For centuries, the portrayal of romance in literature has followed formulaic and enduring themes: steamy love-hate, yet irresistible attractions, ill-fated lovers, and tales of undying devotion that overcome all obstacles. These narratives, mostly taking place in real life (IRL), have shaped our understanding of romance since the beginning of literary time, creating a foundation for countless stories. Yet, as technology evolves, so does our romantic storytelling.
In recent years, a new genre blends age-old romantic themes with the realities of our digital age: virtual romance.
Call Me Maybe by Cara Bastone is a great starting point for exploring this contemporary twist on the romance novel. The story enters into the world of virtual connections where love develops through phone calls, voice messages, texts, and the digital ether. This shift from IRL to virtual opens up fresh narrative pathways and challenges traditional romantic tropes– perhaps even redefining what falling in love might look like in the modern world.
If “Conventional Virtual Romance” is a Thing, Call Me Maybe May be it
Call Me Maybe starts with a quirky, modern twist on the meet-cute scenario that is quintessential to many romantic tales. Vera, a website designer, dials customer service and unexpectedly connects with Cal, who works remotely as a call center operator. Their initial interaction, meant to be a straightforward business call, sparks something more as technical difficulties and personal banter lead to a deepening connection. This virtual meet-cute lays the groundwork for a romance built through phone calls and voice messages, showcasing the potential for intimacy despite physical absence.
One of the strengths of Bastone’s portrayal of virtual romance is the focus on emotional connectivity. The characters’ relationship develops through conversations that reveal their vulnerabilities, humor, and personal values, illustrating how emotional bonds can form without the physical presence of another.
However, the novel also faces limitations inherent to virtual romance narratives. The lack of physical interaction may make it difficult for some readers to engage with the romance’s authenticity fully. The sensory details that often enrich traditional romantic tales—such as touch, smell, sight, and presence—are less pronounced, potentially leaving the emotional landscape feeling somewhat flat to those who value the physical aspects of romantic connection.
Traditional Elements and Their Impact on the Narrative
Despite its modern setting and virtual meet-cute, Call Me Maybe incorporates traditional romantic elements that anchor the story in familiar territory. The miscommunications that drive the plot and the eventual realization of mutual feelings are hallmarks of classic romance that maintain a sense of continuity with the genre’s roots. These elements serve as vital touchstones that help bridge the gap between traditional and virtual romance narratives, ensuring that the story remains relatable and satisfying for fans of conventional romance.
In blending the old with the new, Call Me Maybe entertains and invites readers to reflect on the evolving landscape of love and connection in a digitally interconnected world.
Still, despite its virtual setting, Call Me Maybe misses the mark when it comes to diversity. Bastone’s narrative stays within the typical hetero, white confines of the romance genre
Ironically, Diversity is Lacking in Virtual Romance
As virtual romance becomes a more prominent theme in contemporary fiction, the lack of diversity in this emerging genre is ironic.
Romance novels often depict a narrow range of characters and experiences that fail to reflect the vivid tapestry of real-world relationships. Critics have long lambasted romance novels for this lack of representation.
By the very nature of their setting, virtual romance stories should keep up with the 21st century.
Diversity in romance novels allows for an inclusive reflection of society, acknowledging the varied identities and relationships. LGBTQ+, polyamorous, and non-binary characters remain underrepresented in romantic storylines. This lack of representation is especially notable in the virtual romance genre, where virtual spaces often serve as critical platforms for these communities. They provide a means of connection and self-expression that may be less accessible and safe in physical spaces.
The move towards virtual romance storytelling provides a unique opportunity to challenge the existing limitations of romance novels and embrace a broader spectrum of sexual and romantic experiences.
The Bigger Picture of Diverse Narratives
Incorporating diverse narratives into virtual romance is about representation and societal shifts accompanying the digital age. As relationships increasingly begin and blossom online, diverse narratives help dismantle stereotypes and promote understanding across different identities and lifestyles. Diverse narratives in romance novels, regardless of setting, contribute to a more empathetic and inclusive society.
By prioritizing diversity, authors and publishers can ensure that the evolving landscape of romance novels remains relevant and vibrant, capable of capturing the imaginations of almost anyone.
Unconventional Scenarios: A Few Fun Ideas for Virtual Romance Writers
As authors seek to capture the essence of romance in the digital age, integrating modern technology and contemporary social issues can create compelling and relatable narratives. Imagine the following story lines.
Queer Love Beyond Borders
In a world where words unite, and love knows no borders, two non-binary souls, Gabi from Spain and Ren from Japan, connect through a popular language exchange app. As Gabi and Ren swap their native tongues, they share stories, dreams, and hearts. But their budding romance meets hurdles. Oceans separate them, and cultural confusions trip them up even as pressures from their traditional communities threaten to keep them apart forever. This story captures the intricate dance of a cross-cultural, bi-lingual queer romance, showcasing the strength needed to grow and sustain love across great divides.
Polyamorous Possibilities
Imagine a future where virtual reality isn’t just for gaming but also for living and loving. A polyamorous group—three partners of varying genders and sexual orientations—utilize a shared digital platform to sustain and enhance their long-distance relationship. Within this space, they navigate the complexities of love, intimacy, jealousy, and the logistics of dividing and sharing time with multiple partners. This scenario delves into the dynamics of polyamorous relationships, challenging traditional narratives about monogamy and showcasing the potential for ethical, loving relationships beyond the traditional couple norm.
A.I. Affections
In this scenario, a human falls deeply in love with an advanced artificial intelligence. This A.I., designed to be a companion, gradually develops a unique personality that becomes increasingly indistinguishable from human consciousness. As their relationship deepens, they face legal and ethical dilemmas, including debates over A.I. rights and the nature of consciousness itself. This unconventional love story questions the essence of emotion and connection, pushing the boundaries of what it means to love and be loved.
Love in the Time of Algorithms
In a twist of digital fate, two ambitious tech entrepreneurs, Jordan and Casey, unknowingly fall for each other through their rival dating apps.
By day, they are fierce competitors, having clashed at industry conventions and thought leadership summits through sharp-tongued debates. Their real-world rivalry is notorious, marked by a mutual respect for each other’s cunning yet shadowed by an intense drive to outperform.
By night, they escape into their apps using the handles “ByteCurious” and “Vortex.” Here, anonymous and unaware of each other’s true identities, they connect deeply. Their apps’ algorithms, crafted to find the ideal match, ignite anonymous, thrilling chat sessions that grow more intense by the day. As time goes by, they share dreams, fears, and laughs, building a bond that seems unbreakable.
The Next Chapter in Virtual Romance
As we navigate the intertwined paths of technology and romance, the importance of diversity and modernity in storytelling becomes increasingly apparent. Virtual romance stories provide a platform to reflect the rich diversity of our societies, incorporating a wide range of identities, orientations, and relationship dynamics.
Writers are encouraged to push the boundaries of traditional romance to include more inclusive and imaginative stories. By doing so, they reflect the world more accurately and offer readers a chance to see themselves and their potential for love celebrated in literature. Readers, too, play a crucial role by supporting and advocating for books that represent a broader spectrum of love stories.
By championing diversity and innovation, writers and readers can contribute to a romance genre that is as boundless and diverse as love.
