I have limited the amount of romance in what I write because I have limited knowledge of what it is "really" like, and I know that, particularly now, people will call me out if I get details incorrect. Usually it only comes up if I feel it's a logical progression of the story- whereas in a lot of these things, the shoe is force-fit onto a foot too small for it.
LOL I think there's a small, guilty pleasure in these romantic stories that many of us are attracted to. Love is powerful and romance is one (only one) reflection of love. Also, I would love to read about what romance is "really" like. Sounds like the beginnings of a great story :)
-- i'd love to learn more about emotional tone in writing. i'm a fan of emily henry and *knew* something special was going on in her work. i think you nailed what it is. but how does one *do* emotional tone? i'd love to know.
also, after reading your newsletter yesterday, i was amazed to accidentally end up watching "in the good old summertime" with judy garland last night. it's also a straight-up re-do of "the shop around the corner." i found "summertime" to be great xmas movie with a terrible title.
Yeah, strange title for a christmas movie, but now I'll need to accidentally watch it too LOL. As for doing emotional tone, maybe I'll write a full piece with examples of how to execute...
Love, Actually is a super classic! Hugh Grant really had a streak there during the 90s. What's the one with him and Julia Roberts called? Notting Hill? That's another one of my favourites.
Interesting thoughts, as always. I must admit that I am not a big fan of RomComs, and don’t read any. I wasn’t even familiar with Emily Henry, so I am learning from you! As for films, I have watched a few RomComs, usually when a friend chose the movie that night :) I enjoyed them, but quickly forgot them. One of my favourite love stories is “like water to chocolate” and let me warn you, it doesn’t end well. I don’t know why I prefer these “more realistic” love stories. It probably says a lot about me… Have I lost my hope in romance? But your essay makes me reconsider the genre, so I am thankful.
Haha Imola you need to add some silly romance into your consumption LOL it's totally a guilty pleasure but it's soooo good. Please watch at least one over the holidays.
My favourite Christmas romance is The Holiday with Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz. I watch it every year without fail and yes, it contains found family! There’s something wonderful about the settings and the women who finally realise they deserve more out of life if they move past their fears.
Oh man...I'm a bit of a rom com junky, but I admit not of the Hallmark variety. No shade to those who love em! One of my many favorites has to be Sabrina from 1995 staring Harrison Ford.
I am not ashamed to say I LOVE rom coms. The cheesier the better LOL. I don't believe I've seen Sabrina, though. I'll be adding that one to the list this Christmas. Is it a popular one or just one of your favorites?
I think it's fairly popular. It's a remake of a Humphrey Bogart and Audrey Hepburn movie from the 50s. I also love Sense and Sensibility with Emma Thompson, Marty from the 50s, Bridget Jones Diary and so many more.
I have limited the amount of romance in what I write because I have limited knowledge of what it is "really" like, and I know that, particularly now, people will call me out if I get details incorrect. Usually it only comes up if I feel it's a logical progression of the story- whereas in a lot of these things, the shoe is force-fit onto a foot too small for it.
LOL I think there's a small, guilty pleasure in these romantic stories that many of us are attracted to. Love is powerful and romance is one (only one) reflection of love. Also, I would love to read about what romance is "really" like. Sounds like the beginnings of a great story :)
You would probably have to read an actual romance writer who wrote that as a career. Dame Barbara Cartland made out all right doing it.
Notting Hill it is.
-- i'd love to learn more about emotional tone in writing. i'm a fan of emily henry and *knew* something special was going on in her work. i think you nailed what it is. but how does one *do* emotional tone? i'd love to know.
also, after reading your newsletter yesterday, i was amazed to accidentally end up watching "in the good old summertime" with judy garland last night. it's also a straight-up re-do of "the shop around the corner." i found "summertime" to be great xmas movie with a terrible title.
Yeah, strange title for a christmas movie, but now I'll need to accidentally watch it too LOL. As for doing emotional tone, maybe I'll write a full piece with examples of how to execute...
--that would be an awesome use of your incredible powers. can't wait.
Love, Actually with Hugh Grant
All of that Hugh Grant 1990s enterprise - 4 Weddings, et cetera - even The American President
Marty
Baby It's You
All of the novels I have written have a romantic comedy element. I have always been a romantic.
Love, Actually is a super classic! Hugh Grant really had a streak there during the 90s. What's the one with him and Julia Roberts called? Notting Hill? That's another one of my favourites.
Interesting thoughts, as always. I must admit that I am not a big fan of RomComs, and don’t read any. I wasn’t even familiar with Emily Henry, so I am learning from you! As for films, I have watched a few RomComs, usually when a friend chose the movie that night :) I enjoyed them, but quickly forgot them. One of my favourite love stories is “like water to chocolate” and let me warn you, it doesn’t end well. I don’t know why I prefer these “more realistic” love stories. It probably says a lot about me… Have I lost my hope in romance? But your essay makes me reconsider the genre, so I am thankful.
Haha Imola you need to add some silly romance into your consumption LOL it's totally a guilty pleasure but it's soooo good. Please watch at least one over the holidays.
My favourite Christmas romance is The Holiday with Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz. I watch it every year without fail and yes, it contains found family! There’s something wonderful about the settings and the women who finally realise they deserve more out of life if they move past their fears.
Love that one! Cameron Diaz is so good :)
Oh man...I'm a bit of a rom com junky, but I admit not of the Hallmark variety. No shade to those who love em! One of my many favorites has to be Sabrina from 1995 staring Harrison Ford.
I am not ashamed to say I LOVE rom coms. The cheesier the better LOL. I don't believe I've seen Sabrina, though. I'll be adding that one to the list this Christmas. Is it a popular one or just one of your favorites?
I think it's fairly popular. It's a remake of a Humphrey Bogart and Audrey Hepburn movie from the 50s. I also love Sense and Sensibility with Emma Thompson, Marty from the 50s, Bridget Jones Diary and so many more.
Bridget Jones Diary is a guilty pleasure :)
Never heard of that author. I'll check them out.