I posted this to both the RomanceNovels and the HistoricalFiction communities, because I figured people who read and write romance or historical novels might understand this romance-novel-hostile attitude in the rest of the world, and be sympathetic. It's really a complaint about the divide between genre fiction and literary fiction.

I wrote something unique: a bisexual historical romance. I’m very proud of this work. I think it’s intelligent and witty, with well-developed, sympathetic characters.

Because I’m unknown, and perhaps because it’s an unusual idea, I’ve had a hard time getting publicity and sales. But I also think I’m running up against the Curse of the Romance (Historical) Novel. Literate people don’t read them (they claim). Romance novels are just formulaic stories churned out like sausage by semi-literate cogs in the greasy wheels of Harlequin and other imprints for the even less literate consumers who gobble them up like animals at a trough. No reading, writing or imagination required.

I’m tired of the “Romance (Historical) novel equals trash” equation and I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore. ( Read more... )

OK, if you’re reading this, I finally did it—started my blog.

I know, me and 20 gazillion others, this week. But it’s a big deal for me. It’s the first sustained writing I will have done for over a year, since I finished writing my bisexual Regency romance novel, “Phyllida and the Brotherhood of Philander.”

“What?” you ask. “What is that—a bisexual Regency romance?” (At least, I hope you’re asking.)

The easy answer is to check out my Web site, where all is made clear: www.annherendeen.com With any luck, this blog will soon be linked to the site anyway, but until then, please, please, please check it out. The site is all about the book, and the book is beautiful, sexy, intelligent and funny, just like Phyllida herself, the heroine of the novel. It’s a romance, so yes, she’s the “heroine,” not simply the “title character” or “protagonist” or some other wimpy literary term. (And btw, her name is pronounced with the accent on the first syllable, like Phyllis, only longer).

Now, back to your question. The Regency is the period in English history from 1811 to 1820 when the future George IV acted as Prince Regent for his father, George III (yes, he was still alive, about 150 years old, sick and incapacitated). You don’t care? So why ask?

Oh, I see, you want to know about the bisexual part. Terrific! That’s exactly what I want to talk about. ( Read more... )