Category Romance Fiction
by Melissa Alvarez
What is “Category
Romance Fiction”? Within
the genre of Romance Fiction there are categories of novels and within
these categories are themes. In this article we will discuss the twelve
major categories of romance fiction but remember new categories are
emerging all the time, some last and others have short lives.
I want to suggest that you always do your research with the publisher
that you are targeting before submitting. Find out the categories they
currently want to expand.
Contemporary
– This category usually is about modern women
with modern outlooks. The heroine is strong and liberated, independent
women who know who they are and what they want. The short contemporary
usually focuses on the developing relationship between the hero and
heroine where the long contemporary includes subplots that involve other
characters.
Historical
– A historical romance occurs before the year
1940. When writing a historical romance you must research, research and
research! Readers will notice it if the elements of your story do not
mesh with the time period in which your novel is set. The primary
element of historical novels is the compelling romance. The story
usually focuses on the heroine and how her life changes because of her
love for one man.
Inspirational
– These characters face challenges of faith
and love in life. The central element in an Inspirational Romance is
Faith. The characters learn lessons about the power of faith and trust.
This category promotes strong family values and high moral standards.
Traditional
– The hero and heroine are modern people with
conventional values. Their relationship is conventional and the plot
revolves closely around the hero and heroine and is usually written from
the heroine’s point of view.
Paranormal
– Magic, witches, ghosts, and warlocks make up a
paranormal romance. The Paranormal Romance is very similar to a
contemporary romance but contains the element of the supernatural. Fans
of paranormal romances are a loyal bunch and a few publishers have lines
dedicated to this category of romance fiction.
Intrigue
– Nail biting, edge of your seat thrillers. Well,
almost. A heroine of an intrigue is involved in a mystery and falls in
love while solving it. These novels are also called romantic suspense
and include women in jeopardy. Whether it’s a murder mystery,
psychological thriller, kidnappings or a stalking, the heroine and hero
fall in love while avoiding danger.
Ethnic
– A new line of romance fiction has finally emerged
in the publishing industry that features heroes and heroines of
non-Caucasian ethnic origins. These novels focus on multicultural
relationships.
Erotic
– Pure sensual pleasure. These novels of romance
fiction focus on the sexual relationship between the hero and heroine
and the consummation of the relationship.
Science Fiction, Fantasy, Futuristic, and Time travel
- This
category blends romance into each of the topics listed. They are very
similar to category romances and are usually included in a publisher’s
contemporary line. There are several publishers who only print these
types of novels.
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