The Sexytimes Factor

What is too much? What is not enough?

I recently finished the book The Desire for Dearborne by V.B. Kildaire, and my review mentioned that the sexytimes, while multiple, were not too explicit and kept to about a page or two each. Someone commented on my review that she had recently read a book with a 28-page sexytimes scene, which, while causing my jaw to drop, also led me to wonder where I would "draw the line" (so to speak) on sexytimes.

Now, I'm the first one to admit that I like a little sexytimes action in my stories. What can I say? I'm pervy like that. However, I did cut my teeth on squeaky clean romances back in high school when I was reading traditional Regencies (e.g., of the Signet and Zebra variety) and category Harlequin Romance novels.  These styles are both romance niches that consider kisses to be the ultimate in titillation and which I fondly refer to as more "ankle barers" than "bodice rippers." Obviously, I've - ahem - graduated to acquire a much more broadened taste for romance along the entire spectrum of heat level.

That said, what I think all of this boils down to is expectations and execution.

The Maiden Voyage

I recently volunteered to participate in the Goodreads M/M Romance Group's writing event, Love is Always Write, in which members wrote "Dear Author" letters to provide authors with story prompts.  Well, I chose a letter prompt, and for the last month or so, I've been writing, writing...oh, and writing.

Earlier today, I submitted my story, and let me just tell you - it feels fantastic and terrifying at the same time. This story will be the first that I've ever "released into the wild" for public consumption, so I'm crossing my fingers, toes, and eyes that it'll be well-received.

To be completely honest, this is also the first piece of fiction I've ever sat down and written to completion. Yup. So, yeah, a lot of new territory for me. I'm really happy I participated because I felt like that little nudge to get this done was what I needed.  I knew that there was a deadline and a member who was counting on me to give it my best shot, so I just dove off that cliff and wrote it. There was no more room for doubts or second guessing of my writing skills or ability to tell a story. I just had to go in there and take the plunge, and I'm so glad that I did.

My story is a gay romance novelette featuring professional football players. It'll be released some time in the summer. More info and general thoughts on the writing process that I experienced will follow in the ensuing weeks.

Shaking in her boots (but also super relieved),
NJ

A Manifesto, In Brief

Welcome! Thanks for stopping by! *hands out cookies* Pull up a chair and get comfortable. Is that cushion plump enough for you?

This type of blog is totally new to me, so please bear with me as I navigate the jungles of aspiring authordom.  Since I thought a statement of intent might be a good starting point, that gets the place of honor as my first post.  

I intend to use this blog as a cozy, no-judgments-zone corner of the Internet where I can reflect on my writing projects, the writing process itself, forthcoming releases (eventually, I hope!), romance writing and reading (m/m, romantica, and otherwise), and also, quite possibly, the awesomeness of my feline cohabitant, Nico. 

So...yeah, if you like romance, are curious about the trials and tribulations of a newbie authoress, and don't mind the occasional cat-centric posting, then this blog is the place for you! :)

Hugs and Head-Butts,

NJ