Good morning and welcome to Crafting Your Career! Today, we continue our yearlong look into the various romance sub-genres by spotlighting multi-cultural romance. New York Times and USA Today bestselling author L.A. Banks and Executive Editor Glenda Howard of Harlequin’s Kimani Press sat down with RU to share their thoughts on this fast-growing sub-genre.
L.A. Banks has generously agreed to stop in a few times during the day to answer reader questions. Unfortunately, due to a scheduling conflict, Glenda Howard won’t be able to join us, but I think you’ll find her answers quite informative.
Here’s L.A. and Glenda!
Tracey: How would you define the multi-cultural romance sub-genre?
Glenda Howard: The romances of the multi-cultural sub-genre must feature all the compelling elements that a contemporary romance would – multi-faceted characters, sharp dialogue, and a storyline that will thoroughly engage the reader. The key differences are the ethnicities of the hero and/or heroine. The most popular pairing being both the hero and heroine are African American. But in recent years some lines have featured heroes or heroines of Asian or Hispanic heritage, and interracial couples. The first line of multicultural romances were launched by Arabesque in 1994, and the imprint will celebrate its 16th anniversary in July 2010. The Arabesque imprint was created to fill a void in the marketplace. There was a dearth of romances in the marketplace that featured multi-cultural characters, and readers were overjoyed to discover these books that truly reflected their lives and experiences. This was a significant development in the romance genre, and it definitely opened the doors for many authors who had wonderful stories to tell, but couldn’t find the right home for them.
L.A. Banks: I think that would be any subgenre that has a broad base of diversity amongst their characters, and whereby the lead characters are of diverse ethnicities.
Tracey: What is your opinion on the state of this sub-genre today?
Glenda Howard: I think this sub-genre is robust and will continue to flourish. The world is rapidly changing, and as we progress through the years the stereotypes and barriers regarding dating and marrying outside one’s culture and race are being questioned and broken down through open communication and understanding. Love overcomes all boundaries, and the public loves a well-plotted book with memorable heroines and heroes, great dialogue, conflict, and sexual tension. Multi-cultural romances are accounting for a healthy share of the book market because the themes presented in these books have universal appeal, and the nationality of the hero and heroine shouldn’t matter if it’s a solid, thoroughly satisfying book. Many publishers have recognized the value of the multi-cultural romances, and have added this editorial to their publishing lineup.
Kimani Press is proud to be the leading publisher of multi-cultural romances. We offer forty-eight Kimani Romances, and eight original and twelve reissues per year from Arabesque. Kimani Romance is the only African American series program currently in the marketplace, and we publish four titles per month. We offer an array of romances that share a few common ingredients – sizzling sensuality, compelling characters, and emotional intensity. Relevance and innovation are the hallmarks of this imprint, and every year we deliver an exciting editorially connected series to the marketplace. Kimani Arabesque features sophisticated, passionate and sexy novels that feature some of the most popular voices in traditional and contemporary romance.
L.A. Banks: I think it’s growing and only going to get bigger as more writers (and therefore readers) embrace the global perspective.
Tracey: Do you think it’s hot right now? Why or why not?
Glenda Howard: I don’t think the public’s appetite for multi-cultural romance has diminished at all, in fact, I believe quite the opposite is true. Many avid readers include these romances in their purchases, along with their mainstream fiction and non-fiction purchases. Many writers have been fortunate enough to get their start by getting published in category romance, and then expanded upon that success by releasing mainstream fiction titles. I do see this sub-genre continuing to grow because the desire for love and romance is never out of vogue.
L.A. Banks: Absolutely… because when people read they want an experience that is different than their everyday lives. Offering a reader a glimpse into another culture and world provides that in a very accessible way to people.
Tracey: Do you see any trends writers should avoid? Move toward? Any advice for writers wanting to break into this sub-genre?
