RomCon: Celebrating Love, Literature, and Community

A recent Saturday morning in Brooklyn witnessed the inaugural RomCon, a vibrant gathering hosted by 831 Stories, a contemporary romance publisher, in collaboration with Hinge. Three hundred avid readers, accomplished writers, and dedicated fans of romance fantasy converged at Industry City to revel in a day dedicated to love, dating, and the intricate world of romantic literature. The atmosphere was perfectly set by Lorde's “Love Club” playing in the background, signaling the start of a celebratory event.

The Evolution of Romance Fiction and its Community

RomCon, the brainchild of 831 Stories founders Claire Mazur and Erica Cerulo, provided a dynamic platform for engaging discussions on various facets of romance, from practical dating advice in “Romance in Real Life” to deeper explorations of “Pleasure, Power, and the Politics of Romance.” The event showcased a diverse array of vendors, including The Ripped Bodice, a beloved romantasy bookstore, and unique artisans like Amanda Krovic, who crafted heart-shaped, engraved bookmarks. Renowned authors such as Nikki Payne, Tressie McMillan Cottom, Casey McQuiston, Brooke Averick, and Sarah MacLean led insightful conversations, sharing their expertise and perspectives on the genre. MacLean, a prolific historical romance novelist, reflected on the profound transformation within the romance reading community, noting its shift from a “secret society” to a “expansive, beautiful community of devoted readers,” largely facilitated by the internet. This evolution has fostered an environment where romance readers feel empowered and celebrated, shedding past anxieties about societal perceptions of “women’s texts” and love stories.

RomCon, an event celebrating romance fiction and its community, featured a packed agenda of panels and vendors, bringing together readers and writers. Claire Mazur and Erica Cerulo's 831 Stories, a contemporary romance publisher, organized the convention with Hinge as a presenting partner. Discussions ranged from "Romance in Real Life" to "Pleasure, Power, and the Politics of Romance," with contributions from acclaimed authors like Sarah MacLean, who highlighted the genre's transformation from a "secret society" to a thriving public community. Vendors such as The Ripped Bodice and Amanda Krovic's custom bookmarks enhanced the immersive experience, fostering a sense of shared passion and celebration. The gathering served as a testament to the growing acceptance and enthusiasm for romance literature, demonstrating how digital platforms have connected enthusiasts globally and fostered an open, curious environment for discussing romantic narratives.

Empowering Narratives and Fulfilling Fantasies

The convention also delved into the cultural significance of romance novels, with writer and New York Times columnist Tressie McMillan Cottom arguing against the notion that women writing romance cannot be taken seriously. Cottom emphasized that these narratives often reflect deep-seated desires for economic security and social positioning, drawing parallels between Regency romance heroines seeking earls and modern women desiring stable partners. She posited that taking women's humanity seriously necessitates acknowledging and valuing their fantasies for the world they wish to inhabit. The event's grand finale, a "Magic Mike"-themed performance, dramatically underscored this theme. After a concluding panel, Tess Tregellas and Sara Spadacene, future MCs for *Magic Mike Live* in New York, engaged the audience about their fantasy love interests, leading to a surprise dance performance by a troupe of performers. This exhilarating conclusion left attendees feeling optimistic about dating and the power of love, embodying RomCon's intention to inspire joy and pleasure through shared romantic fantasies.

The event explored the broader cultural importance of romance novels, asserting their value beyond mere entertainment. Tressie McMillan Cottom, a notable writer and professor, passionately defended the genre, arguing that dismissing romance as unserious is inherently sexist, as it primarily targets and is produced by women. She drew parallels between historical romance tropes, like heroines marrying for status, and contemporary aspirations for economic stability, emphasizing that these narratives often mirror societal realities and desires. Cottom highlighted the genre's feminist undertones, suggesting that respecting women's full humanity means validating their imaginative desires for the world. The convention culminated in a memorable "Magic Mike" performance, a bold affirmation of female fantasy and empowerment. This electrifying finale served as a powerful reminder that in the vibrant and evolving world of romance, aspirations for love, pleasure, and fulfilling partnerships can indeed become tangible realities, reinforcing RomCon's overarching message of optimism and joyful engagement with romantic themes.