Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Are you a purist?

I recently saw a post about how romance was ruining urban fantasy. What's your take? Do you like a little romance in your urban fantasy? Or would you prefer it straight up?

I'm about 10k into what I think is an urban fantasy, but I'm on the fence about the romance part. I'm actually leaning toward leaving out the romance, especially if it turns out this could be the first of a series. Would a romance muddy it up? If there's a romance, should it continue throughout the series? Would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks!

8 comments:

Krista D. Ball said...

I don't mind a little romance mixed into the story, but I don't particularly like romance as the center of the story.

However, I'm not a huge romance reader, so that clouds my thinking. I like relationships in the stories, since that's real life. However, when they are focused on the romance, I often get bored of the story, especially in an urban fantasy.

Rebecca Leigh said...

I think Krista's answer is probably how it would be from both perspectives. And by that I mean . . . her answer would be normal for someone who isn't a huge romance reader. I am. I love romance and wouldn't mind at all if the two were mixed.

Really I think it is whatever works well in the story. You're such a good writer, I think it will work out either way!!

Leigh M. Lane said...

Ask yourself which audience you think your story is going to appeal to more. I little romance never hurt any story, but how far you take that romance will determine your market. Good luck with your new WiP!

Cate Masters said...

Interesting answers. Thanks guys!

Barbara Elsborg said...

I'm sort of the opposite of Krista. I'm more or a romance reader and I wouldn't read an urban fantasy that didn't have a romance element.

Arlene said...

Hey, look at the cute little long and low doggy in Barbara's avatar thingee. Sweet. Yep, I get easily distracted by fun and furry, or fun and not furry. I like a mix of genres, I also like a genre straight, its the story line itself thats important. I agree with Rebecca, whatever works in the story and a writer like Cate can hold my attention with or without romance involved.

D L Jackson said...

I've heard we romance writers are ruining science fiction too. LOL
I write urban fantasy romance and I think the love story jazzes it up. The purists will get over it. They'll have to. Cause we're not going away.

Clare Dargin said...

Ruining it? Where would superman be without Lois Lane or Batman without Vickie Vale?

Tsk, Tsk...