Glenda Howard: There will always be a new trend on the horizon that writers will feel compelled to incorporate into their books. The paranormal trend is really heating up, and I do feel we will see more multi-cultural books incorporate this element into their storylines. But, I want to caution that authors shouldn’t feel compelled to jump on the bandwagon if they can’t deliver a book that won’t be perceived as authentic. Sometimes it’s best for authors to forego the notion of pushing themselves to write a book that will ultimately be reviewed as a labored and stilted offering. They should listen to their gut instinct and write the one that will give them joy and truly showcase their talent.
L.A. Banks: Write with solid research, respect, and cultural sensitivity if you are writing outside of your own culture–otherwise you can seriously offend readers by using worn out stereotypes and tropes. That can be a disaster and seen as attempting to co-opt someone else’s culture.
Tracey: How do you think this sub-genre has changed in the last five years?
Glenda Howard: I think the multi-cultural romance sub-genre has evolved due to reader taste and demand. We have seen the editorial for some authors get a bit more sensual in nature, but this trend has also found solid footing in a majority of the women’s fiction titles as well. A lot of readers really enjoy the sexier editorial, but the emotional intensity has to be delivered in order for the romance to achieve the necessary depth. I have also noticed that writers are not afraid to incorporate aspects of social, political or pop cultural events into their books. Readers seem to appreciate the inclusion of these references, as long as they don’t overwhelm the story.
L.A. Banks: I think the subgenre is adding new dimensions all the time… it began with what I will call the grand dames and gents of fiction–the literary greats from Maya Angelou to Nikki Giovanni, Alex Haley et al (and the long list of hard back fiction greats of that caliber)… then what emerged from that was science fiction (Octavia Butler and Sam Delany), then came romance and chick lit/women’s fiction (Terry McMillan and all the solid folks in romance), and that spread to mysteries/thrillers (i.e. Walter Mosley), then street fiction (although Donald Goines really was the first–but there was a resurgence with Sister Soldjah, Coldest Winter Ever, etc.), and erotica (i.e. Zane), and now it’s expanding again with paranormal.
Tracey: What advice do you have for writers wanting to break into this sub-genre?
Glenda Howard: It is essential to learn as much as you can about your craft. Writing workshops can be tremendously important and nurturing as authors learn to improve their technique. These workshops are also great for obtaining constructive feedback on manuscripts. I also think it’s important to read as many books as you can as you perfect your craft. The knowledge and insight gained will really help the aspiring author hone his skills.
Tracey: What do you like best about this sub-genre? Least?
Glenda Howard: I’ve been editing multi-cultural romances for a number of years, and I truly enjoy what I do. These multi-cultural romances are important to the marketplace because they demonstrate that love can transcend all boundaries and issues. Least? The issue that continues to plague multi-cultural authors is the perception voiced by potential book buyers–that the multi-cultural book is not for them because the characters on the cover don’t reflect their image. That mind-set has been a major source of frustration for a lot of writers in this sub-genre. My hope is that the book buying public will give these books a try and realize that they’re not that much different than their usual romance reads. At the end of the day, it’s all about a well written book that delivered a solid, satisfying read that had you turning pages until the end.
Tracey: Why do you write in this subgenre? Do you write in any others?
L.A. Banks: It is always easiest to write authentically from a perspective that you know… this is how I grew up, and I am African American, therefore my characters reflect my environment. However, yes, I do have characters from multiple ethnic backgrounds.
Tracey: Do you have any insight in “multi-cultural-friendly” agents and editors?
L.A. Banks: Right now, if it’s paranormal, I think all editors and agents are particularly friendly to the genre–as paranormal is solidly growing, as is multi-cultural entries into that market. I literally haven’t heard of any editors turning down good projects in this area right now.
* * *
Thanks L.A. and Glenda!
RU Readers, what do you love best about multi-cultural romance? Do you have a favorite author you’d like to share?
Be sure to stop by on Wednesday to hear what bestselling author Brenda Novak has to say about setting boundaries in your personal and professional life.
