“Essentially, a romance is a courtship story. And if you think about it, courtship stories are part of the foundation of human storytelling” –Sarah Wendell
Sarah Wendell (@SmartBitches) is an author and blogger whose work primarily focuses on the romance fiction genre. She is co-author of the book, Beyond Heaving Bosoms: The Smart Bitches’ Guide to Romance Novels.
In this episode of Deviate, Rolf and Sarah discuss the elements of a romance novel book cover (13:00); plot and structure of a romance novel (24:00); the history the romance genre (34:00); and the evolution of romance fiction characters and tropes (46:00).
For more from Sarah, check out her website: Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
Notable Links:
- RT Booklovers Convention
- “Where no Travel Writer has Gone Before“, by Rolf Potts (article)
- Elements of Surprise: Our Mental Limits and the Satisfactions of Plot, by Vera Tobin (book)
- Gone with the Wind, by Margaret Mitchell (novel and film)
- Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn (novel)
- Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen (novel)
- Turducken (novelty dish)
- Fabio (romance cover model)
- Mullet (hairstyle)
- #MeToo movement
- The Crazy Nastyass Honey Badger (viral video)
- Asexuality
- Demisexuality
- Black Panther (film)
- Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L’Engle (novel and film)
- Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda , by Becky Albertalli (novel)
- Highlander (film)
Romance novels, novelists, and genres mentioned:
- Prowl the Night, by Crystal Jordan (romance novel)
- The Raider, by Jude Deveraux (romance novel)
- Jude Deveraux the Raider Barbie & Ken Set (collectible toy)
- Sharon Shinn (romance novelist)
- Suzanne Brockmann’s Troubleshooters series
- Kate Duffy, editor at Kensington
- The Flame and the Flower, by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss (romance novel)
- Carina Press Romance Promise
- Paranormal romance (genre)
- Amish Vampires in Space, by Kerry Nietz (romance novel)
- Tamed: A Menage Dinosaur Shifter Romance, by Jenny Clemens (romance novel)
- Hot and Badgered, by Shelly Laurenston (romance novel)
The Deviate theme music comes from the title track of Cedar Van Tassel’s 2017 album Lumber.
Note: We don’t host a “comments” section, but we’re happy to hear your questions and insights via email, at deviate@rolfpotts.com.
