Not much to say today. Enjoy the weekend. See ya next month!anny
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
How Much Sex Is Too Much Sex In A Book...
Taken from the Writer's Evolution blog which hosted this excellent topic this week.
By Mia Watts
As someone who writes character driven stories, my answer has everything to do with what the characters would want. If Mavis is especially hot for Marvin and they finally get it on. She will not suddenly become inhibited or withdrawn. No, they will go at it like bunnies. And while I've never seen a bunny perform a blow job (the animal bunny), take it in the back door, or English mount another bunny, my characters will if the thought occurs to them for such a position.
Easy enough, yes? And yet there are still the publishing requirements. One publisher wanted sex within the first four pages. From Mavis meeting Marvin for the first time, to having his face buried in her p*ssy, there was to be immediate sex play. Once established, the idea was to keep it coming throughout the story. I believe the request is, quick, hot, often with a focus on sex and a plot directed at allowing sex to occur.
Another publisher requested (different than require but not by much) sex within the first 3k (12 pages). Much more do-able, if you'll forgive the pun. At least the characters can get beyond the handshake-jackmeoff moment and into, I'vejustmetyoulet'sfucknow moment. Breathing room.
Why do these publishers have requirements like this? Because it sells. With all the discussion around who has too much and who doesn't have enough and what does the reader really want to see, there is still that hidden question. Yes, we tell our stories and we give you the characters that you want to read about. But if you only wanted to read about the plot, most likely you wouldn't be book shopping in the erotic section (link). Or am I off-base?
There has been a strange twist in the market where the over abundance of gratuitous sex way overshadowing plot has reached an all time high. Readers are now saying that even erotic novels or short stories have too much. Where is the threshold? I believe we are currently seeking that line as authors and publishers.
So how much IS too much? Publishers push for more but have seen the downturn in sales. Readers want it but are disappointed in the level of plot development. Writers are frustrated, caught in the middle, wanting to give the readers what they want while reaching the demands of the industry standard.
I believe we need to write what fits. If Mavis and Marvin and nymphos, fine. Perhaps they are nymphos who meet in a hotel which has now caught fire and they are trapped on the top floor with the added twist that they must have sex on every floor to win a bet of some juvenile nature. Or perhaps Mavis is shy but a hot one and Marvin is the computer geek with whom she works. This character combo allows for a delay before intimacy begins. It would be out of character for Mavis to straddle him at his keyboard and go wild. Write what fits.
I believe that as long as the book isn't being forced and the characters made to act out of character, your reader will follow along with you, quite happy with the direction of plot and sex. But when it's forced and rushed... the reader will know it and knowing it creates discomfort. They will feel it in their gut that you, the writer, had it wrong. And potentially this wrong-ness could alienate them enough where they will be betrayed (see betraying your reader), possibly never coming back to you again.
If it's believable, write it. If it isn't believable, make it believable. It's your contract with your reader and is far more important than the contract you hold with your publisher. Change your story if you must, but do not betray your audience.
By Mia Watts
As someone who writes character driven stories, my answer has everything to do with what the characters would want. If Mavis is especially hot for Marvin and they finally get it on. She will not suddenly become inhibited or withdrawn. No, they will go at it like bunnies. And while I've never seen a bunny perform a blow job (the animal bunny), take it in the back door, or English mount another bunny, my characters will if the thought occurs to them for such a position.
Easy enough, yes? And yet there are still the publishing requirements. One publisher wanted sex within the first four pages. From Mavis meeting Marvin for the first time, to having his face buried in her p*ssy, there was to be immediate sex play. Once established, the idea was to keep it coming throughout the story. I believe the request is, quick, hot, often with a focus on sex and a plot directed at allowing sex to occur.
Another publisher requested (different than require but not by much) sex within the first 3k (12 pages). Much more do-able, if you'll forgive the pun. At least the characters can get beyond the handshake-jackmeoff moment and into, I'vejustmetyoulet'sfucknow moment. Breathing room.
Why do these publishers have requirements like this? Because it sells. With all the discussion around who has too much and who doesn't have enough and what does the reader really want to see, there is still that hidden question. Yes, we tell our stories and we give you the characters that you want to read about. But if you only wanted to read about the plot, most likely you wouldn't be book shopping in the erotic section (link). Or am I off-base?
