Once, on social media, I read comments between two authors who mocked Hallmark Christmas movies, and they laughed over the idea of them writing stories like that. One writer responded, “Shoot me now.” The other asked a moral quandary question that went like this: “Would you write those cheesy stories if you knew you’d be able to support your family?” The one who asked added that she would because she’s a “sellout.”
That conversation, which I did not get involved in, stuck with me.
Dialogue like that, in public settings, can put other writers down. Someone who writes sweet romances with Hallmark-like vibes may have seen that and felt ridiculed for writing stories that make them happy, and also uplifts the spirits of so many people.
Writing “cheesy stories,” Hallmark-esque stories, sweet romances, romantic-comedies is NOT selling out.
Nor is writing erotica, a genre that has become increasing popular over the years.
What we write is personal. It’s a decision.
No one has the right to make the decision for anyone else what genres and types of stories are worthy of being written. We all get to make that decision for ourselves.
One writer may not like science fiction. One may not enjoy horror. Another may not like romance of any subgenre.
That’s fine. As long as you don’t claim that certain genres are more superior than others. Or certain genres are crap.
Every genre has a purpose. Fantasy. Sweet romance. True crime. Erotica. Just because it may not be your cup of tea doesn’t mean it’s any less.
Writing a Hallmark-inspired story isn’t selling out if it’s truly what you want to do.
Neither is writing erotica.
Both ends of the romance spectrum exist for a reason.
As long as you’re staying true to yourself and your creativity, don’t let anyone make you feel bad for the stories you write.
You're right, Chrys. I wouldn't know how to write a Hallmark romance and I certainly don't know how to write science fiction, but that doesn't mean that someone is bad or a sell-out for writing in those genres.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
I totally agree with you. And there are lots of people who enjoy the Hallmark romances and mysteries. Sometimes, I find them comforting when I'm going through hard times.
ReplyDeleteI would never attempt to write a sci-fi, horror, or Hallmark romance (though now I kind of want to write a Hallmark sci-fi-horror romance story...is that a thing? Is there a channel for those movies?) because they're just not my thing, but I fully support those that do. To each their own. We should always aim to write what we love and support other authors to do the same.
ReplyDeleteMocking someone for liking something has always been a mind boggler to me. I recall people used to tease my friend because she liked Sailor Moon (I loved SM, myself), and I encountered quite a few people who judged me for liking anime. But I was one of those blessed children who, at a young age, decided they didn't give a crap about perceived coolness.
ReplyDeleteI actually still get picked on by my writing pals for writing epic fantasies over 200K long. One guy, after reading one of my short stories, suggested I stop writing epics and just focus on my shorts. My response was to flip him off with a smile.
Grrrrrr! That comment from that guy is so mean. I love the way you handled it. I mean he was probably saying he loved your shorts but to attack the epics was so not cool. It's part of that nasty commenting I wrote about this month.
DeleteThere's a market for everything! Mocking those writers also mocked the consumers. Write your heart and it's always a win.
ReplyDelete