[flyer]

IMO, when you fully and completely accept that everything on earth is temporary, this realization gives you a great sense of freedom.

As far as seeking the “inner truth,” of being, it’s true that Stanislavski’s approach is very revealing. . .

“Stanislavski’s system is a method that actors use to produce realistic characters on stage. His original studies of techniques led to the use of emotional memory that required actors to trigger the emotions of their characters internally. This technique was based from a French psychologist Theodule Ribot’s concept of ‘Affective Memory’. Later in his life, Stanislavski realized that a shift in technique was needed for actors to produce more realistic emotions before audiences but he never discredited the use of emotional memory if used cautiously. This was underscored when his talented protégé Michael Chekhov experimented with emotional memory and had a nervous breakdown. A few months before his death he told his assistants that the path to glory can be found by working from the internal (the inside out) as well as the external (the outside in). This led to the ‘Method of Physical Action’.”

[flyer]

FIH, I agree that the kids today are our future. We get along great with our kids, as well as many of their peers, and most of them are now responsible adults.

I’m not saying parents shouldn’t help their kids if they have goals with a specific endgame in mind, as we did. However, if people are simply financing/enabling their kids to pursue “whatever,” with no clear plan–that will not end well for anyone–since no one is really getting what they want. Not to mention the fact that many are “bankrupting” themselves with little or no payoff for anyone involved.

We’ve seen this type of scenario play out first hand with friends, and this lack of purpose might also account for the fact that over 44% of college students are clinically depressed–an all-time high.

I do think it will be interesting to see how all of this plays out over the coming years.

[flyer]

My kids are Millennials, so I’m somewhat familiar with that age group, and have read quite a few articles on their “philosophy of life.”

One article pointed out that “Money, Fame and Image” are non-negotiables for Millennials, and that’s fine– we’ve all been motivated by those aspects of life–but a large percentage of Millenials can’t even support themselves financially outside of their parent’s homes, so, in many cases, there seems to be a huge disconnect between desire and reality. It should be interesting to see how it all plays out.

[flyer]

[quote=FlyerInHi]I always had an admiration for the ivory tower and pure intellect. I hold professors in high regard. Maybe I’m in the minority these days, but I believe that prior to the 1930s, wit and intellect were expressions of manhood. Then mass media and pop culture took over and the rugged man become the definition of manhood.

Flyer, what does your wife think about the depiction of men in movies over time?[/quote]

FIH, she feels that, for the most part, both sexes have and continue to be presented in fairly stereotypical ways in books and film, but this is based on a highly calculated premise that sells around the world. Granted, there are exceptions.

IMO, she and her colleagues are some of the smartest people in the room, and they know how to constuct projects from every perspective that “play well” domestically and internationally. Since entertainment is, first and foremost, a business, these considerations are essential if you want to remain in the business.

[flyer]

It’s been interesting to read everyone’s “take” on this article, and it will be even more interesting to see what actually happens.

As an observation, it’s amazing to me that things like the romance novels and films my wife is involved in have proven to be “recession proof,” with sales escalating into the billions–even during the worst of times. Proof, I guess, that the world will still spend on escapisim regardless of, or perhaps because of, the realities of life.

[flyer]

[quote=CA renter][quote=njtosd][quote=flyer]The specific “effect” Romance novels have on each person who buys them is definitely an individual experience, but, IMO, and my wife’s opinion, they aren’t selling billions of copies around the world just because of any sexual content.

It’s true that, in the past few years, the “erotic” Romance sub-genre like “50 Shades,” etc., is outselling other Romance genres, but those, like my wife, who prefer not to write in that genre, are still selling books by the millions.

My wife gets thousands of responses from women who share why her “love stories” connect with them in their lives, and, without going into it in great depth, suffice it to say, their reasons are far deeper and more complex than the obvious.

