So, what are they... the Romance Novel trends?

The image of Cover Model, Cherif, is at: http://romancebooks.splinder.com/tag/cover_models ~

This isn’t a trend necessarily, though it could be. The truth is, I just passionately enjoy a romantic hero astride a splendid horse, hence this incredible image.

So, give it your best shot and your best thought, what do you think are the upcoming trends, the must-have yens for this new year of 2010?
What are the romance subgenres readers are craving and looking for most?
As a writer, what story is tugging at your heart, at your soul?

I’m predicting there will be some major trend changes as the year progresses. I’m also predicting that romance novels will expand in about every area there is to expand, especially in the number of subgenres, with new ones being created.
There will be a demand for about every heat level, with sweet romances becoming more popular along with their opposite, the romances that sizzle-burn your fingertips with sheer pleasure. This is a year of extremes in many ways, heat level preferences being at the top of the list.
Niche readers will increase, even though there may be some backlash simply because a core group of dedicated romance novel readers may decide to purchase the tried and true, instead of a product they’re not certain will deliver the quality they’re after.

What about print books versus ebooks? That is an in-depth discussion I don’t have the pages or time to explore fully, here. However, there has been a lot of discussion and opinions flying around, recently. So, those bases are covered out there on the Internet, if you go looking.
I do think the obvious. Ebooks are on the rise and so is POD, or print on demand. How it all plays out in the future, is the true question and discussion.
~~~~~~

At times, I like putting on my forecasting hat, gazing into my crystal ball... so... here goes...

For all of us romance authors, this year offers us an expanded voice, meaning we will have the opportunity to grow and show off our individual storytelling voices in wonderful and exciting ways that were previously not available.
The romance genre, itself, will expand beyond the expectations of most, with the themes of the Aquarian Age becoming the fastest growing trends.
Whatever makes the reader feel good and takes her above her troubles, as in the feel-good movies of the 1930s, will become more and more popular. Think elegance, supper clubs and dressing to the nines.
Romantic comedies and those stories with comedic elements will also be in demand. However, the real opportunity is for a different take on humor, for example, the sophisticated comedy meets life in 2010, or life in the future and on OtherWorlds.
Everything retro, from Regencies to Westerns, will continue to skyrocket in popularity.
Historical romance novels, especially those with paranormal elements, from magic to shapeshifting, will know a significant rise.
Space Opera romance novels fused with other subgenres, I predict, will become another shooting star, as well.

Happy Writing in the New Year!
~~~~~~

And! For those of you who want a different kind of forecast, my hero, Volcano, provides his angelic forecast that will, hopefully, give you a head start on the New Year, 2010.
For Volcano’s weekly Angelic Forecasts, take a look at the Siren-BookStrand blog every Monday.

Volcano’s Angelic Forecast for the New Year, 2010

This is the beginning of the end. The Aquarian Age asserts its dominance in this year of 2010, this year of THREE in numerology. A new demand for freedom and for communities based on beneficial cooperation will take over what has been, the old business and lifestyle models that no longer work.
This demand for freedom will take on the characteristics of water, appearing like a giant tidal wave or becoming a flashflood that will crash and smash through anything in its way.
The gentler aspects of water will also reign. A sweet rain that cleanses the body and spirit remains as an energetic possibility for everyone throughout the year.
The time has come for all of us to quench the thirst that lives inside of us. We crave a world that works for everyone. Not in the form of an iron fist that dictates how we live, what we do and we how do it. But, a world where we all live by our own generous natures, by offering our loving hearts to each other... and by connecting more deeply with our spiritual selves.
It is time to live in harmony with each other by singing our own individual songs and by joining in with the overall song of the community.
In this year of THREE, all forms of communication are highlighted in your personal world and in the outer world.
Take advantage of this precious energy. Clear up misunderstandings and say those things your heart would say. Also, discover all those ways that assist you in communicating, whether it’s using technology or speaking your poetic soul on a sheet of decorative paper.
Look for mighty roars coming from the world stage, roars of sound that sweep like barreling storm winds across the globe.
Truth and justice arrive like mighty roars of the Tiger, seeking to prevail above the dark forces that will also roar and bluster and seek to rule over us all.
This year, laughter will often be the best medicine. Encourage your own inner comedian/comedienne to emerge fully, or simply come out of the closet. Any good humor will be highly appreciated. As will good times.
So, let the good times roll... “and roll up, roll up for the magical mystery tour, step right this way. Roll up, roll up for the mystery tour” ~ as the Beatles would say.
In this year of 2010, remember, you don’t need an invitation for a celebration.
~~~~~~

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
May your brightest reading dreams come true ~

Savanna Kougar

~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~
~~~

Sedona & Volcano invite you to read their love story ~
WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS ~ Where angels fear to tread, 2012 Earth...Is a stranger on a superspeed motorcycle her savior from the brutal endtimes? ~ available from BookStrand ~ http://bookstrand.com/authors/savannakougar ~ http://bookstrand.com ~ IN PRINT ~ An Author Discovery by Lindsay Townsend ~ http://sirenbookstrand.blogspot.com ~
Volcano’s Angelic Forecast for this week ~ http://sirenbookstrand.blogspot.com ~ http://www.bookstrand.com/product-whenagoodangelfalls-10981-192.html ~
~~~~~~