Sandra here to talk to you about the older heroine. Grab a
cup of coffee or hot chocolate and let’s curl up in front of the fire and talk
about romance. Oh and if you happen to be in Hawaii, then let’s go sit out on
the deck and listen to the waves roll in.
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| Bigstock photo |
But let me start you out with the opening scene from my coming
release.
“HELP!
GRAMMY, HELP!”
Brian Roberts jerked upright. His surfboard rocked precariously as
he twisted to spot the source of the child’s cries.
“Grammy!”
Water splashed toward the shoreline. Brian stretched his back and
put his hand to his forehead to shade his eyes from the glare of the water.
“Help!”
A small child’s hand stretched upward out of the swell. Looked to
be a boy about eight or nine. Brian bent forward and paddled hard. His board
cut through the water.
“I’m coming. Don’t panic.” A woman shouted from behind him. The
swell lifted her board into his line of vision.
“Over here, Grammy.”
Brian waved and shouted. “I’ll get him.”
He nosed his board beside the boy, grabbing for his flailing arms.
A surprisingly strong hand grasped his. Brian yanked the young body onto his
board.
“Thanks, mister.” He quickly slipped one leg over and straddled
the board. Sitting upright he leaned against Brian’s chest and took deep
breaths.
Water splashed from behind. The woman’s board slid next to them.
She looked familiar. “Lost your board, did you?” she teased, pointing her
finger at the boy. Her brown eyes sparkled with humor.
“I almost caught the wave, Grammy.”
Grammy? Are you kidding me?
This was the same woman he’d watched surf these past two days, and she
definitely did not fit into his mental image of grammy. But now that she was close, he could see fine lines around
her brown eyes and a crease in her tanned cheek when she smiled.
 |
| surfing in Maui (Bigstock photo) |
Most of you that know me, know that hubby and I travel a lot
and we often park ourselves in 55 plus RV resorts. This means residents are 55
years old or more. Now you young
folks will not relate, but us older women certainly know that even after
retirement, the romance does not disappear. In fact, often it increases and
improves because hey—you might be retired now and you might be more rested and
have more time.
Anybody here relate to that?
 |
| Who is thinking up a story right now? chuckle |
These retirement communities have so many fun activities
that the residents socialize. Continually. Many of the residents could be
widows, widowers or just finally finished working and ready to have some fun.
What is more fun than romance?
We have many friends who met in their Golden years and are
enjoying their “happy ever after”.
Being a romance writer, one of my favorite things to do is ask the
people I encounter how they met their spouse. You would be amazed at all the
different answers.
 |
| Friends enjoying Hawaii with us last month. |
Also in these RV parks, I sell books at the craft fairs. And
when I tell the prospective buyers that I write “clean and wholesome” romance,
they go on and on about how they love reading romance novels.
So I know two things. Older women enjoy romance in their
golden years just as much as they did in their youth. And they buy romance
novels.
So why not have an older heroine? Many best selling authors
have older heroines and many of these older characters are engaged in romantic
ventures. Our own Seeker, Julie
Lessman, included the matriarch’s romance in each one of the Boston Series. Marcy finally got to tell her own story
of how she met her hero, Patrick. In
each book of the series we saw their ongoing romance.
 |
| Daughter of Boston Series |
Debbie Macomber also includes older heroines in her series.
Sometimes they are already together as was Marcy and Patrick. But often they
are involved in their own developing love story.
There is another reason I like writing the older
heroine. As much as I hate to
admit this, I am way into my senior years and it is much easier to relate to
the emotions and thoughts of a fifty or late forty year old woman than a twenty
year old. Okay, you can stop laughing.
But I like writing the older heroine. If you liked the scene
above, you will enjoy how this older heroine finds romance in Hawaii in my December release of Love's Healing. She meets her hero while surfing.
I just returned from a trip to Hawaii and trust me, there
are men and women of all ages out in the surf. I also know from experience that
men and women in their golden years are very active and enjoy dancing, shows,
sports, and all the same activities they did in their youth.
So tell me, do you like reading about an older heroine? Does
an older aged heroine disinterest you? Please share in the comments today and
your name will be put in my beach bag for a drawing of a copy of Love’s Healing
when it is released December 8th.
absolutely there is also a need for older heroines. After all I need some kind of hope. And yes,older women do read romance.
ReplyDeleteThanks Wilani, I never thought about the idea of giving an older woman hope. What a concept. Now I better be more diligent in my writing. smile Have a great day.
DeleteWhen I was a teen, starting to read romance at 13, they were all older than me, so I guess starting out that way it has never bothered me.
