My kids and I wandered into the fiction section at the bookstore, attracted by the bright cover art and the promise of good stories. I noticed that my two kids (I have one boy and one girl) went to different areas of the shelves. “Show me which covers you like the best,” I suggested. Without hesitation, my 9-year-old daughter pointed to books with pictures of women in old-fashioned dress, as well as artwork of children, animals and flowers. My 11-year-old son rolled his eyes. He tugged my arm across the row and pointed at a row of books on the opposite shelf. Instead of people, these books sported helicopters, military symbols, weapons and national monuments.
I guess I already knew that men and women (even boys and girls) are attracted by different types of fiction, but I was amazed to see it play out so perfectly.
When was the last time you saw a man reading a book about a young Amish girl falling in love? Or a woman reading a book about political intrigue and rumors of war?
Why is this? Is it because women are wired by God for relationship, whereas men have the heart of warriors and are programmed for excitement? Why do women (in very general terms) like “chick flicks” and men like action movies? Years ago I took a writing for kids workshop where the instructor recommended that your main character be a boy. “Girls will read about boys, but boys never want to read about a girl.” Really? Is that true?
I have to admit–I’m more a helicopter girl! I’ll read the bonnet books on the beach when I have nothing else to do, but I’m getting really tired of the “Christian romance” thing. I want someone to write a REAL story about a married woman who just has something interesting happen to her.
Which is why I gravitate towards the Randy Alcorn/Randy Singer more thriller type legal books. Love those. They may not have the romance and bonnets, but I find reading books about 21-year-olds falling in love gets old when you hit 40 and your own kids are closer to 21 than you are.
My 13-year-old daughter loves the bonnet books, but I’m trying to get her to read more books of substance. My 16-year-old went through a bonnet phase a few years ago, but now she likes more substance, so she’s reading the Francine Rivers Mark of the Lion books. But most men wouldn’t pick that up, either!
I wrote about this tendency to love fluff earlier this year. I’d love to see more women authors write fewer bonnet books and more helicopter books!
Hooray for helicopter girls! I *think* that women are more likely to cross this divide than men, though I know several men who are Jane Austen fans.
Francine Rivers is my absolute favorite Christian author. Have you read any of Mary DeMuth’s or Dale Cramer’s books? They both write stories with plenty of substance. I’ve also enjoyed Shawn Grady’s books–he seems to write for both sexes, with excitement, intrigue and romance all mixed together.
Sheila said she’d like to see more women authors write helicopter books. That will happen when the publishing houses stop requesting romance! I just read through a list of editors coming to the Oregon Christian Writers conference this summer, and the majority said what they’re looking for is romance in one setting or another. 🙂 My books lean toward romance–because that’s what my publisher wants.
That’s what I’ve seen too, Ann. I imagine the publishers are looking for romance because it’s an easier sell for them. Other novels are more risky, I suppose.
I really feel for the speculative/fantasy writers right now. That seems to be a really tough sell at the moment.
I spotted your cover on Facebook today and gasped out loud. It is simply breathtaking. I can’t wait to read it.
My boys want explosions. My daughter likes explosions too but wants relationships & romance.
I saw this concept played out the other day while chatting at church. A female friend was trying to interest one of her male friends in my books, telling him they were about B-17s and World War II. So I gave him one of my bookmarks. He made a disgusted face and said, “But there’s a GIRL on the cover.” Technically there’s a girl and a manly pilot guy, but his point was made.
Some guys (my two sons) don’t mind a little romance or relational drama mixed in with their explosions. Some guys (this new acquaintance and my husband) want their explosions undiluted.
As long as we can have bonnet books, helicopter books, and some books that blend the two interests, everyone will be happy!
Speaking of great covers, Sarah, yours are some of my absolute favorites.
Doesn’t Randy Ingermanson joke about using exploding helicopters to ramp up the tension? Maybe I could work an explosion or two into my new book. I don’t think I can get away with helicopters, though. Not in the 1920s. 🙂