A friend said, “I love you dearly, but I don’t know if I should read one of your books. How could I ever look at you the same way again? You’re so quiet, so shy, so sweet, and your books are so....”
This isn't the first time I've heard this reaction. I blame Barbara Cartland for dictating her perennial best sellers from a fainting couch while togged out the the max. Dictating is out of the question for me. My brain only engages when the fingers are connecting with the keyboard. Obviously, I don't look the part of a glamorous erotic romance author. Note to self: stock up on feather boas and backless pumps. On second thought, never mind. I'd feel silly and probably trip over the boa.
Naturally, I murmured something to my friend about how I wouldn’t want her to feel uncomfortable. And while I don’t see myself quite the same way my friends do, my real life persona is quiet, shy, and a bit dull, especially when compared with my characters’ adventures.
Most writers are introverts. Who else would choose such a solitary profession? We do tend to be a shy and sensitive lot. And yet we slave a way at an occupation guaranteed to thrust us into the spotlight (if we succeed)--a shy person’s worst nightmare. One of life’s ironies.
So why do we do it? There are probably as many different answers as there are authors. I can only speak for myself. The characters I write about are very real to me. They are the children of my imagination. I am protective of them. I struggle to bring them to life, and then I fight to give them the very best possible chance at finding a home in readers’ hearts.
Virtual motherhood is a strange, empowering phenomena, one that turns an otherwise mild mannered woman into lionesses willing to brave harsh critics and scandalized friends and family in order to protect and nurture the offspring of her dreams.
What would your friends be surprised to know about you?
15 comments:
Good post.
People are strange about writing erotic romance. Someone I was getting to know recently told me, "I don't read that stuff and I don't know what to think of people who do."
That friendship was short lived. Who needs this shit. I didn't fancy her anyway.
A woman in my town at a recent YWCA luncheon asked me where she could buy my books. I told her and mentioned that they are same sex romances. She said "I'll admire them from afar then," and she walked away.
Then there is my mother who keep saying, "Isn't it a shame you can't publish something nice."
Are they really that puritanical or is it all an act?
I think they protest too much
Hi Fyn, I'm a little stunned by how much prudishness exists in the 21st century. Or perhaps erotic romance readers are simply shy--like writers and can't bear to mention their reading preferences.
Thanks for stopping. :)
I don't write erotic, but even at a sensual heat level, I find certain people unwilling to read my novels for the same reason. Like I'm giving them a glimpse into my sex life... While not exactly the case (hey, some things have to be researched!)I too find myself disappointed in their refusal to read something I've worked so hard for. Oh well... plenty of people who don't me who I can drag into my little world. :-D Great post, Evanne!
A truly interesting post.
I think many of us have stories we could share about whispers and nervous looks.
I choose to view their discomfort as, "At least they've heard of my books."
Hi Elaina, you keep researching, Sweetpea, I'm sure they're envious.
Hi David, All publicity is good publicity--but when friends offer their opinion--I'm usually the one squirming for something to say.
Great post. Yep I've had a few eyes raises about what I write but I just brush it off and focus on the good ones.
*grin* Like how my aunt blushed when she told me she read one of my books but then she blushed some more and said she was definitely buying the rest. LOL
Gotta love it. hehe
Great post, Evanne. I still haven't let my husband read anything I've written. Introvert who?
Heh, my verification word is coodie.
Hi Lauren,
Your aunt sounds like more fun than any of mine. :D
Hey Gillian,
I'm sure your dh wouldn't be shocked. Given what you write I'm surprised he hasn't ordered you to share. ;)
I've been voted Most Interesting Mother by my (adult) son's web-buddies. I suspect the word "interesting" gets some nonstandard emphasis in that title.
Good for you Amber! My adult children are slightly amused and mildly embarrassed by my writing.
I must be lucky. My friends read my work and so does my family. They even facebooked their friends and told them my book came out. I get feedback and comments though my husband gets some "nudge nudge wink wink" looks, but overall the reaction is positive.
What would my friends be surprised to know about me?
They all know I write erotic romance but since most of them wouldn't read it, they don't realize how racey the stories are. My menages are the most popular things I write with bi-guys and a straight woman so lots of opportunities for every which way and then some....
Penny, you are lucky to have such super support group!
Barbara, I need to check out your books!
I try to keep my writing separate from my day job, but it has gotten around work that I write "those books." In fact, I had one woman asked me what happened to me in my childhood that I could write books like that. I still don't know how to take her remark.
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