I have a tendency to begin to hate something as soon as everyone else likes it. The more popular it becomes, the more it disgusts me. This is a true tragedy when that "something" is really awesome.
When I was in my teens I randomly remember that I started liking penguins (bizarre I know), and so everybody and their fucking aunt Betty started getting me penguins for every occasion. Initially, it was difficult to find many things penguin related, they were sort of obscure. Then, all of a sudden, it seemed that there were penguins everywhere and they were the most popular creature on the planet. This culminated with the whole "March of the Penguins" movie, and then I was done with them. Sure, they're cute and all, but now I'm onto owls. Sadly, it seems owls are the new penguin, because I can't even go into the mass-produced horror of Claire's without seeing saucer-eyed owl pendants staring at me everywhere.
This brings me to vampires. Vampire this, vampire that, hit me with a wiffle ball bat. Seriously. I used to LOVE the whole dark, evil sensuality of vampires. I really got into researching the legends, Vlad the Impaler, and all of the historic lore and tales that lead to modern day vampires. Now the average idiot knows all about vampires: "Oh yeah, Vlad was the dude that started it all". That used to be true insider info only true vampirites knew. Now it's yet another mass-produced, Hot Topic, Claire's jewelry, sparkly Mormon-authored gimmick.
Sigh.
What kills me is that I still really love the vampire thing. I have an entire erotic vampire book I'm working on, The Pleasure Clan, that I really believe in. So what's a vamp loving filthy-minded girl to do? Well, as one who absolutely has tons of stories to tell, and must write them down, I shall carry on. I suppose I can take a lesson from all of this and just keep on doing the art, and just not worry about what's popular and what's not.
My story may have a similar theme as thousands out there already, but it's my unique telling that would not be the same from any other person. So - that's my story - and I'm sticking to it.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Should I or Shouldn't I?
Ooh la-la. I usually feel that I should. But in this case, I'm talking about self-publishing vs. traditional routes. Yes - I discussed moistening my toes in that field, and I am very serious about it. But I'm also still very serious about pursuing a more traditional route. I believe that while the world is our oyster as writers, sometimes the ocean's predators can swallow us up. It would be nice to have someone, or a group of someones, in my corner and helping out.
Plus - I must confess: I have a day gig. It's good enough to pay the basic bills, but it's not what I want to be when I grow up - should that event ever occur. This job does take up an unfortunate amount of my time, so going full-throttle into my own ebook publishing empire - with the requisite marketing and promotion - is not super realistic at this time. After all, I need to also have the time to actually WRITE something, or what's the point of all of this?
I've had a chance to look over various and sundry blogs and writer websites, and there's a vast array of routes that authors use to get their work out there. So, as I mentioned before, I do intend to put my own line of ebooks out soon on Kindle. I have an entire line-up I've been working on (yes, yes, I am actually writing!) that is specifically what I have planned for when I pop my self-publishing cherry. It will be the "Bound for Pleasure" series, and each story will tell the journey of the delicate and innocent young Mia, and her unsuspecting foray into the world of BDSM, and her eventual transformation. Since her shy and proper fiance, Jeffrey, is completely clueless to all of these shenanigans - what ends up happening to him?
However, I still have a novella length contemporary menage romance out to an ebook publisher that I'm waiting to hear back on, and am working on a book length super steamy vampire book "The Pleasure Clan" that I was considering for some other publishers. I also have an agent that specializes in erotica that I would like to submit to.
Sigh...
So, at this stage in my young writer life, I suppose it's wise not to put all my cute little eggs into one basket. I would love to hear from other writers as to what they're doing. I'll keep posting successes and failures on my end. I'd also be curious to hear from readers: does it matter to you if something is self-published? Do you have specific sites where you go to purchase your erotica? Do you follow certain authors or is it more subject matter? What inspires you to buy/not buy?
As always, a big thanks for reading!
