Welcome Guest Blogger Amanda McIntyre!
Does Torrid But For a Romance Make?
Okay it sounds a bit like Will Shakespeare and I imagine the debate has been going on for at least that long, perhaps longer. Let me back up a bit…
Amanda McIntyre here, this is my second visit to LIAEC, and my thanks to Sam for allowing me to share this experience.
The other day I was having a conversation about a new book I have coming out (coincidentally it—Diary of Cozette-subliminal message—happens to be releasing today-yay, bells, whistles, confetti-whoot!) but this isn’t the point. So this person asks what my book is about and I proceeded to tell her (of course!) I mentioned that there are scenes that are quite hot and sensual. Her response was that she couldn’t read scenes that were too hot as they paint an unrealistic view of romance. Whooooa-nelly!
For one who loves to ask questions, this one continues to burn bright—and this may warrant its own book—as the answers I’ve received are quite interesting!
Do torrid love scenes portray realistic romance?
In my opinion, they most certainly “can.” They don’t have to, but they can. As I have grown older both as a person and as a writer, I have discovered that my perspective has also grown. My writing is like the proverbial anthropological evolving of my POV. My heroines tend to be wise, more aggressive, mostly self-assured, or at least think they are. I’ve always saddled my characters with lots of baggage, but nowadays, that may include a failed marriage or a couple of bad boyfriends, perhaps even an affair. (We’re still talking about the heroine for those of you who might question it.)
That to me makes for an experienced heroine, one who likely knows what she wants and doesn’t want in and out of the bedroom. Or it may mean that “M. Right” brings out in her qualities and needs she didn’t even know she possessed! Life is torrid! Life is passionate! Passion comes in all forms to my way of thinking, from the subtle to the orgasmic and everything in between.
Of course, everyone is entitled to his or her own tastes/preferences in reading, movies, sex, but I found her response most curious, if not puzzling. How many readers feel that scorching scenes in books do NOT realistically depict romance? Is it the scene itself or the build-up between the characters that makes the scene ignite? What do you think? Inquiring minds want to know!
Amanda
Welcome Amanda!
So great to have you here today!
I love this topic, and I think it's something we never get tired of talking about, because people always accuse romance of being unrealistic for this reason (well, this and all the people are pretty), but I always find myself shaking my head. I think what it comes down to is that what's realistic or fantasy is up to the individual person, so while that person felt it was unrealistic, the mistake they make is saying that it's generally unrealistic, as if their view applies to everyone else.
I mean, I read things that make me think, "wow, that's definitely for younger, more flexible people" *G* but just because I wouldn't or couldn't do it doesn't mean it's not real for someone else. Maybe we can also create reality -- someone might see something that inspires them, and makes them want to try it. :)
The idea that their experience or POV should determine what's "realistic" for everyone in the world is ridiculous.
There is a fantasy aspect to books, no doubt, but fantasy is real, too -- all the sex "experts" say fantasy is healthy and a good thing, so why not? And if nothing else, it's fun, so I always wonder what the harm is.
I also find, strangely, that many times, people who object to graphic sex will usually not object to ridiculous action sequences or graphic violence. So people's fantasies, or what fantasies they are willing to accept as real, vary, I guess.
Sam
Torrid love scenes
Hey Good morning, Sam!
You raise some interesting questions on this. That being basically that we are human and therfore susceptible to being fickle I suppose in our POV's (IE; no graphic love scenes, but watching graphic horror or violence is okay)
Interesting question which I intend to broach when I talk to this person next week*G*
As authors we are sort of in the business of writing fantasy, or blending reality into the fantasy of someone out there--if only for the sake of our chartacters.
Fiction is subjective. Everyone gets something different from reading the same passage, I would bet.
There was a time when I was starting out a number of... *ahem, years ago, that I would never write a graphic love scene. But I have discovered as I've matured as a person and a writer that view has changed-BIGTIME.
However, I do see a distinction of preferences in my heroes and heroines--not so much how they "perform" (or where or when for that matter) but what they bring to the table prior to that scene.
Sometimes a story dictates that passionate furious type scene where there is just no other alternative -the animal instinct prevails-don't fight the feeling...
But most generally,I think its a build up to that pivotal moment ( and no that is NOT a position *G* )
I guess my point here is--as far as my reading and to a certain extent in my writing--I'm not zeroed in on how graphic the love scene is as much as the story prior to and after....does that scene--written graphic or not--make sense within the context of the story?
Need more java this chilly morn'-it is 35* here today!
