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Alexandrea Weis | What's the Difference Between a Love Story and a Romance?
May 13, 2013
My first book, TO MY SENSES,
has been called a romance by some and more than a romance, a love story if
you will, by others. Is there a difference between a romance and a love story? I
believe that difference is in the eye of the reader. For some, a romance novel
may follow a set of circumstances that promise the inevitable happy ending, but
a love story often takes the reader on a much different ride. It engages the
reader on a deeper level with emotionally charged characters and poignant,
life-altering choices. Romances may bring a comforting conclusion, but a love
story does not because, as many of us know from experience, love is never
predictable. Some romances may be forgettable, but a great love story will live
on in the reader's memory for many years to come. Why are love stories so engaging? Perhaps it is because of the nature of love
itself. Love changes us, and can alter our direction in life, as Nicci Beauvoir
was awakened by David Alexander's love in TO MY SENSES, or Pamela was
transformed by Daniel's love in my novel, BROKEN WINGS. Such great
love can act as a sudden wind on a calm sea, righting the sails of a ship,
giving us a new course and a new horizon to aim for. We are penetrable souls,
influenced and defined by whom we love. In such a way, love can move mountains
or melt even the coldest heart, as is the case with my favorite character,
Dallas August in RECOVERY. When looking back on our lives, it has never been the house, car or other
material things we long for, but those individuals most cherished whom we hold
in our hearts forever. Kara Barton realized this in DIARY OF A ONE-NIGHT STAND,
and Dallas August also has such an epiphany during his adventures in my fifth
book, THE SECRET
BROKERS. These characters learned that in that final moment of life, we
remember those we have loved, and hope to carry that love with us to the other
side. It is not to say that the love shared between the characters of a "happily ever
after" romance novel is any less sincere than the emotional ties binding two
star-crossed, and sometimes tragically torn apart, lovers. Maybe it is when
characters are taken to heart and become embedded within our psyche that they
move from the light fragrance of a romance to the rich bouquet of a love story.
Where romance may tweak at our hunger for passion and adventure, a love story
reaches down into the inner workings of our soul and touches us in a way never
expected. That is what I hope my books do; takes the reader on a journey through the highs
and lows of love. Teaching everyone that it is the attainment of life's greatest
endeavor that matters most, and everything else we garner along the way simply
pales in comparison. As Nora Kehoe, from my latest novel ACADIAN WALTZ, said, "our
souls are not judged by the sins we accumulate in life, but by the love we take
with us after our life has ebbed away."
Comments
24 comments posted.
Re: Alexandrea Weis | What's the Difference Between a Love Story and a Romance?
This sounds like a good book, I'd love to read it.
(Wilma Frana 3:35pm May 13, 2013)
It looks like I have some books to catch up on!! I love the way you put things - the thought process you use before you put pen to paper in order to write your Romances. These are the types of books that I enjoy reading, and I know you won't let me down. I'm looking forward to reading your book, and reading your other books as well. Thank you for keeping real Romance alive!!
(Peggy Roberson 4:04pm May 13, 2013)
Love how you separate them! :)
(May Pau 4:43pm May 13, 2013)
I like how you think!! Love Story & Romance..
(Cate Sparks 5:03pm May 13, 2013)
Thank you for your post, Alexandrea. I've long wished there were more love stories, as you define them, on the market.
Yes, there's a place for both love stories and romances. But the former is very much overshadowed by the latter.
Perhaps with the rise in self-publishing, more love stories will become available. I certainly hope so.
Keep up the good work!
(Mary Anne Landers 5:55pm May 13, 2013)
Your book sounds great. Thanks for a chance to win.
(Linda Hall 9:06pm May 13, 2013)
Love your definitions
(Denise Holcomb 10:21pm May 13, 2013)
Wow, I agree that a Love Story is greater than a Romance and
yes it does touch our soul and life in a way we never
expected or anticipated it would do. You have some fantastic
books and I would love to read all of them and ACADIAN WALTZ
sounds so fascinating. I cannot wait to read it. Thanks for
the great contests. Thanks, Cecilia CECE
(Cecilia Dunbar Hernandez 11:07pm May 13, 2013)
sounds like a heartwarming read, I love the love!
(Darci Paice 12:14pm May 14, 2013)
I always think of a romance as a slightly lighter read.
(Mary Preston 6:04am May 14, 2013)
Give us a great love story! I'd love to read it.
(Mary Hay 8:52am May 14, 2013)
I like how you distinguish between love and romance---I guess love is deeper in my mind, too.
(Sue Farrell 9:02am May 14, 2013)
i love a romance love story the book sounds great
(Denise Smith 9:28am May 14, 2013)
I love a good love story.
(Rita Wray 9:35am May 14, 2013)
Love the distinction between a love story and a romance. Awesome.
(Pam Howell 9:36am May 14, 2013)
Sounds like a great book. And I loved your explanation of the difference between love story and romance. Great insight. Thanks for the chance to win.
(Nancy Reynolds 9:41am May 14, 2013)
This novel sounds captivating and very special. Thanks for
this lovely post.
(Sharon Berger 9:53am May 14, 2013)
i want to read this real soon!
(Debbi Shaw 7:18pm May 14, 2013)
It is kind of sad that we often have to go to books to find true love. Loving other people can truly fill your heart.
(Kathleen Yohanna 11:01pm May 14, 2013)
I enjoy a great story; romance, love or any other genre!
(Tracie Travis 11:04pm May 14, 2013)
Love romance books. This sounds like a great read. It will
definitely be on my to read list!
(Sandie White 11:16pm May 14, 2013)
A love story has romance but a romance isn't always a love story.
Love story has longevity but a romance can be casual. A love
story becomes part of a person's whole being while a romance
can have a beginning and ending.Love is affects your heart, mind
and soul, romance can be fun but can be turned off and
forgotten.
(Carla Vespe 11:48pm May 14, 2013)
I would take true love over romance any day!
(Vicki Hancock 12:08pm May 15, 2013)
All of us ladies love to be woo even if we are married. This is a way that we know our significant other is as much in love with us as we are with them.
(Kai Wong 1:32am May 15, 2013)
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