As mentioned in an earlier post, an author who writes M/M erotic romances asked me to gauge the psyche of M/M readers who frequent this blog, in this case female M/M readers who make up the majority of the fan base for these books, to get a barometer of what you like or don’t like about the genre. We would really appreciate your assistance in this short survey and although there are no prizes, your input is very important.
Although this poll is directed at female readers at the request of the person who suggested it, as you know this blog does not discriminate (see similar polls directed at gay men where I invited women and M/M authors to weigh in) and I would therefore like to invite male readers of the genre who check out the blog (I know you’re out there even though you prefer to fly under the radar *g*) to give us your opinions as well and I will tabulate your responses separately. If you are male please indicate this in your response.
The comments in parenthesis are only intended as guides and are not to be taken literally. We would like you to respond in your own words.
1. Why do you like to read M/M erotic romances?
2. What elements attract you to these books – what is the appeal? (Is it the kink factor? Is it because you like the thought of two hot guys making out? Do you like being a voyeur looking in at something you think is forbidden or taboo? Insert your own reasons)
3. How did you start reading the genre? (Your friends recommended it? Other genres bored you?)
4. If there is one thing that you would change about the genre, what would it be? (Too much angst? Not enough real conflict in the books? Not enough plot? Characterizations? Insert your own ‘beef’)
Without differentiating regarding sub genres such as paranormal, horror, sci fi, mysteries etc. How do you like your M/M erotic romances?
b. Would you like to see more plot/story in M/M erotic romances and less emphasis on the sex? (To what extent does plot matter to you, or does it?)
c. For those of you to whom plot matters, would you like to see more intensity? (Political intrigue? Murders most foul? Drug cartels? Insert your own plot)
d. Would you like some new/different story lines to invigorate the genre (a recent example – conflict between priesthood and love), or a continuation of the current tried and true themes? (Best friends become lovers? Gay for you? Teacher/student? Give us your opinions – ‘Change’ isn’t only for politicians *g*)
e. Which do you prefer – character driven or plot intensive storylines?
This last question is for authors of the genre
Do you write M/M erotic romances with female readers in mind? Are your stories targeted at both genders? What elements do you try to include that you think your readers will like?
Thanks again for your time and input in this poll and just as important, for your support of this blog. As you know from previous polls, I really appreciate and value your opinions. (I would throw money at you but unfortunately the Canadian dollar is down a tad recently *g*)
You can post your responses on the blog or email me at jessewave@gmail.com
I would love for of a build up of sexual tension between the two man characters rather then them meeting and BAM- sex every which way possible. Since I love angst in the romances I read, I would love more of that but by the end everyone gets their HEA. I am also a big fan of opposites attracting.
I started reading MM based on reviews and others I talked with who gave good book recommendations.
Thanks for your input K.B. I’ll be sure to include your comments in the summary. I appreciate you taking the time on a Sunday to respond.
Wave
No problem 😀 Just doing my normal Sunday blog visit and drinking coffee.
I’m sending my comments via e-mail as I think I will probably go on for a bit. 🙂
I’m sending mine by e-mail, as you may not want to post it!
Lesley
I saw your comments which were great and I responded by email.
Batboy
Your comments as usual gave me a lot of food for thought and reflection *g*. I’ll be sure to include those comments that won’t get me run out of town :DD You’re always so eloquent.
Wave
(Slightly edited down from my long e-mail to Wave) 🙂
I probably am subconsciously aiming more at female readers than male, but I am writing what I as a reader want to read, and I’m a woman. If that makes sense.
I certainly don’t think I’m consciously aiming my work at a specific group of readers. I hope anyone who wants to read my books feels able to. I think maybe they are a little sweeter than some of the other stuff that’s out there – kind of ironic as I don’t think I’m that sweet a person – obviously I’m sublimating it into my work. 🙂 So I think that’s where my thinking I’m more female targeted than male comes in.
I wish I was skilled enough to sit down in front of the computer and be clinical about it and say this is what I’m going to write and this is who it’s aimed at. I don’t and I’m not.
What I have in my head when I’m writing is just the story and the characters. For the longest time I tried to write a story as m/f and it didn’t work. It didn’t work because the story worked better as m/m. Once I’d acknowledged that, it became much easier to write.
…
Elements I try to include
Well I think I have a tendency to write about damaged characters. So I guess if I have a thing at all, it’s that I try to include the idea that everyone is worth something, even if they feel they’re not. Not very m/m specific I know.
…
With reference to sex scenes I try and make sure that they are relevant to the plot and are telling you something about the characters. Though every once in a while it’s nice if they just have sex because it’s a nice thing to do, rather than being some big character or plot reveal. In real life you can do that without thought or question, (well some thought and question LOL) but in fiction I think on the whole there has to be a need for a sex scene. One of the biggest niggles readers seem to have is if the protagonists are running away from the bad guys and stop to have sex!
Sex is a behaviour where you’re stripped bare not just physically but emotionally as well – even if it’s just a fuck, that scene is telling you something about the attitudes/beliefs of the characters. I hope that comes out in my writing, it’s something I’m working on all the time.
As a reader in m/m (and m/f )fiction I want it to be larger than life. I want the mad melodrama. I want the danger to be more deadly, the happiness to be perfection, the lows and angst to be soul crushing.
In short, I want to be moved to feel this pretend world is real and that these pretend people matter.
