Erotic Genre: How real can/should you be?

Sex with a ghost isn’t very real – unless you truly believe.

Sex with a werewolf? Vampire? Okay, way stranger images are coming to mind now.

I’m thinking the nitty-gritty. Basic human beings. How real should the sex be?

Protection?

Lube?

Noises?

Duration?

Smells?

Is the erotic audience ready for the turn-on, fantasy, reality, escape, wishful thinking and/or do they want it down and real?

How is real – sexy? Is the mundane ever sexy? Do we secretly want our erotic read to be relatable as we pretend to friends it’s really fantasy we’re after?

Does this mean we can feel rejected by a book’s hot lover just because we think we’re inadequate? Do beautifully perfect people scare us – maybe they want us?

The truth is, as it is for all writing, be real to the story you’re telling, nothing less or nothing much more is ever needed. 

General: Thoughts on short story writing

They’re over before you have a chance to get bored with the writing. Or, bored with the reading.

Problem – they’re over before you want them to be. Or, need them to be.

I find short stories easier to write. It’s due to my natural urge to rush through the ending. Why I become bored I don’t understand. I feel the need to write and have a vivid imagination, but I always hit a point in which I find myself rushing. Maybe I need to plan more.

This is why short stories, so far, appear to work for me. I try to give as much as I can and still maintain the requirements of short writing.

Shorts allow for more formula writing. More point-form aspects of what is needed and mindful of the word count. Not as much fullness or spreading out of points.

But, it would be great to be able to write longer sections to a full novel – get to spend more time with these mind-friends of mine.

Character Take Over: RE-visiting with Bonnie

Who are you?

I’m Bonnie Marie Schitz, nee Southfenn, mother to three girls, married to Boris since our early twenties, hitting the 20^th anniversary soon. I work from home as an online PR expert specializing in social media, something I’ve finally been able to do fulltime which allowed me to leave the office job.

What do you do in your spare time?

It depends. Most times those moments are spent with the family, when we all have the same spare moments. Otherwise I like to read and just sit back at home, no I don’t bake cookies. I lean more toward cupcakes and muffins.

Oh you mean, what do I do as in that do? Most times it’s all the spur of the moment. Nothing really is ever planned. Well, a few times require planning. Being spontaneous is great; however, there are situations one must be prepared for.

Where?

Where do I live or where do we…play? To protect my family I won’t say where we live, but we do have seasonal changes if that’s enough for you.

Our activities? Our bedroom, where only Cassie has been over to join. It’s our trusted sanctuary. But, we’ve ventured other places. Our friends, Peter and Patrice, have a private club that offers interesting shows. They’ve had us to their home. Everyone we bring close to us understands our home is a No zone. Even then we don’t bring many over who we’ve met at different places.

When?

As I mentioned, some activities require planning, others were either unexpected or possibilities that we were open to. But those times were always with people we trusted and knew beyond doubt.

Let’s face it, being sexually adventuresome requires an emotional and intelligential element beyond practise and training and know how. Health is foremost in our minds.

Why?

If feels good? Curiosity?

Look, I know some will look at me and Boris and think I’m slutty or he’s scum. That we’re nothing but perverted. I’m not going to change their minds, won’t even try. Others, I hope, are interested in knowing who we are and are simply curious…which is fine. Human nature is diverse and each of us is here to explore and discover. Boris and I didn’t start out sharing, we, well he and Cassie opened a door they both knew I was curious about, one they both were wondering about as well. We’re well-adjusted adults. We know our boundaries and what we value most.

How?

Really?

Oh, while I just explained how it started. The technical aspect, well I think we all know that.

But the other how involves openness to those who you plan to be intimate with. Health checks and tests. Verifying others are as well. And precautions and protection.

No, we don’t share all the coverings and usings. Who really wants to read those timeouts when you want to read the active parts?

Unless, of course, the timeouts are more timeins and active bits of the whole. Using safety doesn’t’ need to be boring.

Thank you for letting me say Hi, and I do hope you’ll give My Love and my stories a chance.

Visiting Bonnie and Boris: RE-introducing Bonnie

NOTE:  Back in December 2015 I first introduced you to my main Characters and set of stories: Bonnie and Boris Bedtime Stories. Life has an interesting way of switching things up on a gal, so we've been a tad delayed. 

