I came across Sasha for the first time last year. I was staying home from Nationals and V sent me a link to an erotic writer doing a workshop and since this was the genre I was currently looking at, I of course wanted to read whatever I could about it. And guess who it was? Yep, it was none other than Sasha White. Fate, I tell you!!!
I, being the naïve (virgin, if you will) erotic writer, had only read books for a certain line (since that’s who I thought I wanted to target). I asked a question and very politely, she answered me.
So my question you ask? Do you start erotic’s with a love scene in the first chapter? (Or something close to that)
But I do remember that the reply I received (I’m paraphrasing here) was something about how she really disliked that everyone believes erotic romances are not romances but the four letter "P" word, on paper. There is still a plot, there has to be emotion and there has to be tension to make it believable, it’s just that the sex is hotter. Someone ask her again. Let’s see if I got it right…LOL
I of course felt like a fool (or rather - a total ass), to this multi-published author. But erotic’s are still not widely accepted within the romance community—partly because there are still people out there that believe they are written from scene one to the end with nothing but sex—just as my question implied.
Now, I know that was not her intention, it was my own self criticism that made me feel this way. Trust me Sasha is a sweetheart, and we have had many conversations since, but like me, is straight forward with her opinions—see why I love her!!!
Paraphrased or not, that statement has resonated with me ever since. And when you read her work, you’ll know she stands by those words.
Her characters are unique and believable, sexy as all get out, and the emotional bond within her world will tangle you up within the sheets, right along with her characters. Her characterization is what I believe pulls me into her work and keeps me coming back over and over for more.
I mean really…great sex and emotionally involved, isn’t that what every girl dreams of? ;-D
Tell us what pulls you into a great book? Especially if it’s Sasha’s!
Want more Sasha she's also over at GenReality today and every Thursday!
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XOXO
LKap
9 comments:
Who started calling it erotic? And why does everyone equate that to porn? And really, getting right down to it, what's wrong with porn??
Anyways, to answer your question. I agree with you. It's characters. I like realism (even in my fantasy/sci-fi), I want it to be believable. If an author does it right, you can truely believe that pigs CAN fly.
What pulls me into a great book are the characters and the plot of the story. When I read it is like I become the main character, I feel whatever that character feels.
The characters keep me reading a book. If I don't like the characters, even with a book from a favorite author, I'll put it down.
I read my first erotic Sasha White book for Jennifer's Random Musing on-line book club a few months back. I loved the story and the characters, it was just hotter than my normal romance reads. I still need to pick up the rest of the books in her series.
I totally forgot I sent you the link to her from SF nationals. :)
I have to like the characters and the pacing has to move or I have a hard time reading a book.
The biggest thing that will make me want to put the book down is when I'm told (or shown) the same thing over and over again. It's like after the second (maybe third) time I get it. But then we've talked about this before.
Natasha - Problem is what's out in the romange genre isn't like the old "Erotic" where it was sex for sex. The genre has been around forever, but they always have to tag it with a name - to me they are just great stories with hot scenes. Love the Sci-Fi flip - it's so true!!!
Becky - I'm with you I have to relate to the character on some level to be interested no matter what genre - and I like a lot of different genre's!
Liza - agreed. Althoug, I will stick out a book by my favorite authors - just because, I always want there to be a redeeming factor somewhere - and sometimes there isn't.
V - How could you have forgotten I think that's all we talked about!!!
Yes we both have that problem when reading - don't hit me over the head with it - I got it (now I have to learn that in my own writing...LOL)
Who started calling it erotic? And why does everyone equate that to porn? And really, getting right down to it, what's wrong with porn??
Since I'm popping in all week, and full of opinions, I'm gonna answer these questions. LOL
I have no idea who started calling it erotic, but it is different than porn. And no I don't have any problem with porn, in fact, the first thing I ever sold was a short story to Penthouse. And I continued to sell to them for a while. However, I think that also means I have unique view of what the differences between erotica and porn are. Since I've written both.
To me, Porn doesn't have to have emotional depth beyond pleasure. Thats what makes it porn. It's strictly to arouse. Erotica is also meant to arouse, but it does so by adding a depth of emotion that will have the reader connecting with the character, in turn making them more invested in the story, and in a way, more turned on.
And lastly, I think the people who equate the two as the same thing are people who don't know better, and I just ignore them. :)
Hi Becky, I agree, Characters are the most important thing, especially in an erotic novel.
Liza, That was probably PRIMAL MALE, you read from Jenn's bookclub thing. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it. I agree that my Aphrodisia books tend to be more romantic, and like you said, maybe just hotter than a typical romance. BUt if you decide to give one of my Berkley books a try you'll notice that they lean more toward traditional erotica, or mainstream erotica. There is still a romance in them, but it's not always the main issue.
I enjoy writing both and am lucky to have publishers who let me do both, and readers who love them all. :)
The biggest thing that will make me want to put the book down is when I'm told (or shown) the same thing over and over again. It's like after the second (maybe third) time I get it. But then we've talked about this before.
This is one of my biggest pet peeves too! I hate it when an author assumes I'm an idiot who needs to be told things over and over. LOL
Sasha -
Now those were great answers!!!
I especially like " I think the people who equate the two as the same thing are people who don't know better, and I just ignore them. :)"
It made me laugh!!! Thanks for popping in Sasha!
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