707. RT Rewind: June 1997 Ads & Features

707. RT Rewind: June 1997 Ads & Features

From Smart Podcast, Trashy Books: A Romance Novel Podcast by Sarah Wendell

February 27, 2026 · 1h 28m · Episode 707

About this episode

Amanda and Sarah discuss various aspects of romance novel advertising and reader culture from June 1997.

Amanda and I are traveling back to June 1997 to discuss: Touring inside author’s homes and whether we think it’s kinda intrusive and uncomfortable Neverending reader hate for “the F word” The fans used to blow back cover models’ hair And speaking of, what’s on the Cover Model Pageant contestant’s heads? And more! We DO have a video episode for this one with images –  you can find it on your YouTube channel . And you can find the visual aids for this one below. We have so many links! Are you ready! Mental Floss:  The origin of “Live, Laugh, Love” Janelle James and Connor Storrie on the red carpet  (Reddit link with video) Links from Steve Ammidown about Genesis Press: 1980-2000 Black Publishers –  Black Romance Publishers: Representation vs. Exploitation by Sophie Kebret  (Unsuitable/Duke University) Authors Cite Problems with Genesis Press by Calvin Reid  | Sep 15, 2006, Publishers Weekly (Archive link) One Perfect Rose hardcover  – eBay The Instagram account of Aureltattoo, who dances in front of a fan Visual Aids are at SBTB! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered

  • 1997
  • romance novels
  • advertising
  • reader culture
  • cover models

Keywords

  • author's homes
  • reader hate
  • back cover models
  • Cover Model Pageant
  • Live, Laugh, Love

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Cover Model Pageant, Mental Floss, Live, Laugh, Love

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