ReplyDeleteI wrote a 47 year old heroine in one of my novellas and I got several review comments on how they were happy to see that....and some that we're put out that she was that old. I don't understand why, I could care less about the age, as a romance reader the thrill is from the leads finding true love, who cares how old they are when they find it?
Good point Melissa. No one thinks a thing about a teen reading an older heroine. And how funny that some criticized you. Like you said, who cares? But evidently many do. I know editors of traditional publishers care. If you have an older heroine, she better be secondary.
DeleteHi Sandra, loving this post!! Frankly I think we need more older heroes and heroines in our books :-) I love reading stories where a widow or widower finds love again after their spouse passes on. Something I would like to read about? Say they were high school or even college sweethearts but broke up for whatever reason, went on to marry other people and then those spouses passed on, finally they run into each other and fall in love all over again *BIG sigh* Now wouldn't that make for a great story??
ReplyDeleteI also have to agree with you that now that I'm well into my 40's, I have a harder time relating to 20 somethings. Their world is so much different from when I was their age, things have changed drastically over the last 10 to 20 years. Plus, my kids are grown now & even though my son is still at home, I am enjoying more freedom to do things with the hubby without children tagging along. So I'm in a different phase of my life then younger couples. It's also harder to relate to couples with younger kids. Geeze, I sound old and I'm not...lol! I don't mind kids in books don't get me wrong, but that lifestyle isn't mine anymore. The world has changed since I've raised my kids! I guess that's where the phrase "generational gap" comes in :-)
I say YAY to older characters!! The world needs more in my opinion.
HI Trixi, You are making me chuckle. And goodness, compared to me you are a young chick. smile. And good for you for getting out and having fun with hubby. That's your reward for all those years of raising those little darlings. Right? Thanks for the thumbs up for an older heroine. Happy reading.
DeleteTrixi, I know a lady who got married to her high school sweetheart many years later after they both lost their spouses.
DeleteI have a writer friend who just got married to her high school sweetheart. They met up at a high school reunion. So fun.
DeleteHi Sandra:
ReplyDeleteWhy are there so few older heroines?
Why are there so few short, plump, plain looking heroines?
Why would a grandma heroine seemingly need to look like she was twenty years younger than she really was?
Romances are about vicariously living the heroine's life. When she is loved, the reader also feels that love -- if the book is well 5-sensed, emotionally charged and makes excellent use of physical proxies.
Consider this question: "What would it be like to be young, beautiful, loved, desired, successful, appreciated, and happy?"
With a good romance the reader can not only know what it would be like but how it would feel! This is very powerful from a marketing POV.
Mainstream fiction can show how things really are for all kinds of people. Mainstream fiction is about facts and reality.
Romance is about the HEA and how the reader can feel as the romance is being read. That's why romance fans can read their 38th 'Friends to Lovers' theme romance knowing there will be an HEA and still feel wonderful while reading the book. They can even read the last chapter first in the bookstore just to make sure the HEA is the exact kind they are looking for. Then read the book with joy and full confidence of not having a let down at the end.
Why buy a book you already know exactly how it ends? Because it's not about the ending. It's about the life you can vicarious live while reading a romance.
Why buy the same Hot Fudge Sundae you had three times already this week? Because you like how it makes you feel while you are eating it. Romances are more like a kind of comfort food than literary fiction.
Romance fans vote with their time and dollars. If they wanted older heroines, they'd have them. If they want Amish, they get Amish.
So from a marketing POV, if you want to create older heroines, make their lives are so attractive and informative that enough readers would want to spend time vicariously being those older heroines.
I believe the best way to do this is to show much more of a fun, active, learning retirement life. Show the kind of retirement many would love to be living right now. Travel to great places, eat at wonderful restaurants, do fun things that are being done by older heroines every day. Show an active life of hope. Inspire the reader with good times and a life worth living well.
I think the older heroine is possible but I think the romance part will play a lesser role than it does in a young heroine's story of first love.
My favorite older heroine is by Lynne Marshall in her "One for the Road". The heroine was in her 40's. It's about her renting her RV to a country band trying to make a comeback after having one hit many years ago. They travel the southwest, go to RV parks, and have some really zany characters in the bank. The heroine was the driver! She needed the money. I really can't remember reading any others!
Vince
Great points Vince. I love your comment. "It's about the life you can vicarious live while reading a romance. Romances are more like a kind of comfort food than literary fiction." How true. And good points about making her life so attractive that others want to live it vicariously. Well she does surf and travels to Hawaii. Does that help?
