In case you missed part one, it went something like this:  Lots of authors who write horror write romance – there is no ghost in Jane Eyre – interview with Sara Fitzgerald.  Now, on to part two: I’m Rick Chiantaretto, the hunky leader of this support group.  If you are a romance writer, you may find this group more like a horror novel, with me hacking up all you know to be true:  it is surely a grisly sight.  

If you are a romance reader, you’ll find that this is more a lesson on humor.  Finally, if you are new to the romance genre, welcome!  One of you is bound to fall madly in love with me.  After all, this is romance, and there are rules.

Rule #1:  The central love story

While many writers include romantic elements in their writing, actually writing romance requires that the love story, and characters related thereto, becomes the focal point of conflict.  The story should focus on two people falling in love, and the struggle they must inevitably go through to justify that love.  This is, perhaps, where romance novels deviate from what we as human beings want.  I’ve heard many people tell me of encounters with love at first sight, where the heavens open, pink bunnies are hopping through the glorious sunshine as fluffy clouds drift above.  Most of the time, however, romance reflects more of the true sense:  there is more against the characters, then for them.

Rule #2:  A satisfying and happy ending.
This is where horror authors and romance authors diverge.  Romance thrives on the "feel-good factor," and readers have come to expect such.  This in no way takes away from romantic tragedy (i.e. Romeo and Juliet), but nevertheless there is a resolution in which both parties end up together, or in some greater love that is evident to the reader… even if it is in death.  I have noticed that with a romantic story, if you take away the "feel-good factor" (of two people's struggle being forever envisioned) you cross into another genre completely.

Speaking of genres, let's take a quick look at the many sub-genres of romance – and there are many.  Eventually I stopped looking because the list was getting to long.  I'll briefly mention each, and discuss what makes that sub-genre unique.

Contemporary Romance
These are tales set mostly in the present time, but can be categorized as taking place after the World Wars. They often contain elements of suspense, humor and drama. Those covers you see with Mr. and Ms. Right half naked on pink bed sheets?  Probably falls into this category. More true-to-life sagas of strong women who don't need anyone until they do (you know what I'm talking about), also probably falls into this genre.


Erotica
Erotica focuses heavily on the sexual components of a story, often relying on graphical descriptions to turn up the heat. This sub-genre makes heavy use of language not commonly found in other categories of romance.  Need I say more?

Fantasy Romance

Although still centered on a romantic tale, Fantasy Romances take place on other worlds and contain elements of magic. They sometimes incorporate mystical creatures such as dragons, elves, or fairies, or horrific creatures, like vampires and werewolves. Fantasy Romance usually centers on mythology and legend.  If I were to write a romance novel, it would probably fall under this category (and you knew you wouldn't be able to get through one of my articles without the word vampire at least once… now twice… right? [Insert plug for my novel here]).

Glamour Romance

This is the category of romance that focuses outside of the "JanePlain and Tall" category and often is based on characters that are rich and powerful, elite and celebrity-like. Two examples of authors that write Glamour Romance are Jackie Collins and Judith Krantz (neither of whom I've read).

Historical Romance
Perhaps one of the best known sub-genres, Historical Romance stories are set in the past, generally before the World Wars. This, of course, encompasses a long time, and could include the American west, American colonial, civil war, revolution, reconstruction, Native American, Australian colonial, European dark ages, early European renaissance, French revolution, Celtic, medieval England, Victorian England and Regency England time period. Whew!  This is one of the largest categories in romance, and could even include the 'knight in shining armor rescuing damsels in distress' plotlines.

Paranormal Romance

This one could be fun!  Paranormal Romance contains "other-worldly" elements such as ghosts, spirits, devils, demons or angels. In some cases, the characters may posses certain paranormal powers (like X-ray vision?).
 
Pirate Romance
"Adventure and romance on the high-seas, featuring swash-buckling pirate captains and feisty heroines willing to risk all to be with the bad-boy of the sea!"  Okay, I didn't write that (it was in an article by Lee Masterson), but I found it really amusing.
 
Romantic Comedy
Okay, personally I think that was just an oxymoron, but when I think of books like "Bridget Jones's Diary" I can understand why there is such a category (I've never read it, or seen the movie; is it even romantic?).  From in-your-face tricks to quiet wit, these novels are often categorized in the "Chic-Lit" section of bookstores.

Romantic Suspense

Think espionage, forensics, homicide, drug-dealing and smugglers. This category of romance usually is more dramatic, and the author must be careful to not cross over into the drama category.  Most of the time, Romantic Suspense is based in a contemporary setting.
 
Young Adult
Less on the sex, more on the self-discovery, Young Adult Romance is written with the teenager in mind. Of course, you could repeat all the categories above as sub-genres of this sub-genre, but that would get tedious.

Now that I have all that out of the way, it is time to dismiss our session and reschedule for next time, where you will be completely enthralled by part three.  We'll delve into more specifics, and discuss characterization and why characters are not the most important part of a romance.  I know you will miss me, but absence only makes the heart grow fonder.  If you are not in love with me yet, you will be dear support group participant.  Just think of it as one of the obstacles we must overcome in order to be together.  

Obstacle #2?  I should be charging 85 bucks a session for these support groups.