Lia Sebastian: Secondary Romances

Sunday, August 05, 2007

Secondary Romances

I continue to listen to 2006 RWA classes--too many to list. A few of the classes have mentioned using secondary romances to create single titles. This isn't something I typically do, although I haven't written that many single titles. (In fact, I have two WIP that will be single titles . . . eventually.)

Still, writing secondary romances is an idea I resist, I think because I tend not to enjoy them as a reader. Actually, that's putting it too strongly. I prefer not to have them. I've certainly read lots of books where I've enjoyed the secondary romance, sometimes as much as the primary romance. In one or two cases, I've enjoyed the secondary romance more.

But even as I'm reading and enjoying, I sigh inwardly as I get caught up in one story then get jerked to a halt as the next subplot begins. And it happens again each time the story shifts.

What this means is that I'm not likely to include secondary romances in my books. Just a personal choice.

Readers and writers: what's your opinion about secondary romances?

Labels: writing

# Posted by Lia @ | 1:58 PM

2 Comments:

It depends. If I'm using a secondary romance just to fill up the pages then no I won't. If I'm reading a secondary romance that feels forced then I'm against.

So my answer is, it depends. I hate that answer but there you have it. As usual if it's done well then what's the complaint? It's the fact it's not often done well.

By Melissa Blue, at 3:17 PM, August 07, 2007

Mel, I feel the same way. It does depend. In fact, I just read one where the secondary romance is done well.

By Lia, at 12:09 AM, September 04, 2007

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