DeleteHi Sandra:
DeleteYou wrote: "Well she does surf and travels to Hawaii. Does that help??" Of course it helps. It also helps that she looks much younger…at least in the eyes of the hero. And if you make Hawaii come alive like you do the southwest setting, then that adds to the vicarious reading enjoyment. I think a lot will depend on the marketing approach. The more the marketing shows a life the reader would like to live and the more it would actually be possible for the reader to live parts of that life, the better the book will sell. If the story shows seniors having a ball playing pickleball, senior readers may want to explore playing the game them selves. Showing older people many new ways (to them) of having fun would be what I would call 'adding value' to the story.
Vince, you amaze me. You are so full of wisdom in this marketing business. I will keep that in mind while marketing. And yes, she does have fun with all the activities in Hawaii. We were just there and trust me, there are boatloads of seniors having a blast over there. I'm sure many will love the locale. Thanks for the helpful tips.
DeleteI loved reading about older heroines, even before I became one myself. A heroine, that is! (chuckle) One of my favorites was Mrs. Pollifax, the adventurous 60-somethingish widow who marched staunchly into the CIA and presented herself as a volunteer spy. I read them all, but the best were the early ones, while the premise was still being explored. Now I'm hearing about others I can read. I'm always attracted to RV's in a story!
DeleteVince, thank you for your perspective. It's like a check list we should all keep in mind when crafting our novels.
DeleteI remember watching a widow in our church fall in love. She was in her eighties, as was her fellow, but the adoring glances that passed between them prove that love has no age limits.
ReplyDeleteSo why do the vast majority of romance novels send the message that falling in love is reserved for the young? It's not. I'm glad you're helping to change that stereotype, Sandra.
Hi Keli, I have several friends that I've watched fall in love again. It is so much fun. And sweet. And often their marriages are wonderful because they don't make the same mistakes you make when you're younger.
DeleteHi Sandra: I think the children of those octogenarians might see their love in a different light. You have to avoid 'second puppy love.' While they are less likely to make the same mistakes, that's no guard against making new mistakes. "He's just looking for someone to take care of him." Also, love is strongest when nature is trying to produce offsprings. Romance is also about swept-away passion... consider the whole romance package and then consider what you have when you drop out large parts of that package. How will it market? So many red flags! "There's no fool like an old fool." "She'd marry anyone with a nice house just to get away from living with her kids". "She's buried three husbands already. Golden age gold digger."
DeleteJust something to think about from a marketing POV and what younger readers may be thinking!
Vince
Vince, Do you have to be so practical? LOL Oh that's right you are a marketing specialist. My bad. chuckle. Yes, you are so right. I'm sure there are many reasons the traditional publishers don't strive to market the older heroine. As I mentioned to Glynna, I know they target the 25 to 45 year olds because they are the biggest buying market. That age purchases the most romance novels. You know that plays a huge factor. So that's why independent publishing can be fun. You can publish that heroine and we'll see how it goes.
DeleteHi Sandra:
DeleteI can't wait to read your book now. Yes, it has a great cover! I'd say granny is undercover in that cover! Do the older folk know it is a book for them? One of the very few books out there? The older romance reading market is the low-hanging fruit you must get as I believe they are the most likely to buy your book. They might even be looking for such a book. The indie market is the perfect place to try this genre. I'd say 'older heroines' is a sub-genre like Amish is a sub-genre. Be first with a big splash and you would have a head start on advancing the category. That is, be ready to come out with more such books. Own the niche.
The ads can convey who the book is for by where they are placed, like venues created for older people (especially women) and by the headlines used next to the graphics. "At Last A Romance for those who still feel the romance in love." That is, something that lets older readers know it is for them without calling them old!!!
I'd also like to see the first reviews talk about how the lovers in the story were happy, active, people having fun. Then mention some of the adventures/places the couple explored.
I'll be getting your book on December 8th. I'll try to write the model review. It's not just a romance…it's a fun filled virtual holiday in Hawaii. That kind of thing.
I think your book has every chance for success. I just don't think everyone can expect this sub-genre to be fruitful. Know the added risks and write around them.
It will be fun to see how well everything goes!
BTW: Just how old was Father Tim? I read an interview where the author called him 'middle-age'. I remember the early books best and he must have been younger then. I never thought of him as elderly. :)
Vince
Oh Vince, Now I'm all nervous. I hope you like the book. And you are a good judge of romance. I don't know the answer to your question. Thanks for the marketing tips. I think I will advertise that this book has the older heroine. I like the way you put it because we don't want to be called old. That's the truth. LOL
DeleteVince, I don't know how old Father Tim was either, but I always imagined him as in his 60's. I "read" most of that series in audiobook form, narrated by John McDonough. His voice has a decidedly mature timbre.
