Romance Novels and Sex

I've recently been seeing a trend in romance novels away from the "open door" themes. One author, in particular, is now retooling her previous novels to a "sweet" approach, incorporating help from her daughter to tone down the language and close that door (or possibly even remove references to sex altogether - I haven't read her just-released sweet version). I've seen several other authors following that same vein.

Just a few years ago, publishers and editors were insisting on "going there," adding steam to romance novels. My own editor, while I was writing COOKIE THERAPY, told me I needed to include those things I'd left out, open the bedroom door. Now some authors are looking to to reverse the course as a way to introduce younger women "safely" to the genre.

I'm not one who believes in "the requisite sex scene." I've read my share of steamy romances, and I've read my share of sweet romances. The operative word here is romance. You don't have to have sex to make the book romantic. Sex isn't the same as romance. One of my cohorts recently had a review where a reader told her "too much plot, not enough romance." She believes she covered the romance angle, so her interpretation was "not enough sex." Is she right?

I grew up reading Victoria Holt, gothic romances. In all of the books she wrote, there are maybe two that make direct reference to sex (and she wrote dozens). One was a case of kidnap and rape (done the way only Victoria Holt could), and the other was a case of the woman not willing to acquiesce without the sanctity of marriage. While everyone thought the hero was creating a sham marriage, it turned out to be real, and the very vague bedroom references were important to validate the birth of a child which would complicate the fact the hero was supposed to marry someone else for political reasons. In both of those books, the door was effectively shut, without all the explicit detail you read today, but the heroes were just as romantic. Kristan Higgins is a good example of "closed door" books today, and her heroes definitely create throbbing hearts. In my most recent book, THE TWINS, the hero isn't able to "perform" due to his injuries, which made the decision in that book easy. Is Jared romantic? I think so!

As I continue my writing journey, I thought I'd reach out to my readers. Do you like the steamy bits? Or is that trend passing? Would you prefer to get back to the romantic traits without the chemical combustion? Are you a mom who wants to pass your love of romance on to her kids but don't want to subject them to flying body parts? 

I'd love to hear what you think!

My Brain Drain means you win

We're coming down to the final couple of weeks to the deadline, the point where I'm running on autopilot. The tank is empty. My analogy of the week is one of a ball retriever on a driving range - picture me riding around in a little cart picking up balls while every pad on the driving range is occupied and people are taking target practice at me. Yep. That's about how I feel. So while I'm ducking and bobbing and weaving and trying to find my way back to safety, I thought I'd give out some love for sticking with me through the craziness.

If you haven't yet picked up your copy of THE TWINS, I have Smashwords coupons! How do you get one? Use the Rafflecopter link to enter the last names of the families in the Epitaph series, Kevin's family and Amy's family.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

And if you've read EPITAPH, don't forgot to share what you thought of it. Tell me. Tell your friends. Post a review. If you hated it, tell me how to make it better. If you loved it, tell everyone you know to buy it!

"Pay No Attention to that Man Behind the Curtain"

For those of you Wizard of Oz fans...

Many authors prefer to hide behind the curtain, tucked away in a cubbyhole, writing. One of the latest trends is doing Facebook Live posts. The marketers say we should be putting our face out there. Facebook says they will give us priority if we are willing to step out from behind the proverbial curtain.

With the new release, I figured I'd give it to try. At least I had "something" to talk about. In case you missed it, this was my first attempt, chipmunk cheeks and all. Now I can say I've done it. Were the marketers right? I did get a lot of impressions - people checking it out, whether as a result of Facebook saying, "Hey, look! Live streaming video!" or because people really are interested, I couldn't tell you. I've gotten the same number of impressions on other "interesting" posts.

What do you think? Do you like seeing your favorite authors/celebs live?


via GIPHY

Now that I know how to do it, should I schedule "live" Q&A/Facebook chat?

Technical Difficulties

**UPDATE**

Here is the new Amazon Link to THE TWINS

And due to technical difficulties, it appears that Amazon has lost the ebook version of THE TWINS. Hoping it will be restored to the site soon (and hoping the link will be the same as well). I'll keep you posted, and if the link changes, I will update THIS POST.

Blazing Saddles?

via GIPHY

Remember Madeline Kahn's  "I'm Tired!"

Yes, I'm at the point again, that time of year when the day job dominates my life (this is when I earn my pay.)

Did you know the second in the Epitaph series came out yesterday? If you subscribe to my newsletter, you got a reminder (and a little bonus!). Thanks for your support, and I hope you'll let me know what you think of it!

So while I'm struggling to balance work and life and the night job (did you know I write books?), I'm going to leave you with Lili Von Shtupp because ....

I'm Tired!