L.A.’s Bio:
New York Times and USA Today Best-selling author, L.A. Banks has penned over 40 novels and 12 novellas in a wide range of genres and is the recipient of the 2008 Essence Magazine Storyteller of the Year Award, as well as the 2008 Best 50 Women in Business Award for the State of Pennsylvania. Recently she was featured as a speaker on the HBO Special on Vampire Literature and Legends as a prelude to the True Blood premier. She writes under the pseudonyms; L.A. Banks, Leslie Esdaile, Leslie E. Banks, Leslie Banks, and Leslie Esdaile Banks. She has won several business as well as literary awards, and writes in genres as diverse as romance, women’s fiction, crime suspense, and paranormal. Currently Banks writes full-time, always working on multiple projects and anthologies simultaneously, and she resides in Philadelphia with her daughter, who attends her graduate studies alma mater—Temple University.
Tracey Devlyn writes historical romantic thrillers (translation: a slightly more grievous journey toward the heroine's happy ending). For exclusive content about Tracey's upcoming releases and member-only giveaways, sign-up for Tracey's monthly 
Ladies –
Thank you so much for being at RU today. I’ve read several of L.A.’s books and thoroughly enjoyed them!
Do you think multi-cultural will remain its own sub-genre or will it be “mainstreamed” into others, like paranormal?
Again – we appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and our readers.
Best,
Kelsey
Posted by KelseyBrowning | May 17, 2010, 5:04 amL.A. and Glenda, thank you for the excellent interview. I wanted to pop in and wish you a warm welcome before I head off to the airport.
L.A., can you take a moment to tell our readers about your most recent release? And did I see correctly on your web site that you have a comic book now?
Thanks!
Tracey
Posted by Tracey Devlyn | May 17, 2010, 7:28 amHi Glenda and L.A.
I would like to ask you both a question. Well, make that L.A. since Glenda won’t be able to make it today.
Leslie, I know there is no way to give an accurate answer, but I’m asking more about the fans that show up at your signings and your opinions based on different on-line groups that you may be a part of. Are you finding that the AA readers are not as inclined to buy paranormal novels? Thanks. I’m glad to see you here.
Dyanne
Posted by Dyanne Davis | May 17, 2010, 7:50 amMorning Glenda and L.A.!
Great post! Tell us a little about speaking for the HBO special – sounds awesome!
carrie
Posted by Carrie | May 17, 2010, 8:30 amL A, I wanted to tell you how much I love your writing. Your Vampire Huntress series was awesome. In many ways you’ve helped me find my subgenre and voice in writing multi-cultural paranormal. Blush, blush. I’m looking forward to Dyanne’s question.
Posted by Yasmine Phoenix | May 17, 2010, 10:14 amGreat article! As one who writes interacial/multicultural romance you’ve given me really good insight and serious food for thought.
Thank you both,
A.M.
Posted by A.M. Wells | May 17, 2010, 11:09 amI’ve been a major fan of Leslie’s and although her books weigh down my bookshelf, I have no intention of ever parting with them.
Thanks to both Leslie and Glenda for their thoughts on the subject. I’m happy to see the multi-cultural market growing and hope that it will continue on.
Liz
Posted by Liz Falkner | May 17, 2010, 12:43 pmI forgot about the comic books. Congrats on that.
Dyanne
Posted by Dyanne Davis | May 17, 2010, 12:59 pmHi Everybody and THANKS SOOOO MUCH for the fabulous comments and feedback!
Wow… where do I begin?
Kelsey… I really do believe that at some point we’re going to see a merger down the line of multi-cultural offerings, and ironically, the paranormal genre pushed that. I literally experienced a “revolt” LOL in cyberspace. My non-African American readers were writing in and stating how they really felt excluded when they could only find my Vampire Huntress Legends series in the African American section. So I told them to write the chain store’s HQ and my publisher — because THEY (YOU) are the customer. The powers that be don’t listen to us authors (ha ha ha–sad but true), and I told the readers to vote at the box office = the bookstore cash registers.
Well, low and behold, a few months later, they moved my books into the general “fantasy” section — and it was a cheer that went around the world in cyberspace. The victory was clear. But for that to happen required reader involvement.
