Donald Iverson
asked
Kaje Harper:
I would just like to know if there is considered too much graphic in writing M/M Erotica? I am basically writing about my experiences via through a character
Kaje Harper
M/M covers a huge range of levels of erotic writing. At the low end there are wonderful books about gay romantic relationships that have no sex in them on page at all (authors like Tamara Allen, Sean Kennedy, Sarah Black, and many more).
On the other end, M/M romance shades right into erotica with some books that are heavy on the graphic sex ("Bareback" comes to mind; maybe "Hot Head".) There are also M/M with very graphic BDSM scenes.
To me, a book becomes purely erotica, and not M/M romance, when there is not enough story left to be worth reading with all the sex removed. If the sex IS the main story, it's erotica or porn.
Since I read and write romance, not erotica (because I'm far more likely to skip the sex scene in a book than the conversations) I'm a bit shaky on where the line between erotica and porn lies. You might have to ask a writer who leans harder that direction.
If you're trying to judge where your story fits in, first ask if there is plot and character to make an actual story outside the sex. If there definitely is, you're probably fine. If the plot may be irretrievably tied up in the on-page sex, you might want to read a few of the genre classics to compare, or perhaps ask for a beta reader or two to weigh in on it. Good luck!
On the other end, M/M romance shades right into erotica with some books that are heavy on the graphic sex ("Bareback" comes to mind; maybe "Hot Head".) There are also M/M with very graphic BDSM scenes.
To me, a book becomes purely erotica, and not M/M romance, when there is not enough story left to be worth reading with all the sex removed. If the sex IS the main story, it's erotica or porn.
Since I read and write romance, not erotica (because I'm far more likely to skip the sex scene in a book than the conversations) I'm a bit shaky on where the line between erotica and porn lies. You might have to ask a writer who leans harder that direction.
If you're trying to judge where your story fits in, first ask if there is plot and character to make an actual story outside the sex. If there definitely is, you're probably fine. If the plot may be irretrievably tied up in the on-page sex, you might want to read a few of the genre classics to compare, or perhaps ask for a beta reader or two to weigh in on it. Good luck!
More Answered Questions
Lauren
asked
Kaje Harper:
No question, I just wanted to say thank you for pointing me in the right direction to get a copy of your book Chasing Death Metal Dreams. Any book Suki Fleet admires I'm sure to like. I've also enjoyed many of your other books. Thanks again. (Ooops they want a question mark...and since I don't have a question I'll just add one here ? )
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