DeleteAs an older aged heroine myself I say bring it on.
ReplyDeleteYay Mary. Happy reading.
DeleteI just had my 65th birthday last week. I don't feel that old (except for some aches and pains now and then), but I would love to see some older heroines and heroes in books. My husband and I got married when he was 50 and I was 48, neither of us had been married before and so I know there are many people out there that would love to read romance novels with older heroes and heroines. As Walani said above, it gives hope.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Cindy W.
Oh my Cindy, I'm going to have to find out your story. I bet it would make a lovely romance novel. smile And congratulations on 65. They say we're going to live to 100 so 65 is only middle age at this time. smile
DeleteThat is a great love story, Cindy. You should write a book about that.
DeleteI recently finished reading Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove Series and I loved the aspect of older heroines and heroes. Our bodies may change as we age, but our heart should always be open to love. Great post, Sandra!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jill. I love Debbie's books and how she brings in a whole community. And yes, I've seen wonderful examples of love in older folks so why not show it in our books. One place we stay, they have a live band every Saturday night and they invite the small community. Every Saturday this couple comes to dance and they are in their nineties. And they dance every single dance. I love it and they are so fun to watch.
DeleteSandra, I Love This. There are so many misperceptions and misconceptions about older people! With living longer and knowing how to take care of ourselves, it's just not your grandmother's retirement. I did hear that stories with older heroines were hard to sell, especially in genre fiction, so if I ever do one it will probably be an indie story or a foray into women's fiction. But it can be done. Lauraine Snelling is still writing her marvelou7s character Ingeborg, well into Ingeborg's 70s, and I'm reading Angela Hunt's "Five Miles South of Peculiar," which focuses on three middle-aged sisters in rural Florida. It's easier to pull off if you're a big name, but then everything is. I also think of Judi Dench and that guy in "As Time Goes By," and of The Golden Girls. Older people have the same needs and desires as younger people, just with more backstory. Thank you, Sandra.
ReplyDeleteKathy Bailey
66 in New Hampshire
Hi Kathy, Thanks for the support. Yes, I remember the Golden Girls and Blanche was always after romance. smile All three women were actually in their own way. But I think a lot of the problem is the back story and baggage life brings. How do you get past that in a romance where like Vince says, you want to live a fantasy life vicariously. Well its something to strive for.
DeleteHi Sandra, I love the thought of an older heroine. Just because you are over a certain age doesn't mean we stop having feelings. Sometimes it may take a long time to meet the right person. My aunt didn't marry until she was in her fifties. Love to read older heroines. Thanks for the vote for older heroines.
ReplyDeleteLorraine
Thanks Lorraine. Hmmm, your aunt sounds interesting. Are you writing her story? smile
DeleteWhat a great idea! She's eighty-four now. She certainly has a few stories that she has told me about the past!!
DeleteWonderful. I bet you'll glean some marvelous info.
DeleteI enjoy reading stories about 'older' heroes & heroines. People who have had time to mature and build a wide variety of experiences, have developed their careers, deepened friendships, weathered some storms, etc. However, many publishers (including Love Inspired) prefer for the most part to have younger heroes/heroines (20s/30s) so that's what I currently write.
ReplyDeleteHi Glynna, Yes, the fact is the traditionals do prefer the younger version. It has to do with marketing. The biggest buyers of romance are between the ages of 25 and 45. I think I'm remembering that correctly. Older women go to yard sales, the library and get freebies. Which is smart on our part, but tough on publishers pockets. And author's pockets too. smile
DeleteHi Sandra!
ReplyDeleteI received really good feedback from 'more mature' readers on my quilting series that I wrote for Barbour with characters finding love in their 40's, 50's and 60's. My sales were good on that series too. I think it's an 'ignored' market in the publishing industry.
Good luck with your new release!
Hi Rose, I forgot about your Quilting Series Those were great stories. Here is the link to them on Amazon.
DeleteI love that scene!!!! Grammy. That's funny.
ReplyDeleteMy oldest grandchild is 10 and I'm 49. Okay, I turn 50 next Tuesday. Whatever. In Feb. my 10th grandchild will arrive. I don't feel that OLD. And yes, the 25 year old heroines are my kids age. They feel like...kids.
Several months ago Emily Rodmell posted they would consider taking old h/h. Anyone remember the age?
