In a world where there’s concern about declining sperm counts and men sporting man buns, the presence of four men in flowing gowns at the Met Gala raises eyebrows. As a conservative author of romantic comedy books, the challenge lies in creating characters that resonate with today’s female readers. However, navigating the progressive landscape of the romance genre proves to be a daunting task.
Traditional publishing avenues may not welcome the portrayal of a grounded, masculine male lead character, leading the author to seek alternative routes. The current trend in romance books tends to either emasculate or demonize male characters, catering to a specific audience. The bestselling romance book of all time, “Fifty Shades of Grey”, highlights the appeal of bondage and dominance themes, deviating from traditional storytelling.
The portrayal of male characters in romance novels often falls into two categories: the arrogant, condescending hunk or the hesitant best friend. These stereotypes dominate the genre, perpetuating unrealistic and sometimes harmful ideals of relationships. The author, in their latest book, challenges these norms by presenting a male character with traditional interests yet faces pushback from societal expectations.
The dilemma facing the author is whether to conform to the current trends and potentially compromise their values or stay true to their beliefs and risk alienation from mainstream publishers. The evolving landscape of romance literature poses a significant challenge for conservative authors seeking to connect with modern readers.
