On 5 June, romance writer Barbara Lantz passed away at the age of 82. Today, 3 July, the Arizona Daily Star published an obituary for Ms. Lantz, and this one obituary article about the founder of the Tuscon Saguaro Romance Writers does a considerable amount to raise the profile of and reveal the real people behind the genre. I think, from reading this article, Ms. Lantz would want it that way.
Barbara Lantz was a romance writer.
Not the bodice-ripping, Fabio-loving, heroine-in-need-of-rescue type of romance writer. Turns out the slender pulp paperbacks with swooning women and muscular men on their covers were more the fantasy of the men who published them than the women who wrote them.
Lantz wrote sweet, believable American tales about capable women who, in the course of their lives’ adventures, met honorable men worthy of their love....
Members of the Saguaro Romance Writers agree the genre has gotten a bad rap over the years, mostly due to silly marketing ploys and cheesy book covers. In reality, they say, romance is a respected, well-read and lucrative genre.
“It’s the most feminist of all literature because it’s the only form of literature where women are guaranteed to win and come out with an emotionally satisfying finish,” [Maureen] Caudill said.
Well played, Ms. Lantz. Well played.
That is a marvelous obituary.
Beautiful. And spot on.
So true.
I know I’m preaching to the choir. Dismissing romance is dismissing the voice of women.
Maureen, well said!
What a wonderful way to be remembered for her contribution to the genre!
Wow. What a way to be remembered! It made me feel good just to read about her. I’d love to be able to read something of hers!
I bookmarked that obituary. The next time I feel the need to explain my reading choices I’ll show/read it to the critical party.
So well said with so few words.
What a wonderful woman and a great way to remember her.
Brilliant!
Barb was indeed a woman who knew how to get things done and knew how to get people to do them. That’s how I ended up following in her footsteps as the president of the chapter after the first 18 months under her leadership. She was passionate about romance and romance writers. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without her and her desire and drive to start the Tucson chapter. I wouldn’t have my kick-ass critique group and would have missed out on knowing a lot of wonderful writers who live in this town. It’s unfortunate that she never realized her dream of being published, but she sure pointed many of us in the right direction.
I think that’s an obituary any romance author would be proud of.
Oh my, I just saw this. I’m so sad to hear of her passing. She was a wonderful lady! I had the honor of meeting her at the president’s retreat in 2006 and we even exchanged a few emails for a while. She will be horribly missed I’m sure.
That is a lovely legacy to leave behind.
Barbara was the personification of the word LADY. I had the pleasure of being her first VP of membership and learned so much from her. Her enthusiasm and love of the genre were infectious and she made friends wherever she went.
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and becoming friends with so many people I would not have met if it hadn’t been for Barbara. I was proud to call her my friend and will miss her. The genre has lost a true champion.
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07.03.08 at 06:02 PM |