Had fun at the New Jersey Romance Writers Put Your Heart in a Book Conference this past Friday and Saturday. Lots of workshops, less candy (which is a good thing) and more good conversations than last year. I didn’t pitch a story to agents or editors this year; feels too soon for the new story and, somehow, too late for the last one.
Still processing what I learned from the craft workshops, but this is what I got from Sue Grimshaw, buyer for Borders Books. Romance is the only genre still pulling good sales numbers (romance readers are faithful, many shop every month, at least once a month). Genres that are still hot: paranormal (slowing but still strong), urban romance/fantasy romance and romantic suspense. Genre that is on the ascendant: “soft romance,” which she defined as “nearly nostalgic, home-towny, sweet but sexy;” examples Debbie Macomber, Sherryl Woods, Susan Wiggs, Robyn Carr, Susan Mallery.
Sixty of Borders’ stores have “romance experts,” who listen to reader-customers and feed her tips on what people like and don’t like. 61 percent of romance-book purchases are still in-store, in-person buys. She also recommended checking out one of their “concept stores;” sadly, none are near me.
p.s. Passed the 3/4 point in “Music Story.” Still might make that Oct. 31 deadline!
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