Alison Kent has a post about trends and such in the romance market, and her main question is what about Big Contemporaries,? They used to be the big sellers but with genres like paranormals and fantasy gaining so much popularity, they sort of seemed to disappear for a bit. Does that mean they’re poised for a comback?
I have to say I hope so. One of the reasons being that I think BOUND, my Berkely Heat novel, actually falls into that category as well. Yes, it’s erotic, but at the same time..it’s really about the releationships the heroine has and the things she learns abotuherself along the way. So one of those relationships is based on her sexual desires and fantasies, that’s just ONE of the relationships inthe story. There’s also her nosy neighbor, her best friend, and and of course, her mother. You all know there’s got to be some interesting things in a mother/daughter relationship.
And the fact that Berkley is planning to market it not only as Erotica, but as Mainstream makes me feel pretty damn good. I just hope people will take a chance on it, and be pleasantly surprised when they realize there’s much more to the story than just sex.
I’m sure your book will do very well, Sasha. And certainly I’d be surprised if a full-length novel didn’t have more than sex going on! I think Berkley’s Heat line is very exciting.
by Charlene February 18th, 2006 at 8:35 pmFantastic news about the marketing! Out of curiosity, when you think about the book yourself, which do you think of it as… ‘erotica’ or ‘mainstream’? Or a blend of both?
I’m dying to read it. Sounds just up my street, as I too much prefer books where the characters have a *life*, as well as just a sex life.
by Wendywoo February 19th, 2006 at 5:23 amIt’s funny, but I have a post today on what I think erotic romance is. :D I’m not writing for trends. I started with EC when it was two years old–it’s now 5 years old and kicking serious butt. The thing was at that time it wasn’t a trend, to me it was just COOL. I also didn’t start writing witch stories because of a trend, I did it because I write them under another name as young adult novels, and I thought it would be cool to write one as an adult series. It’s been fun. :) But no, I don’t think people should write to trends unless it’s something they’re passionate about, you know?
by Cheyenne McCray February 19th, 2006 at 10:17 amThanks Charlene!! I hope it does well. And sadly,. I’ve read full length novels that have not much more than the sex going on. But then again, their might’ve been more, and it just wasn’t a book or story that *I* could get into.
by Sasha February 19th, 2006 at 1:21 pmHI Wendy!!
by Sasha February 19th, 2006 at 1:23 pmTO be honest, when I think of it, I tend to think of it as erotica. But By my own definition of erotica, that means it leans heavily to wards the mainstream. It means it’s all about the characters Journey, and not just the sex. I certainly hope you’ll enjoy it. That would mean a lot ot me!
Hi Cheyenne!
I know exactly what you mean. I’ve been writing erotica since before it became popular too. My Black Lace and other short stories were first written and pubbed about 4 years ago now. And I’d never even heard of EC or romantica until after I had over half a dozen stories pubbed. I read your post and I think it’s true. You have to write what you are passionate about. I often see new writers trying to change ms’s they started as sweet romances to make them steamy because thats what’s selling, and I don’t think it works.
Readers know when it fits and when it’s forced.
I also think that’s why traditional romance authors have been so resistant to erotic romance or erotica authors in the past. Because they know inside that trying to make their own stuff steamier than they are comfortable with translates to the reader, making their stories suffer.
As far as mainstream contemporary Goddess’ like JAK and SEP. Their stories are precious gems because they write from the heart too. They write the chracters and the stories they see and feel, not just what they think will sell. Thats why they can touch so many readers hearts.
Like you said, it’s about passion. I think we need to write what we feel…and if we do, the sales will follow.
At least I hope so. ;)
by Sasha February 19th, 2006 at 1:35 pmAs someone who has read BOUND, I can tell y’all that it is a wonderful book. The characters are rich, the relationships are real, the story flows like a river - smooth and strong.
by Beth Williamson February 19th, 2006 at 4:26 pmThis one is gonna hit the big time. I can feel it. It appeals on so many levels.
And the sex is absolutely SCORCHING… Oooh boy.
Screw market trends. I write what I like and I like cowboys. If I don’t make a million *shrug* at least I’ll be happy with what I’ve written and be proud of it.
WOW Beth! You sure know how to stroke an ego!!
Thanks. Your opinion means a lot to me!
by Sasha February 19th, 2006 at 7:54 pmThat’s excellent news re the marketing for your book!!! I love all the extra characters the heroine bounces off, that’s what makes a good novel
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