Plus - I must confess: I have a day gig. It's good enough to pay the basic bills, but it's not what I want to be when I grow up - should that event ever occur. This job does take up an unfortunate amount of my time, so going full-throttle into my own ebook publishing empire - with the requisite marketing and promotion - is not super realistic at this time. After all, I need to also have the time to actually WRITE something, or what's the point of all of this?
I've had a chance to look over various and sundry blogs and writer websites, and there's a vast array of routes that authors use to get their work out there. So, as I mentioned before, I do intend to put my own line of ebooks out soon on Kindle. I have an entire line-up I've been working on (yes, yes, I am actually writing!) that is specifically what I have planned for when I pop my self-publishing cherry. It will be the "Bound for Pleasure" series, and each story will tell the journey of the delicate and innocent young Mia, and her unsuspecting foray into the world of BDSM, and her eventual transformation. Since her shy and proper fiance, Jeffrey, is completely clueless to all of these shenanigans - what ends up happening to him?
However, I still have a novella length contemporary menage romance out to an ebook publisher that I'm waiting to hear back on, and am working on a book length super steamy vampire book "The Pleasure Clan" that I was considering for some other publishers. I also have an agent that specializes in erotica that I would like to submit to.
Sigh...
So, at this stage in my young writer life, I suppose it's wise not to put all my cute little eggs into one basket. I would love to hear from other writers as to what they're doing. I'll keep posting successes and failures on my end. I'd also be curious to hear from readers: does it matter to you if something is self-published? Do you have specific sites where you go to purchase your erotica? Do you follow certain authors or is it more subject matter? What inspires you to buy/not buy?
As always, a big thanks for reading!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
True Blood - Erotic Television
One of my fave shows is on tonight: True Blood. Now I know we're supposed to be talking about erotic writing here; but since this show is based on a book series (although I don't remember it ever being this HOT when Charlaine Harris was writing it!), and several writers are involved in scripting this show - I say it is fair game as a topic.
I have loved this show from the moment it first began. What really strikes me about it is that it is so raw in both the sex & the violence. I read an interview once with Anna Paquin (Sookie) where she said ( I paraphrase) that the actors on the set are so accustomed to the nudity, that it's no big deal to just see actors walking around like that every day. Also, that if you want to do the show, you'd better be prepared to be showing your junk to everyone. ("junk" was a huge paraphrase - sorry Anna).
Towards the middle of last season, and now in this season, I really applaud the writers willing to showcase the romance and sex in all aspects. Sure, we had season 2's orgy-fests, but those were done in a different context. Everyone was supposed to be doing what they would do if all of their inhibitions were removed, but one had the feeling it was more of them being hypnotized into indulging in all of their raunchy and at times, destructive behavior.
The recent tone of the show has been to allow the characters to be what they want to be sexually, and the writers are showing it in a very modern way. In last season we saw Lafayette and Jesus's romance bloom just as we would any hetero couple typically seen on TV. Then we find out that Tara is finally happy in a romance - with a woman. There are scenes of them making out in public and in bed together. Eric gets back at his arch nemesis while taking Russell's boy-toy from behind on the floor. Even little snippets of Pam going down on the stripper that Eric was banging tied up in the basement, and the VRA president doing a hot young girl in her limo - these moments place this show in the context of erotica.
Since I'm also a horror fan, the combination of graphic violence works for me too - although I know it wouldn't for some. The quality of the writing, suspenseful story arcs, and the strength and depth of the characters makes this show something you can't wait to see every week and has catapulted it into a hit series with millions of viewers.
So let's recap: Lots of hot sex and nudity that includes group, bi and gay interaction, graphic violence, strong, interesting characters, suspenseful story arcs, excellent writing, and millions of viewers. Now, wouldn't you like your stories to have those, or at least some of those same ingredients? Think about it...
I have loved this show from the moment it first began. What really strikes me about it is that it is so raw in both the sex & the violence. I read an interview once with Anna Paquin (Sookie) where she said ( I paraphrase) that the actors on the set are so accustomed to the nudity, that it's no big deal to just see actors walking around like that every day. Also, that if you want to do the show, you'd better be prepared to be showing your junk to everyone. ("junk" was a huge paraphrase - sorry Anna).
