So, I write wondering if I should turn up the heat in the sex, or add more spanking or put more anal play. I know that this is the WORST way to write. I should just allow my heart to flow and allow the words to just come. But in the back of my mind I hear the voices. I know...I sound crazy.
I wonder if other authors go through the same issues. I can say one thing...book 3 is WAY harder to write than Traditional Love was. When I was writing Traditional Love, the only thing I worried about is what my mother would think if she read it. Now, as I write, I worry about reviews, fans, book sales, what my editor will say, if my grammar has improved, if I'm living up to expectations, and the list goes on.
I need to sit, type, and create some scorching smut. Will it have spanking, sex, anal, romance and love? Of course! So I guess, at the end of the day, that is all that matters. It will have all of the above, and then some. It is an Alta Hensley erotic romance, after all. :)
13 comments:
An author writes his or her first book for him/herself. That's a luxury you never have again because one IS influenced by what one perceives readers want. But I'm not sure if that's being submissive or a being good marketer.
BTW, has your mother read Traditional Love?
No, my mother has not! She wants to, but I told her I would die. There are some things a mother should never do, and that is read her daughter's erotic writing. :)
Yes! This is totally something I'm struggling with. My good/bad reviews, plus e-mails I get, are constantly in the back of my brain now as I type. I'm starting to wonder if my first two novels, before reviews will be the only books that really have my heart in them.
I think, as I get used to getting reviewed, I'll develop an immunity. Or I hope I will, anyway, because writing is more fun when I'm not worried about the reaction of my readers.
Good luck with Traditional Ties. I actually came to your site because I heard that these books have been well received.
:)
Sadey,
Thank you for your comment. I agree, I never realized how thick of a skin you have to have to be a published author. Bad reviews sting, but then the positive ones make it all worth it. I'm off to check your books out.
I think you did a great job with all your books, so whatever you have been doing is correct. Your books have opened my eyes to some aspects of Domestic Discipline I find facinating.
I like hearing I opened people's eyes to new things. Thanks for the comment.
Follow what your heart tells you to write. Don't write to please certain people. The quality of the work will suffer because of it
Alta, I'm a big fan of yours. I loved the Heroes in Tempted in Texas and Traditional Love. I didn't care for the Hero in Traditional Terms. Vance just wasn't as alpha as Deacon and Caine and Coley really needed a firm hand and enforcement of boundaries. I found you by downloading a freebie, so my thanks to you for that. It looks like Deep in the Heat of Texas was promoted as a romance instead of erotica, hence the negative reviews. Which is a shame because it's a really great book. Ereaderiq has the ability to parse genres, if you do another freebie, make sure that it's tagged as erotica. Looking forward to your next book!
I want to echo Scott's point: don't change a thing. You are effectively a trailblazer in DD erotic romance, and your readers will love whatever you do - as long as it's something you want to do.
It's so tempting to write based on feedback reviews, but IMO you should stay true to yourself. Now, I am going to contradict myself a bit and say I love the new (even more) sexual turn the Traditional... series has taken.
Bottom line for me is: write what turns you on and your readers will reward you.
Thank you so much for all the great advice! It is so nice to hear that I should follow my heart. I shall. :)
Scarletledder,
I agree that Deep in The Heat took a beating because of the genre being what it is. I realize my genre, my type of hero etc will not be liked by all. I am happy that I found some new fans though.
Sending encouragement your way as you write Book 3. I like that you care what your Mother thinks. I bought a coaster at Cafe Press that says "Even Good Girls Need Spanking". I think you are a "good" girl who writes Erotic. I like it. I like the post about the Boutique as well. I have never walked into a sex shop, but I have fun shopping for a few toys on line. But, if I ever see a Boutique as you describe then I will muster the courage to go in and I'll think of you! Again, just do your best and your book will turn our great.
SNP,
Thank you so much for the kind words. Yes, I am a good girl...who just happens to write a little dirty book. :)
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