Amanda McIntyre-Awaken Your Passion!
www.amandamcintyre.net
Hey, Amanda, welcome! I
Hey, Amanda, welcome!
I always feel sad for someone who says romance is unrealistic. And the smoking hot sex scenes? Well, I feel REALLY sad for someone who doesn't think that can happen!
M
torrid love scenes
Hey M,
It is, honestly and for this persons age, I found it terribly (if not a bit disturbingly) narrow. Suffice it to say I will be visiting more with this person in the days ahead and perhaps clear up these questions in my head.
Perhaps there are not as many readers out there who think/feel this way, but it got me to thinking.
Likely a by-product of the age old debate of "is romance-writing (alone) "real" writing?
Is that one still floating about?
Amanda McIntyre-Awaken Your Passion!
www.amandamcintyre.net
Hi!
Hi, Amanda! What an interesting topic! I think that hot scenes CAN realistically portray romance--that may or may not be my own personal experience at the moment, but that doesn't stop me from enjoying the read. Generally I prefer what I read to include the heat, as long as it's fitting for the characters involved. And I think that a great scene can always benefit from good build up! Turning up the tension is such fun to read :) Oh, and one other thing--I generally like to read partly for the fantasy and the escape from reality and for the hopefulness. Although I do occasionally think, "Hmm... not sure that would work in real life," if I wanted what I read grounded super firmly in reality, I wouldn't be reading romance. There's plenty of reality to go around already--I read for that super-reality, the extra oomph and the passion that you mentioned!
Hopefulness...
Oh, and one other thing--I generally like to read partly for the fantasy and the escape from reality and for the hopefulness. Although I do occasionally think, "Hmm... not sure that would work in real life," if I wanted what I read grounded super firmly in reality, I wouldn't be reading romance. There's plenty of reality to go around already->>>>
THAT too is an interesting point, Fedora!It is part fantasy, I especially like your using the word "Hopefulness"
Is that the deepest part of the characters we write about hoping for that moment (if not that person) we can truly connect to or be safe with?
veeerryy inter-esting*
Amanda
Awaken Your Passion!
www.amandamcintyre.net
LOL
But most generally,I think its a build up to that pivotal moment ( and no that is NOT a position *G* )
Snork! LOL
Funny aside, to offer a different view, I also think in books with MORE sex in them you have the opportunity for it not to be all about the sex -- instead of everything in a book building up to "that moment," such as in a more traditional romance, in a Blaze, for instance, where they can have sex from page one, you are building up to them falling in love, not falling in bed, because that's already done. ;)
Writing books with more sex in them challenges us to think about how sex with and without love is different, why people do it, and what the consequences are, but we also get to show that growth curve.
Sam
Why Dont You Build Me Up, Buttercup, Baby?
Sorry, couldnt help myself *G*
>>Writing books with more sex in them challenges us to think about how sex with and without love is different, why people do it, and what the consequences are, but we also get to show that growth curve>>>>>>
THATS IT! Writing for Spice gives a broad berth for exploring the human psyche. IMO, and other Sopice authors may feel differently, but I have found a freedom to delve deeper into the characters, the reasons for where they are and what they are doing. Is there a lot of sex? Yes.
But all within the context of the very complex and intricately woven storylines. Not talking my book necessairly--but I have read a couple and know that though my heroine is young in the book, she is an old soul. having been forced to grow up much faster just to survive.
She goes through a period where she is sure she "in love" and gives herself willingly thinking that love will conquer all social divisons and prejudices--yet she finds out the hard way, that it is what it is.
It was probably the most depth I have done in creating a bay of characters.
If there was one thing I would like readers to understand about Spice Books, those 100K thick suckers--is that they are very deep, complex stories woven around very real and passionate human emotions.
And human emotions(shapeshifters & aliens notwitstanding) is what its all about, right?
Amanda
Awaken Your Passion!
www.amandamcintyre.net
Waving Wildly
Hi Pamanda! (I can't help it, that's just so damn cute!)
Sadly, the "Is Romance REAL writing?" question is still floating out there. I'll spare you my response, though, lol.
To me, torrid love scenes are totally realistic. So are those, "So...wanna do it?" while watching the news scenes, lol. Sometimes, it's wild and out of control. Sometimes it's tame and sometimes it's comfort. Sex is a variable, a reflection of the relationship. That's healthy. That's why so many people have hilarious sex stories that they tell (or would never tell another soul), things like falling down the stairs or pulling a muscle or how they REALLY broke that arm...
