As more of my tales enter the world it
will become apparent that romances play an important part in most of
them. Perhaps it's because I'm a young woman for whom a fulfilling
relationship is integral to her happiness yet another factor is the
deep connections that can spring from such relationships. On a
biological level nothing is more critical than the union of two
individuals and subsequent rearing of offspring. On a personal level
the experience of lust, love, affection, longing, regret – few
emotions are more powerful than the ones elicited by romantic
potential. One might say that all of life's complexities stem from
the drive to seek out the pleasure of companionship, no matter how
prolonged or fleeting.
I enjoy simple romances which focus on
characters discovering themselves and each other on the course toward
romantic fulfillment. Desire can but doesn't have to be a critical
aspect. I have read stories that touched me with their intensity
with very little lust and some with a good deal. Both, when done
well, can be stunningly beautiful.
There's another type of romance I'd
like to acknowledge here. It can live in any type of tale involving
two characters who develop an attachment, but differs from more
traditional love stories in its treatment of the circumstances
surrounding the lovers. The stories I'm referring to are those that
draw attention to the fact that the circumstances, more even than the
couple, are the source of the romance. An example of this type of
story is The Hunger Games trilogy. At the outset the reader does not
doubt that, had there been no Hunger Game for Katniss or her sister,
our heroine would have ended up with Gale. Although Peeta has
harboured affection for her before them it's the Games that make them
a couple, the unique circumstances ultimately leading to the two
falling in love.
It's very reasonable to say that Peeta
and Katniss have no choice in this development since no other person
can relate to what they've been through, their emotions manipulated
by the people and environments around them. This fact doesn't even
particularly matter so long as they are happy together. The
importance of circumstance is often overlooked in romances so I
appreciate stories that draw attention to what is really the most
critical aspect of relationships. You are far more likely to end up
with someone who is familiar to you, similar background, ethnicity,
physical location and upbringing, than not because it's easier to
understand someone who shares these aspects. Yes, perhaps it's not
very romantic but it is realistic.
I commend stories that can weave
good characters, intriguing plot, and realism since it is no easy
task. Those that achieve it are worthy of recognition as truly great
writers.
Image of a man's hand exchanging a flower with a woman's courtesy of Faylinn
