Why my next book is NOT erotica
I am currently in the process of editing my 11th book. This story, tentatively titled 6s and 7s, will follow an enforcement officer (a cop) siding with a rebel to unravel a mystery that threatens their entire world. It is a world dominated by a social ranking system that looks at 3 characteristics. Appearance (including genetics), Intelligence and Morality with a heavy weight placed on the first category as it is thought to indicate the other two. From 1-10 these ranks indicate the sort of employment you can pursue, the food and healthcare you receive, where you can live and (basically) your overall quality of life.
There are benefits to the system, and unlike some dystopian stories I do explore them, but there are those who do not like it. Some, like the main character Zeta, want systemic change. Others want a more radical solution. That solution unites Zeta and officer Theta Beauline despite their ideological and rank differences.
It's a story of co-operation, common ground, mystery and action. Both characters slowly come to see the other's point of view to an extent but getting past their divisions is not easy. The story has many sci-fi elements and a lot of fun world building.
What it does not have is sex. I know its a departure for me and there are mentions of sex and a lot of wink, wink, nudge, nudge innuendo but overall I've created a story that would be just a little north of PG-13 (mostly for language). The reason for this is both to challenge myself creatively and to provide my family with a book they can actually talk about.
You see I get complaints all the time that friends and family would love to support me and talk about my books but that they don't feel comfortable discussing erotica. The genre, perfectly fine though it may be, still carries the stigma of being something dirty, something to be hidden in the sock drawer. As such those closest to me have never read any of my works nor have they felt comfortable recommending them to others. It really sucks to be an author with 10 published books and to go to social events only to be reminded in a whisper "try not to mention those sex books ok?"
So 6s and 7s will be for all those prudes that love me but won't admit it. Don't worry though, book 12 is half written already and it will be erotica. A return to Brooke's Hollow and the election saga! I am, first and foremost, an erotica author after all and though I take my loved ones into consideration I will never be ashamed of the fact.
There are benefits to the system, and unlike some dystopian stories I do explore them, but there are those who do not like it. Some, like the main character Zeta, want systemic change. Others want a more radical solution. That solution unites Zeta and officer Theta Beauline despite their ideological and rank differences.
It's a story of co-operation, common ground, mystery and action. Both characters slowly come to see the other's point of view to an extent but getting past their divisions is not easy. The story has many sci-fi elements and a lot of fun world building.
What it does not have is sex. I know its a departure for me and there are mentions of sex and a lot of wink, wink, nudge, nudge innuendo but overall I've created a story that would be just a little north of PG-13 (mostly for language). The reason for this is both to challenge myself creatively and to provide my family with a book they can actually talk about.
You see I get complaints all the time that friends and family would love to support me and talk about my books but that they don't feel comfortable discussing erotica. The genre, perfectly fine though it may be, still carries the stigma of being something dirty, something to be hidden in the sock drawer. As such those closest to me have never read any of my works nor have they felt comfortable recommending them to others. It really sucks to be an author with 10 published books and to go to social events only to be reminded in a whisper "try not to mention those sex books ok?"
So 6s and 7s will be for all those prudes that love me but won't admit it. Don't worry though, book 12 is half written already and it will be erotica. A return to Brooke's Hollow and the election saga! I am, first and foremost, an erotica author after all and though I take my loved ones into consideration I will never be ashamed of the fact.
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