Very few people who are acquainted with me, live and in
person, know that I’m a romance author. There are a few good reasons for this.
Of course I’m presenting it in list formation. Who doesn’t love a list?
1. The reputation of romance books is alive and kicking in
Ghana. You know, that look down their nose at you and presume you’re some kind
of a slut expression because you read that genre. If a person isn’t a romance enthusiast or doesn’t like
reading in general, there’s no need for them to know what the job of my heart
is.
2. My books are basically ordered through the internet, um,
for money. When my fellow countrymen (and women) learn I’m an author they want
a free book. And when I’m generous and send them one, they don’t read it. To be
fair my friends Josephine (may she rest in peace), Matilda, Anthony, Empi, and my
cousin Adjoa read them as if they’re going to be examined. And they loved
them. Supportive peeps.
3. Well that’s it folks. I couldn’t very well leave you with
only two things on the list. This is a dummy point to make the list look good.
What's it like being a romance writer in your country?
LOL at your dummy point. That's very sad that you've run into that attitude. I just hate that for you :( I hope that one day that attitude will change for yall.
ReplyDeleteYou and me both, Anna.
DeleteMy dear, the problem is not just an African thing. The attitude of putting down romance readers and writers is a worldwide thing. The only problem is that Africa romance readers are not as vocal, or rather, proud to announce that they read romance. Most of them do so 'undercover'.
ReplyDeleteSigma of all sorts is a big thing here. The whole thing is sad. Very true about the 'undercover' aspect.
DeleteOh Nana, I'm hurt. You did not include me in your list of friends who read your books. I've stuck up so many books including yours to read. I just get so tired these days and having issues with my health every reading is on hold. LOL!
ReplyDeleteYou are one of my heroines here in Ghana. You and Empi and of course Kiru and Stella in Nigeria/UK.
Oh, Celestine. I am so sorry. And this is why I don't mention peoples names. I always forget someone. You rock. You always have and I'm sure you always will. Thanks for your support Celestine. And how's your book coming? I'm waiting.
DeleteThere's levels to this ish. ..😊 not a writer but as a reader I still get shade. You know "why you read that porn". I think it all boils down to this being a genre primarily written by and read by females.
ReplyDeleteIt's truly horrible. You have a point about the genre though. There is sex and romance in thrillers and no one looks down their nose when you read one of those.
DeleteKiru is right. Here in the states, it's the same stigma. I write paranormal and another stigma comes with that as everyone thinks you've written another Twilight :)
ReplyDeleteJust keep writing and be happy :)
You have me smiling, Debbie. Thanks.
DeleteMy willingness to tell people depends on how I know them. Few people at work know I write romance, and fewer still know I write m/m. Outside of work, I'm a lot more open. I'm just sorry you need to keep your light under a bushel!!
ReplyDeleteMe, too. Liv. When I first started writing I thought about using a pseudonym. Instead I removed my middle name and kept it me. It's hard to believe people can be so closed minded in this day and age. About anything.
DeleteI'm not a romance writer, but I love and adore romance!!! Be proud of being a great romance writer, you've earned it!!!! People are lying if they say they don't like romance, we all do, in one form or another. I don't go shouting I'm a writer, but I do say it more often now than I ever did before. Carry the badge of Writer of Romance Proudly!!!
ReplyDeleteYou make me want to raise my fist up in the air and shout it. Thanks for the encouragement, Cathy.
DeleteIts funny that there is stigma attached to writing these erotic stories but the lyrics to some of my countrymen's songs are equally stimulating.
ReplyDeleteHmmm...I wonder why...but in any case...I will never feel ashamed....there are over a billion people on this earth and they didn't get here by kissing foreheads.
Say it again, Red Stilettos and Crayons. Say it again.
Delete