Nora Roberts offered her views on why romance novel sales flourish during a recession in a video segment filmed by WKMG-TV, the Orlando, Florida CBS affiliate, during the Romance Writers of America’s 2010 convention. According to the broadcast, even despite the uncertain economy, the sales of romance novels amounted to $2.1 billion last year.
Roberts believes that romance novels, with their assured happy endings, help readers escape from these dismal circumstances. “Why do you want to be depressed when you know life is really sucking right now anyway?” she asked.” You want something that makes you feel good and helps you be a little more optimistic, even if it’s only for a short period of time.”
Roberts’ interview took place shortly after the release of her latest romantic suspense novel, The Search. The Search, like Julia Quinn’s Ten Things I Love About You, which is also discussed in the video, quickly became a bestseller.
Many articles written during the past year have commented on the fact that romance novels such as these continue to sell well during the current economic downturn. The September 9, 2009 New York Times article “Recession Fuels Demand for Romance Novels” quoted Jennifer Lampe, also known as Dear Author’s Jane Little, who agrees with Roberts’s view. “Given the general dismay and gloominess,” she said, “reading something like a romance with a happy ending is really kind of a relief.”
Time magazine consulted Diane Pershing, president of the Romance Writers of America for its September 21 2009 article “The Global Boom in Bodice-Rippers” Pershing believes that romance readers fuel sales by their desire to read all the publications of their favorite authors. “The average romance reader is such a loyal person that if she finds a new author she likes, she'll get the entire backlist,” Pershing remarked.
MSNBC, in its July 29, 2019 video embedded below, "Romance novels offer relief for recession woe," attempted to make the same point. As will be seen, political issues with health care reform distracted the reporters.
For more information:
Nora Roberts interviewed by Australia’s Herald Sun
Nora Roberts’ Harlequin publishers report rising sales despite recession
Nora Roberts’ ’The Search’ debuts in first place on New York Times Best Sellers List
Nora Roberts 101: Fact sheet on the mainstream standalone novels
Harris Poll finds mystery, crime and thriller novels favorite reading choice
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