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Barbara Vey

books – good, bad or otherwise

March 14, 2007

I was excited to be asked to write a blog on women’s fiction. Of course, after thinking about it, I realized that what women’s fiction meant to me isn’t necessarily what it means to anyone else. So I decided to do an impromptu survey.

I approached women in different venues (the supermarket, library, bus stop, restaurant) and asked what women’s fiction meant to them. The answers ranged from intimate issues, family and mysteries to just books written by women. And while there was no runaway winner, the main ingredient was romance. In order for a book to be women’s fiction, it had to have some element of romance (of which I agree, since I love romance).

To make it more interesting I included men, but when I mentioned women’s fiction their eyes tended to glaze over. “Women’s fiction? You mean like relationship stuff?” They were clearly not comfortable with the question. My favorite was the 18 year old high school student who said, “Books about women in the 1950’s” and she was serious. This was after I explained the definition of fiction. Her 17 year old male friend suggested women’s fiction is “a book with people kissing on the cover.” Just what is on the reading list in high schools today?

For myself, I never cared for the categorizing of books. I realize it is a necessary evil to some extent in libraries. It seemed to me that books were never conveniently one thing. Romance is too broad, romantic thriller is better and historical paranormal romantic suspense is the best. Now I know what I’m getting!!

A few years ago I met F. Paul Wilson at a Murder Mystery convention in Chicago. I was hooked on his Repairman Jack series and was shocked to learn that these books were considered horror. I told him that I don’t like to read horror books (although I did read some Stephen King in high school) and would never have started the series had I known. It makes me sad to think I would have missed out on knowing these characters. How many other terrific books had I passed by because of their labels?

Bottom line….books – good, bad or otherwise should be enjoyed for their content and connection to the reader. Keep an open mind and enjoy!!

Posted by Barbara Vey on March 14, 2007 | Comments (32)

Industries: Fiction Books, People

March 14, 2007
In response to: books – good, bad or otherwise
Lola Library commented:

I didn't need a dictionary for long winded terms. I finally read a blog in layman's terms. Great start, keep it up. I enjoyed it.

March 14, 2007
In response to: books – good, bad or otherwise
Diva Deb commented:

I love the title of the blog. Original,not just romance. There is more to women's fiction. Off to a great start, keep up the great work.

March 14, 2007
In response to: books – good, bad or otherwise
Miss Dewey commented:

I agree with Barbara about not over categorizing books. I read a lot of fiction, I'm not sure if I would consider it women's fiction. I think I tend to go by the cover art, although we shouldn't judge a book by its cover. Keep up the good work, interesting comments.

March 14, 2007
In response to: books – good, bad or otherwise
Dolphinover commented:

I also agree with Barbara about over categorizing books. Women's fiction is more than just romance. I think the title of the blog is perfect. This is great, keep it up

March 15, 2007
In response to: books – good, bad or otherwise
Revdeb commented:

"Women's fiction" - yea -it could be anything! We always get in trouble when we make large catagorizations about anything. Good for you Barbara!

March 15, 2007
In response to: books – good, bad or otherwise
motherof3 commented:

Escapism is what woman's fiction is to me. I can be in Janet Evanovich's book one minute, and a "bodice ripper" romance the next. Barb, you hit the nail on the head with this one. Keep it up.

March 15, 2007
In response to: books – good, bad or otherwise
marjorie commented:

Wonderful topic! I've found that genre labels -- while sometimes helpful -- do sometimes scare people away from reading certain books. I think the key to broadening horizons, though, is good buzz. Sometimes, if you hear enough great things about a book, you'll be tempted to try it, regardless of how you feel about that particular genre. Of course, an adventurous reading spirit can do the same. :-)

March 15, 2007
In response to: books – good, bad or otherwise
PAUL LEVINE commented:

Nice post, Barbara. Anyone who likes romance and Repairman Jack is okay with me!

And...some male authors -- ahem-- believe we can write relationships, too.

