When I saw the blog theme for February, I wondered what to write. So, first thing I did was to look up the definition of Cupid.
Cupid, ancient Roman god of love in all its varieties, the counterpart of the Greek god Eros and the equivalent of Amor in Latin poetry. According to myth, Cupid was the son of Mercury, the winged messenger of the gods, and Venus, the goddess of love. He often appeared as a winged infant carrying a bow and a quiver of arrows whose wounds inspired love or passion in his every victim. He was sometimes portrayed wearing armour like that of Mars, the god of war, perhaps to suggest ironic parallels between warfare and romance or to symbolize the invincibility of love.
Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. “Cupid”. Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 Feb. 2020, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Cupid. Accessed 25 January 2021.
Wow! I love the idea of the invincibility of love. As psychic medium Blair Robertson says, love never dies.
Romance novels (and Hallmark Channel movies) are about the conflicts leading up to true love. We love reading about whatever keeps the hero and heroine apart, but we always know they will end up happily-ever-after (HEA). Let’s face it, life is not always HEA. Because of that, we often need to escape into the world of books.
In my book Liz, the hero Chaz thinks: Novels gave the reader the opportunity to experience the possibility of other choices without actually making those choices. In a book, the reader lived a life outside his normal existence, helping him learn about himself—or herself, as the case might be.
I often let my characters say the truths that I’ve learned from a few years of living. Here are a few quotes from my different books:
The big world beyond was scary.
“C’mon, Mel. Make an old man’s dream come true.”
“That’s just it, dreams don’t come true.” She sounded as if she had voiced an inner conviction.“Sure, they do, Mel. If you make them come true.”
Stef had also said it was dumb to love a man who didn’t love you back.
“I guess a person can love more than once.”
“Yes, your dad and I are proof of that.” Liz gave a small laugh, her gaze faraway as if she envisioned someone standing across the floor. “And when that happens, you’re blessed.”
What have you learned anything about yourself from reading a romance novel?
Do you believe that love never dies?
What have romances taught me I've learned I'm more of an optimistic than I thought I was. Yes, love is forever. You always carry that loved one in your heart, even when they're gone. Thanks for your post, Jan.
ReplyDeleteRomance novels have taught me that anything is possible with love! And that love doesn't mean you will find a perfect partner, but someone who will accept you for who you are.
ReplyDeleteNovels have taught me that I am an optimist and that family can come from anywhere...not just from blood
ReplyDeleteRomance novels offer hope, in my opinion. Yes, I'm an optimist and have been accused of being Pollyanna. Is that bad? I don't think so. HEA doesn't mean that life will be perfect forever. Romance novels teach us that with love we can overcome life's obstacles.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, Jan. I think romance novels teach readers that sustaining love—like anything worthwile—requires commitment, dedication, and work, but it is totally worth it. Politicians, riches, and material possessions may come and go, but love, real love, is the only thing that lasts.
ReplyDeleteI love this post, Jan, and I've been trying to figure out my answer to your question. And I still don't know for sure. I've always been a Pollyanna and embraced hope and I write those things, too, so maybe. Recent years have taught me the urgency of truth, and that has become more apparent in my writing, so, yeah. That. Thanks for this. I do love things that make me think!
ReplyDeleteI believe love never dies. Look at all those couples who go their separate ways, marry others, and then get back together after 50 years. Romance novels keep me believing that you don't have to settle. The right one eventually does come along.
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