But, we're back on track and time to re-introduce you to my main couple...

The character Bonnie is an escape. She speaks what I hold back. Is confident where I’m not and daring where I wish I was…well, not in some areas. Her sexual freedom is complete fiction written for those who enjoy reading erotic/erotica.

I wanted my female lead to be someone in control, but not controlling as in overpowering. There’s little that will phase her or cause her to doubt herself or Boris. The insecurity and uncertainty which lives in us all was something I didn’t want in my erotic characters. They’re based on the general feel I’ve taken from watching documentaries on people who swing, share their wives/husbands. These stories are strong…I hope…in Bonnie’s sexual life which is separate from her day-to-day lives.

My plan for Bonnie is one where she will “play” with those she considers close and trustworthy friends. Beyond that she is not one to randomly have sex with someone simply because it will feel good. I’ve taken the stand with Bonnie and Boris that they’re sexually open, but have more personal rules than some who play a wider field. No, judgement is not being passed.

When creating characters a writer needs to know and set the boundaries, rules, beliefs for that character. It’s how we learn who we are writing and how they will interact with others in the story. How the story will make them behave, react. Even then they’ll take us in directions we don’t anticipate.

Bonnie’s a mother because I’m a mother. I know her feelings for her children because of my own. I wanted to share this aspect to my possible readers, let alone the fun of balancing being a sexual partner, being, with children and their surprises. I didn’t know how many children, daughters or sons, ages, this all came about as the stories were being written. So did the pets…both children and animals had no names, no descriptions for the first book and not much until writing the second.

For some strange reason Bonnie’s parents are deceased. I don’t know why, maybe I didn’t want to deal with writing about parents whose daughter is having wild sex?

I tried to find a name which didn’t match anyone I knew. One that didn’t belong to anyone I had an impression about. Well, it wasn’t until well after book one was written and near published that I realized I did know a person called, Bonnie. If you ever guess…or know who I am…my fictional Bonnie is completely that – fictional.

This is about it for introducing Bonnie. I’m sure there will be more to share as the stories develop and I get to know Bonnie. That’s the best part of creating a character, they grow and really do take on a life of their own.

Character Take Over: Peter

Who…

Peter Dirgule, married to Mistress Patrice, business acquaintance of Boris Schitz. Friend to Bonnie Schitz and Cassie Brown.

What…

As in what do I do? Business or pleasure? Family, I do not talk about. For the purpose of this communication, I am the willing partner of Mistress Patrice and those of our intimate circle of friends.

Where…

Within the safety of our intimate circle of friends and like-minded individuals.

When…

As life allows.

Why…

At this moment I choose not to share. When appropriate I will. Be assured my activities are by mutual consent.

How…

I’m sure you don’t mean the “how” physically, but more the “how” as in life choices. How…because I have faith in those I bring into my life. Trust is given then earned. I am protective of those I hold close. This is why I have been perceived as a cold SOB. I leave it up to others to share what I am to them. Their perception of me.

Reviews: There are limits

When I started thinking about reviewing our genre I knew I had to research a bit more on what all counts as erotic/erotica. The sub-categories are too numerous and some are completely beyond my comfort zone…way out of my comfort zone. Almost to the point where I know I’m judging others and their writing/reading and maybe practising choices.

Writing Bonnie and Boris, I am exploring threesomes, female/female, a dominatrix, and swinging, plus voyeurism. Areas I’ve never experienced, don’t really want to experience, but the mindset, and naturalness, are interesting to me. I’ve watched documentaries and have researched after seeing some on mainstream television (think CSI and their dominatrix storyline).

After checking online for guidelines, well, I’ve been shocked. There are some choices that I just can’t go anywhere near. And I’m not talking character age…I don’t care who the writer is or what the storyline is, no character should ever be under eighteen when talking our genre. Personally, I’d rather characters well into their twenties and older. Judging? Call it what you want, that line is firmly and legally drawn as far as I’m concerned.

All this leads me to realizing I need to think more on reviewing our genre. Being clear as to what I’ll accept and whether I’ll write the review should something come up in the story that goes against my comfort zone.

Censoring?

Disrespecting?

No and no.

Being clear and precise at the beginning will save us all a lot of confusion and arguing later.

