Erotica in the Headlines: Huffington Post Brings us a Look at The Lost Erotica of Spain

An article in this week’s Huffington Post takes us away to the Spain of the 1920’s, previously characterized as a time of melancholy after the fall of the country’s imperialism.

Erotic postcard series,€ A Virtual Wunderkammer: Early Twentieth Century Erotica in Spain,
published by The Huffington Post on Thursday January 21, 2016, Web
accessed Sunday, January 24, 2016, originally from http://sicalipsis.humnet.ucla.edu/items/show/125.

From the looks of it, though, the years between 1898 and 1939—especially the roaring 20’s—weren’t quite as melancholy as previously believed. UCLA Professor Maite Zubiaurre stumbled upon a collection of erotic works, written and pictoral, showing a far more robust and exciting side of sexuality, feminism, and early LGBT awareness in the country, shedding light on a history not only fascinating, but really, really lovely.

The article goes on to describe the societal importance of the pieces Zubiaurre has discovered, but also includes photos from the collection which are absolutely gorgeous. Revelations not just of a more open and celebratory sexuality, but of men as well as women, depictions of homosexual lovers, transgender individuals, and—one of my personal favorites—satirical depictions of the clergy in flagrante delicto.

The collection looks simply amazing. Take a look at the images in the Post article and let me know what you think. Which images speak to you most? What do you think this means for historians of the period and the culture today?

In The Headlines: New York Public Library's Erotica Collection

The New York Times published a story last week on the "triple-star" (i.e., "erotica") collection of the NY Public Library, which is being opened up to wider public consumption for the first time. 

According to the Times, the Library's collection contains a wide spectrum of erotic literature as well as other material classified as "Supervision Required" or considered morally objectionable. These included illustration, advertisement, pulp books, even playing cards featuring pornographic images.  One curator describes the Library's interests in arranging the collection as a need "to understand and document what the city of New York was like. That meant collecting the good and the bad".

The Times' story paints a fascinating picture of the material contained within the NY Public Library's collection. Certainly many of the works signify a social and historical culture modern-day erotic writers and readers would love to peruse. Much like the Las Vegas Erotic Heritage Museum, this collection highlights the art and literature of American sexuality still often repressed and denied by the mainstream. Even the language of this article demonstrates the still-negative reflection on erotic material: "the good and the bad" insinuating the collection falls into the latter. Elsewhere it is noted that a similar Paris collection classified its materials as "contrary to good morals". Throughout the Times' story, language used by the library curators seems to indicate an illicit and subversive responsibility.

Regardless, the existence and increased access to such a collection provides us with a much-needed look at our nation's sexual evolution and identity. What say you? How do such exhibits reflect on us as a culture? Should we continue to keep them under restriction in "triple-star" archives? Leave your thoughts in the comments. 

Erotica News: New BDSM Erotica Author Aims to Challenge 50 Shades of Gray

Pam Robson, a UK Nurse from Hull, has recently released her own erotic BDSM novel in response to the success of 50 Shades of Gray.  

 Robson explains her decision to write and release Without Question, a story about a middle-age housewife surprised by an unexpected introduction into the world of BDSM, as a response to the lack of erotic engagement in EL James' worldwide bestseller.

As we've seen in past years, Robson's cooking with a recipe that's brought about quite a few best-sellers. I know I, for  one, agree with her on the sentiment that 50 Shades is not actually that hot, that interesting, or that satisfying. But is this enough for her book to be a hit in comparison?

When authors see and hope to emulate the success of series like Twilight and 50 Shades, they gamble on the assumption that these books succeeded based on the level of talent demonstrated. And like them or hate them, one can't deny there are approximately equal camps arguing that neither Twilight nor 50 Shades demonstrates any talent at all. So it might be considered rather easy to "Write a better book than 50 Shades", but the popularity of that title and it's potential to be a best-seller might have nothing to do with how well the book performs in the market.

What say you? Is it enough to be sure you can write the better story? Or is that far too subjective a standpoint? What will it take to make Without Question the hit Pam Robson wants it to be? Is the success of erotic or romantic literature based in the writing talent, the subject matter, or is it something else entirely?

Join the discussion and leave your comments below!

Erotica News: The World of Erotic Satire and Leonard Delaney

Motherboard recently featured an interview with erotic humorist Leonard Delaney, author of a series of "tech-porn" short stories including Taken by the Tetris Blocks.

Ever the curious kitty, I've added Taken by the Tetris Blocks to my Kindle to see how Delaney's erotic satire holds up. Having given a chance to its perhaps not-too-distant cousin, Taken by T-Rex, I have to say I hope Delaney's work makes better use of satirical elements. 

Because pornography can be funny. Historically it's earliest forms featured in political satire, after all. At $.99 for 4000 words, it should be obviously these titles in erotic humor aren't meant as serious forays into the psychology, sociology or deeper relevance of eroticism to our personal beings. These are the "funny pages" of the Pornography Times. Of course, that still means they have to be funny. One thing I found lackluster about T-Rex was that I didn't think the absurdity of dinosaur sex was portrayed in a chuckle-worthy manner. It was absurd...but it didn't make me laugh. I'm hoping Tetris Blocks won't fall into the same slot (har de har har).

What say you? Have you ever tried one of these silly shorts, or considered picking one up? Do you find the humor worthy, as humor, or do you think it lacking? As a reader, do they amuse you? As a writer, do they upset you? Or are they below your notice entirely?

Let me know what you think below!

In The Headlines: Natalie Dormer on Female Empowerment

This week The Guardian featured a story with Game of Thrones and Hunger Games star Natalie Dormer.

Natalie Dormer. Photograph: Julien Lienard/Getty

In the article, Dormer dishes on the subject of feminine empowerment in popular media. Touching briefly on a past interview, in which her comments on a then-current Game of Thrones plot-line became misconstrued as condoning sex with underage children, Dorner points out the double-standards held against female actresses are put under while male co-stars are understood to be simply "playing a part". 

Looking beyond double-standards, though, Dormer also points out that female empowerment is often generalized and equated with the character's sexuality. A "strong woman" is very often portrayed simply by handing the female a gun, putting her in a skintight catsuit and killer high heels, and giving her a foul-mouthed but still highly flirtatious or sexualized dialogue. After playing several roles as a powerful woman predominantly focused on her sexual relationships, Dormer points out the contrast of playing a woman in a combat zone in military jumpsuits and muddy boots (Cressida in Mockingjay, Part 2). In this role, the character's strength is portrayed in manners not feminized or based on a sexual role. True empowerment, Dormer argues, is not a stylized, hyper-sexualization.

What do you think? Where does real empowerment come from in women in media? Share any examples you consider a good example of an empowered female character, and tell us why, in the comments below.

In the Headlines: Our Emotional Connection to Fictional Characters

The Las Vegas Review Journal brings us a story today examining the reasons we as readers and viewers become emotionally invested with fictional characters.

 Citing opinions from author Deborah Coonts as well as a University of Nevada associate professor in psychology, the article discusses our willingness and eagerness to identify with fictional characters, to find a common emotional ground and become a part of their journey.

Some might call this "escapism". A friend recently mentioned to me how soothing we find it to slip into a book or TV show or video game world, while the real world is falling apart around us. We also discussed, as this article discusses, the attraction of a fictional struggle in larger-than-life circumstances, which allows us to feel at least some sense of achievement and victory when our real lives, and perhaps relationships, aren't so easy to control.

What do you think of people's willingness to escape into deep emotional investment with fictional characters and fictional worlds? Is it harmless or even psychologically healthy? Or is it escapism at its worst, making us more eager to avoid conflict for the safety of fiction and make-believe?  Share your thoughts in the comments below.

In the Headlines: Gay Erotica inspired by Justin Trudeau

This week several news outlets picked up the story of a 9-page M/M erotic short apparently inspired by Canada's newly-elected prime minister, Justin Trudeau.

The publication has jumped up the charts since it first hit Amazon.com, and as anyone might suspect, it's reaped some mixed reviews. One reviewer has called it "so hot, that it's all I need to keep me warm during those harsh, cold Ottawa winter nights." Others claim it's a cheap attempt to cash in on a legitimate public figure's recent popularity.

To which I personally say, "So what?"

Pornography and erotica has deep roots in political satire and critique. A $3 short story on Amazon seems relatively tame, honestly. It's popularity is a testament to the author's nose for in-demand material.

Is it wrong--or at least, is it "cheap"--to spin erotic material out of real-life cultural and political personalities? Is there any shame in readers indulging in a story clearly inspired by a public figure? What say you?

Do you know of any other erotic short stories clearly intentionally based on well-known public figures, and what do you think of them? I'd love to hear any amusing suggestions!

Has anyone read Serving the Prime Minister? What do you think?

In The Headlines: Plagiarism

This week in romance news, gay romance author Laura Harner was exposed as having plagiarized at least two other authors, releasing a nearly word-for-word version of My Kind of Trouble, by Becky McGraw.

  

Wednesday Writing Challenge: Headlines

Welcome to the Wednesday Writing Challenge!

Every Wednesday, I pose a new writing challenge here on the blog. 

The Wednesday Challenges are open to all readers. In order to participate, simply comment on the challenge post with your response to the exercise. Not only is it good practice, but you could win something nifty and fun!

 

September Prize: Free Copy of Satin and Steel

(You may request Blood and Fire Book 1 instead)

The Books of Blood and Fire, Book 2!

~ For Full Contest Details, See Here ~

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In The Headlines: Redefining the Genre with "Maggie's Song"?

I think every author would love to hear their work described as "redefining the genre". Last week, Lee Bailey's Electronic Urban Report published an article on Marcia Ware's book, Maggie's Song, claiming exactly that.

According to this article, Maggie's Song relates the tale of a curvy, "plus-size" African American woman, working hard to become a country music star and navigating the waters of an industry telling her she must be skinnier, sexier, and more conforming to societal standards of beauty, in order to succeed. Along the way she meets a man with whom she falls head-over-heels in love, but the man she adores turns out to be only interested in her for her success.

I have to say, based on the synopsis presented in this article, I have mixed feelings about this story. First off, I'm excited for a romance title with an African-American lead, and excited to see a plus-size woman taking not just a romantic part, but a motivated career story-line against an industry well-known for it's aggressive pursuit of unrealistic body standards.

However, I can't say the synopsis or romantic plot involving Richard, the opportunistic love interest, seems all that original. Is this really redefining the genre?

One quote in the article claims the story "cuts to the heart of women's insecurities". Perhaps this is the keystone idea to the book becoming a genre-smashing juggernaut?  Personally, I think a lot of romance features plot points of women (sometimes needlessly) struggling with insecurity. The idea of a romance centering on a woman's struggle with her own self-esteem (directly as a result of a man in her life) is even a bit insulting, to my mind, perhaps because it's so prevalent, even in story-lines which don't seem intended to focus on it. Romance, I think, is far more "genre-redefining" when it doesn't highlight a female feeling bad about herself in relation to how a man views her. 

Have you read Maggie's Song? What do you think about the article's claim that it "redefines" the romance genre? What sort of elements do you believe are truly necessary to redefine romance?

In The Headlines: Nicholas Sparks

This week, the Charlotte Observer brings us an interview with Nicholas Sparks, famous author of The Notebook and upcoming book, See Me.

Among readers I've found Nicholas Sparks to be a polarizing figure. To many, his love stories are golden: deeply moving tales of true and abiding romance. To others, though, his work is called schlock, sappy, and monotonously repetetive.

My personal opinion? I've seen The Notebook and I thought it was pretty boring. But I admit I've never actually picked up a Sparks novel and given it a read. (His genre just doesn't call to me).

What say you? Have you read his work? What do you think of it? If you haven't read it, do you have an opinion based on things you've heard or on trailers or news of his movies and upcoming TV Shows?  Agree or disagree with his popularity? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

In The Headlines: The Popularity of Erotic Fan-Fiction

This week, The Huffington Post featured an in-depth article about the prolific world of erotic fan-fiction.

In the Headlines: Why do We Love Romance?

There's no denying romantic fiction -- especially genre romantic fiction -- has been enjoying a rise in popularity recently. We've seen the powerhouse romantic titles making news across the board: Twilight, 50 Shades, and Beautiful Bastard. Are these titles at the heart of the new craze? Or are there other reasons we are seeing such a noticeable increase in popularity of romance literature?

In this article, psychologist Nancy Harris gives her thoughts on the appeal of romantic fiction, and offers some suggestions for good titles to pick up. What do you think about her proposals on the genre? Have you read any of her suggested titles? If so, did you like them?

In the Headlines - "Soccer Mom" Erotic Novelist, Meredith Wild

There have been many stories in recent years about the mild-mannered, unassuming mommy who hits it big writing erotic stories in her free time. The authors of such titles as Cum for Bigfoot have been known to make comments that their income from these books are putting their children through college.

Along comes Meredith Wild, author of the Hardwired series, a brand new smash success in the erotica market. 33 years old, mother of three, and now happily living in Florida with her husband who's retired from his full-time fire-fighting career to help her with her rising erotica empire. With a  $7 million book deal in her pocket, Meredith Wild certainly counts as a success story all us Indie authors wish we could be.

I haven't read Meredith Wild personally, but I think I might be tempted to pick up her first book and give it a try. How about you, Dear Reader? Has anyone read the Hardwired series? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

In the Headlines - Candida Royalle, Erotic Filmmaker, Dies

Last week in New York, Candida Royalle, a former pornographic star and film maker of erotic works for women, passed away. 

 

Candida Royalle in her office in New York City in 1990, after she turned to making films.
Credit Jim Estrin/The New York Times

After studying art and design in New York, Ms. Royalle became a pornographic actress in California for several years. In 1980 she made the move from actress to producer, founding her own company, Femme Productions. 

Ms. Royalle focused her work on erotic films designed to appeal to women and couples; she hoped to answer the unmet needs of women who wanted erotic media of their own.
“Women were curious and wanted to see if there were some sexy movies they could enjoy with their partner, and there was nothing out there for that,” she is quoted as saying.




Of course, she had her critics. She was often put down for participating in a misogynistic system that exploited women just as much as any other pornographer. For my part, though, I can't help but admire a woman embracing her own sexuality and the reality of women's sexual needs and desires.

Have you ever seen one of Ms. Royalle's films? What do you think of women in the pornography business, and directing pornography intended for women?

"Perhaps if we weren’t still so consumed with guilt and shame about sex, neither watching nor performing in these films would carry the weight it does. But then, perhaps we wouldn’t be so interested in them, either. If the fruit were not forbidden, would anyone care to take a bite?"

~Candida Royalle

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In The Headlines: LGBTQ and Religion

Anybody who follows me on Twitter or Facebook probably noticed me getting a little angry over the recent news about Kim Davis and her refusal to issue same-sex marriage licenses based on her personal faith.

This is a very important issue to me. You see, I’m a Christian. I’m also bisexual, staunchly pro-LGBTQ, and passionate about my spiritual and individual identity. To me, my Christ-based spiritual faith is not about the lives or choices made by anyone else, but my own life, and my own choices. My faith dictates how I will treat others, not how I will judge them. And it saddens me to no end to know there are people out there who hate, fear, and rightfully reject Christians on the whole, because of people like Kim Davis, who think God has given them authority to preach discrimination and exclusion.

I don’t mean to try and convert anyone, mind you. Another of my strongly-held beliefs is that while I identify and relate to a Christ-based philosophy, that which I believe to be God I also believe to be capable of speaking to others in a way more relatable and personal to them. To me, this isn’t about converting anyone to Christianity, or Christians hurting the chance of others becoming Christian. It’s about how my faith is being reflected, and in my opinion, Kim Davis and her supporters are reflecting nothing but ugliness and hate. And this infuriates me.

Also in the headlines this week is a really wonderful article by author Matthew Vines: 5 Bible-Based Responses to Common Arguments Against Marriage Equality.  And these are the sorts of discourse I love to see: discussion of the Biblical teachings which show my faith is, in fact, not all about hate and rejection and overbearing moralism.

I’m not the kind of Christian who advocates literal interpretation of the Bible, anyway, but I find intelligent discussion about its teachings very enlightening. Insofar as the text has been used to advocate against LGBTQ equal rights, how do you feel about these arguments dismantling such interpretation?

And in closing...