This is pretty much all I have to say on this topic, so I’ll leave it at that. The only reason I brought it up in the first place, was because the OP concerned relationships, and I thought the phenomenal success of Romance novels might provide an interesting perspective.[/quote]

I hope you understand that I was limiting myself to a certain type of book – Jane Austen apparently qualifies as a writer of romance novels, and I certainly wasn’t including her. As I mentioned, there are books with very little plot or character development that have a salacious quality that appears designed to be titillating (pun intended). I have no problem with it – just remarking.

Flyer – it sounds as though your wife has energy to spare. I am jealous.[/quote]

I second what njtosd is saying here. Please tell your wife, if she’s been reading this thread, that the “women’s porn” comment was not directed at her; not at all. My very little experience with romance novels is what I’ve gleaned from coworkers and a few female friends; the ones who voraciously read romance novels seemed to be into a lot of those “spicy” ones. I’m a non-fiction gal, myself.

Your wife seems to be living a very exciting and fulfilling life. Her contributions to this thread are appreciated, as are yours. Your comment about Kev possibly learning something about relationships by reading romance novels is an excellent one; he’d be wise to consider it. Most men would probably do well by reading a romance novel or two, just to get a better understanding of how many women think about romance (or hope for it).[/quote]

Thanks, CAr, always appreciate your thoughts as well. As you can probably tell, my wife and I both enjoy sharing our thoughts with others.

I’m about to post a new topic on a far less enjoyable subject a friend mentioned to me–the possibility of another recession in 2015. It should be interesting to get the “Piggs” thoughts–and, FWIW, sales of Romance novels went through the roof the last time around.

[flyer]

[quote=njtosd][quote=flyer]The specific “effect” Romance novels have on each person who buys them is definitely an individual experience, but, IMO, and my wife’s opinion, they aren’t selling billions of copies around the world just because of any sexual content.

It’s true that, in the past few years, the “erotic” Romance sub-genre like “50 Shades,” etc., is outselling other Romance genres, but those, like my wife, who prefer not to write in that genre, are still selling books by the millions.

My wife gets thousands of responses from women who share why her “love stories” connect with them in their lives, and, without going into it in great depth, suffice it to say, their reasons are far deeper and more complex than the obvious.

This is pretty much all I have to say on this topic, so I’ll leave it at that. The only reason I brought it up in the first place, was because the OP concerned relationships, and I thought the phenomenal success of Romance novels might provide an interesting perspective.[/quote]

I hope you understand that I was limiting myself to a certain type of book – Jane Austen apparently qualifies as a writer of romance novels, and I certainly wasn’t including her. As I mentioned, there are books with very little plot or character development that have a salacious quality that appears designed to be titillating (pun intended). I have no problem with it – just remarking.

Flyer – it sounds as though your wife has energy to spare. I am jealous.[/quote]

Thanks, nj. I always enjoy reading your very “spot on” comments, and appreciate the clarification. My wife is definitely enjoying the ride for as long as it lasts.

[flyer]

The specific “effect” Romance novels have on each person who buys them is definitely an individual experience, but, IMO, and my wife’s opinion, they aren’t selling billions of copies around the world just because of any sexual content.

It’s true that, in the past few years, the “erotic” Romance sub-genre like “50 Shades,” etc., is outselling other Romance genres, but those, like my wife, who prefer not to write in that genre, are still selling books by the millions.

My wife gets thousands of responses from women who share why her “love stories” connect with them in their lives, and, without going into it in great depth, suffice it to say, their reasons are far deeper and more complex than the obvious.

This is pretty much all I have to say on this topic, so I’ll leave it at that. The only reason I brought it up in the first place, was because the OP concerned relationships, and I thought the phenomenal success of Romance novels might provide an interesting perspective.

[flyer]

Many women, like my wife, started writing what they consider “love stories,” not “porn” as a hobby, and, amazingly, they are still selling millions of copies around the world. Granted, their numbers are not in the same category as the 100 million the “50 Shades” series has sold, but that’s just not their style.

