Shawna Hunter's Blog - Posts Tagged "bdsm"
Happy Thanksgiving
It's the Thanksgiving long weekend here in Canada and to celebrate I've got a little promotion set up.
I've made my self-published #ebook free from Oct 9th to the 13th.
Please get a copy and PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE leave a #Review!!!
https://www.amazon.com/Their-Meddling...Their Meddling Aunt: Sequel to Their Wild Little Girl
I had originally thought to do a giveaway for my new book, Beauty and the Bitch, on Facebook with one of those "Like+Comment to enter" giveaways but literally no one entered! That hurt my feelings a bit but I'm a big softy. So instead of being bitter I'll give you a free book and hope the quality of my writing, characters and story telling will entice you to check out my other works.
Who knows? You might just become a fan!
I've made my self-published #ebook free from Oct 9th to the 13th.
Please get a copy and PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE leave a #Review!!!
https://www.amazon.com/Their-Meddling...Their Meddling Aunt: Sequel to Their Wild Little Girl
I had originally thought to do a giveaway for my new book, Beauty and the Bitch, on Facebook with one of those "Like+Comment to enter" giveaways but literally no one entered! That hurt my feelings a bit but I'm a big softy. So instead of being bitter I'll give you a free book and hope the quality of my writing, characters and story telling will entice you to check out my other works.
Who knows? You might just become a fan!
It's finally here!!!
My combination of erotica and tragedy was the hardest book for me to write to date. The full gamut of emotions are on display and they took me through some very deep pain as well as some very steamy pleasure. I wept openly both writing and editing many parts of this book and it took nearly a year to bring to completion. I've been waiting for the release with bated breathe not quite sure when it would happen but it has. The goodreads page isn't up yet and I'm waiting for Amazon to let me add it to my author page but the link is hot. Master May I? BDSM Erotica like nothing that before has been released.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N11ZAGZ/...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N11ZAGZ/...
Beauty and the Audible Bitch
Beauty and the Bitch has been an incredible best seller. Reaching as high as #13 on Amazon's Lesbian Erotica list it's still in the top 1000. Now, finally, it's come to Audible as well. New reviews, new giveaways, new reviews all incoming. Perk up those ears, it's time!
http://www.audible.com/pd/Erotica-Sex...
http://www.audible.com/pd/Erotica-Sex...
Their Wild Little Girl SPEAKS
Well, when it rains it certainly does pour!!! My debut novel, Their Wild Little Girl, the book that made me an erotica author has finally come to Audible as well. 2 Audible releases in 1 day and it's the day after my fifth book was published? How lucky can one Author be? There's so much to do!
http://www.audible.com/pd/Erotica-Sex...
http://www.audible.com/pd/Erotica-Sex...
Nods to the hardcore
In my work a certain balance needs to be struck between BDSM reality and erotic fantasy. This is done for a variety of reasons mostly to do with narrative flow but I always like to sprinkle in a few bread crumbs for my kinkster readers. In my books you will find passing references to (among other things) CBT, Urine play (not gonna use the p word), castration/sissification fantasy (book 6, coming soon), body modification and other BDSM acts and fantasies which would be far too extreme for mainstream audiences and publishers. I do this not to show off my knowledge but to imply a broader world that there simply isn't the narrative space (yet) to put a focus on.
BDSM is huge with fantasies, practices, varying opinions, etc enough to fill a million books. So I like to sprinkle some of these throughout the world of my more mainstream novels to imply that depth and indicate that there's so much more to learn and to explore. I don't write how-to guides I write novels with a narrative structure and a framework for a series of story arcs between the books. Please enjoy my novels as such and have a little fun finding my Easter eggs and sprinkled references but (especially when it comes to the hardcore) if you're interested in learning more do your research. There are so many things waiting to be discovered.
BDSM is huge with fantasies, practices, varying opinions, etc enough to fill a million books. So I like to sprinkle some of these throughout the world of my more mainstream novels to imply that depth and indicate that there's so much more to learn and to explore. I don't write how-to guides I write novels with a narrative structure and a framework for a series of story arcs between the books. Please enjoy my novels as such and have a little fun finding my Easter eggs and sprinkled references but (especially when it comes to the hardcore) if you're interested in learning more do your research. There are so many things waiting to be discovered.