See, big institutions move slowly and conservatively… but if enough readers say they want to read XYZ types of books and for them to be generally shelved, the institutions will respond. I always say the public is waaay ahead of the decision-makers—by leaps and bounds. They catch on late. However, just seeing that mega shift of a book series was really awesome, especially for one that has a clearly African American heroine on the cover and a Latino male as a lead–but where people of all races, from multiple countries love the series. To me that is really, really cool–especially since one of the big tenets in that series was about everyone pulling together regardless of those “classifications” to fight evil.
Tracey… Hi lady! Thanks again for inviting me here! Your interview and question is right on time. There’s a LOT coming out, ha ha ha! OMG
First is “Never Cry Werewolf,” which is the 5th book in the Crimson Moon Novel series that features sexy Shadow Wolves ( a new breed I created), Werewolves, Vampires, and the Fae. The sixth book, “Left for Undead,” comes out in October. Plus, the Vampire Huntress comic comes out in July–and there will be 4 issues leading up to the graphic novel that is due out in December. I’ll be signing promo sheets for the comic at BEA next week at Dynamite Entertainment’s booth #4571.
Dyanne… hey lady!!! (My crazy fellow sister of dark tales, LOL!) Well, thank you for the kudos, but your point is correct–when i first began in paranormal it was really hard to get African American readers to come out of the closet in paranormal, so to speak. There is a big underground of interest, but many seemed almost afraid to touch the subject matter as a potential violation of religious beliefs. But I think what’s happened is, as more shows on TV and films go mainstream, then it’s not seen as “weird” to read stuff that has things that go bump in the night. i have seen a decided increase since True Blood came on the air–how wild is that?
Carrie… BIG HUG and thanks so much… the HBO thing was a HOOT! I got a call out of the blue because as the producers were calling around, one of the experts on the panel was a fan/reader of my work and was also from Philly. So when she went in to do her interview, she was like: “What? You didn’t interview L.A. Banks!?” She created such a fuss that they called me, ha ha ha ha ha! See, again, the power of the reader–never underestimate that!
Yasmine… BIG SMILE–thanks so much for the comment. Come on in, the water is fine… if you’re an aspiring writer in this genre, “don’t be scairt,” LOL! It’s really growing by leaps and bounds and there’s so much room for us all
A.M . & Liz, thanks for the kind kudos… BIG ole Philly Hug right back to you two ladies!
I am really enjoying this blog/chat connect thingie we’re doing LOL… will jump back on in a couple
!
Posted by L. A. Banks | May 17, 2010, 3:20 pmL.A., just seeing your response made me smile. Your presence gives encouragement. I love the coming out of the closet analogy. I think once readers have discovered your books they will see they’re all about the stories. They’re multi racial/ multicultural but all about the story.
You’ve been such a ground breaker and inspiration. I love it when I go in the bookstores and see your books featured on end caps and right up front.
Dyanne
Posted by Dyanne Davis | May 17, 2010, 3:43 pmAwww… Dyanne, BIG HUG Lady! Thanks so much for that! I really do hope people realize that it’s all about the story. The thing that’s so crazy to me, and what I don’t understand is that, some of these same people who will not read paranormal will be right up in the middle of a serial killer/slasher movie with their BABIES! LOL I’m not hatin’ but dang
To me, real psycho-killers are faaaar more scary than any werewolves or vampires that I write (big smile), because those crazy folks exist. So just keep the faith. It’s getting more acceptable and less “strange” to like to read Goth kinds of tales that have a little “bite” to them, LOL! (Yeah I know–bad pun, smile) Another BIG HUG!
Posted by L. A. Banks | May 17, 2010, 3:57 pmI have always loved paranormal and I guess my folks have always considered me slightly “strange.” LOL. Do you know I had Minion in my TBR pile for a good two years before I realized the gem I had? And when I finished reading it, the next day I was at Borders looking for the 2nd and 3rd books in the series.
And I do believe I bought Minion from the AA section of the bookstore. But as the series went on, the books were shelved in the science fiction & fantasy section. You’re totally right that readers cause change.