Everyone has different opinions about why Romance novels are so popular, and below, are excerpts from an article my wife shared with me that, in her opinion, touches upon the “real” reasons women are buying them in such huge numbers…

“It’s no secret that romance novels have appealed to women for decades. According to research conducted by the Romance Writers of America, 91 percent of the genre’s readers are female.

Romantic fiction remains the top-selling sector of the book market. Last year, the genre brought in a whopping $1.8 billion in the U.S. alone.

So what is the appeal of these fantastical stories? It might have something to do with women feeling underappreciated in their own lives. The heroines of romance novels often enjoy the lavish attention of male suitors, who cater to their every whim, and who often represent a stark contrast to the prototypical ’emotionally unavailable’ man. Not only do the men and women in these books connect on a sexual level, they become immersed in each other’s emotional yearnings.

In an age where staying ‘connected’ means following someone on Twitter or communicating via text message, these stories of deep physical and emotional intimacy offer a welcomed retreat from reality.

Much of the thrill of a romance novel is the care and devotion the hero lavishes on his beloved, maintains New York-based sex therapist Stephen Snyder.

Snyder, who has written extensively on the mystique of female sexuality, believes these novels capture the thrill of completely engrossing a man — without having to compete with the television, the iPhone or any of the myriad distractions that exist in the real world.

Foreplay often represents the one time when a woman can get a man’s full and undivided attention, says Snyder. One might interpret much of the text of a good romance novel as foreplay.

Mistina Picciano, President of Market It Write, concurs. As an avid reader of so-called ‘bodice rippers,’ she understands why these stories of male persistence appeal to readers.

Who doesn’t want to feel as if she’s the only woman in the world? That sense of power that comes from holding a man in thrall? said Picciano.

And for women with a demanding schedule and countless obligations, the genre offers an escape.

Most of us go through our daily lives on autopilot. We’re assailed from every direction with so much garbage (telemarketers, family demands, tedious chores, etc.) that we become numb out of self-defense, said Picciano. Reading romance gives us a chance to feel, to remind us that we’re human and that there is a beautiful, exciting world out there, waiting to be discovered under the piles of clean laundry that command our attention.

Popular romance author Sylvain Reynard believes that expanding fan base reflects a more optimistic, hopeful outlook. The fact that readers still read love stories shows me that the world is far less cynical than one might think, Reynard said. Cynics don’t cheer for a pair of lovers to overcome obstacles in order to find their happy ending.

Others believe the romance novels offer women what they can’t get in the real world. Couples therapist Niloo Darashti feels that male emotional neglect, a chronic problem in relationships, contributes to the appeal of the romance genre. In the real world, women often struggle for the kind of emotional support offered by romance novel heroes.

There’s typically a lack of presence and attention from men when it comes to women’s emotional needs, says Dardashti.

It’s exciting to experience that sort of breathtaking romance vicariously, whether you’re a sixteen-year-old who’s dying to experience it firsthand or a forty-year-old who dreams of seducing her husband away from the television set, adds Picciano.

Freelance writer and stay-at-home mom Emily Guy Birken believes the genre offers a reprieve from the daily tension of trying to ‘have it all’ — maintaining a successful relationship while holding down a steady career, with the added pressure of staying on top of domestic responsibilities.

I find that romance novels offer a great deal of emotional release when you are stressed or overwhelmed, as well as provide you with great platforms for thinking about what makes for good relationships, Birken said.

Sara Wendell, who runs a romance blog, offers another perspective. She doesn’t believe that romance novels are necessarily filling a void for women.

The stereotype that we’re all desperately lonely and unsatisfied is completely untrue: we like reading romances simply because the books can be amazing reads, Wendell said. It’s one of the few genres that reflect the varying experiences of being a woman, and it does so in a positive manner. No romance novel features a plot wherein the characters are told, If you’re thinner, more elegant, better dressed and smarter, you’ll find happiness,’ she continued.

The driving message of most romances is, ‘Everyone deserves to find happiness exactly for who they are.'”

