Romantasy Author Stacey McEwan Discusses Genre Tropes

Stacey McEwan, an author and prominent figure on BookTok, has discussed the specific conventions and reader expectations within the romantasy genre. In an interview, McEwan addressed the challenges of recommending books within the genre, noting that the explicit nature of some romantasy titles makes them unsuitable for all audiences, drawing a contrast between recommending a book like 'Fifty Shades of Grey' to a Catholic grandmother. This highlights the diverse readership and content spectrum within romantasy, a genre that often blends romance with fantasy elements like magic, mythical creatures, and epic quests.

McEwan also touched upon common tropes within romantasy, including what she described as a "nightmare trope," though the specific details of this trope were not elaborated upon in the provided text. The conversation also extended to the practicalities of writing intimate scenes within fantasy romance novels. McEwan offered guidance on word choices, suggesting that certain words should be avoided in sex scenes to maintain the desired tone and immersion for the reader, a critical aspect of crafting compelling romantic narratives within a fantastical setting. The interview implicitly suggests that effective writing in this genre requires a delicate balance between plot, character development, and romantic tension.

Furthermore, McEwan shared an anecdote from her teenage years, illustrating a humorous and somewhat awkward experience from her time working in a bakery. At approximately 16 years old, while working on the Gold Coast, McEwan attempted to impress a boy at a neighboring sushi shop with a "Bread Girl" persona. This involved creatively using bread loaves to construct a costume, including hollowing out a cob loaf for a hat and using Vienna loaves on her shoes for a makeshift skating effect. Despite her elaborate efforts, the boy's reaction was to ask for her older sister's phone number, a memorable moment of youthful romantic pursuit and comedic misfire. This personal story, while not directly about romantasy writing, provides a glimpse into the author's personality and experiences that may inform her creative work.

The broader context of romantasy's popularity, significantly amplified by platforms like BookTok, means authors like McEwan are engaging with a large and often vocal online community. BookTok creators and users play a crucial role in driving sales and shaping trends within the literary world, particularly for genres that lend themselves to visual and discussion-based content. McEwan's participation in such discussions underscores the symbiotic relationship between authors, social media influencers, and readers in the current publishing landscape. The genre's appeal often lies in its escapism, combining the emotional satisfaction of romance with the imaginative scope of fantasy, catering to readers seeking both passion and adventure.