I have been reading a lot about whether folks know what you write and their reactions to it. I personally am an open book – pardon the pun – those who "know" me, know I am a romance writer.

Between the afore mentioned readings and a recent reaction to my writing, I wondered to other writers acceptance of their work (if they share).


Let me tell you a few of mine…


Recently, I made the remark that I was tied up with my work and would be unavailable for a week or so. This is what followed:
“Oh, what do you do?”

“I’m a writer.”

“Really wow.” Big grin. “What do you write?”

“Romance novels.”

Smile falls and person hurries to get into their car with no further comment.

WTF?

Not so long ago (before book sale):
“Yeah, I have been busy writing.”

“Oh really.” See a trend here? “What do you write?”

“Romance novels.”

“You mean like smut?”

“Yes.” I smile broadly. “Exactly like that.”
(Granted I was being a tad sarcastic - imagine that - I might add this was after church services one Sunday and both women had sons on my son's soccer team - one never spoke to me again - ever)


This apparently isn’t an uncommon reaction, so I have read lately. And I have had varying degrees of snobbery . . . .

“Oh, I don’t read stuff like that.” – from a woman that can tell you in detail Luke and Laura’s wedding as well as that of Charles and Di.

“I just don’t see the appeal.” – from a woman who has seen every chick-flick known to man (And has every line in Brigit Jones Diary memorized by heart).

“I don’t read.” – from a woman that knows to the page number what is insider her TV guide.


My mother once said (I have mentioned this many times before), “Why do you have to use sex in your books. You’re just pandering to the public with gratuitous sex.”

To which I ask – who defines "gratuitous"? And say, “You betcha!”

At the same time, though, there is that one person, so smug and self-righteous you not only want to Zsa-Zsa Gabor her, but you want to don a sparkling t-shirt that screams –


Okay my t-shirt doesn't sparkle or say that exactly - but I do have one =)

And then you find . . .

“You write romance novels. How cool! I have read…” – they list off authors you know, some of whom you might have even shared a meal with, or frequent their blog – do you name drop to impress further – oh hell yeah!
Guess I shoulda added what pic is on my t-shirt -
at CafePress you can customize anything w/ your own logos