Interrogating ‘pink’ fiction
What a joy to meet up with successful romance and women’s fiction authors Amy Hutton, Saman Shad and Catherine Greer and discuss what draws them to explore passion, pain, friendships, loss, longing and love through their writing.
At the inaugural Willoughby Literary Festival, I had the honor of moderating the pink panel, the fun panel, the deadly serious panel – where we interrogated the challenges and triumphs of writing about women for women*.
I’m glad to share with you some quotes and highlights.
Catherine Greer, a versatile author who has also penned a Young Adult novel, two children’s books and nonfiction, shares Love our Age, a weekly blog. From her debut women’s fiction novel, The Bittersweet Bakery Cafe:
“She was not a victim or a survivor; she was a warrior, just like every other woman she knew. Warriors might be tired, and scarred, and a little beaten up by life – or even a lot – but they weren’t invisible.”
Catherine’s cover announces “sometimes losing everything is the only way to win.” It’s a pointer to the endearing appeal of “hopeful” storytelling. Writing by women for women reminds us of our inherent resilience; that heartbreak, betrayal and loss can be overcome. Her romcom is an absolute delight. It even includes recipes!
From The sex lives of married women by Saman Shad:
“One of the things she loved about her friendship with Meena, Sophie thought, was how they could be silly and serious at the same time. There weren’t many people you could tell your deepest secrets to as well as have the heartiest laughs with. It was something she would never take for granted.”
Saman’s novel, which follows her debut, The Matchmaker, is not afraid to go deeply into her three narrators’ points of view, to reveal some nitty gritty ins and outs of partnering and parenting. Encompassing other cultures, this novel enriches our understanding as it shares uncomfortable truths and celebrates the joys of female friendships. I hope her authentic voice will bring more aspects of our lives into the light.w
Amy Hutton‘s Sit, Stay, Love offers a ‘friends to lovers’ ‘love triangle’ so delightful it appears effortless.
“Writing can feel like a lonely pursuit. Just me and my anxious brain against a bunch of words who wilfully refused to organise themselves on the page. But in reality, it’s not lonely. It’s filled with support and cheering and virtual crowd waves.”
Amy’s writing is effervescent. Sit Stay Love is an absolute romp of a read, complete with fluffy animals, with Love From Scratch a popular sequel and Ghosted on offer from September.
Warmest thanks to Willoughby City Library, to Festival Convenor Cecilia Wong, to Constant Reader Bookshop, Crows Nest, and to our audience for their questions.
And to my loyal VIPs, I can’t thank you enough for being my cheerleaders!
Sweet readsSweet romance and women’s fiction
Happy reading!*A note on diversity: While the majority of romance and women’s fiction readers and writers are female, the romance-writing community actively welcomes and encourages writers and readers of all backgrounds and persuasions. View Romance Writers of Australia Mission Statement.
Amber
