Join me in the latest episode as I dive deep into the heart of romance, tackling the ever-persistent HEA (Happily Ever After) debate from my vantage point as a seasoned romance editor and author. With a wealth of experience under my belt, I'm on a mission to shed new light on this topic, perhaps not ending the debate for good, but certainly enriching it with some well-earned insights. I'll examine why love stories and their HEAs hold such a pivotal place in romance, unraveling how they meet deep psychological needs and mirror societal norms. I invite you to explore with me the intricacies of romance genre conventions, reader expectations, and the exciting ways in which contemporary trends and diverse voices are reshaping our cherished romance landscape. Get ready to delve into the true essence of HEAs, seeing them not just as endpoints of narrative satisfaction but as powerful beacons of universal hope and joy in storytelling. Full transcript can be found on wordmakers.org/podcast