Too Much of a Good Thing?
Posted by Monica on 31 Jan 2008 | Tagged as: Chit Chat, Craft, Publishing, Writing Life, Books
In the last year, the RWR (Romance Writers Report) has published letters to the editor with complaints of romance books having too much sex and foul language. Critics have said they don’t want to see beyond the bedroom door, and they consider authors who use foul language as being challenged individuals when it comes to finding words that better convey emotions.
For those individuals who prefer a more sedate book, please note that the market drives the demand for certain types of books. To make a living one MUST make accommodations based on what’s driving sales. Instead of sniping at fellow authors, sit thee down and write the good book as my friend Claire says. The same to protesters of foul language.
Writing romance isn’t something we can do in a vacuum. We need to either incorporate our reality into a book, or at least present an accurate picture of the past. We need to write what readers believe is realistic, and there are many romance readers who believe that sex, foul language and/or both is a vital component of a romance. With all that in mind, I do think some of the protesters have a valid point. There can be too much sex and too much foul language. Now before you tackle me on that, please note that I write erotic romance. I write carnal sex scenes in my romance works. I also use “foul” language. But here’s what some writers and readers don’t understand. Too much of something is a bad thing.
When writing sex, the writer needs to understand that it’s the sexual tension the reader wants. They want build up or at the very least a really good reason for the culmination of sex. Readers on the other hand need to understand that what they see as “too much sex in romance” is really a sign of poorly developed sexual tension and/or characterization. So instead of ranting about there’s too much sex in romance, start ranting about the lack of characterization or sexual tension. There is a big difference. In this humble writer’s opinion, it’s not that there’s too much sex in romance, it’s that the sex in a lot of romance is simply underdeveloped sexual tension and/or character development.
I applaud sex and foul language in romance when used appropriately and not repeatedly. And I believe that’s the biggest part of the problem. I think it’s the repetitiveness in so many romances that irritates readers. They just don’t realize it. The issue of foul language can be viewed the same way. For a character or scene the use of “foul” language can be quite appropriate, but too much makes for repetition and the words lose their impact. There’s nothing more powerful than the F-word used at a point in the story where that’s the only word that will do. But using it every other line reduces the word’s impact. The same goes for using words like clit, clitoris, penis, etc. These throw me out of the read. (I’m continuously asking myself if the majority of women really use those words when they’re making love to their significant others? Maybe some do, but I’m willing to bet a lot of women don’t. In fact, they’re more apt to be a little more base. *grin*) For me those words don’t ring true. They don’t sound realistic in the context they’re placed..
And that’s what this post is really about. Realism. Is the sex realistic, appropriate and written into the story at the right point in time for the characters drawn on the page? Is the language used appropriate for the specific moment in the story? Has the writer avoided the issue of repetitiveness with both the sex and the foul words. Sex and foul language are integral to many good books. But when it’s overdone, it’s like overcooked beef — it’s dry and far from tasty.
Monica Burns is a multi-published erotic romance author. Her current release, Mirage, is receiving rave reviews, including a Top Pick from Romantic Times BOOKreviews and a “scorching” review from Sylvia Day.
Monica’s next release is Dangerous, a paranormal from Samhain Publishing. Visit her website for more information. http://www.monicaburns.com/BookshelfDangerous.htm
I think you make some very good points.
January 31st, 2008 at 2:31 pmOne of the problems, imo, with the explosion of erotic romance publishers is that the quality is patchy to say the least. And readers aren’t stupid, they still want a good plot, characters and a believable love story-well that’s what I want when I read, anyway, and sometimes that gets tossed out in favor of incredibly graphic sex scenes for sex’s sake rather than the story.
Now, I’ve had the odd person say that my books are tasteless and pornographic, (well one in particular) but I don’t consciously try and write like that and I do get tied of being told that my writing somehow reflects my lack of morals. No one assumes Stephen King is a mass murderer in real life do they? Well I’m not a sexual adventuress either thankyouverymuch
You have a great point. I’ve read books with no sex or “foul” language that I’ve loved and I’ve read some really hot, erotic novels that would make you blush that I love. It’s all about the quality of the story, not the love scenes. If it fits in the story, then it works. Don’t blame the sex for the bad writing!
BTW, Kate, I have heard people say some weird things about SK, but I don’t think you have any lack of morals!
February 1st, 2008 at 5:10 amI have to say, your new cover is GORGEOUS Monica. Wowsa!
And you make a very good point. For me personally, foul language is the mark of an immature and usually selfish character.
In real life, grown up, well adjusted people just don’t let it rip all that much, especially after they have kids. Without needing to shock people, or show their rebelliousness, cussing is just a load of silly words.
Kids in college cuss a lot. If they don’t break out of it, I always wonder where they managed to find a job.
But that may just be me, and how I’ve grown as I’ve aged.
Chessie
February 1st, 2008 at 4:09 pmGood points. I have skipped over many a sex scene in a book because I just wasn’t that interested. I’ve been riveted by others. So I think that you’re right, the quality of the writing and the build up to the sex scene are critical. I especially don’t like the “obligatory” sex scene — where it seems that the writer didn’t really want to write the sex scene but felt she “must,” so she just glossed over it in an uninspiring way.
The language issue might be generational. I get turned off by raw language (I don’t mean swear words, I mean body parts and the “f” word.) Sometimes I think the authors use it just to prove that they are allowed. It isn’t tasteful and always pulls me out of the story. It’s a real negative in my opinion, and it’s the primary reason I don’t read erotica. If the language were gentler (less in-your-face raw), I probably would. Again, that might be generational. One or two raw words per book wouldn’t bother me as much (aside from the momentary blip when I’m pulled out of the story), but the constant useage is a real negative in my opinion.
February 2nd, 2008 at 6:32 amI didn’t mean to ignore posts here. I’ve just been swamped with at least 100 items. Thanks Chessie for the kudos on my cover. Anne Cain does a fantastic job drawing up what I envision for a cover. She’s a true art goddess.
Everyone makes good points, and it’s interesting how generational some of this is, Gail. I had a similar debate on another loop, and the response from intelligent women really stunned me. It was like they could do no wrong either writing sex or using foul language.
It’s a dangerous trap to assume your work couldn’t use a little attention or editorial review when it comes to overusing words or sex. I think these writers thought I was saying we shouldn’t have either in our writings. I don’t agree. I just think it needs to be appropriate for characters and scenes.
Thanks for thoughtful posts everyone. And speaking of goddesses, The Pam…if you’re listening, is there a way we can add a notify of comments posted option here on the blog? I would have popped in sooner if I’d had a reminder in my inbox.
Monica
February 3rd, 2008 at 11:49 pm