Skip it. Skip it good.
*Minor book spoilers below be warned!*
So Beauty and the Bitch primarily (but my other works as well) has gotten some criticism for "glossing over" or "ignoring" the negotiation stage of a BDSM relationship. This has ranged from just pointing it out "hey shouldn't they..." to rage quitting the book because the characters didn't have consent forms signed in triplicate and notarized before daring to touch each other even playfully. Honestly it's kind of an odd thing to focus on in the Brooke's Hollow universe but since people are I might as well address it.
Not that it's the only thing of this nature that gets sighted but lets use it as the prime example because many of the others are taste specific. So why do I skip or speed through the negotiations, contracts, etc that appear in so many other BDSM novels? Well the simple answer is that they appear in so many other novels! In a universe like Brooke's Hollow consent and negotiation would be as common place as deciding what to eat for dinner or dividing up bills and/or chores within a household. It's something mundane to the point of derailing the character-driven narratives I seek to present. Looking at books (and even more so the movie) like 50 Shades we see a heavy focus on contracts and negotiation and how did that turn out? As cinema sins so eloquently put it "but arguing about the contract is all you do!" So for things of this nature I prefer to leave them to so-called "off screen" moments unless it's something plot related.
This is something that has changed in me from book to book, however, and I am still fine tuning it. In Their Wild Little Girl consent was a big part of the narrative and there's an entire chapter long conversation dedicated to it (which is also an empowerment moment for Elizabeth). There are also numerous references in Their Wild Little Girl and Their Meddling Aunt to what they were eating. What I learned from writing those is that a lot of it was pointless. Sure the pancake thing is a cute quirk of Elizabeth's and the consent issue was a huge part of the relationship dynamic in the book but was it necessary to specify that they were eating chicken caesar salad or to spell out repeatedly that Elizabeth could say "no" even though she clearly understands this (as Marcus' nose can attest)? No. Looking back I didn't even have a plan to take a lot of those things anywhere (Elizabeth was never intended to use a safeword for example). It was just an unnecessary detail.
In later books I learned to chop that sort of thing out wherever possible. If it isn't important to the plot then the reader can be trusted to infer it. In Submission Backstory, for example, consent is discussed but certainly not to the level it is in Wild Little Girl. In fact the Alyssa/Jane encounter doesn't really have any discussion of consent. The scene is built to imply a sort of playful blackmail (a common erotic fantasy) with Alyssa's body language and enthusiasm left to convey that she is in no way doing it against her will. This story was more psychological, more about the inner temptations Alyssa was experiencing so consent wasn't all that big a part of the plot as the central conflict revolved around her wanting everything that was happening.
Next up, in Beauty and the Bitch (which was written during a hiatus from Master May I and is thus my 4th and 5th book depending on how you look at it) the story is meant for lighthearted escapism. Where the first 3 were varying themes on sexual temptation and grappling with one's desires here the idea is more about fun. Yes there's the fitness challenges and the job threat (not to mention that drug sub plot that connects to my upcoming release) but the story is primarily about being flirty and relaxed. Learning to be comfortable with who you are and to let down your guard and trust another person. Consent isn't that big a factor in the plot because for these characters it's all very much a game. The slap (that caused one reader to rage quit) was a playful thing which shocked Isabelle more than hurt her and the later sexual acts were all about exploration. If anything this story is the most hedonistic of my works to date but consent and care for one another are still there. They're just left to implications and subtle hints. The biggest one, of course, being Rachel's concern for Isabelle's well being as the competition grows closer.
It happens again in Master May I? (which I'm honestly surprised hasn't been criticized as heavily as Beauty and the Bitch for it). Here Alyssa can come across as ridiculously trusting. The concept is actually meant to show her experience and her self-reliance. The handcuff escape, for example, is meant to demonstrate that Alyssa always has a back-up plan. Now, again, consent is discussed in passing with both Darrius and Wendy but here more than ever it's brushed off. There are moments when even I imagined the character giving a little hand wave when answering questions about it. That is because these are very experienced players. The narrative is meant to lay out that, for them, safe words, consent, hard and soft limits, etc are all boiler plate things that everyone involved understands at a glance. If I were to have them really sit down "on screen" and hash it out it would come out as nothing more than 2 very bored people reading the terms of service on a new iphone. Sure, in real life, one would do that (right?) but in an erotic fantasy world that sort of thing would just be dull for the majority of readers.
All that said my books are exactly that, erotic fantasy. I keep the world as realistic as possible to aid the suspension of disbelief but since, as a reader, I don't care to read about how this character accessorizes, when that character uses the bathroom or how they discussed Red, Yellow, Green for the dozenth time I don't focus on that as a writer. Please understand that I am not writing how-to guides on real life BDSM (If you want one of those I suggest Screw the Roses Send me the Thorns). I should no more have to tell readers not to expect the real world to conform to the Brooke's Hollow norm than E.L. James should have to tell you that tripping into a Billionaire's office will likely not result in him marrying you. If you want non-fiction go to the non-fiction section. Erotica is a playground for fantasy and fantasy sometimes requires that we skip a few boring details.
So Beauty and the Bitch primarily (but my other works as well) has gotten some criticism for "glossing over" or "ignoring" the negotiation stage of a BDSM relationship. This has ranged from just pointing it out "hey shouldn't they..." to rage quitting the book because the characters didn't have consent forms signed in triplicate and notarized before daring to touch each other even playfully. Honestly it's kind of an odd thing to focus on in the Brooke's Hollow universe but since people are I might as well address it.
Not that it's the only thing of this nature that gets sighted but lets use it as the prime example because many of the others are taste specific. So why do I skip or speed through the negotiations, contracts, etc that appear in so many other BDSM novels? Well the simple answer is that they appear in so many other novels! In a universe like Brooke's Hollow consent and negotiation would be as common place as deciding what to eat for dinner or dividing up bills and/or chores within a household. It's something mundane to the point of derailing the character-driven narratives I seek to present. Looking at books (and even more so the movie) like 50 Shades we see a heavy focus on contracts and negotiation and how did that turn out? As cinema sins so eloquently put it "but arguing about the contract is all you do!" So for things of this nature I prefer to leave them to so-called "off screen" moments unless it's something plot related.
This is something that has changed in me from book to book, however, and I am still fine tuning it. In Their Wild Little Girl consent was a big part of the narrative and there's an entire chapter long conversation dedicated to it (which is also an empowerment moment for Elizabeth). There are also numerous references in Their Wild Little Girl and Their Meddling Aunt to what they were eating. What I learned from writing those is that a lot of it was pointless. Sure the pancake thing is a cute quirk of Elizabeth's and the consent issue was a huge part of the relationship dynamic in the book but was it necessary to specify that they were eating chicken caesar salad or to spell out repeatedly that Elizabeth could say "no" even though she clearly understands this (as Marcus' nose can attest)? No. Looking back I didn't even have a plan to take a lot of those things anywhere (Elizabeth was never intended to use a safeword for example). It was just an unnecessary detail.
In later books I learned to chop that sort of thing out wherever possible. If it isn't important to the plot then the reader can be trusted to infer it. In Submission Backstory, for example, consent is discussed but certainly not to the level it is in Wild Little Girl. In fact the Alyssa/Jane encounter doesn't really have any discussion of consent. The scene is built to imply a sort of playful blackmail (a common erotic fantasy) with Alyssa's body language and enthusiasm left to convey that she is in no way doing it against her will. This story was more psychological, more about the inner temptations Alyssa was experiencing so consent wasn't all that big a part of the plot as the central conflict revolved around her wanting everything that was happening.
Next up, in Beauty and the Bitch (which was written during a hiatus from Master May I and is thus my 4th and 5th book depending on how you look at it) the story is meant for lighthearted escapism. Where the first 3 were varying themes on sexual temptation and grappling with one's desires here the idea is more about fun. Yes there's the fitness challenges and the job threat (not to mention that drug sub plot that connects to my upcoming release) but the story is primarily about being flirty and relaxed. Learning to be comfortable with who you are and to let down your guard and trust another person. Consent isn't that big a factor in the plot because for these characters it's all very much a game. The slap (that caused one reader to rage quit) was a playful thing which shocked Isabelle more than hurt her and the later sexual acts were all about exploration. If anything this story is the most hedonistic of my works to date but consent and care for one another are still there. They're just left to implications and subtle hints. The biggest one, of course, being Rachel's concern for Isabelle's well being as the competition grows closer.
It happens again in Master May I? (which I'm honestly surprised hasn't been criticized as heavily as Beauty and the Bitch for it). Here Alyssa can come across as ridiculously trusting. The concept is actually meant to show her experience and her self-reliance. The handcuff escape, for example, is meant to demonstrate that Alyssa always has a back-up plan. Now, again, consent is discussed in passing with both Darrius and Wendy but here more than ever it's brushed off. There are moments when even I imagined the character giving a little hand wave when answering questions about it. That is because these are very experienced players. The narrative is meant to lay out that, for them, safe words, consent, hard and soft limits, etc are all boiler plate things that everyone involved understands at a glance. If I were to have them really sit down "on screen" and hash it out it would come out as nothing more than 2 very bored people reading the terms of service on a new iphone. Sure, in real life, one would do that (right?) but in an erotic fantasy world that sort of thing would just be dull for the majority of readers.
All that said my books are exactly that, erotic fantasy. I keep the world as realistic as possible to aid the suspension of disbelief but since, as a reader, I don't care to read about how this character accessorizes, when that character uses the bathroom or how they discussed Red, Yellow, Green for the dozenth time I don't focus on that as a writer. Please understand that I am not writing how-to guides on real life BDSM (If you want one of those I suggest Screw the Roses Send me the Thorns). I should no more have to tell readers not to expect the real world to conform to the Brooke's Hollow norm than E.L. James should have to tell you that tripping into a Billionaire's office will likely not result in him marrying you. If you want non-fiction go to the non-fiction section. Erotica is a playground for fantasy and fantasy sometimes requires that we skip a few boring details.
New Audible Release!
A fantastic bit of news that comes right on time for the Halloween season. My horror/erotica: THE DOMME’S DAUGHTER: A TOUCH TOO REAL
Now Available in Kindle Unlimited and Audiobook Editions
Domina Brookes was never going to have a normal life. Given a dominant's title for her legal name by a man-hating domme (who happens to be both the mayor and mommy dearest), fate just seemed to be against her. All her life she's been groomed as heir apparent, but Domina has always rejected her mother's world. First, she tried to ignore it, and then, when she couldn't turn away, she tried to hide. Locking herself up tight in the house her mother gave her, Domina hasn't stepped outside in years. That, of course, doesn't sit well with Domina's mother. With an election year looming and storm clouds on the horizon, Mayor Brookes can no longer tolerate an agoraphobic anti-kink daughter who could potentially turn into a PR nightmare. So she's made it her mission to drag Domina out of her shell, kicking and screaming if necessary.
As her mother comes crashing down on Domina's safe, secluded life, all hope seems lost until a light appears in the form of Tyler, the only fan of Domina's one outlet, her blog. A romantic, empathetic stranger whose courage grows as her mother's pressure mounts, he quickly becomes Domina's knight in blue jeans. Domina's defenses slowly lower as this charming young man provides a respite from her mother's storm, but danger lurks around every corner. Can Domina let Tyler into her refuge without her mother finding out? Can the young woman's fears be overcome? And who exactly is this man who would risk everything to court the mayor's only daughter?
https://www.audible.com/pd/Erotica-Se...
Now Available in Kindle Unlimited and Audiobook Editions
Domina Brookes was never going to have a normal life. Given a dominant's title for her legal name by a man-hating domme (who happens to be both the mayor and mommy dearest), fate just seemed to be against her. All her life she's been groomed as heir apparent, but Domina has always rejected her mother's world. First, she tried to ignore it, and then, when she couldn't turn away, she tried to hide. Locking herself up tight in the house her mother gave her, Domina hasn't stepped outside in years. That, of course, doesn't sit well with Domina's mother. With an election year looming and storm clouds on the horizon, Mayor Brookes can no longer tolerate an agoraphobic anti-kink daughter who could potentially turn into a PR nightmare. So she's made it her mission to drag Domina out of her shell, kicking and screaming if necessary.
As her mother comes crashing down on Domina's safe, secluded life, all hope seems lost until a light appears in the form of Tyler, the only fan of Domina's one outlet, her blog. A romantic, empathetic stranger whose courage grows as her mother's pressure mounts, he quickly becomes Domina's knight in blue jeans. Domina's defenses slowly lower as this charming young man provides a respite from her mother's storm, but danger lurks around every corner. Can Domina let Tyler into her refuge without her mother finding out? Can the young woman's fears be overcome? And who exactly is this man who would risk everything to court the mayor's only daughter?
https://www.audible.com/pd/Erotica-Se...
Free Giveaway!!!
Hey everyone,
Quick announcement: Submission Backstory will be FREE on Amazon from oct 5th-9th. It's a touch short but it's my best reviewed story and it introduces Alyssa K!
https://www.amazon.com/Submission-Bac...
Quick announcement: Submission Backstory will be FREE on Amazon from oct 5th-9th. It's a touch short but it's my best reviewed story and it introduces Alyssa K!
https://www.amazon.com/Submission-Bac...
Master May I? Giveaway!
***Master May I? is free***
Dates: Nov. 24 - Nov. 28
Let ALL your friends know!
Description:
Alyssa K is the “It” girl in town, loving her life as a successful erotica author and BDSM enthusiast. She says yes to life and all it has to offer, never afraid to see what happens next. Darrius is the town’s playboy sheriff, a lifestyle dominant and confirmed bachelor with a perpetually empty jail at his disposal. He's never short of adventuresome sex partners who want to walk on the wild side. The paths of Alyssa and Darrius were bound to cross eventually, but neither would have guessed that the impetus for that meeting would come in the form of a suicide attempt. When the town's resident angry drunk rolls her wheelchair into traffic, Alyssa saves her life…against the woman’s will. Fascinated by her anger at being rescued, and the woman herself, Alyssa quickly goes into reporter mode but Darrius blocks her at every turn, a state of affairs neither finds themselves minding whatsoever. Darrius has been thinking about something more serious and, as she tumbles down a whole new rabbit hole, Alyssa finds herself wondering if she might not be ready for something more meaningful as well. The real question is what sort of relationship, and with whom?
Alyssa soon learns that there are different forms of love, the raw, physical earthly kind and the deeper, more spiritual type. The one could easily be found with the delightfully obstinate sheriff if she's willing to give up all her other playmates. The other may be hidden deep within the life she saved…if she can break through the walls of rage and regret. Torn between two very powerful, very different lovers and lost in a sea of secrets, Alyssa finds herself pushed to the limit. She thought she knew everything there was to know about kinky sex, but when true feelings enter the picture she learns that she's only begun to scratch the surface. She's submitted her body and mind to many, but now she must submit the most precious part of herself to the whims of fate. Is she destined for happiness or heartbreak? The answer is buried deep in the secrets of the masters. Will they let her find it before it’s too late?
Link:
https://www.amazon.com/Master-May-Tal...
Dates: Nov. 24 - Nov. 28
Let ALL your friends know!
Description:
Alyssa K is the “It” girl in town, loving her life as a successful erotica author and BDSM enthusiast. She says yes to life and all it has to offer, never afraid to see what happens next. Darrius is the town’s playboy sheriff, a lifestyle dominant and confirmed bachelor with a perpetually empty jail at his disposal. He's never short of adventuresome sex partners who want to walk on the wild side. The paths of Alyssa and Darrius were bound to cross eventually, but neither would have guessed that the impetus for that meeting would come in the form of a suicide attempt. When the town's resident angry drunk rolls her wheelchair into traffic, Alyssa saves her life…against the woman’s will. Fascinated by her anger at being rescued, and the woman herself, Alyssa quickly goes into reporter mode but Darrius blocks her at every turn, a state of affairs neither finds themselves minding whatsoever. Darrius has been thinking about something more serious and, as she tumbles down a whole new rabbit hole, Alyssa finds herself wondering if she might not be ready for something more meaningful as well. The real question is what sort of relationship, and with whom?