As more and more people read multi-cultural, I believe this will cause it to be considered mainstream. I’m sure that’s a few years down the road, but it seems to be the direction we’re going in.
Liz
Posted by Liz Falkner | May 17, 2010, 4:28 pmLiz, you are so right! (And thanks so much for giving that series a chance, smile!) Readers are the ones who make the difference and you saw for yourself how that one series evolved in terms of real estate and location in the bookstores. Maaaan… when Minion initially came out, first of all the publisher cut the book in half because they weren’t sure that they could get the AA market behind it. I was told I had to cut a 700+ page book down to 350 pages because of binding size and shipping weight… and we decided to simply cut the book in half for a part one = Minion and part 2 = The Awakening kinda deal.
But book 1 ends on an insane cliff hanger, and people reamed me a new one on Amazon and on-line, LOL! I thought the project was going to go it its early grave, seriously… because folks only got 1/2 a book and were mad as hell, LOL! Then book 2 came out, and those people who gave me a chance, those who were “ride or die,” went on-line to tell people what they were missing. So I always tell folks read books 1 & 2 as though they’re one story–because they were
Then, the sales started spiking so lovely that the publisher came back and allowed me to add back in all the edits from book 1 (like 50 or so pages) in a “special edition” when the mass market came out. So folks who read the mass market versus the trade of book 1, Minion, get soooo much more book. That long story just goes to show you what trailblazing in this genre (or any genre) can sometimes cost in terms of dust in your face and arrows in your back. You would NEVER hear a publisher today question whether or not AA readers would “try” this new series. But when Minion came out, the industry was watching it to see if our little experiment would work, and the publisher had to keep cost down on that first book just in case this “outside the box” project they’d taken on tanked. It was very interesting and I’m so glad we were able to prove there was/is a market for this!
Posted by L. A. Banks | May 17, 2010, 4:46 pmThanks to everyone for the informative view. I’m suffering serious RT2010 withdrawal this week, and this was just the mini-session I needed to get my engine revved again.
Posted by Molly Swoboda | May 17, 2010, 4:49 pmBIG HUG, Molly! I hear you–RT 2010 was a blast!
Posted by L. A. Banks | May 17, 2010, 7:15 pmLiz,
I know what you mean about reading Minion and having to read the others. My God, she wasn’t writing them fast enough for me. I loved every character in the book and yes I even enjoyed the bad guys. But Carlos, I fell in love with him and remain so.
I only hope you’re wrong that it will take several more years for AA fiction to become mainstream. Several more weeks I can handle.
Dyanne
Posted by Dyanne Davis | May 17, 2010, 5:13 pmL.A.
Have fun in NY @ BEA. Hit me up when you’re going to be in town. You know I’m waiting for your books to be turned into movies. Any word on that?
Dyanne
Posted by Dyanne Davis | May 17, 2010, 5:16 pmDyanne you know I can’t come to your town without telling you, lady! That’s a definite can do
And we’re still praying on the movie, LOL!
Posted by L. A. Banks | May 17, 2010, 7:18 pmDyanne –
Carlos is the MAN. Each time I go back and read the books, I fall just a little bit more in love with him.
Let’s hope I’m wrong too about it taking several more years for AA fiction to become mainstream! I do know that buying books is the key. My monthly book allowance is a standard entry in the household budget. Right up there with food, phone and utilities – especially since, I’ve recently discovered Adam Omega!
Posted by Liz Falkner | May 17, 2010, 5:40 pmI bow at your feet, Liz, LOL! I have to go to 12 steps book buyer’s anonymous… but thank you sooo much for loving Carlos
Posted by L. A. Banks | May 17, 2010, 7:38 pmThanks Liz. Did you see who gave Adam a quote for the third book? None other than the lady herself, L.A. Banks. (Thanks again, Leslie)
When you and L.A, were talking about being thought of as strange it made me laugh. On a paranormal group today the question was asked which entity you’d like to be. I think the choices were vampires, werewolf, poltergeist and something else. I thought it was such a fun question. I didn’t answer because I wanted to be all of them.
