Today I thought that I would share a brief explanation of where I stand on some of the hot topics that have been circulating in the bookish world that I have seen on Twitter recently. I picked 5 that I wanted to weigh-in on. I think, for the most part, that I stand with the majority.

Hetero-presenting authors writing LGBTQIA+ stories

Yes, would I prefer that all diverse stories were written by own voices authors. However, I also understand that there are authors who are not out IRL for reasons. As a blogger who went anonymous so that I could share my identity and my passions when it doesn’t feel safe to do so IRL, I 100% understand and respect anyone’s need to stay closeted. So, as long as the representation feels authentic and isn’t fetishized, I don’t have a problem with a hetero-presenting author writing  an LGTBQIA+ story.

Steamy Sex Scenes in YA

I love steamy sex scenes; the steamier, the better, when it comes to ADULT romances and literature. But, I have a problem with the current call for steamier sex scenes in Young Adult books from some adults who also read the genre. Stick with the books written for an adult audience if that’s what you are looking for. Young Adult books are geared to younger audiences that aren’t looking for the same things adult readers are, and if you can’t accept that, don’t read YA. Yes, there is a place for sex in YA books, but I prefer the semi-closed door sex scene for the teens, one that deals with the emotions and sometime consequences of taking that step.

Age Differences in Romance

There has been a lot of talk about big age differences between couples in romances and a lot of people have come out against them because of the power differential. In my experience, however, an age difference doesn’t necessarily mean a power difference. In my real life, I know several couples with large age differences between them (11-13 years) and I haven’t really seen a power differential come into play on most of them- and these are observances where either gender partner is older in the relationship. So, basically, I think they can work and don’t have a problem with them.

What Makes a Rom-Com

This one is pretty simple and straight forward… a rom-com should be a light, fluffy, humorous romance. There shouldn’t be deep triggering topics. It should just be a fun read where the main characters fall in love. That’s it. Publishers, please take note.

HEA in Romance

I don’t even know why this one comes up for debate every so often. By definition, a romance is a love story that ends with the couple together… whether it be a happily ever after, or a happy for now. If the couple does not end up together, it is not a romance, it is simply literary fiction, or sci fi, or fantasy, or whatever other genre it falls under. Any book can have elements of romance included, but to be considered a Romance, there has to be an HEA, or at a minimum an HFN.

What do you think?