Welcome back!

In part three, Sable Lit Reviews finds out what Donna thinks about critique groups and how she defines difference between romance and women’s fiction.

SLR: Many authors swear by them and some prefer to go it alone. How do you feel about critique groups?

DH:  I think critique groups have their place.  I also think that when you get involved in one you need to take into account who is reading your work, and what is their background and agenda. And that you have to be prepared for criticism.

SLR: That’s great advice Donna. As writers we can respect the opinion of others but we cannot lose our initial vision of the story in an attempt to please everyone.

Your writing career spans more than one genre, in terms of your work, what do you feel is the difference between Women’s Fiction and Romance?

DH: There is a major difference.  Women’s fiction spans the gamut of issues with a focus and target market being women.  It can be about politics, health, relationships, friendships, family, all manner of things, with the primary characters being women and the audience geared toward women. It can have an open ending. There does not have to be a “happily ever after.”

If it is about a relationship, the couple does not have to be together in the end.  Romance is very specific and many get it confused with “relationship stories.” Simply because there is sex and a man and woman in a book does not make it a romance.  A romance is structured around one man and one woman working through whatever their issue is so that they can be together in the end.  A romance is specific in language. In a romance you can’t have  your hero and heroine sleep with anyone other than each other. The focus is on them no matter what else you may include in the story. It must end happily with the two characters together. Sex is in the book for a reason: to draw the characters closer together. It can’t be in the book for shock value or “just because.” And trust me, true romance readers know a romance when they see one and will call you on it when it doesn’t meet the criteria.  LOL.

SLR: I have no doubt. <SMILE> I really appreciate your explanation. I’ve heard it described by different people in similar terms but your definition is really clear. Thanks so much.

OK readers, don’t name names, <Smile> but can you think of a time you were dupped and didn’t get what you were expecting in a romance or women’s fiction novel?

To chat with Donna more about the various issues she is passionate about, check out her blog at:

I am really learning about Donna, her books and the industry, but we are just getting warmed-up. Check in tomorrow to read about how Donna’s family and friends feel about her work and career.

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