I’ve had two responses to this question so far ( I was really hoping to start a real discussion, but I’ll take what I can get. ^_^ ). Joe Bolin thinks along the same lines as I do. The sex is vital, but must fit within the plot of the story. If I wanted to write jerk off material, and I have, plot wouldn’t be important. But, I want it to be important. I want to write a full story, with actual protagonists and antagonists and adventure and thrills and, oh by the way, SEX.
The novel series beginning with 50 Shades of Gray is now, like it or not, the ‘gold’ standard for mainstream erotica now days. Whether you love it or hate it, you likely have an opinion about it and you know what that means? It means E.L. James has written a book that is selling and has touched a chord in the minds of millions of people. I am extremely grateful for her work because it’s lent an air of ‘respectability’ to a once taboo genre. For crying out loud, it’s numbers one two AND three on the New York Times best sellers list. And she’s sold the movie rights.
If I’m going to emulate someone, why not emulate (NOT RIP OFF OR PLAGIARIZE) an author why not follow the mold of someone who is extremely successful.
For those of you who have not actually read the book, the first sex scene doesn’t appear until almost exactly half way through the first novel! There is, of course, plenty of sex in the books, but there is a LOT more talking about and flirting and buildup to sex than actual sex. Once they are having sex, it’s off the scale hot but it doesn’t go on forever.
That’s what I’m trying to do with my novel. Write a compelling story that also includes some hot sex scenes. Because, life is a compelling story with, hopefully, some hot sex thrown in to keep the characters (us) happy and sane. ^_^
My particular story is a Paranormal Erotic piece. The impetus for the story was a girl friend of mine who hated “Twilight” because she loves wolves. She said she would have gone for the werewolf in a heart beat and could I please write her a short story where the main character chooses the wolf and not the vampire. She also wanted an adult version not a high school romance version. In others words, she wanted an erotic piece.
I’ve spent the last few months trying to build a fan base of kinky followers using every social media format I could think of (Twitter, Tumblr, G+, Blogger, some adult movie sites, etc.). People that I thought/think would enjoy a sex packed story. Now I’m beginning to wonder about the wisdom of building a ‘fan base’ of pervs. Don’t misinterpret that description. I wear that tag quite proudly. lol.
As I’ve said, many times, I’m a new writer and have not read much mainstream Erotica. I’ve read stuff on Literotica and other sex story sites. My only main stream erotica is the 50 Shades trilogy.
Sigh
I want advice. I’m still struggling with how much sex the book needs in order to stay in the Erotica category. I want to be in the category because the sex i do write is hard core. Without it being categorized as Erotica it wouldn’t have a home and I definitely want it to be salable in a proper book store. The first edition will be on Shashwords as an eBook but I retain rights so I can put out new editions where ever I can sell them. If I get enough sales on Smashwords, I feel as though I can go to an agent and say, “Hey, I have already sold xxxx books, can you get me a print deal?”.
In the mean time. I’m working away on the story and relish any advice that other authors are able and willing to offer a novice. ^_^ please.
Kisses,
Aki