Where’s a pirate when you need one?
Okay, today I’m writing this post as a reader–not as a writer. I’m just plain old Shelli the consumer. And I am a reader. Always have been. From the days I read my first sentence of… Tom ran up a hill or something to the likes, I was hooked. And then when one day into my life of reading, I discovered single title historicals.
I loved them. I bought any damn book with a Pirate on it, or a knight, or a cowboy..jeez I’m getting all weak in the knees just thinking about them all. Now I can’t find them anywhere. But once upon a time (similarly to what someone said in the RWR) there used to be books in the historical market besides Regency. I’m not slamming the Regencies, really, I’m glad you guys have nitch in the market and do fabulous. But for me, Regencies just aren’t my cup of tea.
I loved those ripping bodice books. I love the covers where some chick is bent over a guys arms with her breasts spilling out of her old school (way old school) dress. Where have they gone? WHY have they gone? Okay, maybe they say consumers drive the market, but really? I know I’m not the only one who’s missing these babies. I pillage the used bookstores looking for any book I may have missed in my earlier years. And sometimes, if the premise is fabulous enough, I’ll re-read the book.
I’m a big historical fan (not sure why I don’t write them, lol, but I read them like mad). I love just about any historical premise out there. Maybe even because I’m a history buff, it fascinates me. Show me a romance novel during the Revolutionary War, Western Americanas (I think that’s the term), Anglo-Saxon/Norman, anything in Europe… I love it all. Will it ever come back? Will there ever be a market for it?
So what genre do you miss that’s petering out? Or maybe, on a twist, a genre you wish would go away.
April 7th, 2008 at 11:29 am
I loved westerns and pirates and romance in exotic locales. I also loved gothic romances, but they went the way of the DoDo bird, too. You know, trends move like a wave, so maybe they’ll come back around.
April 7th, 2008 at 11:37 am
I want Vikings! Why are there no more Vikings??
I’m so sick of vampires and shapeshifters. If I never hear about another one I’ll stop asking for Vikings…well, maybe not but still…
April 7th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Lucinda, they do come in waves! I’m hoping, really hoping they come back.
Seeley, I read the BEST Viking book after Nationals this year…gahd, I wish I remembered what it was, but I got it there. It was so good. I remember the cover (see I told ya I suck with titles!)
April 7th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
I’ve read a few paranormals but I am not especially
wild about them. (I tend to dream about them and
I care about my sleep too much to lose any!) I am
a voracious reader when it comes to any other genre.
Pat Cochran
April 7th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
I love historical romances. I reread my favorites. Also, I would love a romantic suspense novel, which did not feature a serial killer. I loved the old Mary Stewart suspenses.
April 7th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Patricia, I’m not really a big fan of paranormal. Some I love (honestly, the ghost stuff! LOL) But I read a lot of other stuff.
Phyllis, that’s interesting, I hadn’t thought of it that way. Without a serial killer. You know who does fabulous Romantic Suspense, is Cherry Adair. And those are more action thriller suspense. LOOOVE THEM . Still heavy on the romance though.
April 7th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Hmmm well I’m not a huge huge fan of paranormal (though I like some of them) but I just read an excerpt for Gena Showalter’s new one and it was just fab.
I loved the old time bodice rippers of yore. They were awesome! You know who I haven’t read in a long time? Joanna Lindsey. I should go look up some old titles of hers. They were good.
April 7th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Karen I read a ton of her! Everything she wrote probably. In fact I was looking for a bodice ripper cover of hers to put up in my post, but started doing my newsletter instead. LOL. I also love Rosemary Rogers, think that’s her name…
April 7th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
As a teen I devoured Rosemary Rogers. Sexy, dirty and oh so bodice ripping. lol
I lurve lurve lurve cowboys and I wants me some more cowboy vampires. Or just even more cowboys in general. For me there cannot be too many cowboys. lol
Oh and i’ll take some pirates and vikings too.
Eliza
April 7th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
I’ve noticed with reviewing for FAR that there a few of ‘your’ type of historicals coming back. I’ve read a couple of pirate ones recently, and few American Westerns set in the 1800’s.
But I know exactly what you mean about the covers. I could stand in a second hand book shop all day staring at them.
April 7th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
I love medieval! LOVE them. Why don’t we have more medievals?
April 7th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
Eliza, I love cowboys too. Modern and anitque. Yummity yum.
Rachel, American Wests seem to be such a hard sell in NY. Which is a bummer. I love’m.
Feisty, medieval. I drool. I drool with a cup under my mouth. Mmm.
April 8th, 2008 at 2:51 am
I believe historicals will make a comeback. I have the faith!
And, in addition to our favorite Vikings, cowboys and pirates, I’m predicting that the early 20th century is going to take over the historical publishing world. Am I saying this because I’ve got 2 books out there set in the 1920’s? Possibly. But I’m really wishing I could find more 1920’s romances out there written by someone besides me. It’s too fun of an era to pass up.
April 8th, 2008 at 2:55 am
Delia, I would love to read a 1920’s era romance novel! How fun!!! I’ve never seen one… I don’t think. You’ll have to share yours :)