How romance novels reveal the secret history of life in America

“Essentially, a romance is a courtship story. And if you think about it, courtship stories are part of the foundation of human storytelling” –Sarah Wendell

Sarah Wendell (@SmartBitches) is an author and blogger whose work primarily focuses on the romance fiction genre. She is co-author of the book, Beyond Heaving Bosoms: The Smart Bitches’ Guide to Romance Novels.

In this episode of Deviate, Rolf and Sarah discuss the elements of a romance novel book cover (13:00); plot and structure of a romance novel (24:00); the history the romance genre (34:00); and the evolution of romance fiction characters and tropes (46:00).

For more from Sarah, check out her website: Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

Notable Links:

• RT Booklovers Convention
• “Where no Travel Writer has Gone Before“, by Rolf Potts (article)
• Elements of Surprise: Our Mental Limits and the Satisfactions of Plot, by Vera Tobin (book)
• Gone with the Wind, by Margaret Mitchell (novel and film)
• Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn (novel)
• Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen (novel)
• Turducken (novelty dish)
• Fabio (romance cover model)
• Mullet (hairstyle)
• #MeToo movement
• The Crazy Nastyass Honey Badger (viral video)
• Asexuality
• Demisexuality
• Black Panther (film)
• Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L’Engle (novel and film)
• Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda , by Becky Albertalli (novel)
• Highlander (film)

Romance novels, novelists, and genres mentioned:

• Prowl the Night, by Crystal Jordan (romance novel)
• The Raider, by Jude Deveraux (romance novel)
• Jude Deveraux the Raider Barbie & Ken Set (collectible toy)
• Sharon Shinn (romance novelist)
• Suzanne Brockmann’s Troubleshooters series
• Kate Duffy, editor at Kensington
• The Flame and the Flower, by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss (romance novel)
• Carina Press Romance Promise
• Paranormal romance (genre)
• Amish Vampires in Space, by Kerry Nietz (romance novel)
• Tamed: A Menage Dinosaur Shifter Romance, by Jenny Clemens (romance novel)
• Hot and Badgered, by Shelly Laurenston (romance novel)

The Deviate theme music comes from the title track of Cedar Van Tassel’s 2017 album Lumber.

Note: We don’t host a “comments” section, but we’re happy to hear your questions and insights via email, at deviate@rolfpotts.com.