10-13-2014, 10:29 PM
(10-13-2014, 04:44 PM)wfmyers1207 Wrote: In my experience most fantasy novels written by women are just romantic novels pretending to be fantasy.
Man, you really should be more careful about statements like that.
I probably could defend your statement if I was inclined to. I know how you could come to that kind of conclusion.
My guess is that you are actually reading romance novels that have elements of fantasy. The problem is that since the 60s, the genre of romance novels is the most popular and numerous novels in the market. However, most of these novels are never published in hardcover, just paperback. In this decade, the situation has even got worse. Most romance novels don't even make it onto paper but only exist as E-books. (Interestingly, the romance novel industry is the only segment {so far} that has prospered in the e-book years. my personal favorite explanation is that many female commuters were embarrassed by the covers of romance novels and didn't want to be seen on the train with them {buxom babe in ripped clothing being rescued by handsome pirate/cowboy/soldier/}. But on a kindle, no one can see the cover of the book you are reading. The other part is that just about anyone can now write and publish a romance - and find a market for it.
If you only look at the population of books that make it to the NY Times Best Selling list - you still see a lot of romances - but the numbers go down.
but back to my point, a lot of romance writers write hybrid books. it just the nature of the beast. and that sheer volume of romances. Lots of romances are historical fiction (sort of), and some are fantasy (kind of). But don't mistake those books for "real" historical fictions or "good" fantasy. If they were in a book store they would end up on the romance shelf. Although some may end up on the fantasy shelf if the damsel isn't easily seen in the dragons claws.
And just because a fantasy novel has a little romance in it - well almost all good drama includes relationships. Monroe is funny and just got married - that doesn't make Grimm a romantic comedy. (or does it?)
So now back to your point (sorry, i seem to be rambling more than usual). If you look at my bookshelves you'll find lots of female authors of fantasy books. And i could actually make the argument and back it up that some of the best fantasy authors are women. If you want to use number of books sold and money made, look no further than JK Rowling. but just check out the reviews of books by
(in no particular order)
Tamora Pierce
Lois McMaster Bujold
Elizabeth Moon
Marion Zimmer Bradley
Mercedes Lackey
Angela Carter
Kelly Link
Anne Rice
Susanna Clarke
Robin Hobb
Kate Elliot
Elizabeth Bear
JV Jones
and how bout, Anne McCaffrey?