Thanks Connie, How funny that you say the young heroines feel like your kids. And thanks for the tip fro Emily Rodmell. I'm glad they are looking for older heroines. Harlequin tried it with NEXT line, but it didn't fly. I think maybe Vince was on to it. They need to make the older heroine satisfy fantasy and often when we're older we have all the baggage. LOL
DeleteSandra, it's interesting to know that women of all ages enjoy romance. :) I kinda suspected it, but I don't see many books with "older" heroines. You must meet a lot of amazing people in your RV travels.
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy reading older heroines. Maybe it's because I'm in the "50 and over" crowd. :) Older heroines give those of us who are well beyond our thirties someone we can relate to a little more. :)
What part of Hawaii did you visit? We have family there.
Hi Jeanne, Yes, you would be delighted at all the fun romance I've seen in my travels. Of course I have radar out looking for it, being a romance writer. smile
DeleteWe've been to all of the islands, but this last trip was to Maui. Our niece gave us a free week at their VRBO condo for our fiftieth anniversary and then we stayed an extra week. We had so much fun. Lots of romance in Hawaii as most on the plane are on a honeymoon. And all ages by the way.
Sandra, I may've mentioned this before. I have a friend from Church who was in his 50's. He and he wife had 9 kids, and then she was killed in a car wreck. Some of the kids were grown, but the youngest was only 4. A couple of years later, the man married again a woman who was about 40 and had never been married. That definitely changes up what people bring to a relationship older in life.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a story. Are you writing those events in yours? There would be many interesting angles. What a blessing that they found each other. Thanks for sharing.
DeleteSandra, I'm not using those events.
DeleteFeel free. LOL.
Thanks, but you might want to rethink that. You could come up with some interesting variations. smile
DeleteSandra, this is a great post. Having just reached the age of 60 myself, I certainly enjoy reading about older heroines. Please put me in the drawing for the book.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sandy, Your name is there. And wow. 60. Hard to believe. Happy writing.
DeleteHey Sandra! Yes, we need the wisdom of older heroines!
ReplyDeletePlease toss my name in the beach bag.
Thanks Caryl, Your name is there. Happy writing.
DeleteCast my vote for an older heroine, Sandra. I think she would bring more to the table, and we need love, too. And, what does any age look like? When I read a romance I like that the h/h is older...that means to me that they are truly going to find their HEA. (I know, I know, it's FICTION, but true love does happen in the real world! Color me a die-hard romantic!)
ReplyDeleteWould love to have my name tossed in the beach bag!
Blessings,
Marcia
Hi Marcia, Have heart because the HEA happens at all ages. It takes work, but hey the rough spots bring you closer than ever. And your name is in the beach bag.
DeleteSandra, my second HEA has lasted for 23 years...no complaints here! I just LOVE love!
DeleteWay to go Marcia. Congratulations!!!
DeleteMany times, older heroines make for more complex characters. There's more backstory and there are many more experiences that can shape reactions. And all of that can make for more conflict. So yes for older heroines, too!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for the image of the surfing Grammy, Sandra. Lots of fun!
Nancy C
Hi Nancy, You're welcome. Writing that brought back so many memories from my high school days when we lived on the beach and surfed every day. And yes, the older heroine does bring in more complex issues. Makes it easy to write. smile
DeleteI love, older heroines, especially a secondary love story to a book. Bring it on, Sandra!
ReplyDeleteThanks Teenster. Happy writing.
DeleteI'm with you, Tina! :-)
DeleteSandra, *clink* YES, to older heroines. Let's mix it up! I LOVE love. Love is ageless. Would love to see this dynamic more in romances - the possibilities are endless.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your vote of confidence, Cynthia. Yes, love is ageless. Happy reading.
DeleteSandra, fun, thought-provoking post and lovely pictures of your anniversary trip to Hawaii!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to see older characters falling in love, but with some of the publisher guidelines, those characters may have to be secondary. I think it would be fun to read a story with the widowed parents of the hero and heroine falling in love. It's probably been written, but then what hasn't? :-)
Vince said: Romances are about vicariously living the heroine's life. He makes an excellent point. Whatever age our heroine and hero, we need to make sure their romance fulfills reader expectations.
Janet
Yes, Janet, I liked what Vince said. Made sense. smile But then he always does. He's my hero.
DeleteI like your idea of the parents of the hero and heroine falling in love. I have two sets of friends where that happened. Very successful marriages also. smile
Oh my, Sandra, that opening to your story makes me want to read it. I love older heroines and 'mature' heroes.
ReplyDeleteThank you Barbara. It should be up for pre-order soon. I loved writing this. Brought back many fun surfing memories.
DeleteHi Sandra,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I love romance no matter the age of hero and heroine! Love is love is love, right? There have been several movies made with older couples involved in a romance, but as in the books, they are usually the secondary characters.
I wonder why publishers aren't interested in supporting "older" hero/heroines as main characters in a romance story? Certainly the reading audience for good, clean, romantic stories includes teenagers and octogenarians and all ages in between! My mother, 89 years young, loves romance stories, especially all the Love Inspired lines.
Love reading about your travels! Happy Tuesday!
Hi Kathryn, Thanks for your vote of confidence. As I've mentioned before, I'm sure the interest in younger heroines is because the largest buying market for romance is women between the ages 25 and 45. Dollars rule.
DeleteSandra, love your post....and agree with you about older women enjoying romance...and I can attest to the fact that "Grammy" doesn't mean we aren't climbing mountains. Yes, we're taking our grandchildren on those adventures.
ReplyDeleteI remember a touching tweet from Emily Rodmell about a sweet elderly couple she observed entering a building in New York City. As the husband gently maneuvered his wheelchair-bound wife through the door, Emily noticed a Love Inspired book in the lady's lap. Long-lasting romance is everywhere!
Being a woman of a certain age, I too enjoy the stories which include a mature couple in love. Don't we all, no matter how long we've lived, need the sparkle of books about love and happily-ever-afters?
Great opening for your new book! Thanks for a great post and for writing about love for all ages!
HI Sherida, What a great response. I love the story about he couple in New York. And yes, older women love clean and wholesome stories. I can picture you having fun with those grandchildren. Happy writing.
DeleteDefinitely enjoy stories with older heroines. Although I’m not quite at retirement age, I do find myself connecting more with heroines in their 40s+ than those in their 20s.
ReplyDeleteHi MH. See to me, a woman in her 40's is very young. LOL. So glad you enjoy the heroine that has retirement on her mind. smile
DeleteInteresting post, Sandra! I definitely enjoy reading about older heroines. In my own contemporary novels, I tend to age my characters no younger than mid-thirties, mainly because by then they've had a taste of adult life and have a fuller sense of their dreams and goals.
ReplyDeleteHi Myra, Me too. And they also have enough baggage to make interesting conflicts to overcome. Thanks for sharing.
Deletehi Sandra
ReplyDeleteI think I'm out of the loop for knowing what a younger heroine would be like. I know next to nothing about pop culture and barely function on social media. Guess I'm an ol' fuddy duddy who likes reading about golden years romance. Not that I'm a "Golden" years person - just looking forward to when I can be.
I would LOVE to be in the draw for your surfing Grammy book. I plan on being the mountain hiking or scuba diving grammy someday. *smile*
Hi Deb, You are making me chuckle. I love that you want to be a mountain hiking grammy. You sound like a fun-loving mommy right now so will make a terrific grammy. Happy writing.
DeleteLove this post. I can definitely relate. There used to be more books along that line. It seems like they have been replaced by the 25 to 30 year old heroine. My guess is there are multitudes of 50 + readers who are buying clean romances. Signed, Grandma
ReplyDeleteHi Grandma, We need to speak out and let the publishers know that we're out here enjoying the older heroine. Yay. I know that's why many older women buy Christian romance even when they aren't Christian because they want the clean and wholesome.
DeleteHi Sandra, I enjoy older heroines. This year I got my first kayak, and next year I'd like to learn to paddle board. (I once cracked my ribs riding the waves in the Atlantic Ocean on a board and might not be ready to surf. Ha!) I have two granddaughters so I'm a grandmother as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing today!
Jackie! How did I never know what a wild child you are? :)
DeleteHaha!
DeleteYes, Sharee, I had the same question. LOL Paddle boards are big now. We see them everywhere we go. I don't know if I want to stand that long though. But it would be fun to try.
DeleteOH. MY. GOSH. FINNNNNNAAAAALLLLLLLLLY A POST ADDRESSING THE BABY BOOMERS!!!
ReplyDeletePRAISE GOD!!!!
Oh, girlfriend, I am sorry I am late to the party today because this is a favorite subject of mine. And is, in fact, one of the main reasons I write. I REFUSE to let the younguns have all the fun!! Which is why I include a secondary love story between an older couple in every one of my series and will always do so. Ironically, that was one of the reasons that Revell stated for buying A Passion Most Pure when they did -- because the love story between the older couple was so real and rare in today's romances. And, THANK YOU, SANDRA, for the shoutout, my sweet friend!!
You said: "Now you young folks will not relate, but us older women certainly know that even after retirement, the romance does not disappear. In fact, often it increases and improves because hey—you might be retired now and you might be more rested and have more time. Anybody here relate to that?"
"Oh, ME, ME, ME!!!" says the woman waving her hand wildly in the air. I honestly can say that my marriage of almost 40 years is SOOOOO much better today than at any time over the years. Why? Well, I think it's because of application of God's precepts and the growth of love that has taken place because of them.
I always tell a story about my daughter Amy asking Keith and I when we knew we were in love. Now mind you, this question came about ten years ago, when Keith and I were an old married couple of 30 years. I remember looking at Keith and squinting, saying, "I don't know, babe -- what do you think? About two years ago?"
We were joking somewhat, but the truth is that I wasn't really sure I ever loved Keith -- not when we got married and not years into the marriage. It wasn't until God showed me the absolute truth of unconditional love that I realized how desperately I loved the man I married. That lesson takes time and work, which is why love between older (Christian) couples is so precious. Because it's real and mature and hopefully more in love with God by that time to apply His precepts to any relationship.
Thank you for posting this today, Sandra -- I LOVED IT!!!
Hugs,
Julie
Julie, you always delight me so. Yes, I think as my relationship with God developed, it deepened my love for hubby. Made me more forgiving and accepting rather than critical, etc And years do help because you grow closer as you traverse across the bumpy roads in the marriage. I love your older couples so keep on writing them.
DeleteSandra, you also asked: "So tell me, do you like reading about an older heroine?"
ReplyDeleteAre you kidding??? YES, YES, YES!!! My favorite scenes to write and read are about my older couples because I can soooooooo relate to them and the feelings they are having. And, yes, I will also admit that I've always been a bit boy-crazy, so writing about men closer to my age is ... what can I say? HUBBA-HUBBA!!! ;)
And why do you think the Mitford series is so popular? That's a love story between an elderly minister and his neighbor, which I absolutely LOVED!!
Hugs and more hugs,
Julie
Hubba hubba. Too funny, Julie
DeleteSandra, I love the idea of older heroines! I'm closer to the 55 and older crowd than I am to the 20 somethings so that might be why. Giggle :)
ReplyDeleteYour new book looks fabulous! What a gorgeous cover!
Thanks Sharee. I love the cover also. Makes me think of fun in the sun. And us retirees know that many of us fly south or to the islands in the winter to stay in the sun. Glad you like the older heroine.
DeleteComing soon!
ReplyDeleteThe Silver Haired Surfers!
Ha ha ha ha. You are too funny, Vince. Are you coming with us? Yay!!!!
DeleteSandra, I must confess...I prefer to read about younger couples LOL who doesn't want to stay young, be full of energy, remember the first date and first kiss... (sigh) However, it doesn't really matter as long as the plot is so captivating that you can't put the book down :)
ReplyDeleteHi Natalya, Thank you for your honesty. You are obviously not alone as the traditional publishers know what they are doing when they want younger heroines. And yes, it is fun to remember that first date and first kiss. But you are right. It really boils down to captivating writing.
DeleteFun post, Sandra! Thank you for sharing your Hawaii pictures too :)
ReplyDeleteI love reading about strong, inspiring heroines, any age. Please toss my name in the beach bag because I'm sure I'd enjoy your surfing heroine too :)
May God bless you and all of Seekerville!
Thanks Phyllis, Your name is in the beach bag. smile And I agree. It really doesn't matter the age, its the character and how strong and inspiring she is. Happy writing.
ReplyDeleteSandra, forgot to tell you how much I LOVE your cover for Love's Healing AND the clip! Can't wait to read it, my friend. :)
ReplyDeleteHUGS!!
Julie
Thanks Julie. I was pleased with it myself. smile
DeleteI don't find much interest in older heroines... but then I suppose my day will come...
ReplyDeleteUntil then, I'll write for the younger generation and you can do so for the older and together we will rule the world! Or just write satisfying novels... whichever comes first ;)
Hi Nicki, Yes, we'll rule, each in our own worlds and aren't we thankful that there is variety. smile And what a blessing you are because you are young and you understand the young women of today. You're all set to write what the publishers want. Nothing wrong with that. Yay.
DeleteSandra I appreciate a good heroine no matter what the age. For me the main thing is how much I believe it. If the character is real, I am all in. If I find myself rolling my eyes at the absurdity...not so much. You do you girl and you keep doing it well! Life doesn't end at 50. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Kelly, Yes, many have agreed that it isn't the age but how well the character is developed. I can only hope I did that part well. Happy writing.
DeleteI have no doubt that you have. :)
DeleteAs an older reader. I find it refreshing to have older people experiening the emotions so iften associated with young love.
ReplyDeleteConnie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi Connie, I'm glad you can relate. I think many women feel like you do. We have a lot of mature women who enjoy reading. But as Vince says, we want the fantasy so need to provide it. Happy writing.