The Erotic Genre: When the word is perfect as is

The one problem I have with writing the erotic genre is that there are only so many ways to call something, something. I’m talking private parts and the sex. I’m also talking noises.

It’s fine if your story has one sexual scene, but our genre requires more than that. I hear my editor’s voice telling me I’m repeating, but I know my characters and the words they would use and not use. Do I satisfy the editor or stay true to the characters?

Sometimes the perfect word is the same word and changing it will change the story feel.

And maybe I’m stressing too much over it all.

Word usage is also part of each character. If one character prefers pecker or vajay-jay, it wouldn’t make sense to use those names with someone else.

Unless I want the shock value. And those need to be limited in usage or they lose their effectiveness.

I know it has come to the surprise of some that our genre demands this much care and thought. Those unfamiliar thought it was all wham bam thank you mam.

Not that whamming and bamming are naughty, they just have their own writing style.

I know now that anyone who says writing sex is easy has never seriously written sex.

Character Take Over: Mistress Patrice

Who…

I’m known by many as Mistress Patrice. Intimately and as their teacher. And professionally. Some of you may giggle at that thought, but there are those who do not fit the standard therapy methods. These individuals require the discipline I allow and give. It is not all about sex and orgasm.

I am also a business woman.

Personally? I trust Bonnie and Boris to show who I am, in their eyes.

What…

I am a trained professional. I have my medical degree and as Mistress Patrice I have found where I am best served. For me and my clients. There is proof in the saying – doctor heal thyself. To know one’s self is the first step anyone can take.

I design and own Silk and Satin’s Leathers and Tethers. Our slogan…toys for your box. Cliché, I know.

Where…

My practice is private. Referrals only. My play is amongst those I trust and who trust me. We do not advertise.

When…

Business hours are determined by need. Entertaining, our dinner and a show, isn’t as often as you think. Neither are our retreats. There is something to, too much of a good thing. Privately, I enjoy the moments as they come.

Why…

Conventional doesn’t suit everyone. This is who I am. It has taken too much of my life not to accept who I am. I have found my niche in life. Very few know my story.

How…

Training. School. Studying. And therapy to understand myself. Acceptance of self. Learning to trust and to receive trust.

Thank you, Bonnie…Boris…Miss Theadora.

Character Take Over: Cassie

Who....

Cassie Elizabeth Brown, that’ll be me. Bonnie’s best friend since before, well, ever.

What…

Lawyer. Corporate and pro-bono juvie cases. Lost my brother to the system and swore no siblings would ever be parted again.

Where…

Huh? Where what?  Oh…well, to be honest most everywhere. Except for the beach. That was the most uncomfortable feeling ever, never again. And water, pools, lakes, ocean, not very friendly for me.

When…

I’m pretty spontaneous but not when I’m working. There is a time and place for everything and I don’t play games with my work.

Why…

Work is my livelihood and allows me the freedom to help kids like my brother. I won’t risk my business for my fun. But I also will not allow my fun to be used to judge who I am.

Yeah, one creep tried to put me down and have the book thrown at my client. He lost – the creep – the client made amends and remained with her family. She’s in college now heading to law school.

Oh and the creep. The last I saw him his ass was getting beat in quite different manner.

How…

Life is too short. I remember the love and affection my parents had before the accident. I was lucky enough to live with my grandparents who also showed their love and affection. My brother tried too hard to fit in and be what others demanded; he lost himself. Then I lost him to a system that sadly isn’t equipped to guide and nurture the kids who need it the most. This is my life and I won’t be defined by someone else’s rules, beliefs, standards or judgement.

Thanks letting me take over, Theadora. 

Visiting Bonnie and Boris: Introducing Boris

Who is Boris and why is he so free and open with his wife?

Too good to be true?

Or

Egomaniac?

I wanted Boris to be more of a secondary character. Someone sitting quietly in the background enjoying the show. I really didn’t want to deal with him as a main focal. As an equal to Bonnie’s character – the lead, the story POV.

Then, Lea, my publisher said something about there would need to be some conflict, eventually. Something between Bonnie and Boris…jealously, something they would have to acknowledge, deal with as a couple.

No.

I became the author who argued.

Argued that, no, my characters do not have that problem. They are the couple who know their hearts and minds. Who trust and love each other.