Paul
www.paul-levine.com

March 15, 2007
In response to: books – good, bad or otherwise
Debbie commented:

I most definitely agree. As a woman, I would hope authors would be more creative in writing fiction for me than just putting out sappy romances. And maybe you can help explain "chicklit" - I would probably tend to stay away from a book put in that category, so it seems a disservice to the author to strap that label on a book. Look forward to seeing more!

March 15, 2007
In response to: books – good, bad or otherwise
lindac commented:

Finally, a decent blog for female readers of any kind of fiction!!! I am a very avid reader (usually having three books going at the same time)and agree that being labeled as a reader of women's fiction is a real misnomer just because I am a women. Has anyone ever read Mary Higgins Clark? She is a "woman writer" and appeals to everyone. Great job Barbara...Great title!!! I look forward to many more blogs!

March 16, 2007
In response to: books – good, bad or otherwise
Barbara Vey commented:

Thanks for all your comments.

Marjorie is Marjorie Liu, famous author of the terrific Dirk and Steele paranormal series. www.marjorieliu.com

Paul Levine writes the great Solomon vs Lord series. www.paul-levine.com

Hopefully, I'll be interviewing them soon for this blog (hint, hint).

Please pick up their books for a great read. I, of course, have read them all!!

March 16, 2007
In response to: books – good, bad or otherwise
Sarah B commented:

I thought this blog was EXCELLENT!! It really opened my eyes to what Women's Fiction is. When I think about Women's Fiction I always thought about Romance, but after reading this blog I think about it differently. Keep up the great work!!

March 19, 2007
In response to: books – good, bad or otherwise
DEBORAH RANEY commented:

I've always heard women's fiction defined as books about women's relationships, whether that be romance, mother-daughter, sisters, friends, etc. The key word is relationships. Also, we're seeing more and more women's fiction being written by men - Nicholas Sparks, Richard Paul Evans, Robert Elmer, etc., and we're seeing more and more men reading "women's fiction". . .at least until they hear it labeled as such! I enjoyed the blog, and especially the comments it generated.

March 20, 2007
In response to: books – good, bad or otherwise
Barbara Vey commented:

Deborah Raney, glad you enjoyed the blog. I looked you up and see that you are an award winning author. I'm off to pick up your latest book, "Remember to Forget" today.

March 20, 2007
In response to: books – good, bad or otherwise
cau commented:

barb, i enjoy your blog. actually the first blog i have ever read. keep up the good work about well written books that well read women will devour.

March 21, 2007
In response to: books – good, bad or otherwise
Katy commented:

Great blog Barb!!!! Can't wait to read more!

March 25, 2007
In response to: books – good, bad or otherwise
Debby F commented:

I enjoyed the blog, Barbara. I agree with you, I don't care for categorizing of books either in the library. I will keep an open mind and enjoy more books.

April 6, 2007
In response to: books – good, bad or otherwise
Leeannewat commented:

Fantastic blog, Barbara... Look forward to reading more...

April 6, 2007
In response to: books – good, bad or otherwise
Amber commented:

I'm so excited for you. This seems like a great thing you've gotten yourself into Barb! And when you're big and famous, I'll be able to say..."I made her subs!"
Keep up the great work!

May 13, 2007
In response to: books – good, bad or otherwise
Denise Dietz commented:

Why don't we have a "men's fiction" subgenre? Great blog, Barbara. Thank you.

July 24, 2007
In response to: books – good, bad or otherwise
arnie commented:

some ideas I came up with. quick look at fiction books, fiction for females,I have a vey with female fiction,she said what?womens fiction..avey we go,vey ree intresting fiction,new vey to reveiw womens fiction. great blog btw

July 26, 2007
In response to: books – good, bad or otherwise
jntommytc commented:

Not much on my mind today. What can I say? I've just been sitting around waiting for something to happen. But i found this site and became happy! gk : nd

July 29, 2007
In response to: books – good, bad or otherwise
bftommycm commented:

Very nice point of view! Respect!

August 12, 2007
In response to: books – good, bad or otherwise
omlokomotiveiq commented:

hello! nice site, I like it!

February 11, 2008
In response to: books – good, bad or otherwise
mmsoftfy commented: