Russ
Dark Lord
Erotica isn't "absurdly perverted" either.
-
Welcome to the Fantasy Writing Forums. Register Now to join us!
What are you Reading Now?
- Thread starter Mythopoet
- Start date
Erotica isn't "absurdly perverted" either.
FifthView
Dark Lord
I'm reading Man, Oh Man: Writing Quality M/M Fiction by Josh Lanyon. I haven't written in the genre yet but have read in the genre and am working on a novel I'll begin writing this weekend. A lot of it's pretty basic stuff, but reading how-to's from a romance novelist's POV, about m/m romance specifically, is helpful.
TheCrystallineEntity
Dark Lord
Oops. Yeah, I meant pages, not words. 
I'm very picky about the types of romance books I like [though, I'm picky about everything...] Most of the romance books I read are also fantasy, and I'm a bit disappointed that there aren't more fantasy boy-boy or girl-girl romance stories.
I'm very picky about the types of romance books I like [though, I'm picky about everything...] Most of the romance books I read are also fantasy, and I'm a bit disappointed that there aren't more fantasy boy-boy or girl-girl romance stories.
Correct. It all amounts to personal taste. But apparently there are some things I need to keep to myself.
DragonOfTheAerie
Istari
Oops. Yeah, I meant pages, not words.
I'm very picky about the types of romance books I like [though, I'm picky about everything...] Most of the romance books I read are also fantasy, and I'm a bit disappointed that there aren't more fantasy boy-boy or girl-girl romance stories.
I can't interest myself in romance. I try to, but my mind wanders just reading the blurb on the back cover. I would like to try out a variety of books, but this variety apparently is not for me.
Correct. It all amounts to personal taste. But apparently there are some things I need to keep to myself.
I'd say it's the opposite.
Statements disparaging the opinions of others should be kept off this site.
The Mythic Scribes guidelines clearly state that one should keep an open mind during debate & that we are expected to treat other members with respect.
Last edited:
Romance is a beautiful part of life. Without it, none of us would exist. I love reading about mature feelings and how people sacrifice for one another. It is truly a magical experience to know that you would die for someone and that someone would die for you. Sue me, it's what I love. Romance is about emotion, intimacy, and the creation of an unbreakable bond the likes of which people cross mountains to gain.
Russ
Dark Lord
And human sexuality is also something that is an important part of many people's lives. Literature and art has been discussing the depicting it for thousands of years.
It's one thing to debate the merits and impact of romance or erotica on our society - I would dread such a conversation, but there's certainly room for it and fair points to be made all around - but it's quite another to become hostile just because somebody mentions that they read or write it.
You may have and express whatever opinion you want, but do so in a way that invites sharing and discussion, not in a way that seeks to shut other people down.
You may have and express whatever opinion you want, but do so in a way that invites sharing and discussion, not in a way that seeks to shut other people down.
DragonOfTheAerie
Istari
Interestingly enough, I love a good romantic subplot in a story not otherwise focused on it. I think of it as an important component to a larger story. But...that's me.
TheCrystallineEntity
Dark Lord
A lot of people, for sure. But not me. But, then, I'm just being redundant.
Um...is it alright then, that I stay far, far away from erotica and sexuality? Is that looking down upon others who like it? I don't think so, but I really don't want to make mistakes here! Or am I being sensitive, as usual, since I don't want to upset anyone if my opinions aren't so good. Then again, I am an amateur [a word which in my mental dictionary means, drawing from the original Latin meaning, 'one who does what they love'; and has nothing to do with a new working person]. Though that simple definition makes me seem arrogant, right. I'll be quiet about that.
Here's something kind of interesting: when does romance move into pure, possibly universal [depending on your definition] love, if that happens at all? But, of course, that might be untrue and that sort of thing rarely happens.
[Am I always this insecure, trying to please everyone at once? Quite likely.]
Last edited:
FifthView
Dark Lord
Perhaps the topic(s) of romance and erotica ought to be discussed under a dedicated thread, maybe under Writing Questions, if only because the subject is huge, heh, possibly complex, and even not 100% defined the same way by everyone.
In the book I'm reading (mentioned above), various writers, readers, and publishers of m/m romance are surveyed, and even among those who like the genre, not everyone looks at these things the same way. One went so far as to separate porn, erotica, erotic romance, and sensual romance. The author of the book I'm reading stresses that "m/m" is a romance genre, so romance is the key regardless of whether there's much sex or very little: intimacy and sex are only important insofar as the character development and/or plot (and these are very closely tied in a romance novel) are advanced. But he also mentions the fact that not everyone who writes m/m approaches the genre in that way. (He's a bit critical, negatively, in this regard.)
Then there are the subgenres of m/m, like mystery, historical fiction, and speculative fiction, in which those elements need to be developed just as much as the romantic plot. (Although some I've read in the fantasy genre skimped on developing the fantasy elements...not in a great way.) Once you consider these and the many possible approaches, discussing personal preferences re: romance novels might become complicated.
In the book I'm reading (mentioned above), various writers, readers, and publishers of m/m romance are surveyed, and even among those who like the genre, not everyone looks at these things the same way. One went so far as to separate porn, erotica, erotic romance, and sensual romance. The author of the book I'm reading stresses that "m/m" is a romance genre, so romance is the key regardless of whether there's much sex or very little: intimacy and sex are only important insofar as the character development and/or plot (and these are very closely tied in a romance novel) are advanced. But he also mentions the fact that not everyone who writes m/m approaches the genre in that way. (He's a bit critical, negatively, in this regard.)
Then there are the subgenres of m/m, like mystery, historical fiction, and speculative fiction, in which those elements need to be developed just as much as the romantic plot. (Although some I've read in the fantasy genre skimped on developing the fantasy elements...not in a great way.) Once you consider these and the many possible approaches, discussing personal preferences re: romance novels might become complicated.
La Volpe
Mystagogue
Well that escalated quickly.
To (perhaps) get this thread kind of back topic: I've started reading Stephen King's On Writing for the fourth or fifth time. I find that it motivates me to write when I'm in kind of a slump as I am now.
I'm also busy with The Dinosaur Lords by Victor Milán, but despite how awesome it is, I find it hard to stay interested by it. Sigh.
To (perhaps) get this thread kind of back topic: I've started reading Stephen King's On Writing for the fourth or fifth time. I find that it motivates me to write when I'm in kind of a slump as I am now.
I'm also busy with The Dinosaur Lords by Victor Milán, but despite how awesome it is, I find it hard to stay interested by it. Sigh.
Fantastic book. One of the very few craft books I've read more than once.
TheCrystallineEntity
Dark Lord
I'm sorry, everyone. I'm overly cautious about upsetting people, so I was tying myself up in knots trying not to seem mean.
I've just finished rereading the whole Thursday Next series.
I might reread Sabriel, Lirael, and Abhorsen again, as well. I do hope Gareth NIx writes more.
I've just finished rereading the whole Thursday Next series.
I might reread Sabriel, Lirael, and Abhorsen again, as well. I do hope Gareth NIx writes more.
This shouldn't be a concern. People are free to express opinions, but they're expected to do so with tact & grace.I'm sorry, everyone. I'm overly cautious about upsetting people, so I was tying myself up in knots trying not to seem mean.
Even heated arguments, between people with vastly different opinions and backgrounds, can be handled with respect.
Addison
Dark Lord
I'm reading "Six of Crows" for the nth time while I wait for the sequel, "Crooked Kingdom" to freaking get to my mailbox. Anyone who's a fan of Lord of the Rings, the Mistborn series, or Leverage, will finish this book in one night and never forget it. It's my new favorite, and I grew up on Harry Potter. That's how good it is!
- Thread starter
- #958
Mythopoet
Dark Lord
I'm just curious, because I'm a huge fan of LOTR and I have read the synopsis of Six of Crows and it didn't appeal to me at all, what is it about the book that makes you think fans of LOTR would like it too? From the synopsis it seems to me like it would be difficult to find two more different fantasy novels. I am simply wondering because I always find it fascinating how different people react to books in different ways.
DragonOfTheAerie
Istari
Oh, I love that one! O_O Sooooo good. I finished it in the wee hours of the morning and sent my book friend like 30 panicked fangirling texts, haha. And I haven't read Crooked Kingdom either, it keeps being checked out at the library...
Brian Scott Allen
Dark Lord
Just finished Tjree Parts dead. Russ was right only an equity partner can revive a God.