There has been a strange twist in the market where the over abundance of gratuitous sex way overshadowing plot has reached an all time high. Readers are now saying that even erotic novels or short stories have too much. Where is the threshold? I believe we are currently seeking that line as authors and publishers.
So how much IS too much? Publishers push for more but have seen the downturn in sales. Readers want it but are disappointed in the level of plot development. Writers are frustrated, caught in the middle, wanting to give the readers what they want while reaching the demands of the industry standard.
I believe we need to write what fits. If Mavis and Marvin and nymphos, fine. Perhaps they are nymphos who meet in a hotel which has now caught fire and they are trapped on the top floor with the added twist that they must have sex on every floor to win a bet of some juvenile nature. Or perhaps Mavis is shy but a hot one and Marvin is the computer geek with whom she works. This character combo allows for a delay before intimacy begins. It would be out of character for Mavis to straddle him at his keyboard and go wild. Write what fits.
I believe that as long as the book isn't being forced and the characters made to act out of character, your reader will follow along with you, quite happy with the direction of plot and sex. But when it's forced and rushed... the reader will know it and knowing it creates discomfort. They will feel it in their gut that you, the writer, had it wrong. And potentially this wrong-ness could alienate them enough where they will be betrayed (see betraying your reader), possibly never coming back to you again.
If it's believable, write it. If it isn't believable, make it believable. It's your contract with your reader and is far more important than the contract you hold with your publisher. Change your story if you must, but do not betray your audience.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Even Pantsers Plot--Sort of
I am a card-carrying, proud to be pantser. My editor says my plots are so convoluted they're impossible to follow--which may be why she hasn't bought anything recently. So, while rewriting my new futuristic--a wholesale, barely anything from the original salvageable rewrite--I laid out a bare bones plot. It consisted mostly of my hero/heroine traveling to various planets. End of detailed plot.
And here's where the pantser fun kicked in. Without belaboring scientific fact--like atmosphere and temperature and gravity--I created worlds where those elements are addressed with an appalling disregard as to whether or not they could be done. Domed planets, after all, make everything possible.
And then the characters took over as they tend to do in my stories. I discovered that my heroine has a domineering father yet cannot resist matchmaking for other people. My hero is a successful businessman and philanthropist who wants what he wants when he wants it. And what he wants is the heroine. Duh!
Haven't decided what the "black moment" will be. Probably he'll insist she marry him and she'll refuse. Probably--because not being a plotter--I don't know yet.
And that's the adventure of being a pantser!
BTW: If you're going to be in the Sacramento, CA area on October 3 and/or October 24 contact me for where and when I and several other local romance authors will be signing. deebrice@sbcglobal.net
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Never enough time
All writers seem to have this difficulty, so I'll just assume anyone reading this who's a writer does too. I've lately been caught up a complete revision my editor wanted. Her pertinent criticisms threw me for a while, but then I buckled down and am trying to do what she wanted. I'm one of those writers who loves every word in her little darlings of books, and I hate, hate, hate to cut. These revisions took about 6000 words, and as I always I'm ending up with a better book. Not easy for me to or to admit. So I'll take the easy path a post an excerpt from my book coming out Sept. 19th, Gareth's Gambit.
Gareth is the first son of Damien, the hero of Damien's Destiny. It's the second book in my series, Songs of the Mages. It's the story of how he and Morgana, the reluctant heroine, overcome their prejudices and faults to find each other. Here's an excerpt to whet your appetite, I hope.
"He motioned the three females down the hall and into a library. Katie and her mother looked around the beautifully furnished room, as a dark haired man rose to his feet behind a massive desk. Morgana’s eyes fastened on the viscount.
Katie’s whisper resounded perhaps a fraction less loudly than her last one.
“He’s even prettier, Morgana. Is he m‘nificent?”
Morgana flushed as her gaze focused on the handsomest man she’d ever seen. Dark hair curled at the ends over his collar. Not the fashion but desperately attractive on him, giving the impression of an untamed and unconventional spirit. Gray eyes that softened from their steely look as he spied Katie. Tall and slender in spite of his obviously muscled body. Magnetism positively oozed from every inch.
