I think some of the riskiest, most daring writing is happening in erotic. Premises that shock me, characters who challenge the definition of hero and heroine ... and I'm not talking about the sex. Which, by the way, questions everything acceptable between men and women, etc.
I love the varying approaches to sex and romance. Every author has a different slant and it's fun (and titillating!) to see how each carries me off to experience the adventure along with the characters.
The publishing industry in general is changing, broadening the scope of material covered and pushing boundaries into areas and topics formerly not discussed openly and relegated to adult stores. This mirrors changes in society - twenty years ago, would we have seen television commercials mentioning erectile dysfunction? Of course, most of the increased visibility deals with men's problems, but our day will come!
Did I mention the covers are hot? And the story lines are hotter! Bring 'em on!
I have utterly no problems with erotica -- I write it myself.
I do, however, have issues with books that don't have HEAs that are marketed as erotic romance. If there isn't a HEA or even a HFN, it's not romance, it's erotica. I don't want to pick up a book thinking there's going to be a happy ending between the hero and the heroine and then have the heroine leave the dude because she needs to "find herself" or some such bull.
And I agree with what is being said here, erotica can at times push boundries and I for one, enjoy reading books that challenge me and push me past my comfort zone every now and then.
Yes Liddy, you're right, times are changing and our reading tastes are changeing as well. Writers and publishing houses are all responding.
A year ago my local Chapter's store had two small rows of erotica/erotic romance hidden on the lowest shelves with Westerns above them. Now they have a whole section dedicated to erotica. One of the staff told me that section is continuing to expand at an indredible rate. YAY!
And the covers...wow...I just love them. Especially mine!!
I love a good erotic romance but I am not sure about erotica. I generally don't like to read about the sexual journey of characters for the sake of the journey. I like to read ramped up romances.
Has Avon done focus groups where the erotica v. erotic romance is a big seller? Ie., is there a big need to be filled for straight erotica?
What about erotica romance in different time periods and alternate worlds? Do any of you find contemporary versus hisortical settings an advantage, disadvantage, or time period doesn't matter?
I noticed a number of the erotica romances published take place either in an alternative world, another plantet, or involve paranormal elements? (Waving to Cathy Fox. She was great to share one of her erotica romances with me published "by another company" that had werewolves as main characters.) So, do any of you think the setting makes a difference to the reader? How do you think paranormal elements (like vampires, etc) play into the acceptance of erotica romance, if at all? I'll be interested in your viewpoints
I think it's here to stay and I think it's changing the way readers look at romances. But I think that daring premises and shocking things and super-unique protagonists belong in traditional romances also!
11 Comments:
I think some of the riskiest, most daring writing is happening in erotic. Premises that shock me, characters who challenge the definition of hero and heroine ... and I'm not talking about the sex. Which, by the way, questions everything acceptable between men and women, etc.
Mary
2:10 PM
Just like Mary and Jenna said. :-)
I love erotica and erotic romances because they shock me.
The authors write hot fantasies where I as a person would be too shy to explore. lol
I'm addicted to erotica and erotic romances and I love the way they make me feel when I write them and read them. ;-)
jan *blushing*
7:58 PM
And Cathryn and Leda!
I soooooo look forward to reading your books!!
Great covers. :-)
Hugs,
jan
8:03 PM
Erotic romance rules!
Plus the covers are HOT...
I love the varying approaches to sex and romance. Every author has a different slant and it's fun (and titillating!) to see how each carries me off to experience the adventure along with the characters.
The publishing industry in general is changing, broadening the scope of material covered and pushing boundaries into areas and topics formerly not discussed openly and relegated to adult stores. This mirrors changes in society - twenty years ago, would we have seen television commercials mentioning erectile dysfunction? Of course, most of the increased visibility deals with men's problems, but our day will come!
Did I mention the covers are hot? And the story lines are hotter! Bring 'em on!
Hugs,
Liddy
8:55 PM
I agree with Mary and Jenna.
10:55 PM
I have utterly no problems with erotica -- I write it myself.
I do, however, have issues with books that don't have HEAs that are marketed as erotic romance. If there isn't a HEA or even a HFN, it's not romance, it's erotica. I don't want to pick up a book thinking there's going to be a happy ending between the hero and the heroine and then have the heroine leave the dude because she needs to "find herself" or some such bull.
1:44 AM
Long live erotica and erotic romance!!
And I agree with what is being said here, erotica can at times push boundries and I for one, enjoy reading books that challenge me and push me past my comfort zone every now and then.
Yes Liddy, you're right, times are changing and our reading tastes are changeing as well. Writers and publishing houses are all responding.
A year ago my local Chapter's store had two small rows of erotica/erotic romance hidden on the lowest shelves with Westerns above them. Now they have a whole section dedicated to erotica. One of the staff told me that section is continuing to expand at an indredible rate. YAY!
And the covers...wow...I just love them. Especially mine!!
6:52 AM
I love a good erotic romance but I am not sure about erotica. I generally don't like to read about the sexual journey of characters for the sake of the journey. I like to read ramped up romances.
Has Avon done focus groups where the erotica v. erotic romance is a big seller? Ie., is there a big need to be filled for straight erotica?
10:58 AM
What about erotica romance in different time periods and alternate worlds? Do any of you find contemporary versus hisortical settings an advantage, disadvantage, or time period doesn't matter?
I noticed a number of the erotica romances published take place either in an alternative world, another plantet, or involve paranormal elements? (Waving to Cathy Fox. She was great to share one of her erotica romances with me published "by another company" that had werewolves as main characters.)
So, do any of you think the setting makes a difference to the reader? How do you think paranormal elements (like vampires, etc) play into the acceptance of erotica romance, if at all?
I'll be interested in your viewpoints
5:00 PM
Gorgeous covers. I pre-ordered Pleasure Control from a Cdn on-line bookseller just the other day.
Cindy
7:26 PM
I think it's here to stay and I think it's changing the way readers look at romances. But I think that daring premises and shocking things and super-unique protagonists belong in traditional romances also!
9:29 PM
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