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Why Christian Grey MUST be Rich for the Story to Work

posted 9 years ago by RomanceNovelist
13 replies | jump to latest

Why must Christian Grey be rich? Because It's romance novel writing 101. Also, the heroine is usually only sexually active with the male lead in romance novels, which is the reason why Ana was still a virgin when she meets Christian.

The romance genre guidelines are listed on the Romance Writers of America web site. https://www.rwa.org/ , even though E.L James started with fan fiction, she stuck to the FORMULA for making a good romance novel work.

Admittedly, my first novel received the same criticism. I actually received a really lengthy, blistering review, about how my rich hero stalked my heroine in Paris, where the story takes place.

I can forgive her writing, because it was her first book. Like E.L James' my writing wasn't all that great in my first novel many many moons ago, particularly the first two chapters.

To be honest, the writing in 50 Shades of Grey was so bad, I couldn't even make it through the first chapter because it was written in first person and what I read was terrible. I went in wanting to like it. But I did recognize that there was a decent story in there, so I watched the movie instead.

The problem with the movie and the story it is based upon, is that the character Christian Grey is very unlikeable. But most romantic heroes are. You only need to read a harlequin romance to see how utterly despicable the men are.

So in terms of writing romance, E.L. James did everything right. (except writing in present tense).

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[–] april_l 9 years ago

She did have a decent idea but it got buried underneath a bunch of nonsense and of course, unedited writing. I'm all for naive women in stories but Ana was too naive, if that makes any sense. And Christian was too unlikeable in some aspects (and I've read many romances of the Harlequin type). I still made it through the series but it was rough going for a while, lol.

I'm also aware that I'm in the minority because I didn't buy the book and there were plenty of readers who were unfazed by any of the issues that I had. That's ok because not everyone has to dislike what I do and vice versa.

[–] lilsusieq86 8 years ago

In BDSM novels the Dominants are rich just like in fairy tales and romance novels. It gives them all power and makes them a perfect catch, because everyone knows that that money makes you happy.

The easiest thing i have ever had to do was give my heart.

[–] april_l 8 years ago

It's definitely not a novel idea for a romance story ?. Like they say money doesn't buy happiness but it helps lol

[–] MuchMadness 9 years ago

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I love this quote, RomanceNovelist :-)

[–] Royalcourtier 9 years ago

There is a big difference between an unlikeable character and a sexual pervert. Grey is an abomination.

[–] RomanceNovelist 9 years ago

I agree. I don't like him at all. But the circumstances around his life is the norm for a romance novel.

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[–] 9 years ago

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[–] Sam-953-169285 9 years ago

Often the difference between a desirable guy and a pervert is that a desirable guy is rich.

[–] Sam-953-169285 9 years ago

I agree. I am sure you understand very well why most guys can't enjoy a typical romance.

I have seen very few movies that show what love and romance truly is the way I see it. There is an abundance of bad examples. I wish someone were to make good examples. Of course, I get the impression they would just be ignored.

[–] RomanceNovelist 9 years ago

I think fantasy romance is attaining the unattainable man or woman, as far as books and movies are concerned. In all of my novels, it's mostly a heroine who isn't appreciated by her current love, and becomes the love interest of someone who far exceeds him, thereby she gets the kind of love she wants and deserves. Sometimes he's rich, sometimes he's not.

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[–] Sam-953-169285 9 years ago

So in other words the first guy is a bad guy and she finds a good guy? I suppose that is something good guys can also enjoy.

[–] 8 years ago

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[–] augurae 8 years ago

Of course he must be, otherwise no women would want to read that.

And when most men understand that (if it's not already the case) then you can bet it'll be hell hath fury on women in no time, as feminism crumbled under the weight of it's own hysterical contradiction.