And she resented every separate inch of his seductive male body. She’d heard his father, Lord Sinclair was attractive and all his sons looked like him. No wonder this one was arrogant. Women probably chased him around the dance floor whenever they found the chance.
His lips curved into a genuinely amused smile. “Your thoughts are quite loud, Miss Monthill. No, I’m definitely not magnificent. And unfortunately no woman finds a chance to chase me. I don’t frequent ballrooms.”
Katie grinned, even though she didn’t understand all the pretty man said.
Morgana bristled with indignation. “A charlatan’s trick, sir. I’m disappointed you tried one so soon. I don’t believe anyone can read minds. You’ve probably basked in enough women giving you encouragement to say something like that with confidence.”
Amy gasped and put startled hands to her mouth. “Morgana, I’m here to ask a favor. Don’t make the gentleman angry, please.”
Lord Hunter looked at her gravely, the smile wiped abruptly from his face. His arrogantly masculine face. In spite of its strong angles and planes, he was far too handsome to ever be trusted.
“Your pardon, ladies. I have a bad habit of sounding facetious. Please sit down and tell me why you requested to see me, Mrs. Robbins.”
Morgana swallowed her feelings of distrust and throttled her tongue. She’d tried her best to keep Amy from consulting this man who claimed to be a mage. He and his brother were all rumored to be descended from the lineage of Merlin and the Lady of the Lake. A ridiculous bit of gossip. Reputedly his father was the most powerful mage alive, able to heal, see visions and work enchantments. Which he reportedly used only for a good cause. Truly a bunch of nonsense. She had only contempt for anyone who believed such feats were even possible. Her sister Amy sitting looking at him as if he were a miracle worker made Morgana even angrier.
If she provided him enough rope surely his own words would hang him. He’d make some ridiculous claim of such evident nonsense they could then leave. She didn’t at all enjoy the magnetic pull of his powerful body, making her want to reach out and stroke his splendid hair like a kitten’s enticing fur. Of course she’d never touch a man who made such absurd claims. Still, such wayward thoughts were not at all like her and her irritation increased. He was just another spoiled and good-looking man. Actually rather more than good-looking with his powerful build and impressive height. His face showed little expression, another point against him. His perfectly calm exterior definitely made her want to scream at him to stop his playacting."
Yep, Gareth and Morgana do have a bit of trouble getting together. But that's what a romance is all about, isn't it? Would love to have your reaction to this bit of Gareth's Gambit.
Clapping of hands here!!!!! I just got my new video for this book. If you have time go to www/youtube.com/jswriter7. I love it.
Gareth is the first son of Damien, the hero of Damien's Destiny. It's the second book in my series, Songs of the Mages. It's the story of how he and Morgana, the reluctant heroine, overcome their prejudices and faults to find each other. Here's an excerpt to whet your appetite, I hope.
"He motioned the three females down the hall and into a library. Katie and her mother looked around the beautifully furnished room, as a dark haired man rose to his feet behind a massive desk. Morgana’s eyes fastened on the viscount.
Katie’s whisper resounded perhaps a fraction less loudly than her last one.
“He’s even prettier, Morgana. Is he m‘nificent?”
Morgana flushed as her gaze focused on the handsomest man she’d ever seen. Dark hair curled at the ends over his collar. Not the fashion but desperately attractive on him, giving the impression of an untamed and unconventional spirit. Gray eyes that softened from their steely look as he spied Katie. Tall and slender in spite of his obviously muscled body. Magnetism positively oozed from every inch.
And she resented every separate inch of his seductive male body. She’d heard his father, Lord Sinclair was attractive and all his sons looked like him. No wonder this one was arrogant. Women probably chased him around the dance floor whenever they found the chance.
His lips curved into a genuinely amused smile. “Your thoughts are quite loud, Miss Monthill. No, I’m definitely not magnificent. And unfortunately no woman finds a chance to chase me. I don’t frequent ballrooms.”
Katie grinned, even though she didn’t understand all the pretty man said.
Morgana bristled with indignation. “A charlatan’s trick, sir. I’m disappointed you tried one so soon. I don’t believe anyone can read minds. You’ve probably basked in enough women giving you encouragement to say something like that with confidence.”
Amy gasped and put startled hands to her mouth. “Morgana, I’m here to ask a favor. Don’t make the gentleman angry, please.”
