with romance enthusiasts rather than defending against criticism. Helen Hoang's work, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, has demonstrated the genre's capacity to bring visibility to underrepresented experiences and tackle significant social issues.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people faced isolation, stress, and uncertainty. Romance novels offered comfort and emotional escape by providing hopeful, uplifting stories. Their focus on connection and love resonated with readers seeking positivity. This increased demand highlighted the genre's emotional and psychological value.
- "Fake Dating" is a romance plot where two characters pretend to be in a relationship for a specific purpose, often leading to real feelings. "Marriage of Convenience" involves characters entering a marriage for practical reasons, such as financial security or social status, rather than love. Both frameworks create tension and opportunities for character growth as the relationship evolves. These tropes are popular because they combine external conflict with emotional development.
- Emily Henry, Beverly Jenkins, Jasmine Guillory, Helen Hoang, and Ali Hazelwood are bestselling authors known for their contributions to contemporary and diverse romance literature. They are recognized for bringing fresh perspectives, authentic characters, and inclusivity to the genre. Their works often challenge traditional romance tropes and highlight underrepresented voices. Each has a significant following and influence in shaping modern romance narratives.
- Portraying women experiencing pleasure "without shame" means showing female characters enjoying intimacy confidently and openly, without guilt or embarrassment. Historically, literature often depicted female sexuality as taboo or linked to negative consequences. This approach challenges stereotypes by normalizing women's sexual agency and positive experiences. It helps readers see female desire as natural and empowering.
- Black historical romance writers have been underrepresented due to systemic racism and limited publishing opportunities. This lack matters because it restricts diverse perspectives and authentic stories about Black experiences in history. Increasing their presence enriches the genre and challenges stereotypes. It also provides readers with more inclusive and relatable narratives.
- Romance novels are often dismissed because they are primarily created by and for women, reflecting themes traditionally undervalued by a male-dominated literary establishment. Historically, art and literature associated with women’s experiences have been seen as less serious or important. This bias stems from broader societal gender inequalities that devalue women's cultural contributions. As a result, romance as a genre faces prejudice despite its popularity and complexity.
- "Diversity within publishing industry teams" means having people of different races, genders, backgrounds, and experiences working in roles like editors, marketers, and decision-makers. This diversity helps ensure a wider range of stories and voices are recognized, supported, and promoted. It reduces biases that might exclude or misrepresent certain groups in romance narratives. Ultimately, it leads to more authentic and varied portrayals in the genre.
- Romance novels offer emotional escape by immersing readers in stories that evoke feelings of hope, love, and connection, which can be comforting during stressful times. They create a temporary world where readers can experience positive emotions and relief from real-life worries. This escapism helps reduce anxiety and provides a sense of companionship through relatable characters. The genre's focus on emotional resolution and happy endings often leaves readers feeling uplifted.
- Romance novels often feature characters from diverse backgrounds, including marginalized groups, which helps readers see experiences not commonly represented in mainstream media. By exploring themes like race, disability, and sexuality, these stories challenge stereotypes and promote empathy. Authors use romance plots to highlight social issues subtly, making them accessible and relatable. This visibility can influence cultural conversations and encourage greater inclusion.
Counterarguments
- While romance novels can provide emotional escape, some argue that they may also perpetuate unrealistic expectations about relationships and love.
- Critics of the genre sometimes claim that romance novels can be formulaic and lack literary depth compared to other genres.
- The balance of vulnerability and authenticity in writing romance, including sex scenes, can be subjective and some readers may find certain portrayals unconvincing or inauthentic.
- The idea that romance novels are a space for women to define their sexuality may not resonate with everyone, as some readers might feel that these portrayals still conform to societal norms or fantasies.
- The focus on organic character development is a positive trend, but some readers might miss the comfort and predictability of established tropes.
- While the genre is diversifying, there is still work to be done to ensure that representation is not tokenistic and that diverse voices are given equal weight in the industry.
- The push for greater diversity within publishing industry teams is important, but it's also crucial to ensure that diversity efforts are not superficial and lead to meaningful change.
- The perception of romance novels is changing, but some may still view the genre as less prestigious or serious than other literary forms.
- The argument that valuing women's intimate experiences is crucial to appreciating romance literature might not address the full spectrum of readership, including men and non-binary individuals who also read and appreciate the genre.
- The claim that romance novels can address significant social issues may be contested by those who believe that the genre's primary focus on romantic plots limits its ability to delve deeply into complex social topics.
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The Evolving Role and Significance of Romance Novels
The romance genre has long been underappreciated, yet its importance in the literary world is undeniable, having cemented itself as a foundational pillar, especially in recent years.
Romance Novels: An Essential Industry Pillar
The romance genre remains unwavering as a mainstay in the book industry, its significance growing significantly over the past five years. In turbulent times, such as those experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic, romance novels have proven invaluable, offering readers an escape and an emotional outlet when faced with real-world challenges.
Though Often Dismissed As "Cheesy," Romance Novels Delve Into Deeper Themes and Complex Topics
Despite the common critique branding romance novels as "cheesy," these stories often explore much deeper themes and tackle complex, real-world issues. Readers may find themselves imme ...
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The Evolving Role and Significance of Romance Novels
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Clarifications
- The romance genre is one of the largest and most profitable segments in publishing, consistently generating high sales and a loyal readership. It drives significant revenue for publishers and supports many authors' careers. Romance novels also influence cultural conversations about relationships and social norms. Their widespread popularity helps sustain the overall health of the book industry.
- The romance genre's importance has grown due to increased demand for comfort reading during global crises like the Covid-19 pandemic. Digital publishing and self-publishing platforms have expanded access and diversity within the genre. Social media communities have boosted reader engagement and visibility for romance authors. Additionally, the genre's evolving themes now resonate with a broader, more diverse audience.
- During the Covid-19 pandemic, many people spent more time at home due to lockdowns and social distancing. This led to increased demand for books as a form of entertainment and comfort. Publishers and bookstores adapted by expanding digital offerings and online sales. The surge in reading helped sustain and grow the book industry despite economic challenges.
- Describing romance novels as "cheesy" means they are often seen as overly sentimental or clichéd. This label suggests the stories might be simplistic or unrealistic in their portrayal of love. However, this perception overlooks the genre's ability to address serious and nuanced issues. The term reflects a cultural bias that undervalues emotional storytelling.
- Romance novels exploring dating with a disability portray characters facing unique challenges and societal attitudes, highlighting their emotional and romantic lives authentically. They often depict adaptive communication, accessibility issues, and the importance of empathy and respect in rel ...
Counterarguments
- While the romance genre has grown in significance, it is still one of many genres and may not be considered a foundational pillar by all literary scholars or readers who might argue that genres like literary fiction, mystery, or science fiction also play crucial roles.
- The assertion that the romance genre's significance has grown might be contested with sales data or publishing trends that show other genres have also experienced growth or maintained significant market shares.
- The idea that romance novels provide an escape and emotional outlet could be seen as a general function of fiction, not unique to romance, and some might argue that other genres also offer similar or even more profound escapism.
- The claim that romance novels often explore deeper themes could be met with the argument that while some do, others may still adhere to formulaic or superficial portrayals, and the genre as a whole is not immune to criticism for perpetuating certain stereotypes or tropes.
- The evolution of the romance genre to engage with ...
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The Craft Of Writing Romance, Including Sex Scenes
The art of romance writing involves crafting engaging stories that embrace not only the emotional aspects of love but also the intimacies of romantic relationships, including sex scenes. This requires a delicate balance between vulnerability, authenticity, and a fresh take on genre expectations.
Writing Intimate Moments Demands Balancing Vulnerability and Authenticity
Celeste Headlee acknowledges that describing physical intimacy in romance novels can be awkward without skilled writing. On a similar note, Emily Henry discusses the vulnerability associated with writing romance. She admits to feeling embarrassed while crafting scenes of falling in love and has to convince herself that no one will ever read her drafts in order to be truly authentic in her writing and make her characters as vulnerable as possible.
Further exploring the specifics of romance literature, Beverly Jenkins considers romance novels as spaces where women can define their sexuality on their terms, seeking partners who support their ambitions and stand with them as equals. Likewise, Jasmine Guillory emphasizes the importance of portraying women experiencing pleasure without shame, particularly in sex scenes that are integral to the story of two people falling in love.
Romance Writers Must Overcome Self-Consciousness, Convincing Themselves No One Will Read Intimate Scenes to Write Effectively
The craft of writing romance, especially intimate scenes, requires writers to overcome their self-consciousness. To write effectively, romance novelists like Emily Henry must suspend the idea that their work will be scrutinized, enabling them to explore the depth of their characters' intimacy without reservation.
Subvert Romance Tropes to Craft Fresh Stories
Romance authors often incorporate or subvert tropes to create compelling and original narratives. Beverly Jenkins shares her organic approach to writing, starting with just a kernel of a character or a story. She deliberately avoids extensive outlining, believing it lessens the energy ...
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The Craft Of Writing Romance, Including Sex Scenes
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Counterarguments
- While the text emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in writing romance, some critics argue that the genre often relies too heavily on formulaic elements, which can sometimes lead to predictability and a lack of depth in storytelling.
- The idea that romance writers must convince themselves that no one will read their drafts to achieve authenticity might be challenged by the argument that professional writers should be able to detach from personal embarrassment and approach their craft with confidence, regardless of the audience.
- The notion that romance novels are spaces where women can define their sexuality on their own terms could be critiqued by pointing out that the genre sometimes perpetuates unrealistic expectations about relationships and sex.
- The emphasis on portraying women experiencing pleasure without shame is progressive, but some may argue that romance novels still often cater to a heteronormative and sometimes narrow view of sexuality and pleasure.
- The claim that writers must overcome self-consciousness to write intimate scenes effectively could be countered by suggesting that a certain level of self-consciousness might actually lead to more thoughtful and responsible depictions of intimacy.
- The approach of avoiding extensive outlining to maintain energy in storytelling might be criticized by those who believe that careful planning and structure are crucial for complex plot development and pacing.
- The idea that a blend of outlining and intuition can guide the storytelling pro ...
Actionables
- You can explore your comfort level with writing romance by starting a private journal dedicated to romantic and intimate thoughts. Use this space to write freely about love, intimacy, and relationships without the pressure of an audience. This practice can help you become more comfortable with the language and emotions of romance, making it easier to write authentically when you decide to craft stories.
- Develop your storytelling skills by remixing classic romance tropes in short writing exercises. Choose a familiar trope, like "Enemies to Lovers," and challenge yourself to write a short story or scene that twists the trope in an unexpected way. For example, the characters might start as rivals in a cooking competition but find common ground in their shared passion for food, leading to a unique culinary romance.
- Enhance your understanding of character development by creating detailed character profiles for a ...
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Diverse Voices and Deeper Themes in Romance
The romance genre is undergoing a transformative shift as it embraces diverse voices and narratives that go beyond the traditional "boy meets girl" storylines, exploring deeper social and personal issues.
Romance Genre Shifts From White Dominance to Diverse Voices
Interviews with authors like Helen Hoang, a New York Times bestselling author known for "The Kiss Quotient" and its spinoffs, demonstrate a significant shift in the romance genre towards inclusivity and diversity. Hoang herself acknowledges Chloe Liese's books which feature characters on the autism spectrum, further indicating this growing movement.
Inclusive and Nuanced Romance: Influence of Helen Hoang and Jasmine Guillory
Beverly Jenkins, an esteemed author, recognizes the historical domination of whiteness in the romance genre's authorship and readership, calling attention to the scarcity of black historical romance writers and the necessity for diversity in editorial positions. Celeste Headlee also cites Helen Hoang among those authors contributing to the field's diversity.
Jasmine Guillory champions the need for greater diversity within the publishing industry, especially within the publishing, editorial, sales, marketing, and publicity teams, emphasizing the importance of teams that are knowledgeable and passionate about books from diverse authors.
Incorporating Deeper Themes in Romance Narratives For Greater Depth
Authors like Helen Hoang and Jasmine Guillory have been instrumental in paving the way for romance novels that have deeper conversations and explore issues beyond romantic love.
Readers Embrace Romance Novels Exploring Disability, Sexu ...
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Diverse Voices and Deeper Themes in Romance
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Counterarguments
- While the genre is becoming more inclusive, some readers and authors may argue that the romance genre still has a long way to go before it can be considered truly diverse and representative of all voices.
- The shift towards diversity may not be uniform across all publishing houses or regions, with some areas or companies potentially lagging behind in embracing this change.
- There is a possibility that the push for diversity could be seen by some as a marketing strategy rather than a genuine commitment to inclusivity and representation.
- The focus on deeper themes and personal growth within romance novels might not appeal to all readers, as some may prefer the escapism and predictability of traditional romance tropes.
- The claim that the movement toward diversity and deeper themes is a lasting development could be premature, as literary trends can be cyclical or subject to change based on cultural shifts and consumer preferences.
- Some critics might argue that the inclusion of diverse characters and themes should not be confined to the romance genre ...
Actionables
- You can diversify your reading list by actively seeking out romance novels written by authors from underrepresented groups. Start by researching online book clubs that focus on diversity in romance, or use social media hashtags like #DiverseRomance to find recommendations. This will not only broaden your perspective but also support the voices of authors who are bringing new narratives to the genre.
- Create a virtual bookshelf on a reading app that specifically features romance novels addressing social issues, personal growth, or non-traditional love stories. Apps like Goodreads allow you to set up personalized shelves where you can categorize books based on themes or representation. This makes it easier for you to track and prioritize reading material that aligns with the evolving trends in romance literature.
- Engage in conversations with friends or online communities about the themes you encou ...
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Status and Perception of Romance Novels
The status and perception of romance novels are fraught with biases and misconceptions, and industry professionals are advocating for a revaluation of the genre's cultural significance.
Romance Novels Are Often Dismissed As Lesser Literature, Seen As Simple or "Unserious" Compared To Other Genres
An undercurrent of prejudice against romance novels runs deep, with the genre often dismissed as simple or not serious, sometimes even ridiculed.
Prejudice Against Romance Stems From Historically Devaluing Women's Art and Experiences In the "Domestic" or "Intimate" Spheres
Celeste Headlee acknowledges the bias existing against the romance genre, which is often not seen as legitimate literature. This perception can be traced back to historical biases against women’s art, according to Emily Henry, who points out the tendency to devalue anything categorized as domestic, a domain typically associated with women. This act of depreciating women’s creations has long-standing roots.
Many Romance Authors and Readers Challenge This Perception, Advocating the Genre's Literary Merit and Cultural Significance
Despite such disparagement, many authors and readers stand in defense of romance novels, extolling the genre's literary value and its exploration of culturally significant themes.
Romance Novels Highlight Women's Desires, Pleasures, and Diverse Experiences Often Marginalized In Mainstream Literature
Jasmine Guillory addresses the issue directly, having been asked when she will produce a “real book,” implying her work within the romance genre is somehow less valid. She chooses to ignore the disdain and instead engage with romance enthusiasts. Beverly Jenkins shares a similar sentiment, recalling an incident where her profession was belittled at a book fair, only to highlight the substantial impact and reach of her work in contrast to more traditionally respected “literature.”
Emily Henry emphasizes the necessity of valuing women's intimate experiences and the smaller events of life, which are often ...
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Status and Perception of Romance Novels
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Romance novels, while significant, may not always offer the depth and complexity found in other literary genres, which can affect their perception as "lesser" literature.
- The genre's focus on formulaic happy endings and predictable plotlines might contribute to the perception of romance novels as less intellectually challenging.
- The commercial success of romance novels could be seen as prioritizing profit over literary quality, which might influence their critical reception.
- Some critics argue that the genre often perpetuates traditional gender roles and unrealistic expectations about relationships, which could be seen as a limitation rather than an empowerment.
- The emphasis on personal and emotional content in romance novels might not resonate with all readers, leading to a narrower audience appeal compared to more universally themed literature.
- While romance novels do provide representation, they have historically been less inclusive of divers ...
Actionables
- Start a romance novel reading challenge with friends to explore and appreciate the genre's depth. Create a list of romance novels by authors like Jasmine Guillory, Beverly Jenkins, Emily Henry, and Helen Hoang, and set a goal to read and discuss them over a period of time. This encourages a deeper understanding of the themes and cultural significance of romance novels while also providing a platform for conversation and reflection on women's experiences.
- Incorporate romance novels into your book club's rotation, ensuring that the genre is represented and discussed on equal footing with other literary works. By doing so, you contribute to normalizing the genre within literary circles and help to dismantle prejudices. Make it a point to select books that highlight diverse experiences and authors, fostering a more inclusive and respectful appreciation of the genre.
- Write reviews of romance novels you've read o ...
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