Romance as a Genre
Romance, as a genre, is as vast as love itself, encompassing an array of themes and sub-genres that cater to every taste and fancy. At the heart of romance literature lies a central love story destined for a happy conclusion, but the journey to that end can take myriad forms. Authors face the delightful challenge of choosing the perfect sub-genre to weave their tales of love. This article aims to map out the diverse landscape of romance, from the historical to the futuristic, providing insights into selecting the right narrative path for your romantic storytelling.
In this article, we’ll explore:
Romance Categories
When choosing a category, consider the complexity of your storyline, the age of your main characters, your target audience, and the level of romantic explicitness you wish to include.
Young Adult
Young Adult romance centers on characters in their teens or early twenties, exploring their journey into adulthood. This sub-genre often deals with coming-of-age narratives, frequently highlighting first love experiences, although these elements aren't mandatory. Young Adult romances employ language suitable for younger readers but do not shy away from addressing complex and sometimes difficult subjects.
New Adult
New Adult romance involves protagonists aged between eighteen and thirty, offering a broader scope for language use and explicit content. These stories typically explore characters who are developing their identity within relationships, often with some romantic history, allowing for more nuanced sexual experiences.
Adult
Adult romance novels enjoy the greatest latitude in terms of character age and sexual content. Here, there are no restrictions on the level of explicitness or steaminess, making it the ideal category for erotic romance. The characters are mature, capable of making informed choices, which aligns well with more detailed and varied romantic and sexual explorations.
Series or Standalone?
Deciding if your romance should be part of a series or a standalone novel is a key consideration. Series, or "category" romance, typically features shorter, interconnected plots that build upon each other from one book to the next. In contrast, standalone romances are self-contained stories that don't require knowledge of other books. Sarah J. Maas's "A Court of Thorns and Roses" series and J.R. Ward's "Black Dagger Brotherhood" are prime examples of category romance, while Colleen Hoover and Emily Henry craft compelling standalone stories. Both formats offer unique storytelling opportunities, depending on the direction you want your narrative to take.
Sub-genres of Romance
Romance novels can be categorized into various sub-genres based on their thematic content. As long as the central plot revolves around love with a guaranteed happy ending, the story can include werewolves, a high-stakes heist, or even a magical portal to another dimension. Here's a look at some key sub-genres:
- Historical
Historical romance is set in a time before World War II, immersing readers in past eras. The setting must authentically reflect the period's culture and societal norms, which might necessitate thorough research if the time period isn't your forte. This backdrop not only enriches the narrative with detail but also offers a platform for social commentary. A classic example is Philippa Gregory's "The Other Boleyn Girl," set during the tumultuous reign of Henry VIII, while Georgette Heyer is renowned for her Regency romances, set during the British Regency period.
- Contemporary
Contemporary romances are set anytime after World War II and address modern-day issues that resonate with today's readers. These novels often employ a first-person narrative and maintain a casual, less formal tone compared to historical romance. Sally Rooney's "Normal People" exemplifies this sub-genre, capturing the complexities of modern relationships.
- Erotic
Erotic romance is flexible regarding setting, but the cultural context must align with the story's explicit content. For instance, a character deeply rooted in traditional values might be exploring their sexual awakening, providing a narrative arc. Erotic romance emphasizes sexual encounters with detailed, frequent, and sometimes provocative language. An example of this sub-genre is the "Crossfire" series by Sylvia Day.
- Paranormal/Fantasy/Sci-fi
This sub-genre has seen a significant rise in popularity, blending elements of paranormal, fantasy, and science fiction. In paranormal romance, humans interact with supernatural entities, as seen in the "Night Huntress" series by Jeaniene Frost. Romantic fantasy transports readers to completely new worlds, like those in C.L. Wilson's "Tairen Soul" series. Meanwhile, sci-fi romance delves into love stories set in the future or among the stars, with examples like the "Firefly" inspired "Lily and Dunkin" by Donna Gephart expanding into a romance narrative.
- Romantic Suspense
Romantic suspense combines a gripping, fast-paced narrative with a central love story, where the protagonists' path to happiness is fraught with danger. The stakes are high, as various perils threaten the couple's chance at a "happily ever after," yet the resolution remains optimistic. "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins, while primarily a thriller, incorporates elements of romantic suspense when the main character's life intertwines with a mysterious love interest amidst a backdrop of crime and deception.
Breaking It Down and Mixing It Up
These main sub-genres can further be dissected into more niche categories, like cowboy romance, secret identities, surprise babies, or rom-coms. Moreover, these sub-genres can fluidly blend with one another. For example, Deborah Harkness's "A Discovery of Witches" merges historical and paranormal romance, set against the backdrop of Elizabethan England. Combining sub-genres is not only acceptable but can be quite enriching, provided the themes are coherently woven together.
How to Know What Sub-Genre Is Right for You?
Deciding on the right sub-genre to write in might seem overwhelming, but here are some key considerations to guide your choice:
- Write What You Know
Consider which romance sub-genre you're most acquainted with. What do you enjoy reading? Your familiarity with certain narratives and themes can greatly influence the quality and authenticity of your writing. Understanding what makes a sub-genre compelling will aid in crafting your own engaging story.
- Think About POV
Reflect on the narrative perspective you want to employ. The age of your characters and your intended audience play significant roles, but so does the depth of insight into your hero's viewpoint. Contemporary, paranormal, and erotic romances often benefit from a more intimate, first-person perspective. In contrast, historical romance and romantic suspense might opt for third-person to maintain a certain formality or heighten suspense.
- What Appeals to You?
Your passion for a particular sub-genre can significantly ease the writing process. Your enthusiasm will naturally seep into your narrative, making your story more vivid and compelling. This enthusiasm is often evident in the books you choose to read or the films you watch, providing you with a deeper understanding of the sub-genre's nuances.
- What’s Your Purpose?
Every romance sub-genre serves a distinct purpose. Historical romance might explore cultural and societal reflections, while contemporary romance could tackle current relational dilemmas. Erotic romance dives into the exploration of sexuality; paranormal romance stretches the bounds of imagination. Romantic suspense delves into deeper intellectual and psychological explorations. Decide what thematic journey most excites you.
Exploring the sub-genres of romance is like embarking on a thrilling journey through the landscapes of love itself. Whether you're drawn to the poignant reflections of historical romance, the relatable struggles of contemporary stories, the passionate intensity of erotic narratives, or the boundless imagination of paranormal, fantasy, and sci-fi, there's a sub-genre that feels like home. Writing romance is not just about crafting a love story; it's about discovering your voice, your passion, and connecting with readers who share your vision of love. Remember, the choice of sub-genre is not just about what you write but how you write it—let your heart guide your hand, and the adventure of writing will be as fulfilling as the love stories you create.