Alyssa soon learns that there are different forms of love, the raw, physical earthly kind and the deeper, more spiritual type. The one could easily be found with the delightfully obstinate sheriff if she's willing to give up all her other playmates. The other may be hidden deep within the life she saved…if she can break through the walls of rage and regret. Torn between two very powerful, very different lovers and lost in a sea of secrets, Alyssa finds herself pushed to the limit. She thought she knew everything there was to know about kinky sex, but when true feelings enter the picture she learns that she's only begun to scratch the surface. She's submitted her body and mind to many, but now she must submit the most precious part of herself to the whims of fate. Is she destined for happiness or heartbreak? The answer is buried deep in the secrets of the masters. Will they let her find it before it’s too late?
Link:
https://www.amazon.com/Master-May-Tal...
Domme's Daughter Giveaway!
Ready for a new Nightmare before Christmas?
Well you all deserve a gift for yourselves and my publisher has been so kind as to provide one!
The Domme's Daughter: A touch too real is FREE from Dec 14-18th so get yourself a Christmas present!
Description:
Domina Brookes was never going to have a normal life. Given a dominant’s title for her legal name by a man-hating domme (who happens to be both the mayor and mommy dearest), fate just seemed to be against her. All her life she’s been groomed as heir apparent, but Domina has always rejected her mother’s world. First, she tried to ignore it and then, when she couldn’t turn away, she tried to hide. Locking herself up tight in the house her mother gave her, Domina hasn’t stepped outside in years. That, of course, doesn’t sit well with Domina’s mother. With an election year looming and storm clouds on the horizon, Mayor Brookes can no longer tolerate an agoraphobic anti-kink daughter who could potentially turn into a PR nightmare. So, she’s made it her mission to drag Domina out of her shell, kicking and screaming if necessary.
As her mother comes crashing down on Domina’s safe, secluded life, all hope seems lost until a light appears in the form of Tyler, the only fan of Domina’s one outlet, her blog. A romantic, empathetic stranger whose courage grows as her mother’s pressure mounts, he quickly becomes Domina’s knight in blue jeans. Domina’s defenses slowly lower as this charming young man provides a respite from her mother’s storm, but danger lurks around every corner. Can Domina let Tyler into her refuge without her mother finding out? Can the young woman’s fears be overcome? And who exactly is this man who would risk everything to court the mayor's only daughter?
Link:
https://www.amazon.com/Dommes-Daughte...
Well you all deserve a gift for yourselves and my publisher has been so kind as to provide one!
The Domme's Daughter: A touch too real is FREE from Dec 14-18th so get yourself a Christmas present!
Description:
Domina Brookes was never going to have a normal life. Given a dominant’s title for her legal name by a man-hating domme (who happens to be both the mayor and mommy dearest), fate just seemed to be against her. All her life she’s been groomed as heir apparent, but Domina has always rejected her mother’s world. First, she tried to ignore it and then, when she couldn’t turn away, she tried to hide. Locking herself up tight in the house her mother gave her, Domina hasn’t stepped outside in years. That, of course, doesn’t sit well with Domina’s mother. With an election year looming and storm clouds on the horizon, Mayor Brookes can no longer tolerate an agoraphobic anti-kink daughter who could potentially turn into a PR nightmare. So, she’s made it her mission to drag Domina out of her shell, kicking and screaming if necessary.
As her mother comes crashing down on Domina’s safe, secluded life, all hope seems lost until a light appears in the form of Tyler, the only fan of Domina’s one outlet, her blog. A romantic, empathetic stranger whose courage grows as her mother’s pressure mounts, he quickly becomes Domina’s knight in blue jeans. Domina’s defenses slowly lower as this charming young man provides a respite from her mother’s storm, but danger lurks around every corner. Can Domina let Tyler into her refuge without her mother finding out? Can the young woman’s fears be overcome? And who exactly is this man who would risk everything to court the mayor's only daughter?
Link:
https://www.amazon.com/Dommes-Daughte...
