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Where do you draw the line on content? #read #rating

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This article contains mature themes.

Content is key, but what if you don’t have a handle on how to gauge content? This big issue I’ve been faced with as of late is how people interpret my promotional policy. My policy was static for about two years, but now it seems I have to update it every other month. On one hand, I’m not one to shy away from expressing my opinions, but I also don’t set out to offend people. On the other hand, I refuse to be made to feel guilty for not wanting to promote something that I’m just not interested in reading and or promoting.

As for what I read, I choose to read fiction that’s within my comfort zone, most of the time. How can I be expected to find an escape if I’m uncomfortable and frustrated with the content? And to be perfectly honest, I’m more open-minded about what I read, than many of the people I associate with. I have come across so many blogs and groups who refuse to review spiritual fiction, especially not anything religious or tied to a religious affiliation, and I have no problem with that. I don’t think these bloggers should be made to feel bad simply because they
choose not read something that makes them uncomfortable. However, when the tables are turned against any topic related to sex and or violence, people get mad and offended.

So here’s the big issue: what is erotica?

Heck if I know. I don’t read it, but I’ve read a few things I feel might be pretty close it and that’s one comfort zone I’d like to stay within. As an adult, I have no problem with anyone who reads or writes erotic stories. I even think some stories could use a little spicing up, but that doesn’t mean I want to be immersed in erotic language and images nor do I want to promote it. So all that’s left now is for me to decide how much is too much.

Goodreads
Goodreads

This would all be so much easier if there were some kind of industry standard, but there isn’t. Many will argue that some works are clearly Erotica, but what about all those that are “borderline.” I was recently faced with the challenge of trying to clarify my promotional policy by having someone compare the works, Fifty Shades of Grey and A Discovery of Witches. Taking into consideration that not everyone reads the same genres no matter how popular a book may be this comparison didn’t work; the author hadn’t read either of the books and hadn’t even heard of the latter. For me personally, I can scan the reviews of a book to get a feel for the content within, but we were in a bit of a crunch at that moment.

So now I’m felt looking back at my reading history and wondering where each book falls into my promotional policy. Have I read books that I actually wouldn’t promote?…Yes, and to be honest, I’ve never promoted those books. Some of them I didn’t finish and the few I did, I don’t think I’ve ever reviewed… Maybe I should.

Now it becomes a matter of what I think Erotica is.

I’ve never read Fifty Shades of Grey, but I’m pretty confident it’s too extreme for me, along with other such titles as: Insufferable Proximity and His Possession (books recommended if you like 50 Shades). I guess if the major selling point of the book is sex, that’s a pretty clear indicator. What about all those books that actually have a well-developed story along with a lot of detailed sex?

Goodreads

Take the book Outlander for instance. To me this book is borderline Erotica, but I have a feeling the Showtime series is pushing the limits of that (I’ve never watched it). I read this book because it was recommended to fans of time-travel and historical fiction; both accurate descriptions. However, this book contains a lot of sex and some of it is what you might consider “kinky”. This book was very uncomfortable to finish, but the beginning was so good and the actual story and characters so compelling, that I plowed forward and tried to skip over the parts I didn’t like. It was truly an incredible story, but it’s not a series I will ever continue simply because of the intense and graphic content I choose not to read.

Now consider the All Souls Series, specifically A Discovery of Witches. There is no way I would let anyone under 18 read this, but I’m not a parent and  it’s really not that bad. It’s quite simply very mature and meant for adult consumption. This is an 18+ read, but I don’t consider it borderline and definitely not Erotica… I am way off and suffering from a delusion? I don’t know, but this is how I see this. I don’t exactly write children’s books myself (yet 😉 ), but I must draw the line somewhere.

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I often try to compare book content to movie content, but even that’s not so easy to do. I often ask people that if a book was a movie would it be rated R or NC-17, but that’s not always a good indicator. Many R-rated movies are released only after a 2 or 3 minute clip is either edited or cut to bring it down from the NC-17 rating, and many PG-13 movies seem like they could be rated higher. There’s simply no way to determine where exactly to draw the line. In writing it goes even further. As much time as I may spend trying to define “What is Erotica?” others are arguing over what’s the difference and limitations between Erotica and Pornographic Lit. I can’t even imagine where it goes from there.

So in conclusion, I guess I’ll continue to update and tweak my promotional policy and continue to please some while I offend others.

This is an unoffical Author Insights post.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

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Poll

What defines Romance as a genre?: Authors Insights 14

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I’m going to be perfectly honest; romance is not my thing. At least I never felt like it was, but I could be wrong. I have found that what I perceive as traditional romances, whether in books or films, don’t really appeal to me with a few specific exceptions. However, when reviewing my list of go-to chick-flick romances with some friends, I learned that some of my choices aren’t very traditional. Don’t worry, I’ll be sharing that topic on another day.

When it comes to my writing I realized that most stories need some element of romance, love, or relationship issues (not always romance) to keep the story well-rounded. It was then that I also realized that I do like romance when it’s combined with another genre, when it’s not the driving force but an interesting subplot or catalyst. I even conducted a poll last month to see how people felt about genre, to which I’ll be posting my results in my newsletter tomorrow.

Anyway, back to romance. I’ve been told that my Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel is non-traditional romance within the whole paranormal romance genre. In all honestly, that may have something to do with the fact that I tried not to focus too much on the romance, but it is a major driving force in the story. I feel that maybe the idea of writing romance intimidates me so I try to avoid it or reduce encounters with it. Unfortunately, that tactic has never worked for me.

So that’s when I decided to write a romance of my own with no paranormal twist, no fantasy or sci undertone, or any time of violence or political intrigue. I decided that I wanted to tell the story of characters who could be real people who I might meet and form relationships with. But of course this raised another question. “Am I truly writing a romance or just general fiction with a romance in it?” This is where the whole idea of “read what you write” would have greatly helped me. In any case, I’m so close to finishing this story and can’t wait to share it.

In the meantime, I’d love to know your thoughts on romance, whether you’re a fan or not.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

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Poll

Make-shift Polls: Author Insights 13

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It’s been a while since I’ve shared any thoughts that weren’t directly related to me blogging or a book I’m working on; not that it’s a bad thing. You may not be interested in my other thoughts, but since you’re here, I figured I’d share.

Some people love polls and some hate them, but I think most people are in the middle. As long people aren’t asked to do a poll daily or weekly, I think most people will give them a try. I’m going to start posting a poll once a month just to see if I get any takers. The poll will appear in the side panel of this blog throughout the month, but I’ll also create a post like this announcing it.

Now here’s where things get a little kooky. I could have gone with one of the more popular Poll apps or services, but what can I say, I’m a control freak and like to do things a certain way. My polls will pretty much be Google forms so I can easily manipulate them and keep records of them. I’ve had a poll posted for a while now that hasn’t gotten much attention, but that’s okay. I’ll be posting a new poll in the next week or two. For now you can check out my current poll.

Some people love Paranormal but hate Romance, while some have found comfort in Paranormal Romance. So what do you think; does genre matter? Share your thoughts and see what others think too.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords