Talking Shop: Rape as a Plot Point

 

I think there is a phenomena in romantic fiction where sexual assault and rape equal an immediate and easy plot device.

Unfortunately, I can't say I'm innocent of this. While reviewing and editing Lotus Petals, I realized I, too, had included a scene implying intended forcible rape. As I analyzed why I had written this scene, I determined it existed solely to allow the romantic hero to ride in, save the day, and be rewarded for her good timing.  This, at least in my mind, is not the right motivation for including rape, implied rape, or abuse in a romance. The scene was edited before the final book was published, and I found myself much more satisfied with the results. I just can't get behind the use of sexual assault for convenient plot twists--even when I do it myself.

Talking Shop: Writing Sex-Positive Erotica

Let's talk about how we portray sexuality.

(This post has been slightly edited thanks to some helpful points made in user comments. Thank you, Decadent Kane!)

First, consider this short article on 50 Shades of Grey. Perhaps it recently showed up on your Facebook or Reddit feed. The author points out what I consider to be very valid criticism of 50 Shades: the portrayal of BDSM and D/s relationship is stereotyped, ignorant, and harmful in its representation. 50 Shades has been lauded as the book which will bring erotica and BDSM into the mainstream...but this presents a problem, because what the mainstream is now viewing as great erotic BDSM is actually damaging to the BDSM lifestyle and those who already live in it.

Allow me to point out one thing, though, that the author of this article doesn't mention, and which I consider without a doubt to be the biggest sin of 50 Shades.

Christian Grey's sexual identity is quite emphatically portrayed as the result of sexual abuse, and an inner demon which must be treated.