Jessica @29: “Porn by definition has no other value: artistic, literary, social.” Wow, you need to see some of the visually beautiful porn I watch. :D That’s why it’s GOOD porn. And b/c it’s thoughtful about the sexuality and the sex it shows.

If it has aesthetic merit, it’s not porn. It’s erotica. ;)

If folks want to say that beautifully presented material with plot and characters and narrative (literary merit) is porn, then we need to admit that the terms “erotica” and “porn” are synonyms. I am guessing that a lot of erotica writers and filmmakers would have problems with that, but maybe not.

And when it comes to concerns about hotter pornesque stories causing addiction? It’s not the fault of the writer, the editor or the publishing house. That’s like saying Captain Morgan is responsible for alcoholism. It just happens with certain people, and it’s certainly no reason for writers to throttle back their stories.

Can I first say: North Carolina is BLUE!!! Woohoo!

Now, on to comments.

MD @5: I’d have to say that I actually disagree with most of what you say on a broader scale. I love me some hott! sexx0ring in my romances, as long as it progresses the plot and/or character development. I’m not averse, for example, to reading a DAP scene….as long as it’s difficulty and momentousness is part of the lead-up to and discussion of the scene. So, basically, what Jules said @9.

CatGrant @16: FWIW, it wasn’t like that at all. No questionable consent, no force.

Miki @18: The book that I’ve read that managed to make a single kiss more erotic than almost anything I’ve ever read is Matthew Haldeman-Time’s Off the Record. Absolutely incredible. Virgin hero and rakish hero, although set in contemporary LA. Sooo good. And yet definitely still erotic romance.

Evangeline and Karen: First, I’m sorry, but I don’t have a problem with porn. No problem whatsoever. Got my own favorite porn sites, got my own favorite stroke fiction. Well done porn is just as much part of my life as well done romance. On the other hand, in defense of this book, it was pretty much pure romance up until this scene. Yes, hot sex, but all appropriate to the characters and their emotional development. And I guess that’s the difference for me. Even books that are ALL sex (Laurell K. Hamilton, anyone?) are fine by me if they’re about character development (which is why I stuck so long with LKH–because I thought character development was front and center for longer than other people did). In fact, even the best stroke fiction has some sort of development, even if it’s mostly “porn.” Um, so, I guess, what GrowlyCub said @24.

RfP @26: “hottification” LOLOL!!!

Jessica @29: “Porn by definition has no other value: artistic, literary, social.” Wow, you need to see some of the visually beautiful porn I watch. :D That’s why it’s GOOD porn. And b/c it’s thoughtful about the sexuality and the sex it shows.

I guess I didn’t write this to say we need less sex in our romance. Not at all. I’m just advocating for sex that makes sense, that is commensurate with the overall atmosphere of the story, and that is dealt with realistically.

I’ve tried and tried to write erotic romance because I want to make the big bucks, too. And I find while I can write more and more explicit m/f sex, I can’t write a good, much less great, story that’s all about a character’s sexual journey.

I’ve got to have my murders or stalkings or kidnappings or the writing just isn’t fun. As much work as writing is, it has to be fun, too. My more explicit romantic suspenses have done well, but not great. My one mystery/suspense with romantic elements only (ie. no love scenes) has done poorly in sales at an e-publisher known for its “red hots”. Of course, that’s my favorite of all the books I’ve had published.