HOW MUCH SEX IS ENOUGH?
Happy hump day (that's Wednesday, in case you hadn't heard that expression, not happy "humping" day *LOL*)!
Today's topic is about sexual content in books. Those who keep up with Mrs. Giggles know that she recently editorialized about erotica books and included the Brava and Blaze lines in her rant. Arguably, Blaze isn't erotica, but it's still a spicy line for Harlequin. Anyway, my question is, what is your criteria for an erotic romance? Should sex be central to the plot? What about a strong, engaging story that contains explicit sex scenes? What does it take to satisfy you? **BWG**
I've written both. In Love Lessons and Hay Fever, having sex was critical to the main plot. Heart of a Soldier, my latest, has a time travel romance plot that happens to have hot sex scenes between the hero and heroine. As a reader, I don't care. In fact, the plot can be a lot meatier (no pun intended!) than a sexual oriented story. But what about you as a reader?
Tell me, how much sex is enough for you? In an erotic romance, that is!
Nessie
Today's topic is about sexual content in books. Those who keep up with Mrs. Giggles know that she recently editorialized about erotica books and included the Brava and Blaze lines in her rant. Arguably, Blaze isn't erotica, but it's still a spicy line for Harlequin. Anyway, my question is, what is your criteria for an erotic romance? Should sex be central to the plot? What about a strong, engaging story that contains explicit sex scenes? What does it take to satisfy you? **BWG**
I've written both. In Love Lessons and Hay Fever, having sex was critical to the main plot. Heart of a Soldier, my latest, has a time travel romance plot that happens to have hot sex scenes between the hero and heroine. As a reader, I don't care. In fact, the plot can be a lot meatier (no pun intended!) than a sexual oriented story. But what about you as a reader?
Tell me, how much sex is enough for you? In an erotic romance, that is!
Nessie
SExed by Vanessa Hart at 5:53 AM
19 Comments:
As a reader, it doesn't usually matter to me. I'll read both types you described. However, now that I think about it, I guess I do tend to prefer books with good plots that happen to have sex in them a bit more than those that are totally sex-focused with little or no real plot. I also like those that have a nice balance of plot and sex.
Did I make any sense? LOL
There's a fine line between porno and romantic erotica. If any certain words are used, or if the act of orgams is spelled with a "u" instead of "come"--then I cringe.
I read a lesbian erotica book called "Rika's Jewel." It was a strange, but unique story--and there was a story! However, the sex was unrealistic.
I read "Slave Girl of Gor"--and generally, I've enjoyed the Gor series. Save that the Slave Girl of Gor says, "Rape me, Master." Uh, no. Perhaps Master should buy her a brain, instead. Yanno?
My mother says my books have too much sex and not enough violence. The 16-year old daughter of a friend of mine apparently read my first novel and was completely enthralled with the words "engorged bud." Hey...at least I didn't write, "he whipped out his purple-helmeted warrior of love."
I do rather enjoy a good bit of purple prose at times :)
Plot is important. Sex without plot is like a porno movie filmed in an empty house--i.e., no set. Just the carpet and bare walls. I want the walls filled with art and the carpet warmed by the glow from the fireplace.
D.
I prefer books with good plots that happen to have sex in them more than those that are totally sex with no real story.
"a strong, engaging story that contains explicit sex scenes"
That's what I like in erotic romance. And, I think a lot of juicy sex scenes are what make erotica. Give me lots of sex, sex, sex....
I'd like my life to be lots of sex with no real plot--especially no crisis moments. But I want a book to have a good story with some sex.
Good question!
Dee
www.deesknight.com
I tend to lose interest in a book after the first sex scene. Unless it's really, really hot! That said, I prefer at least two scenes but it's according to the plot. Those action packed, run for your life type of books? More sex the better!
Robin
I prefer to have a good plot and strong characterizations over sex, unless the latter is written really well and the plot is reasonably well written...then I am willing to make a couple of allowances. However, I have read some books that have an awful lot in love scenes, but the authors manage not to stint on storyline. Well, there you have it...sometimes I like it as my main course and sometimes as a side, but I prefer to have all of the elements to the feast kept at high standards.
Little Lamb Lost
Great discussion! Frankly, I agree with almost everything you all have posted. Readers can not live by sex alone**gg**
Thanks for your comments!
Nessie
LOL! Good answer, Dee.
I don't want a romance with a strong plot that just happens to have hot sex scenes. Nor do I want a romance that's all sex with a weak plot. In an erotic romance, every sex scene should be integral to the development of plot, character motivation/growth and romance. There's a reason for them to be there and the story would lose its effectiveness if you take away the scenes. Hope I'm making sense.
I prefer a good plot with lots of hot sex that fits into it. Too much of a good thing just gets repetitive not stimulating. If it is the natural result of their attraction according to the plot, well more is better.
In all honesty, I've not read a release from my publisher (Liquid Silver) that doesn't qualify as the perfect blend of engaging plot and hot sex. Yet, no two are alike, at least none I've read. Not that I've read them all, but I've read many. There are too many talented authors here to keep up with.
So many good books, so little time!
Nessie
I like a story that has sex, lots of it. In an erotic romance I want to feel the emotions the h/h has during the act and I want it explicit. If sex is part of the plot then I expect a lot of sex and expect it to be explicit. That being said, I don't want a sex scene thrown in haphazzardly throughout the story. I can read porn if that's what I want.
Well said, Maria. Thanks for your input.
And thanks to everybody who blogged today. You had lots of interesting comments, the stuff that really helps a writer give you what you want in a book.
Nessie
I like a plot with my sex scenes. Otherwise it just seems cheap because if your trusting someone enough to be naked in front of them , you really should have some feeling for them.
I read most anything, but enjoy a lot of sex in a book, but must have a storyline.
Thanks, Tamara and Estella. I appreciate your input.
Nessie
Vanessa what a great topic!
I tend to like my erotica with more sex than plot...I love dialogue after a sex scene, when possible. I think you learn the most about characters and what motivates them.
When I write, I tend to put dialogue in with the sex scene. My current set of characters can't seem to get out of bed long enough to do anything. They are very frustrating!
Tina
I think it all depends on the story. Some lead to the direction of more sex and some characters are very tempered.
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