An article by Anita Singh "Mills and Boon 'cause marital breakdown" created a little stir yesterday on one of the writer's lists to which I belong. I was interested that the article said the British Medical Journal had published a warning that these romance books are a cause of adultery and unwanted pregnancies.
Wow! Amazing to know how influential we authors are.
While I haven't read any Mills and Boon romances for quite some time, I was a little surprised to learn all the problems they may be causing. Years ago, the ones I read were simply sweet romances, nice little straightforward stories with happy endings. Those would hardly be books I would believe could lead to problems causing marital breakdowns.
Perhaps the books have changed with the times. Perhaps they are no longer innocent little romances. I don't know, and I don't plan to research the Mills and Boon books. (Looking at the titles, they do sound rather spicy.) However, I do like the idea that we can influence our readers. Only, I want to influence them for the better. I want my books to give them a few hours lost in a fantasy story. Hopefully, readers know it is fantasy and won't, because of what they read, make unfortunate choices they may later regret.
What do you think about blaming romance novels? If they are to blame, there are no more happy endings. That would be sad.
6 comments:
I personally don't think the books are to blame. Here in South Africa most teenagers don't even read romance novels but manage to get them selves pregnant and sleep around endlessly even thought birth control and condoms are free and accessible. Not to mention that here, adultery is also equally popular. I personally think people have a lot less self control and the idea of casual sex has become an everyday thing like brushing your teeth.
I am an aspiring romance author too. I read a lot of romance novels as well, but I don't sleep around.
Sorry if I am a bit too dramatic. I just don't think books or their writers are to blame. Everyone is responsible for their own decisions.
Thank you, Murees, for your comments. I agree that everyone should be responsible for their own decisions. I was surprised by the article.
Certainly people are to blame for their own transgressions--blaming a book, aw, come on.
Fun post, Monti.
Marilyn
Thanks, Marilyn, for your comment!
Hi Monty .. people are so naive and so easily influenced (regrettably) .. I'd say it was more to do with tv - than books .. how many watch tv v how many read books ..
Following the crowd is something so many do .. and we have to be accountable for our own actions ..
So no .. life will go on though .. fickle creatures that we are ..
Enjoy the week .. Hilary
I agree with you, Hilary. Look at what TV did with the Casey Anthony trial. Now, she, who most people consider a murderer, will go on to have book and movie deals. We live in a crazy world where all too often the wrong is rewarded.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
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