I don't write erotic fiction. However, if I believe that a unique touch of eroticism will add to the characters and will enhance the emotional tension of a story, I don't avoid it. This is what I did with "A New Beginning", a short story that was accepted for publication by Skive magazine for the December issue.
Skive magazine is turning nine years old in December and the issue will be "Erotica". The stories will be available for free online, on PDF.
If I were to draw a parallel between my short story "A New Beginning" and previously published stories, I would have to mention the anthology "The Literary Lover". Most of these stories have an erotic touch that was related to the development of the characters and the plot. My favorite stories from this anthology are by Joyce Carol Oates ("Morning"), Laurie Colwin ("Frank and Billy"), Edna O'Brien ("The Love Object"), Richard Bausch ("Letter to the lady of the house") and Mary Gaitskill ("A Romantic Weekend"). I loved many of these stories because they felt real and the characters were complex and interesting. However, I read "The Literary Lover" long after I wrote "A New Beginning," so I believe the inspiration to write this short story came after reading Maile Meloy's collection "Both Ways is the Only Way I Want It".
How about you? Do you avoid eroticism at all costs? Or do you use it when it serves a purpose?
Let me clarify something: "A New Beginning" is NOT a memoir. I need to state this clearly because a few days before this story was accepted by the editor of Skive Magazine, Matthew Ward, the editor of a different magazine wrote to me suggesting that I should submit it again to be published as a memoir. (If you are interested in stories based on true life experiences you should read "A Hospital in Latin America" and "Freedom is a Fragile Word").
Happy birthday Skive magazine! Enjoy the read.
Good to see you getting published. I don't write erotica. But I do have a little sexual expression in my work, when it's needed.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Richard. I liked the fact that Matthew Ward pointed out that "erotica" is not pornography. Some writers out there refer to their stories as "erotic" but they are pornographic. This is my opinion, of course. I find that kind of writing meaningless.
DeleteCongratulations, Julia! This is really wonderful news. Can't wait to read your story on-line, and I absolutely love the cover.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your support and encouragement, Kimberly.
DeleteCongratulations,Julia!!
ReplyDeleteThanks MS!
DeleteCongrats Julia!
ReplyDeleteAs I write Middle Grade fiction, eroticism is out of the question. It would all depend on the need of the story, if it calls for eroticism I would add it.
I agree with you, Rachna. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteJulia,I want to tell you that your story "A new Beginning" is amazing! First, I do agree to write a little touch of eroticism in a story makes it more attractive and interesting.Second,the content in the story is so wide! There are many things there to think about... loyalty,long time relationships...and why not? Your story unveils things that happens in the real life,too.Congratulations again!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading my short story, MS. Many of my stories shed light on some dark aspects of human nature, and I know I do shock readers. But then that is what writers are supposed to do. I don't write fairy tales. Thanks again.
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