Saturday, June 28, 2008

Friday Flash-- Sex Is

I had this scene in my head for a while. I have no clue what it's for. I know it's inspired by the MSNBC poll about reading romance. Plus many authors and readers have been discussing why they read and write romance. So, I took it one step further.

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“I don’t care how many times you tell me that sex has got to mean something,” Veronica growled, approaching her best friend, Nina. “Sex means nothing, except a physical release. Making love is different. That’s that emotional thing you go through with each boyfriend. Oh wait, you go through boyfriends like water, so perhaps you’re arguing because you can’t make it last!”

The short haired brunette stepped back, making Veronica wince internally. Nina was a good friend, but she was searching for something that didn’t exist– the perfect life with the perfect man. But Ronni knew better. She knew that happiness came from yourself, then from others. They can only help increase your belief in yourself.

“Sometimes, I hate you, Ronni. I believe sex means something.” Nina stepped forward, grabbing her arm. “You may want to pretend it doesn’t, but inside, it means you’re looking for someone to be compatible with.”

Ronni shook her head. “Sex is sex. Physical release based upon endorphin rushes. Physical pleasure that does not have to include the heart or soul, Nina.” Glancing into disbelieving blue eyes, Ronni made a decision. It might cost her a bit, but she had to get her friend to believe that one time sex does not make a relationship. “I’ll make you a deal. You come with me to Pleasures and I show you another side of sexuality. If after you see that, you can still say sex is emotional and commitment searching, I will drop this. But if you can’t–”

“If I can’t, then I’ll let you have the right to reject the next guy I meet.”

“Agreed.” Ronni knew that her friend was tough, but hell, Nina hadn’t ever been to Pleasures, one of the best kept secrets in Silver Springs.

Friday, June 27, 2008

Why romance?

My father does NOT understand it. My mom did. My sisters kinda get it, but my male does. Romance– why do I write what I do? Many people will tell you it’s for the happily ever after. Some will tell you it’s about falling in love. Some will even say it’s for the sex ideas. Well– they’re all correct.

I write romance because I love the sensation of falling in love, I love stories with Happily Ever After, I love the hot sex that makes me want to tell my male “Get in that bedroom now!” But there’s something more. Writing about romance is only part of the equation for me. My romances aren’t strict romances, but are part of a whole. I write action stories for women and men that have romance within the storyline. Why? Because love and romance are part of our daily lives. Whether we like it or not– it’s there. We either deal with a lack of love or needing it or having it and taking it for granted.

I write romance because it lets me have the best of many worlds. I can write sci-fi, fantasy, urban fantasy, or more and keep the romantic elements in play to help complete the story and to ratchet up the tension. Anyone who’s read the original Dragonlance Chronicles knows the romance stories that were not a huge part of the plot but happened to enhance the telling of the stories.

Currently, I’m writing something dealing more in the sexual fantasy realm. I’m actually stepping into the realm of BDSM and though I’m slightly nervous of showing this side of myself and my personal knowledge, in another way, I’m thrilled to finally let go and not hold back. It’s hard because sex and romance do go hand in hand, though many people don’t want to hear that. For me, kinky sex is more fun to read and to experience because it allows me freedom I don’t get in my daily life. (We all can’t be Indiana Jones or Lara Croft! Dammit.)

So stay tuned. I’ll be putting out my newsletter this month with a special interview with Lena Austin, one of my favourite erotic romance authors. But be prepared- I’m going to be posting more about sexuality, craft of writing, and more. Just when I thought I was going to be normal– I upped the ante on sharing what I know.