If you listen to the world beyond your comfort zone…the one that makes adults giggle with titillation. Then you have to acknowledge some people like _____ and ______ or ______. That they are comfortable and accept these different lifestyles no matter what anyone thinks.

Lo and behold Boris was born. He became the male lead. The protector. The supporter. The lover who cherishes his wife and isn’t afraid to follow her desires. Not afraid to show his own.

Together they explore the world few of us – sorry for the assumption – dare. Together they are the love story of our hearts. The trust and belief we have in our own lover(s).

The Erotic Genre: Be Kind To Yourself

Generally, a writer needs to be kind and forgiving to themselves. Nothing is perfect in the rough draft. Nothing is perfect in the first edit. Our words are never typed fast enough to keep up with our brains. What sounds good in our mind translates into some wildly abnormal-tongue that would require the character to be hanging by their feet from the ceiling in order to reach where we say they are licking.

Or they need seven hands instead of the four reality dictates they have. And try that position, your knees just do not bend that way – without breaking that is.

There are only so many names for sounds and body parts. Do-hickey and down there with his ding-a-ling won’t cut it in our genre. Unless you are going for the slap-slick comedy.

Sorry, no man looks good in a speedo…ever.

Maybe our genre is one where we need to be extra kind and patient with our writing. We’re dealing with scenes that are to stimulate and feel good, but it’s a fine line to tightrope walk when you’re mixing comedy, horror, paranormal, with grunts, groans, and moans.

We have heightened emotions filled with lust, anger, fear, love, and sometimes even hate and at the same moment we have to prove our characters are saying “YES” and not being forced or controlled into a sex act/situation.

Stepping outside of ourselves into a fictional character is an adventure in any genre; however, our genre is one where we’ll be asked – did you really do that? Have you… Really, are these stories about you? So that’s your fantasy. Hey, you know…

I’ve never been asked “are you a serial killer” when I’ve written something dark, but boy have I been kidded about writing erotic. 

We write erotic because we like writing sex, sexy, sensual, we’re tired of the wham bam boinking blandness that’s shoved at us. We write what we want to read. And in doing so we’ve set ourselves up for some pretty strange looks and questions.

The general public is more comfortable with blood and guts and less with their own nakedness. We’re just the lucky ones who allow them to peek at our naked imagination.

Character Take Over: Boris

Coming Winter 2016

Who are you?

Boris Carmichael Schitz…I know already it sounds like Shits. Yes, my buddies never let me forget it. Can we move on now? Yes, not our real last name, but trust me the real one is just as awkward for a guy growing up. Told Bonnie we should have used her maiden name.

My business is a mix of architectural design and personal security. Safe rooms and home vaults as well as business and business travel. My company will provide drivers, travel aids and security right down to family childcare help.

My family’s safety is everything.

What do you do in your spare time?

Look, I live in a household with four women of various ages, I do what they tell me to do. Seriously, between going over risk assessments, meetings with clients (and, yes, some think security means not sharing everything I need to know to do my job for them which is a whole other headache), staying on top of training and ahead of potential vulnerabilities, and more, cleaning the garage, trips to dance class, and playing chauffeur to a gaggle of girls is relaxation. Sports? Golf is a business drudgery as far as I’m concerned, but you’ll be surprised at how much can be covered over beers and darts. Let alone when training with the guys at the gym.

What?

Look, I leave that spare time talk to Bonnie. Any discussions I may have on that activity I keep private.

Where?

Business takes me throughout the area and sometimes the country. There have been world travels, too. Plus connections and working relationships with other trusted security companies.

That, again?  Wherever my gal is works for me.

When?

All right, I give in…

Hey, I’m a guy. Basically, whenever.

Why?

You’re kidding me right?

How?

How what? You just…crap, Bonnie answered this already, right?

Conclusion…ahhh…oh, about the book…it was fun at the time, fun remembering (maybe a little more fun), and fun reading, trying to read   LOL

General: How did Nano go?

Well, I typed more than I have ever done this year than previous years. I managed just over 30,000 and finished the first seasonal bundle of stories for December - March and started into April - August. Just needing to finish July and August for that bundle.

I’m happy with the volume I was able to produce, but must admit I didn’t turn off my internal editor. I found myself editing the lines during the typing process and making sure the storylines were making sense. Whether it was because I was working with my publisher to get these stories done or because I was writing under a different persona...maybe it was due to actually having a story idea or that they were short stories I was writing...I didn’t find my self-editing too distracting or argumentative.

I must admit writing one erotic story after another was starting to wear on me. I was getting a little tired of the genre and setting the flow of scene and story to match. I need to get back and finish, but life tossed in a surprise which tossed me out of the writing for a couple of days. I could have forced myself back in, but mentally I skipped out. The lack of reaching 50,000 was more mental-done-in than critical editor.

Will I attempt again next year? I don’t know. I enjoy the people in our region. I like the idea of the challenge, but I don’t think Nano is for me no matter the persona.

I have ideas for a set of short stories under my real name and because I’ve written as Theadora, I believe she’s shown me the method I need to use to get those written. In other words, by wearing a different persona, I’ve had my eyes open to lessons I thought I knew.

Who knows, depending on how the next eleven months go maybe I’ll attempt Nano under both my writing names. This year I’ve finally learned that I can prepare for Nano...semi-plotter now. I can reach the daily writing goals. Writing short stories eases the mental pressure. And my internal editor isn’t such an enemy after all.

Visiting Bonnie and Boris: Introducing Bonnie

The character Bonnie is an escape. She speaks what I hold back. Is confident where I’m not and daring where I wish I was…well, not in some areas. Her sexual freedom is complete fiction written for those who enjoy reading erotic/erotica.

I wanted my female lead to be someone in control, but not controlling as in overpowering. There’s little that will phase her or cause her to doubt herself or Boris. The insecurity and uncertainty which lives in us all was something I didn’t want in my erotic characters. They’re based on the general feel I’ve taken from watching documentaries on people who swing, share their wives/husbands. These stories are strong…I hope…in Bonnie’s sexual life which is separate from her day-to-day lives.

My plan for Bonnie is one where she will “play” with those she considers close and trustworthy friends. Beyond that she is not one to randomly have sex with someone simply because it will feel good. I’ve taken the stand with Bonnie and Boris that they’re sexually open, but have more personal rules than some who play a wider field. No, judgement is not being passed.

When creating characters a writer needs to know and set the boundaries, rules, beliefs for that character. It’s how we learn who we are writing and how they will interact with others in the story. How the story will make them behave, react. Even then they’ll take us in directions we don’t anticipate.

Bonnie’s a mother because I’m a mother. I know her feelings for her children because of my own. I wanted to share this aspect to my possible readers, let alone the fun of balancing being a sexual partner, being, with children and their surprises. I didn’t know how many children, daughters or sons, ages, this all came about as the stories were being written. So did the pets…both children and animals had no names, no descriptions for the first book and not much until writing the second.

For some strange reason Bonnie’s parents are deceased. I don’t know why, maybe I didn’t want to deal with writing about parents whose daughter is having wild sex?

I tried to find a name which didn’t match anyone I knew. One that didn’t belong to anyone I had an impression about. Well, it wasn’t until well after book one was written and near published that I realized I did know a person called, Bonnie. If you ever guess…or know who I am…my fictional Bonnie is completely that – fictional.

This is about it for introducing Bonnie. I’m sure there will be more to share as the stories develop and I get to know Bonnie. That’s the best part of creating a character, they grow and really do take on a life of their own.

The Erotic Genre: Learning It

What I’m learning is it’s nothing like below…

“Everyone” talks about how erotic sells. How erotic is what people are reading. How it’s so popular on eReaders because people can read it in public without fear.

How it’s just writing sex scenes.

Wrong.

Yes…erotic sells.

Yes…people are reading it and on eReaders where no one can see.

Yes…erotic is popular.

No…it’s not just sex scenes.

Erotic or erotica…I’m still learning those subtle meanings…is sexy reading. There’s hot sex. There’s characters who have sex with…well…with most anyone in any situation and there’s little rules as to anything.

…What it is, is writing strong characters, a storyline that fits whatever sub-genre you’re writing/attempting to write, with sex scenes your reader can visualize that happen “on screen” as opposed to the female/male being carried “off screen” for the action to happen.

Think the movie “Psycho,” we never saw the murder in the shower. Nope, go watch again. We were given glimpses of what’s happening and our mind filled in the details. Take the “Nightmare on Elm Street” movies, those we saw everything, nothing was left to our imagination.

