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The Birth of a Romance Author

By on November 7, 2012
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A33 alina2

Though I hold a Masters degree and can be as intellectually snobby as the harshest critic, I disagree completely with this elitist view of literature. There are multiple reasons why romance novels can be considered “good” literature, but I am primarily interested in this one: When I write my romance novels (sex scenes and all), there is a part of me that hopes they’ll get picked up and read by some girl (or woman) who has been deprived of this information at home. This part of me hopes that my books can be a learning tool for the countless women in this country who have been denied a positive and healthy education regarding their own bodies, choices, and desires.

Though “sex education” is not my only motivation for writing romance novels, I can’t deny that there is both a thrill and a responsibility in writing books that may actually help someone discover or unleash a previously hidden part of themselves. Even if the woman in question decides she wants no part of a sexually adventurous lifestyle, I still think the information needs to be readily available. Sex-positive sex education–no matter its format–can save lives and dispel the shame that cripples us.

Jews, we are told repeatedly, are The People of the Book.  It is our job to be a Light Upon the Nations.  We’re supposed to lead by example, and educate, and illuminate.  We are supposed to Heal the World in whichever way we see fit.

This is mine.

Of course, that was before my oldest son turned 13….

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Alina Adams is the NYT best-selling author of soap opera tie-ins, romance novels and figure skating murder mysteries. She was born in the former USSR, grew up in San Francisco, and now lives in New York City with her husband and three children.
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