Lord Hunter looked at her gravely, the smile wiped abruptly from his face. His arrogantly masculine face. In spite of its strong angles and planes, he was far too handsome to ever be trusted.
“Your pardon, ladies. I have a bad habit of sounding facetious. Please sit down and tell me why you requested to see me, Mrs. Robbins.”
Morgana swallowed her feelings of distrust and throttled her tongue. She’d tried her best to keep Amy from consulting this man who claimed to be a mage. He and his brother were all rumored to be descended from the lineage of Merlin and the Lady of the Lake. A ridiculous bit of gossip. Reputedly his father was the most powerful mage alive, able to heal, see visions and work enchantments. Which he reportedly used only for a good cause. Truly a bunch of nonsense. She had only contempt for anyone who believed such feats were even possible. Her sister Amy sitting looking at him as if he were a miracle worker made Morgana even angrier.
If she provided him enough rope surely his own words would hang him. He’d make some ridiculous claim of such evident nonsense they could then leave. She didn’t at all enjoy the magnetic pull of his powerful body, making her want to reach out and stroke his splendid hair like a kitten’s enticing fur. Of course she’d never touch a man who made such absurd claims. Still, such wayward thoughts were not at all like her and her irritation increased. He was just another spoiled and good-looking man. Actually rather more than good-looking with his powerful build and impressive height. His face showed little expression, another point against him. His perfectly calm exterior definitely made her want to scream at him to stop his playacting."
Yep, Gareth and Morgana do have a bit of trouble getting together. But that's what a romance is all about, isn't it? Would love to have your reaction to this bit of Gareth's Gambit.
Clapping of hands here!!!!! I just got my new video for this book. If you have time go to www/youtube.com/jswriter7. I love it.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
The Time Traveler's Wife
I haven't seen the movie - too busy getting ready to move and taking a holiday and sorting out clothing to send to thrift shops. Having said all that, I read a review for the movie and the reviewer, Rick Groen, gave such a neat little description of "sentimental fiction" that I had to share it.
"In sentimental fiction, if not in sorry reality, romance's heart always pound to the same reassuring three beats, and the script is the trusty metronome that keeps time. It's rhythm never varies, (1) introduce the problem; (2) complicate the problem; (3) resolve the problem. " He goes on to say the movies has few complications and seldom has the course of love run more smoothly.
Perhaps the 1, 2, 3 he lays out is worth sticking on the desk as you ponder the scenes. Introduce the Problem. Complicate the Problem. Resolve the Problem.
Goal. Motivation. Conflict. Same rhythm as the above, 1,2,3.
If only writing were that simple. Do we get lost in too much narrative? Not enough useful dialogue to move the plot. As for conflict! It's not a punch-up with bloody noses. It can be subtly devastating and hard to get a handle on.
I have many faults and one is not doing a thorough work-up on each significant character in my stories. When I have moved and settled into my new small apartment. I intend to mend my ways.
In the meantime, I have more to do to-day and tomorrow and tomorrow. I may miss my August 30 Goddess blog. I shall do my best so forgive me if I miss that day. As General Douglas MacCarthur (sp?) said, "I shall return."
Drop by my web site, www.anitabirt.com and check out my books, quotes and news.
Anita
"In sentimental fiction, if not in sorry reality, romance's heart always pound to the same reassuring three beats, and the script is the trusty metronome that keeps time. It's rhythm never varies, (1) introduce the problem; (2) complicate the problem; (3) resolve the problem. " He goes on to say the movies has few complications and seldom has the course of love run more smoothly.
Perhaps the 1, 2, 3 he lays out is worth sticking on the desk as you ponder the scenes. Introduce the Problem. Complicate the Problem. Resolve the Problem.
Goal. Motivation. Conflict. Same rhythm as the above, 1,2,3.
If only writing were that simple. Do we get lost in too much narrative? Not enough useful dialogue to move the plot. As for conflict! It's not a punch-up with bloody noses. It can be subtly devastating and hard to get a handle on.
I have many faults and one is not doing a thorough work-up on each significant character in my stories. When I have moved and settled into my new small apartment. I intend to mend my ways.
In the meantime, I have more to do to-day and tomorrow and tomorrow. I may miss my August 30 Goddess blog. I shall do my best so forgive me if I miss that day. As General Douglas MacCarthur (sp?) said, "I shall return."
