I love romance. I'm a sucker for it. I love it so much. It's pathetic. Drew Barrymore
I'm with Drew on this one. I love romance. Yes, I write about zombies and stuff (things and stuff--quote from The Walking Dead), but EVEN The Zombie West Series is more romance than zombies. Every chance I get to write a romance scene I will. I love the relationship that humans have with one another--the sensuality, the love, the exuberance. I love that human connection. But in saying that, I don't write detailed sex scenes (boo, boo--That's what you're thinking, isn't it, you naughty girls and boys?)
If I were to attempt to write erotica (which I won't), it would be more comedic than anything. You wouldn't get hot and bothered, but you'd sure have a nice chuckle. Erotica is NOT my thing, but apparently it is for A LOT of people. It seems that more and more authors I know who started out as Young Adult writers or writers in other genres, have decided that erotica is where the $$$ is, so they've crossed over into writing it, adding to the plethora of an already saturated market. Their erotica books sit side-by-side their children's books, and in fact, kick the butts of those children's books when it comes to selling copies. Thanks to Fifty Shades of Grey, everyone and their mother (and their mother's mother) is writing erotica books.
I'd LOVE to write romance. I'd love to toss my hat in that ring, but is there a place for me there? Books that are highly romantic, but not overly sexual? Does ANYONE read clean, sweet romance anymore, or is it all about the sex? (I already think I know this answer).
I've looked at a few erotica titles and there are MANY with horrible, horrible reviews bashing the author for having "no plot", "stupid characters", "typical ditsy female character", "domineering male character", "amateur writing", "less than average sex scenes", and YET their Amazon seller status numbers are doing extremely well. Like, out of this world well. Because of that, I can see why a lot of authors would want to give it a go. It's depressing (as I can attest to) to write books that receive great reviews and have won awards, but don't sell NEAR the amount of copies as a poorly written erotica book does. It makes you think, for sure.
So I get it. I understand it. I just can't do it. There's simply far too many words that make me giggle. But, I'd love to write romance. I love watching romantic movies and reading truly romantic love stories.
I love romance, but should I delve into that arena, writing sweet romance, would anyone buy it? Would people be like, "What? They kissed...that's it? Bluck. This sucks."
What say you? Is there a market for sweet romance, or is it a big ol' waste of time? Is it all about the sex? If not, then why are poorly written erotica books flying off the shelf? Help me understand. Let's discuss. :)
If I were to attempt to write erotica (which I won't), it would be more comedic than anything. You wouldn't get hot and bothered, but you'd sure have a nice chuckle. Erotica is NOT my thing, but apparently it is for A LOT of people. It seems that more and more authors I know who started out as Young Adult writers or writers in other genres, have decided that erotica is where the $$$ is, so they've crossed over into writing it, adding to the plethora of an already saturated market. Their erotica books sit side-by-side their children's books, and in fact, kick the butts of those children's books when it comes to selling copies. Thanks to Fifty Shades of Grey, everyone and their mother (and their mother's mother) is writing erotica books.
I'd LOVE to write romance. I'd love to toss my hat in that ring, but is there a place for me there? Books that are highly romantic, but not overly sexual? Does ANYONE read clean, sweet romance anymore, or is it all about the sex? (I already think I know this answer).
I've looked at a few erotica titles and there are MANY with horrible, horrible reviews bashing the author for having "no plot", "stupid characters", "typical ditsy female character", "domineering male character", "amateur writing", "less than average sex scenes", and YET their Amazon seller status numbers are doing extremely well. Like, out of this world well. Because of that, I can see why a lot of authors would want to give it a go. It's depressing (as I can attest to) to write books that receive great reviews and have won awards, but don't sell NEAR the amount of copies as a poorly written erotica book does. It makes you think, for sure.
So I get it. I understand it. I just can't do it. There's simply far too many words that make me giggle. But, I'd love to write romance. I love watching romantic movies and reading truly romantic love stories.
I love romance, but should I delve into that arena, writing sweet romance, would anyone buy it? Would people be like, "What? They kissed...that's it? Bluck. This sucks."
What say you? Is there a market for sweet romance, or is it a big ol' waste of time? Is it all about the sex? If not, then why are poorly written erotica books flying off the shelf? Help me understand. Let's discuss. :)