Think romantic sensual writing versus romantic or anything sex writing. You still need a story. You still need characters your readers want to read having sex.

Writing sex is easy.

Incorporating it into a story, now that’s the challenge. Writing erotic/erotica is the same as writing any other genre. It takes the same consideration. The same planning. The same story ARC. The same editing. The same everything. That means if erotic writing requires steps 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. You write all those steps. If paranormal writing requires steps 1-4, plus 8-11, then you write those steps plus the steps which belong to erotic if you want paranormal erotic.

No, writing erotic isn’t easy. We’re not writing sex letters to some magazine. Telling locker room tales to our friends. Nor are we writing a scene of two people saying ‘hi’ and then banging away on each other. That’s not to say those scenes don’t happen. That some authors aren’t writing like that. Hey, I can go for a good “Psycho” movie or a good “Elm Street” movie any time, depends on my mood.

Same goes for this genre of mine.

So what’s my point? We’re not cookie-cutter writers. We’re just as diverse as any genre writer you may pick up and read. What I love most is the fact television entertainment shows referred to Jackie Collins as an erotic author. For years I’ve heard her referred to in many ways, from praised to smut. The fact she was acknowledged as erotic, well, yeah, that made me proud.

I’m no Jackie Collins, but I am a writer. I write erotic and I’m proud of my work.

Oh, and before you take a side trip on the author name thing…I’m proud enough of my erotic writing to give it its own identity so you won’t judge based on who you think I am and what I should be 

Character Take Over: Bonnie

Coming Winter 2016

Who are you?

I’m Bonnie Marie Schitz, nee Southfenn, mother to three girls, married to Boris since our early twenties, hitting the 20^th anniversary soon. I work from home as an online PR expert specializing in social media, something I’ve finally been able to do fulltime which allowed me to leave the office job.

What do you do in your spare time?

It depends. Most times those moments are spent with the family, when we all have the same spare moments. Otherwise I like to read and just sit back at home, no I don’t bake cookies. I lean more toward cupcakes and muffins.

Oh you mean, what do I do as in that do? Most times it’s all the spur of the moment. Nothing really is ever planned. Well, a few times require planning. Being spontaneous is great; however, there are situations one must be prepared for.

Where?

Where do I live or where do we…play? To protect my family I won’t say where we live, but we do have seasonal changes if that’s enough for you.

Our activities? Our bedroom, where only Cassie has been over to join. It’s our trusted sanctuary. But, we’ve ventured other places. Our friends, Peter and Patrice, have a private club that offers interesting shows. They’ve had us to their home. Everyone we bring close to us understands our home is a No zone. Even then we don’t bring many over who we’ve met at different places.

When?

As I mentioned, some activities require planning, others were either unexpected or possibilities that we were open to. But those times were always with people we trusted and knew beyond doubt.

Let’s face it, being sexually adventuresome requires an emotional and intelligential element beyond practise and training and know how. Health is foremost in our minds.

Why?

If feels good? Curiosity?

Look, I know some will look at me and Boris and think I’m slutty or he’s scum. That we’re nothing but perverted. I’m not going to change their minds, won’t even try. Others, I hope, are interested in knowing who we are and are simply curious…which is fine. Human nature is diverse and each of us is here to explore and discover. Boris and I didn’t start out sharing, we, well he and Cassie opened a door they both knew I was curious about, one they both were wondering about as well. We’re well-adjusted adults. We know our boundaries and what we value most.

How?

Really?

Oh, while I just explained how it started. The technical aspect, well I think we all know that.

But the other how involves openness to those who you plan to be intimate with. Health checks and tests. Verifying others are as well. And precautions and protection.

No, we don’t share all the coverings and usings. Who really wants to read those timeouts when you want to read the active parts?

Unless, of course, the timeouts are more timeins and active bits of the whole. Using safety doesn’t’ need to be boring.

Thank you for letting me say Hi, and I do hope you’ll give My Love and my stories a chance.

Visiting Bonnie and Boris: Re-introducing Theadora Mitchell

With everything, as we learn more, become comfortable with decisions, we do more and we do it better.

I started writing about Bonnie and Boris as a dare to myself and a quiet challenge to those who know me. The me behind Theadora Mitchell. I know who know who I am and I can only guess at those who think they know, but I picked a pseudonym simply for the freedom it offers. A freedom away from the definition I and everyone around me have placed on my being.

