[Note from Frolic: We are so excited to have author Farah Heron guest post on the site today. Take it away Farah!]
*taps mic…* Is anyone listening?
Yes? Okay.
My name is Farah Heron, and I write romantic comedies.
That phrase means everything to me. Seriously. EVERYTHING. I’ve wanted to write rom-coms probably since I read my first one and learned that a book could give me the same warm fuzzies as my favourite romantic movies could. And now, thanks to my debut novel, The Chai Factor, I can officially and proudly call myself writer of rom-coms. But in the immortal words of Poison (only one of the greatest hair bands of all time), every rose has its thorn. Because as I have been proudly stating the above line to everyone who will listen to me (sorry, UPS guy!) some reactions I’ve received don’t match my own enthusiasm. Because unfortunately, not everyone loves this genre the way I do.
I was at a party recently, and was excitedly telling my friends about my book. For the most part, the news was met with excitement, encouragement and support. Some even offered to help brainstorm future projects with me. But the happy moment was ruined because “that guy” was also at this party.
You know “that guy.” The one who thinks cynical snark is somehow the way to gain respect in public settings. The guy who spits out the word rom-com the way some would say phlegmy mucus. “That guy” found it hilarious to mock my chosen genre with derision in front of my friends and my children. “Rom-com,” he said, “What does that mean? How many of these things did you actually sell?”
I’ve encountered many of “that guy” in the months since my book was announced. Some disparage anything with the word “romance” in it. Some think comedy is a low-brow art that anyone can do. Others are incapable of saying anything positive about something made primarily for, and by women.
When someone scowls while saying they don’t like the genre, I always ask, have you read any rom-coms? If they have, and respectfully say it’s not their cup of tea (or cup of chai, if you will), then fine. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, and I am here for people who make honest, educated appraisals about what they don’t like. But most of the time, I hear “I don’t like fluff.” Or “I like books with substance.”
Well holy hell, am I ready to tell those people that they are missing out. Yes, some rom-coms are “fluff”. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that! I love fluff! There is a real need in the world for escapist reading. But if you think all rom-coms are low on issues, and high on Louboutins and mimosas, you are in for a treat. Because my favourite little corner of the Rom-Com genre is filled with books that combine swoony romance and hilarious laughs, all while tackling serious life issues.
My book, The Chai Factor is a rom-com about an engineer desperately seeking silence to finish her grad school thesis, but instead finds that her grandmother has rented the basement to a barbershop quartet. As one does. Hijinks and battles over noise levels are inevitable, but what she doesn’t expect is falling for the sexy baritone in the plaid shirt. All your favourite rom-com devices are featured: an adorable meet cute (on a train!), lots of snarky banter, and brain-melting kisses. And of course, a great big, shiny, happily ever after.
But I never describe this book as fluff. The book is about fighting against intolerance in an uncertain world. My characters deal with Islamophobia, homophobia, and sexism, all while navigating complicated family issues, and working through the subtle nuances between right and wrong. I wrote the book to explore the challenges that modern Muslim women face in their daily lives while the world around them in turmoil.
Combining humour with weighty topics is no easy feat, and when done well, it always hits that perfect sweet spot for me. I cut my teeth on late nineties chick-lit (I’m showing my age a bit here), and many of the writers excelling then managed to make readers laugh and cry loudly in the same chapter. It was these rom-coms with serious backbones that inspired me to write my own. And although I love my lighthearted reads, I will always have a weakness for these weighty rom-coms.