Drop by my web site, www.anitabirt.com and check out my books, quotes and news.
Anita
Friday, August 14, 2009
TGIF Contest
Okay today is my day to blog. Problem? I've got nothing to write about. I'm drained from revisions and life. So, instead of boring you with my life's trials and tribulations I'm hosting a contest.
I have a new release coming in Sept from Aspen Mountain Press called Heat Waves. Answer two questions correctly and you could win a copy of one of my recent releases. You can check out those at http://amberskyze.blogspot.com/
1. What is the name of the Limo driver?
2. What is Nina afraid will happen to Cindy?
HINT: You can find the answer to both questions below in the excerpt.
Once you've found the answers post them in the comment section. Tomorrow I'll pick a winner.
Hope you enjoy this little contest. :-)
Blurb:
Ever wonder about the face behind the voice of a radio DJ?
Nina Walters has. She can’t get enough of disc jockey Ty’s sexy baritone. He has her masturbating to his voice daily. When he challenges his listeners to a contest Nina wants the upper hand. Luckily for her, her best friend, Cindy, works at the radio station.
Ty is offering a dream date, with him, to one lucky winner. He’s almost positive no one will guess the answer correctly. So, when Nina does he’s floored. Being a man of his word, he goes through with the date.
Sparks fly, but secrets linger. Will their heat for one another be enough to ride the waves of deception?
Excerpt:
Nina struggled to keep up with him. She couldn’t imagine why he was ignoring her. She hung up on Cindy with no explanation. She needed to find out what was wrong with Ty. She watched him climb into the front of the limo. When she reached the door she pulled on the lever.
Locked. She knocked on the black-tinted window.
No response.
She knocked again, this time louder.
Still no response.
“I know you’re in there, Ty. Please come out and tell me what’s wrong,” she pleaded.
Why was he ignoring her? What had she done? Besides waiting for him to come out of the bathroom, she’d thought they were having a good time. What had changed his mind?
Jasper opened his door and stepped out. “Ms. Walters, let me get the door for you.” He opened the back door and waited for her to step in.
“I’m not getting in until Ty explains to me what the hell is going on.” Her voice grew louder as her frustration mounted.
“Ms. Walters, please.”
She knew she was making Jasper uncomfortable, but she didn’t care. She couldn’t understand what was going on.
“I’m not moving, so either you have Ty get his ass out of the car and talk to me, or you can leave me here.”
Jasper closed the door and disappeared into the limo, leaving her standing there.
Just fucking great. Was he going to take her seriously and leave her? He wouldn’t would he? This was ridiculous. Was he some kind of weirdo? Did he do this often? They’d shared an incredible day. What the fuck was going on?
She counted to one hundred. No one exited the limo, but it didn’t drive away either. Maybe that was a good sign. She paced the length of the limo racking her brain. She couldn’t figure it out, unless…
Oh shit!
Had he heard her conversation with Cindy? She hadn’t said enough to have him understand—had she? She’d continually looked over her shoulder to see if he was coming. Had he snuck up on her and listened to her private conversation? That would have been rude. But still, she couldn’t wrap her thoughts around what would make his so mad. She hadn’t said anything incrementing. If she had and he was pissed Cindy could lose her job.
That would be the nightmare of all nightmares.
When she reached two hundred and still no Ty, she went back to his side and knocked on the window.
I have a new release coming in Sept from Aspen Mountain Press called Heat Waves. Answer two questions correctly and you could win a copy of one of my recent releases. You can check out those at http://amberskyze.blogspot.com/
1. What is the name of the Limo driver?
2. What is Nina afraid will happen to Cindy?
HINT: You can find the answer to both questions below in the excerpt.
Once you've found the answers post them in the comment section. Tomorrow I'll pick a winner.
Hope you enjoy this little contest. :-)
Blurb:
Ever wonder about the face behind the voice of a radio DJ?
Nina Walters has. She can’t get enough of disc jockey Ty’s sexy baritone. He has her masturbating to his voice daily. When he challenges his listeners to a contest Nina wants the upper hand. Luckily for her, her best friend, Cindy, works at the radio station.
