Erotic romance novels

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has an article about the rise in erotic romance novels. Not so much the kind published by Virgin/Cheek but the ones being put out by Harlequin, which is launching its new Spice line this spring.

Long dismissed as formulaic "bodice rippers," romance novels currently are the subject of a five-part, sold-out program at the Smithsonian Institution.

The books also have acquired a number of academic defenders. Among them: Shakespearean scholar Mary Bly of Fordham University, who as Eloisa James has written romances that made The New York Times bestseller list.

"These books are entirely empowering for women in many ways," Bly said of the genre. "The focus is on the woman and how she can succeed in many areas of life, including that most difficult one of having a long-term relationship."

Bly believes much of the snickering about romance novels stems from fear of women's sexuality.

"American culture kind of hands out that shame," she said. The romance world, though, doesn't seem to be accepting it.

And some numbers that I can only hope to aspire to someday: Sill gets 6% of U.S. sales and 2% of foreign. She estimated she earns $12,000 to $15,000 from each Blaze title.