DeleteI am so glad to see this post Sandra.
ReplyDeleteMy romantic suspense has the hero and heroine in their mid-forties. I didn't really think twice about their ages so I was completely surprised when I had an editor and agent tell me that I had to make them younger in order to traditionally publish. I'm still on the fence about whether or not I will change their ages but I've been wondering if there were any readers that wanted to read about romance for those older than thirty-five.
Thanks so much to everyone for the helpful feedback to this topic.
Hi Loraine, I'm glad we were able to help you. But you see, if you want traditional publishing, then you need to make the change. But there are many opportunities in the indie market, so you have to listen to your heart. Do what brings peace in your mind. Best wishes. BTW I would love to read the older characters. But that is just me.
DeleteThanks folks for the great feedback today. I'll check in the morning in case a few more come in. Be sure and check the the Weekend Edition for winners.
ReplyDeleteHappy reading.
Happy writing.
I love working on our Mysteries of Martha's Vineyard series because Priscilla, the main character is 58... and turns 59 in book 9, written by me, that releases in January!
ReplyDeleteAnd her cousins are all in the same age range, 50+ and they're wonderful. And bits of romance follow them as they cruise the beautiful New England island filled with quirks and queries!
I agree, Sandra, it's fun to explore heroes and heroines of all ages... but I do love writing my 30-ish heroines, too. I surround myself with young people so that I can keep it current and that's a deliberate move on my part. Everything moves so quickly now... language and quirks and technology changes annually, so being around young folks helps me stay in the mix and in the know.
HI Ruthy, Thanks for sharing about your heroines in your mysteries. I agree, that to stay in the mindset of a young person, you really do need to interact with them. You are involved with so many that I'm sure that's how you get such believable and wonderful characters. Yay
DeleteOlder heroines in romance are fun to read. Their perspective on life is different. And just like younger heroines they can get their heart's broken, meet some not so nice men and deal with the same angst. I'm referring to the real world.So, an older romance is just as interesting as a young one.
ReplyDeleteCindy Huff
Good point Cindy. Women deal with romantic angst at all ages. You are so right and that is how we can develop those characters. Happy writing.
DeleteI like older heroines. Being age challenged myself, I find it easier to relate to them. Some of the books that are set in older adult communities are hilarious! But as noted if the characters are strong and realistic, that really is what matters. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi Anne, I agree. I've read some great older characters and enjoy them in movies also. But you're right, they need to be developed properly to engage the reader.
DeleteI love reading a book with older heroines. Sometimes their individuality comes out and plays a strong role in the story.
ReplyDeleteThanks Paula, I agree. They have a lot of experience to draw from.
DeleteI love the older heroines. I am in the late 40s group and when I started dating again I thought why are there so few romances for this group. The obstacles to love are much more complex and the past history is much deeper. I also write romance and sat down to work on a series with older characters. I am enjoying it so much more then the 20 something characters. As I write I am giving well deserved happily ever after to both myself and all my friends who are trying to maneuver dating and relationships again at this stage. Thanks for the post!
ReplyDeleteCongrats Mindy for writing the older character. I so agree with you. Well we will l have to establish that niche and fill it. smile. Happy writing.
DeleteGreat to meet a fellow RV'er. My husband and I also travel around the US in our RV and frequently stay in the over 55 parks. I enjoyed reading about your heroine who's a bit older. I also have a story brewing in my mind for a romance between a middle age couple who meet in a grave yard each visiting their deceased spouse.
ReplyDeleteOh June, I have friends who met exactly that way. They met in a grief counseling class and they ended up with a wonderful marriage. They met in their late fifties and are now in their seventies so have a wonderful HEA.
DeleteFor years I have considered writing "senior" romance novels. I'll probably be 90 before life slows me down enough to do that. Until then I'll keep practicing the heroine part with my beloved man of 51 years. That guy still turns me on.
ReplyDeleteWay to go, Dee. I love that you are still so active. That is wonderful. So I hope you are reading romances even though you don't have time to write one. Better to live one anyway. smile. I feel same way about my hubby of almost 51 years.
DeleteMy mother in law and I were having a conversation one day when I called myself middle-aged (I'm 44) and she said, "If you're middle-aged, what does that make me at 67?" We laughed, but the thought that many, many of us no longer consider ourselves "young" but are certainly not "old" means that's a large audience and demographic who should relate to an "older" romance. Great post, Sandra!
ReplyDeleteThanks Glynis, Interesting conversation. If we live to be 100 well 67 is middle aged. chuckle. So I think we need to start writing and fill that niche.
Delete