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This week: Is graphic detail necessary for romance? Edited by: vzabel
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A while back, a few of us discussed the use of graphic details in "romantic" situations. Many times romantic stories seem to mean GC or above content. But is that necessary? Let's revisit that discussion, shall we?
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| ASIN: B01FST8A90 |
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Amazon's Price: Price N/A
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Graphic Content in Romantic Writing
A discussion on the W.Com scroll several months ago brought some interesting comments. Participating were members maranda, thatonegirl, kmh33, inky_1, and vwyatt. I guess I was moderator since I asked, “To have a good romance/love story, does the author have to have graphic sexual content?” However I asked in a way that the question met the content limits for scroll.
maranda answered first, “No. they certainly don't have to be graphic.” She added later, “There are all kinds of romantic books. Take Nicholas Sparks, for example. I wouldn't consider his work graphic, but they're emotional, have a storyline, and certainly sell well.”
thatonegirl agreed. “No. I think they can be strong works without 18+ content.”
” I read lots of romance books, and I think that they can be like Lorien said, strong but without 18+ content,” kmh33 said.
inky_1: “Some of the best romance books don't have physical content. Plus there are tons of youth romance novels that are entirely PG 13.”
So far I agreed with each person. They all make good points, in fact I think certain details should remain inside the closed bedroom door because what is romantic to one person may be gross to another.
kmh33 supported Inky and Crys. “Exactly, Inky! So very true, Crys.”
inky_1 referred back to Crys’ remark about Nicholas Sparks, “Not to mention Jane Austen.”
thatonegirl made a good point: “I think it depends on what the author's focus is. Some choose to focus on the more ethereal, emotional aspects of romance; others choose to focus on the realistic, day-to-day aspects; others go for passion. Many even balance many aspects.”
A bit of cynicism, I think, was added by vwyatt: “If the characters have life going for them then they have no reason to find love/romance.”
inky_1 gave us a bit of realism and humor with “How about a realistic romance? Lotsa nagging and dirty laundry on the floor and kids screaming. I'd call the other stuff ‘fantasy.’”
The consensus appears to be the main consideration is a well written book, and graphic content isn’t necessary to create that. |
Writings from W.Com
Let's see if we can find romance writings on the site that are below 18+ rating.
| | Human [13+] #1212440
The world lost its colorful luster when she realized he wasn't a real boy...
by iKïyå§ama  |
I found several. Also, all my romance writings are 13+ and lower. |
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Final Thoughts
November's issue discussed the over use of action. The following comments concerned that topic.
demorm
I feel the same way about too much action. That's why I'm very selective about which movies I go to.
Zeke
bertiebrite
I believe the over-action in many of these stories and movies comes from the Oriental inspired Karate films. If you've seen them then you know that the hero often faces odds that would kill a normal human just by trying to defeat the villains. It is a case of supply and demand also, where the public is, for the most part, not interested in the plot, but the violence that permeates all of our existences. Inured, they seek the same on edge ambiance that they feel in their everyday lives. Perhaps that is why so many dramas are overloaded with impossible fights, car chases that crash where nobody dies and shot-up heroes that still defeat the bad guys.
estes
I agree that some stories/movies have too much action, it takes away from the plot and feeling of the story. When does the audience get to breathe? Thanks for the article.
Thank you for the comments. I'm glad when what I write hits an agreeable cord.
May your Christmas be merry and your New Year bright.
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For Authors: December 20, 2011 Issue [#4771]
