Angela Kay Austin

Romance Versus Women’s Fiction

The more books I read, the more I realize that nothing keeps me turning the pages faster than a developing romance. No storyline creates more tension than that of two characters prevented, whether through internal or external conflict, from being together. This was brought home to me with particular poignancy when I discovered The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare.

Anyone familiar with these remarkable novels will know that there is no shortage of action. The lives of the main characters are frequently put in danger as they come face to face with terrifying demons. Yet, it wasn’t fear for their safety that kept me reading, though it certainly added drama to the narrative. No, what caught my interest in City Of Bones, and kept me riveted through City Of Ashes right until the final page of City Of Glass, was the intensely powerful but seemingly impossible love between Clary and Jace. Would they ever find a way to be together?

Okay, I know what you’re thinking. Since I obviously enjoy the genre so much, why do I choose to write women’s fiction rather than good, heart-warming romance? Actually, there are two reasons.

1: Viewpoint.

The vast majority of romance novels—and I appreciate there are always exceptions to the rule—are told solely from the point of view (POV) of the heroine or hero. An example of where this is done particularly well is Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre. Remaining solely inside Jane’s head and being unaware of Mr. Rochester’s thoughts, makes for great tension.

Many romance novels, such as Anne Bronte’s The Tenant Of Wildfell Hall, switch between the POVs of hero and heroine. In this case, the main story is told from the hero’s viewpoint, but with passages from the heroine’s diary to give us an insight into her own turmoil. If the author does occasionally allow us into the heads of other characters, it’s only to complement the tension between the main protagonists—Molly Gibson’s father in Elizabeth Gaskell’s Wives and Daughters, for instance.

Now, I have an enormous amount of respects for those authors who are able to stick to no more than two POVs throughout an entire novel, especially as it is something I haven’t yet had the courage to attempt myself. The fact is, I get restless after spending too long in a particular character’s head, rather like the feeling you get when you’ve been in someone’s company too long and you just want to be alone. I love the variety of telling the story from the perspectives of multiple characters, each with his or her own voice and distinct personality. Even more, I love the challenge of weaving several stories together and making them connect at the end. In short, I love the freedom women’s fiction gives me.

2: The Happily Ever After Ending.

Another feature of the romance—with the notable exception of Romeo And Juliet—is the happy ending, and this is how it should be. What is the purpose of putting these characters through hell, if not to ultimately bring them together? One of the best romances I’ve read recently is A Place In The Hills by Michelle Paver. Right up until the last page, she leaves the reader hanging, wondering how on earth these two people will ever put the past behind them and find love. Imagine how cheated I would have felt if, even after all their struggles and heartache, happiness were denied them.

In my own writing, however, I revel in the flexibility women’s fiction offers. I like the fact that it isn’t a foregone conclusion all will end well. The hero and heroine might get together, or circumstances could come between them. Then again, even if they do eventually find love, it’s no guarantee everything else in their lives will work out. Joanna Trollope is one of the best writers of the bitter/sweet ending, I think, and it is this unpredictability that draws me more than anything else to women’s fiction.

These are Jessica’s thoughts on the differences between the two genres, and Jessica would love to hear yours. She’s offering one commenter a free ebook copy of her debut women’s fiction novel Voices On The Waves, so be sure to pop back tomorrow to find out whether you’ve won.

You can also buy Voices on the Waves now from Red Rose Publishing or find out more about Jessica by visiting her website .