Liz, have you read Vegas Bites? The first book has an anthology piece by L.A. I think it’s her first were. Am I right about that, Leslie?
Dyanne
(Where did my avatar go?)
Posted by Dyanne Davis | May 17, 2010, 6:04 pm
Posted by L. A. Banks | May 17, 2010, 7:49 pmDyanne –
Yep, Vegas Bites was fantastic. Don’t get me started on Leslie’s latest series. I’m fond of Hunter, but how crazy is it that I imprinted on Shogun as the hero from the very first book? And now, even though I know Hunter is Sasha’s mate, I can’t get that very delicious Shogun out of my mind….I am a totally warped human being.
Liz
Posted by Liz Falkner | May 18, 2010, 1:33 pmI haven’t had a chance to read her newest series. When you start one of her books there is no stopping until you’ve read them all. I have to seriously finish the two books I’m writing on.
When I was writing the second A.O. book I was channeling Carlos. My editor didn’t know that I was reading Leslie’s books at the time. She just knew that Adam was saying things that Adam wouldn’t say and in a manner that he wouldn’t say them. At first I was like…..Well apparently he did say it and he said it just like that. Then I gave it a day or so, went back and read it and realized immediately that Adam was talking like Carlos. WOW!! I had to go back and regroup and reread my first book to get back on the track. LOL.
I had never before read in the genre I was writing and never will again. Not while I’m writing that is. Even though the books I’m working on no ware now paranormal, who knows what could happens.
What are the titles Liz?
Dyanne
Posted by Dyanne Davis | May 18, 2010, 1:57 pmDyanne,
I understand the channeling of Carlos. He should be bronzed!
The Crimson Moon Series consists of:
Bad Blood (book 1)
Bite the Bullet (book 2)
Undead on Arrival (book 3)
Cursed to Death (book 4)
Never Cry Werewolf (book 5)
Liz
Posted by Liz Falkner | May 18, 2010, 2:49 pmLiz,
You knew once you told me the titles I wouldn’t be able to resist. I ordered Bad Blood and put Bite the Bullet on hold at the library. LOL
Dyanne
Posted by Dyanne Davis | May 18, 2010, 3:08 pmDyanne –
LOL. I almost didn’t respond to you because I figured as much. But it’s okay, now just don’t open them. Not one peek.
Liz
Posted by Liz Falkner | May 18, 2010, 4:31 pmLeslie, was Minion your first book written? If not what came before it? Where did the idea of a Vampire Huntress come from? And the book was 700 plus pages? Danged, if it had been Gone With The Wind, in today’s market it would have been broken up into three books if published at all.
Posted by Yasmine Phoenix | May 17, 2010, 6:42 pmHey, Yasmine… I did like 25 books–romances and crime-women’s fiction novels before the first paranormal… but that 700-pager was broken into 2 books: Minion (book 1) and The Awakening (book 2)… but the idea came from my agent saying, “Leslie, can you write vampires, baby? Blade is blowing up in the box office and Buffy is going off the air–and Anne Rice is going into religious lit, wanna write ‘em?” LOL! I was sooo excited to try it!
Posted by L. A. Banks | May 17, 2010, 8:22 pmWell good people…it has been a blast to hang out with you all at RU and I’ve gotta go back underground to complete a Men of Delta Force romance. But thanks so much for the warm hospitality–BIG HUG!!!
Posted by L. A. Banks | May 17, 2010, 8:28 pmSorry I missed this conversation yesterday. Very interesting discussion, in the interview and the comments.
Ms. Howard said, “The key differences are the ethnicities of the hero and/or heroine.” I disagree, and I think this statement contributes to a misperception in the minds of readers. It’s in part why readers don’t read in this sub-genre as much as we would like.
If ethnicity were truly the only difference, then it makes sense that a reader might ask herself the importance of buying multicultural romance. Same stories, different faces, right?