Towards the middle of last season, and now in this season, I really applaud the writers willing to showcase the romance and sex in all aspects. Sure, we had season 2's orgy-fests, but those were done in a different context. Everyone was supposed to be doing what they would do if all of their inhibitions were removed, but one had the feeling it was more of them being hypnotized into indulging in all of their raunchy and at times, destructive behavior.
The recent tone of the show has been to allow the characters to be what they want to be sexually, and the writers are showing it in a very modern way. In last season we saw Lafayette and Jesus's romance bloom just as we would any hetero couple typically seen on TV. Then we find out that Tara is finally happy in a romance - with a woman. There are scenes of them making out in public and in bed together. Eric gets back at his arch nemesis while taking Russell's boy-toy from behind on the floor. Even little snippets of Pam going down on the stripper that Eric was banging tied up in the basement, and the VRA president doing a hot young girl in her limo - these moments place this show in the context of erotica.
Since I'm also a horror fan, the combination of graphic violence works for me too - although I know it wouldn't for some. The quality of the writing, suspenseful story arcs, and the strength and depth of the characters makes this show something you can't wait to see every week and has catapulted it into a hit series with millions of viewers.
So let's recap: Lots of hot sex and nudity that includes group, bi and gay interaction, graphic violence, strong, interesting characters, suspenseful story arcs, excellent writing, and millions of viewers. Now, wouldn't you like your stories to have those, or at least some of those same ingredients? Think about it...
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Quality vs. Quantity
Oh my...that cliched phrase could apply to so many situations! But this evening I am going to apply it to writers. I have just recently decided to dip one of my purple-polished toes into the ebook self-publishing craze, and in doing research, have discovered that any idiot can offer an ebook for sale on the internet. Excellent - I'm in! But seriously folks, I have found myself to very red-faced when reading excerpts from some of these little gems. This was not because they were so steamy, but because they are so horribly written! This isn't even personal style or preference I am speaking of, but Ed Wood quality writing, 2nd grade grammar, random POV changes, and hopeless spelling. Sigh.
Believe me, I get it. As someone who has been writing, editing, rewriting, and finally submitting for years - sometimes ya' just wanna get that sucker out there! But if you are actually serious about your craft, it pays in the long run to really make sure you've done your homework. I'm not even referring to actual cash here, but more importantly, your reputation and longevity as a writer. Once you put yourself out there, your customers, potential agents or publishers, and even friends and family will judge you by either your professionalism or your foolishness.
This little rant is not meant to terrify would-be enterprising ebookers. Like I said, my toe has just been moistened and is ready to see what happens when I make some of my short shorts available online. For me personally, it is a way to see how it works, and if I think it is a viable outlet for my prose. I still plan to submit to agents and publishers, but that is another story for another time.
Finally, if you just are looking to have some fun and publish some of your raunchy fantasies, regardless of your writing and/or spelling ability - then go for it! Just give your poor unsuspecting buyer an excerpt so they know exactly what they're getting into. I've certainly never confused Orgy of the Dead with Macbeth.
Believe me, I get it. As someone who has been writing, editing, rewriting, and finally submitting for years - sometimes ya' just wanna get that sucker out there! But if you are actually serious about your craft, it pays in the long run to really make sure you've done your homework. I'm not even referring to actual cash here, but more importantly, your reputation and longevity as a writer. Once you put yourself out there, your customers, potential agents or publishers, and even friends and family will judge you by either your professionalism or your foolishness.
This little rant is not meant to terrify would-be enterprising ebookers. Like I said, my toe has just been moistened and is ready to see what happens when I make some of my short shorts available online. For me personally, it is a way to see how it works, and if I think it is a viable outlet for my prose. I still plan to submit to agents and publishers, but that is another story for another time.
Finally, if you just are looking to have some fun and publish some of your raunchy fantasies, regardless of your writing and/or spelling ability - then go for it! Just give your poor unsuspecting buyer an excerpt so they know exactly what they're getting into. I've certainly never confused Orgy of the Dead with Macbeth.
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