Ty is offering a dream date, with him, to one lucky winner. He’s almost positive no one will guess the answer correctly. So, when Nina does he’s floored. Being a man of his word, he goes through with the date.
Sparks fly, but secrets linger. Will their heat for one another be enough to ride the waves of deception?
Excerpt:
Nina struggled to keep up with him. She couldn’t imagine why he was ignoring her. She hung up on Cindy with no explanation. She needed to find out what was wrong with Ty. She watched him climb into the front of the limo. When she reached the door she pulled on the lever.
Locked. She knocked on the black-tinted window.
No response.
She knocked again, this time louder.
Still no response.
“I know you’re in there, Ty. Please come out and tell me what’s wrong,” she pleaded.
Why was he ignoring her? What had she done? Besides waiting for him to come out of the bathroom, she’d thought they were having a good time. What had changed his mind?
Jasper opened his door and stepped out. “Ms. Walters, let me get the door for you.” He opened the back door and waited for her to step in.
“I’m not getting in until Ty explains to me what the hell is going on.” Her voice grew louder as her frustration mounted.
“Ms. Walters, please.”
She knew she was making Jasper uncomfortable, but she didn’t care. She couldn’t understand what was going on.
“I’m not moving, so either you have Ty get his ass out of the car and talk to me, or you can leave me here.”
Jasper closed the door and disappeared into the limo, leaving her standing there.
Just fucking great. Was he going to take her seriously and leave her? He wouldn’t would he? This was ridiculous. Was he some kind of weirdo? Did he do this often? They’d shared an incredible day. What the fuck was going on?
She counted to one hundred. No one exited the limo, but it didn’t drive away either. Maybe that was a good sign. She paced the length of the limo racking her brain. She couldn’t figure it out, unless…
Oh shit!
Had he heard her conversation with Cindy? She hadn’t said enough to have him understand—had she? She’d continually looked over her shoulder to see if he was coming. Had he snuck up on her and listened to her private conversation? That would have been rude. But still, she couldn’t wrap her thoughts around what would make his so mad. She hadn’t said anything incrementing. If she had and he was pissed Cindy could lose her job.
That would be the nightmare of all nightmares.
When she reached two hundred and still no Ty, she went back to his side and knocked on the window.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
August Thirteenth
The 13th of every month is my day to blog and I almost always forget my day. Not today. I remembered because today is an anniversary and a bad memory. On this day, oh...I don't know how many years ago...I married my first husband. We eloped and were married before a Justice of the Peace in front of two witnesses.
Why oh why did I do this? Why on earth did I run off and marry someone I barely knew? To this day, I have no idea why I married an utter nightmare of a human being. I suppose I could be New Age about the entire experience and say...well...there are no mistakes. We are destined to do the things we do so we can learn and grow and blah...blah...blah. Maybe there's something to that. I certainly did learn an awful lot. But I was also very young, very troubled, very afraid, and blinded by my screwed up past. I didn't stand before the Justice of the Peace as a hopeful young bride. I stood there, legs shaking, filled with the absolute conviction that I was doing the wrong thing yet I did it anyway. How crazy is that!
Every single August 13th, I remember as if it's happening in the present. The day has left an indelible mark on me - like a tattoo. But by tomorrow, I will have forgotten all over again. Despite the fact that New Year's Day is January 1, my year always begins on August 14th. August 13th is how I've marked my calendar year ever since.
So that's why I remembered it's my day to blog!
Why oh why did I do this? Why on earth did I run off and marry someone I barely knew? To this day, I have no idea why I married an utter nightmare of a human being. I suppose I could be New Age about the entire experience and say...well...there are no mistakes. We are destined to do the things we do so we can learn and grow and blah...blah...blah. Maybe there's something to that. I certainly did learn an awful lot. But I was also very young, very troubled, very afraid, and blinded by my screwed up past. I didn't stand before the Justice of the Peace as a hopeful young bride. I stood there, legs shaking, filled with the absolute conviction that I was doing the wrong thing yet I did it anyway. How crazy is that!
Every single August 13th, I remember as if it's happening in the present. The day has left an indelible mark on me - like a tattoo. But by tomorrow, I will have forgotten all over again. Despite the fact that New Year's Day is January 1, my year always begins on August 14th. August 13th is how I've marked my calendar year ever since.
So that's why I remembered it's my day to blog!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)