Maybe it's not that your friend doesn't think it happens, but rather she might think romances act like sex is ALWAYS that explosive kaboom prevalent in romances. Maybe she thinks we don't show enough variety in our books?
Hugs,
Dee
(who gets to moderate your upcoming online read on eHQ!)
Kaboom-I cannot think of a song title to go with this.
There used to be a cereal though....
Maybe it's not that your friend doesn't think it happens, but rather she might think romances act like sex is ALWAYS that explosive kaboom prevalent in romances. Maybe she thinks we don't show enough variety in our books?>>>>
Possible. Good thought! Some folks might assume that romance is romance is romance...all romance is exactly the same. Precipitated by covert groups of the top ten bestsellers who are generally men-but lets not talk about that*G*
I honestly think there is plenty of variety-mylanta! Go to eHarlequin and its like a proverbial department store! And thats just one publisher!
If I understand her correctly(and oh yes, we will discuss this more)I think that it purely a comfort-level thing.
What's comfortable for me to read or write, most likely isnt going to be the same for another.
I think it was Sam who ppointed out violence. I do have trouible with that, especially in movies. Sex, I do not have trouble with--even in movies.
which might bring up a whole other fun topic!! (Thanks DEE!!)
What is your most fav "Kaboom" movie moment??? Those who wish to abstain, feel free , you will not be racked over the coals, placed in shackles or otherwise Tortured. (Which FYI, is the title of my dark medieval coming out next August with HQ Spice-shameless plug*G*
Kaboom moment:
Body Heat-Kathleen Turner & Willaim Hurt at the bottom of the stairs.
Amanda
Awaken Your Passion!
www.amandamcintyre.net
Let Me Entertain You!
who gets to moderate your upcoming online read on eHQ!)>>>
Dee, you have your fingers in lots of pies, don't you? LOL
I had a blast writing that story!
I may have to do a full based on these guys...dunno;)
Amanda
Awaken Your Passion!
www.amandamcintyre.net
If you don't believe those
If you don't believe those smokin' hot love scenes can happen, you don't have much romance in your life!
Estella, you have story
written ALL OVER that comment!!! LOL
Amanda
Awaken Your Passion!
www.amandamcintyre.net
Hi Amanda
And welcome! Perhaps she meant is that hot books set up unrealistic expectations for sex. But, with a little work and chemistry, that hotness is certainly attainable, and hot love scenes go a long way toward helping those moments happen, lol.
Congratulations on your new release!
Jeannie
She Blinded Me with Science!
I suspicion you have hit the nail on the head, Jeannie, that this may be what she means. (That will be the first thing I ask when we speak)
I dont know that I've ever written any scene hot or not--and I have written both--close the door and inside the heroine or heroes head as well!
You bring up an other interesting point though. Do we write to guide the reader into amping up their sex lives? Or do we write to tell a story?
Do that many readers read romance to amp up their real romance lives?
I have to laugh becasue I was talking online to one of my crit partners and we were slobbering all over the second season premier of The Tudors. HOT! In a word.
Anyway, we're talking plot ideas and what if scenes and its electric right? and her husband, who'd come home for lunch comes in and says a grilled cheese sounds really good.
She comes back with "gotta go, grilled cheese awaits the things that dreams are made of..."
It cracks me up that even as authors, maybe we too are looking for that thrill, that escape. That too is cliche about romance writers and I hate it frankly.
But it brings up good food for thought, Jeannie!
Amanda
Awaken Your Passion!
www.amandamcintyre.net
Reason Enough....
And may I just say that I am rarely envious of other's women's anatomy-but I make exception for this cover.
*sigh* gravity works...
Amanda
Awaken Your Passion!
www.amandamcintyre.net
I'm with Fedora
Much of the reason I read is for the escape from reality. Of course, I like characters I can relate to, as well, but if books were exactly like the real world, what would be the point? I could just look out the window and observe. :P I agree that if a reader isn't picking up a book with an open mind and expectations for something other than their own life reflected back to them, then they best not be picking up a romance novel.
Welcome Amanda!
I think it all depends on how the before is handled. You can have a great love scene, but it's like any scene in a book -- if the motivation and the characterization aren't handled well before you get there, then nothing you do in the love scene is believable. Same with an action scene. You throw Napoleon Dynamite into a James Bond type scene, and it'll never work, not unless you have some kind of overwhelming motivation for him to suddenly snap out of his stupor. ;-).
Richly developed characters create the best and most passionate love scenes IMHO.
AWESOME cover on your book, BTW!
Shirley
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
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