NPR host Scott Simon interviews Nora Roberts at 2009 RWA conference

As the events of the 2009 conference of the Romance Writers of America began to draw to a close, National Public Radio (NPR) host Scott Simon seized an opportunity for an interview with Nora Roberts. Simon's interview appears on the July 18, 2009 broadcast of Weekend Edition Saturday.   

NPR headquarters in Washington, D.C. Photo by NCinDC
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Simon begins his interview by asking Roberts why she thinks sales of romance novels continue to remain  strong while the rest of the adult fiction publishing market appears to be floundering. Roberts responds that since “hope and continuity” are characteristics of romance novels, such works hold their audience appeal especially in depressed economic times.

To Simon’s question of whether a formula or pattern exists for writing romances, Roberts answers that every genre has “its constants and its framework” to which writers adhere. Romance novels contain, as their framework, “sexual tension,” “emotional commitment,” “conflict” and “an upbeat ending.”

Simon also asks Roberts if she believes romance writers are not accorded the respect they deserve. Roberts agrees, adding, “It seems easier to dismiss novels written primarily by women, primarily for women, as fluff, and not really worthy or not important.”

Roberts also responds to Simon’s follow-up question of why so few male writers produce romance novels. She thinks that since romance novels focus on emotion, women are more likely write them than men. “Most male fiction is more about action,” Roberts says.

Simon’s last question concerns what Roberts has learned about love from writing romance novels. Roberts replies that she has discovered the importance of laughter in relationships. “Love is a very funny business,” she points out.

Scott Simon’s full interview with Nora Roberts is available on his NPR site as “A Love Affair With the Romance Novel."  Listeners can also download a copy of the interview here.