Theadora Mitchell is a combination of names; names I’m confident no one expects who these non-immediate people are to me. Thea’s a protective barrier between the audience she’ll find and the audience I hope my other writings will find. The audiences may be one and the same; however, their needs differ as much as my writing does. And when those readers, who do not fit Theadora, look for my other work, well, they won’t have to worry about what they’ll find in the books. A freedom for me; a safety net for my readers.

No, I do not write smut or porn. No, Bonnie and Boris are not about me and mine or any fantasy of either. They are a fictional couple who fit together. Who are written as a loving, caring, trusting couple who are free to explore and play in my imagination. I’m not naïve in that I’ve never seen an adult magazine or movie…please is sex supposed to be that boring? I’ve watched documentaries on human nature and self-discovery and exploration. The psyche behind the individual is fascinating whether it’s a mass murder or a dominatrix and her submissive.

Am I writing literary erotic…ahhh, yeah, nope. I hope I’m writing steamy heat with humour…let’s face it sex can be pretty funny. We’ve all got some type of jiggly part, make some strange noise that only makes an appearance when ____ and _____ or _____ happens. And I’m sure when it comes to the other people who live with us at times, no one wants to be caught in any position making any noises that would cause blushing should we be seen/heard or have to explain when asked if we heard/seen anything strange the night before.

Hmm, this was supposed to be me re-introducing my characters to you, but as with free writing it took a turn on its own (hence having to change the title). I’ll close today with letting you know that while Bonnie and Boris’ Bedtime Stories: Gift Giving Done Right is still available, it is going through a revamping. My publisher and I have decided to go with a few bundles of B&B’s short stories instead of individual shorts. So, I’m tweaking and writing new playtimes for these two characters, a year’s tale of fun. They’ve actually turned me into a plotter writer, a new experience.

I hope you’ll tune in again each Tuesday as I try my best to bring something interesting, something new about my writing, share my journey as I learn more about writing erotic/erotica. Till then…toodles.

Writing that second book

Here I am

I'm visiting Bonnie and Boris again. This time around they're taking us out to dinner and a show. And that's all I can tell ya.

What I can tell you, is how much harder it was to write this second story. Writing should be getting easier, shouldn't it? At least I thought it should, well, at least with erotica. I mean, I'm over the shyness and awkwardness of those first heated scenes. Using words I don't even say out loud in my real life.

I'm a grown adult. There's nothing dirty about what I write. My book cover is quite pretty. Tame if you really look at some covers for the genre.

I've written Bonnie and Boris as a loving couple who are secure in their relationship. Far more adventurous than anyone I know. Way more adventurous than me.

I think I've found Bonnie's voice and humour.

So why was this second book so hard...no pun intended...to write? I started this back in November 2014...it's a short story. Hit a complete mental block on how to continue. How to write those hot scenes. How not to sound repetitive and thrown in without story planning.

That's what I've learned is the difference between erotica writing and just writing sex scenes and making a book out of them.

Bonnie and Boris deserve my full attention. They need to be treated as full characters. It wouldn't be fair to just dump them into a bed of bodies and have them go at it. Have them not care about each other, look after each other. Hey, it took me over an hour to figure out Bonnie's name, why then would I just throw her to be devoured...sexually, not literally...well, sorta literally, but not at this writing. 

Is she part of me? Her humour, perhaps. Her opinions, probably closer to me than anything else about her. Her curiosity and daring...we're on different sides of the table there. She may participate more, but I'm sooooo the sideliner. Just cause I can imagine it doesn't mean I want it to happen.

Getting back to how writing this second book was more time consuming. Maybe it's because I had to think of the situation more...where was I going to put Bonnie and Boris...where were they going to take me? 

I can tell you this, they've introduced me to two new friends...Lillian and I just realized that the name I used isn't his name. Nope, he doesn't fit that name now that I think about it.

Oh, and I found Bonnie and Boris' last name...that too will remain quiet for now.

It's true. Writers' characters do talk to us. They do take us on their story more often then we take them on one. It's a matter of listening.

Plus, I think I was simply scared. Could I write another erotic? I think I have, but am waiting on feedback.

In the meantime, story two is done. It's alive.

So, why don't I feel any calmer?

Toodles