But multicultural romance is much more than different faces. It’s romance painted with different hues. Instead of primary red, yellow, and blue, perhaps it’s crimson, gold, and navy. What makes the difference? Not just the ethnicity of the characters, but their worldview which is steeped in their culture and environment. I find that romances featuring African-American protagonists, like Kimani Romance for example, tend to have more urban settings and different types of professions–athletes and business executives vs. ranchers and small town sheriffs–than what I find in say, the Love Inspired or the American Romance lines. Beyond the superficial though, multicultural stories that are well-told give a glimpse into the characters’ culture by way of their dialogue, their thoughts, their actions and responses that may differ as well.
On the flipside, I rarely see the type of faith-infused stories like I find in Love Inspired in multicultural romances. The closest one I’ve seen in a while was Jacquelin Thomas’ Chocolate Goodies release earlier this year. They are few and far between. Are writers not offering them or do they not fit with the guidelines for what we believe multicultural romance, at least in category romance, to be about?
If readers think they might get something more than white faces filled in with darker crayons, i.e. a different type of story, they might be more inclined to buy. Of course, the book buying issue is more complex than this, but I just think this is one factor.
Posted by PatriciaW | May 18, 2010, 11:15 amPatricia,
The urban inspired story doesn’t happen in all AA romances, nor are all of the settings different. Considering the fact that I’ve heard from many readers that they don’t like it when stories focus on race. There are many writers of multicultural who are writing in that vein.
For myself, it’s about the story, even if it’s an interracial I focus on the problems in the relationship itself. Now I have written books were race played a part but that’s not my mainstay. My aim is to write a good story that ALL readers can identify with.
Dyanne
Posted by Dyanne Davis | May 18, 2010, 11:57 amAmen, Dyanne,
It is the telling of good, well written story that draws the reader in. I don’t pander or play into stereotypes in my writing. I just write the story as the characters relay it to me. When it comes to love there should be no color line, two people meet fall in love, it’s chemistry not rocket science.
A.M.
Posted by A.M. Wells | May 18, 2010, 1:24 pmPatricia,
I think Glenda’s statement referred to the fact that the AA hero and heroine are going to face the same type of obstacles readers expect to find in a romance and that there shouldn’t be the expectation that a multi-cultural romance story is majorly different in regards to the actual development of the romance between the hero and heroine.
Kimani has published some rancher and small-town sherriff stories so I would say it’s not that they aren’t open to publishing them, but more perhaps that they aren’t receiving a deluge of submisisons using those settings. Just my opinion, but I feel that that may also be the same reason for the lack faith-infused stories. I know Angela Benson writes fantastic stories of that genre.
Liz
Posted by Liz Falkner | May 18, 2010, 1:26 pmLiz,
I totally agree with you on that. I do believe stories with characters of different ethnicity keep have the same life experiences. Case in point: With my second book, a friend told me a story of an interracial couple and said, “You can have the idea. I told her she could do the story because there was no color in a story, it could be about any couple. She gave me the idea because my first book had been an IR.
To prove a point to her that race didn’t matter I wrote the story and made both hero and heroine AA. I had told her she could have written the story and made both Caucasian if she’d wanted.
It was a story I wrote pure and simple, nothing more.
Dyanne
Posted by Dyanne Davis | May 18, 2010, 2:13 pmI think I was misunderstood. I don’t believe all multicultural stories are urban nor do I advocate that they focus on race. Rather, my point was that there is much more to them than simply a different in race among the primary characters.
And no, not all are urban, but in category romance, for example, we are more likely to see different slices of urban life–I don’t mean street life–than in other lines where editors are specifically calling for small town, cowboys, and other such stories.
Good story is the bottomline. I just think that readers might be interested in multicultural stories if they view them as a window into the lives of people they might not be attuned or exposed to. I’ve enjoyed a number of stories from Indian and Asian authors that have educated me in ways I might not otherwise get. It’s a shame that readers are some times put off by the models on the cover or the shelving in the bookstore.
Posted by PatriciaW | May 19, 2010, 8:39 am