THE END

[flyer]

Concerning Romance novels–the numbers speak for themselves. Women, primarily, are buying them by the billions. That definitely tells us something about the state of relationships in our society, and, it’s also a great business opportunity.

Realize everyone defines love, lust, and relationships differently–and drama is definitely a natural part of the whole package–wouldn’t have it any other way. As long as the relationship works for the people involved–that’s all that matters.

[flyer]

This is fascinating. I had my wife read the last few entries of this thread, and neither of us could understand why true love was never mentioned.

My wife is a “TF Baby,” highly educated, from a great family, etc., etc., and she feels I have my attributes as well. When we met, we each considered the other a “catch,” for all of the right reasons, but without love, neither of us would have found the level of happiness we have enjoyed, and would never have considered forming a permanent relationship.

[flyer]

Completely understand what you mean. “Suspension of disbelief” is definitely necessary on the part of the viewer in many sci-fi films. I actually prefer other genres as well, but, this is the very hot trend of the moment, and it’s fascinating to see the extaordinary interest all around the world.

My personal “take” on the phenomenal success of these type of of films is that most people would much rather live in a fantasy world than the real world.

For the most part, since my wife is in the business, we look at films as entertainment, but primarily, as investments, and watch the market like hawks. We know the bubble will eventually burst, and there will be a new “hot property,” that we’ll move onto, but that’s what makes it all so interesting.

[flyer]

[quote=Blogstar]The Lego movie was really good!

What’s going on with the super hero movies?

Guardians of the Galaxy?

Flyer have you seen it?

Also Ironman 3, the only one I watched.

What is the draw to these things for people who would rate them as good as a lot of people do?

I thought better of the story lines of recent spider man movies, though they weren’t really as visually astonishing.

Elysium made a pretty good depiction of Post apocalyptic Los Angeles….but really crappy movie for me.

Left to my own devices I am a foreign movie, art film, chick flick, documentary type of viewer, but I watch some of this stuff with the family.[/quote]

Have seen all of the above, with “Guardians” being my favorite.

Hollywood has realized that Superhero films do well domestically, and blow the roof off internationally. That’s why you’re seeing so many of them out there-it’s all “business,” and business is good. This is a trend that is projected to last through 2020, so we’ll just have to wait and see if the bubble bursts sooner or later.

Here’s an interesting article that sheds a little more light on that topic:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/markhughes/2014/10/07/guardians-of-the-galaxy-could-cross-800-million-at-box-office/

[flyer]

“Thanks for sharing the info, flyer (and Mrs. flyer!). I’m surprised about the level of education of these readers, and the 1.5 billion number.
Sounds like your wife is in the right field(s). :)”

Yes, CAr, the entertainment business is very interesting at this point in history. You have the polar opposites of romance books and superhero movies making billions of dollars in the domestic and international marketplace, and we’re both enjoying our various involvements in these ventures.

[flyer]

[quote=CA renter][quote=flyer]Good observations, FIH, and CAR, I agree connections rule.

This, as my wife reminds me that Romance novels are now the #1 genre in the world, with billions in sales.

Interesting dichotomies to be sure.[/quote]

Interesting about romance novels. Other than Gone With the Wind, I’ve never read them. Does your wife happen to know if this trend been changing over time?[/quote]

Here are the stats she gave me CAR:

Romance novels have grown in popularity over the years, and have always represented a huge percentage (over 50%) of all fiction sales. Currently, 84% of Romance readers are women, 30-54, generally with advanced degrees, and an average income of $60K. 16% of readers are men.

46% of Romance consumers are binge readers, and read at least one book per week, in comparison to the typical American who reads five books a year.

Around 1.5 billion Romance novels are sold in the US each year, and many more worldwide, with CA representing 50% of purchases.

After the kids were grown, my wife started writing Romances under a pseudonym a few years ago as a hobby, along with her career in the film business. She’s able to work from home most of the time, and really enjoys both.

[Author]

Posts