Ever since the launch of her book club, Oprah Winfrey's influence over the publishing industry has been a undeniable. I can't count how many people told me I need to get Oprah to feature my book on her show. Yeah, right, because Oprah always picks romance novels for her book club (excuse the snark).
Well, it looks like there's a new figure whose name is equivalent to the Midas Touch. And that name...Obama.
By now, I'm sure you all have heard of how Open Veins of Latin America: Five Centuries of the Pillage of a Continent, a 1973 book by Eduardo Galeano, jumped to the top of all the bestseller lists after it was given to President Obama as a gift by Hugo Chavez. Last checked, the novel was still in the top ten on Amazon.com.
Some may argue that it wasn't Obama, but the fact that the gift came from Chavez that skyrocketed it to the top. Somehow, I doubt there would be this kind of buzz if Chavez had given the book to your random political leader.
I think it's safe to say there's a new "O" Factor. Too bad for me, I doubt I can get the Prez to read a Farrah Rochon novel.
I know! I know! Enough already with the national news coverage on how the romance genre is kicking serious butt in this economy.
But, seriously, how can I not shout this from the mountain tops? This is awesome news for lovers of romance. The genre gets kicked in the rear on a constant basis; why not sound the trumpets when there's positive news about romance novels?
So, for your viewing pleasure, here is yet another great piece on the success of romance novels during the recession. Special thanks to Gena Showalter for posting this to YouTube. This from ABC's Nightline:
And speaking of romance novels...here's the cover of my next release. Holiday Brides will be in a store near you this fall.
Today I'm over at the Reader's Rooms discussing trends in the romance genre, specifically how the exit of horror writers like Stephen King and Anne Rice have possibly resulted in the staying power of the paranormal romance genre.
Hop on over and let me know what you think the next big trend in publishing will be.
In my first offical vlog--that's video blog to those not hip to the tech speak(don't worry, someone had to explain it to me, too)--I'm giving you a glimpse into my writing process.