I’m definitely drawn to character driven tales be it fiction or film. Give me an intriguing character and I’ll follow your “cliche” cinderella/fella story all the way.
For me the percentage of sex needs to fit the overall story. It’s my experience that men in general like sex any way and how they can come by it so I can see early hopping into bed/boinking in a broom closet but give me characterization and a strong conflict/plot to go with it.
I also don’t care if they never get to doing the deed until half way through the story but before that I want to see and feel the sexual tension that’s eating them up inside. I’m really big on the “want it can’t have it” factor.
As a writer I don’t consciously target stories to a certain gender but in general my writing began with the old school m/f romance genre so it’s inevitable that most of my stuff tends to follow the two lonely people finding happiness mold.
Well forgive me, but I am an avid reader, so I’m going to weigh in on the reader questions as well.
Why? Personally, I love men. I love the interaction between men. There are totally different dynamics in a M/M relationship than in a M/F relationship. Everyone is on even ground, it is a closer relationship that between most men and women. There is a friendship with the relationship you don’t usually find in M/F relationships. Honestly, it’s much closer to the reality of my own relationship. What does that say about me? I don’t know I try not to analyze that too much :).
Yes, two men together are hot, but it’s not the main reason I read gay romance.
I started reading the genre after I was asked to give a quote for Ally Blue’s Forgotten Song and I realized it was out there.
If there is one thing I’d change, mind you this is an overall opinion, there are of course authors out there that don’t need to change a thing, but the majority of the M/M I read needs more plot! Stronger plots! I am very particular about my M/M reading. There are only a handful of M/M authors I will read and there is a reason for that. I want quality writing, and I want in depth characters. I don’t read the genre just because the “two guys together are hot”. Yes, they are, but it’s not enough, at least not for me. I prefer plot to steamy sex.
Which leads us to the next question. The sex depends purely on the characters and the plot. I hate sex scene after sex scene for no apparent reason. It better be to further the characterization, relationship or plot or it doesn’t need to be there. That said, in a healthy budding romance I EXPECT sex, so short changing me the sex pisses me off (same thing goes for M/F romance). Just don’t bore me with sex after sex for no good reason it gets old real quick.
As for plot? I just want to see a decent plot. A believable, well developed plot. A good author can take old themes and make them feel new and very enjoyable. It’s not so much theme of the book as it is the skill of the writer. I can’t tell you how many M/M books I’ve read recently and just been pissed that I wasted money on them. I don’t care what the theme is as long as it’s well written and has a good story. So for me? Give me plot!
I write M/M and M/F for everyone. I don’t target one audience or the other. I want people who don’t even read the genre to be able to read my books and get something out of them. Judging from email I have just as big a male audience as I do a female audience and I LOVE that. Now if I can just take over the hard core mystery, suspense and horror readers….bwahahahahaha. No seriously, I write for everyone. As for what I include, or exclude, it totally depends on the character for me. I’m aware at times of things people won’t like, but it’s about the character. I’ve written things I personally don’t care for because the character did. It’s about the story, and if you compromise the story for a small segment of the population you should do something else. Yes, you can tell I’m not a NY published author LOL
Thank you Barb – I want to see and feel the sexual tension that’s eating them up inside. I’m really big on the “want it can’t have it” factor. Great comment – I love a book that makes me feel the tension between the characters. When that happens the author’s work is done as far as I’m concerned!
JL
I believe you know how I feel about your writing and these comments illustrate why I love your books. Oh, about the hard core mystery, horror and suspense readers? I don’t think you need to bother about those groups of readers, you already have several genres locked down *g*
Sarah
Thank you again for posting your comments here so that other readers will know what your writing is about. Obviously I will be unable to include all the comments in full but I will be posting a summary. If there is a way to post the comments on the blog in a format that everyone can access I’ll make sure that happens.
With reference to sex scenes I try and make sure that they are relevant to the plot and are telling you something about the characters. Though every once in a while it’s nice if they just have sex because it’s a nice thing to do, rather than being some big character or plot reveal I totally agree with this *g*
Wow, that is really interesting Jesse. I have been thinking about some of these questions myself and blogged about it too very late last night! Today I have panda eyes! LOL!
I really liked what JL said about the whole friendship thing and it really resonated – my own relationship is very much like that also. Don’t know what that says about me either!!! I think good writing is essential, originality cause I don’t want a carbon copy of someone else’s work and also passion between characters that does not necessarily mean a money shot every time.
And, I don’t like published authors! heh.
Sorry, I don’t like NY published authors it was supposed to say!
Sarah
The best part of a poll like this is that authors have someone else do some of the legwork for them. Also, they develop an understanding of what motivates other writers and vice versa. People with whom you don’t think you have anything in common, all of a sudden the similarities are evident.
One of the comments I make on many occasions is that there needs to be more originality in the genre. For someone like me who reads hundreds of M/M books over the course of a year, and reviews at least 200/year, if almost every book sounds the same it’s very disheartening
Do the NY published authors know how you feel? *g*
One of the comments I make on many occasions is that there needs to be more originality in the genre
Here’s a question for you Jesse–What types of things would you consider new and fresh in terms of m/m and yaoi fiction?
I’m with JL on this. In fact, I just wrote an email that was pretty much identical to what she said! LOL
Hi Barb
I mentioned recently that I read a short M/M series this past week about the conflict between priesthood and love. While the topic was controversial and the stories were quite short, each one was totally different.
I read another M/M novel a couple of years ago about a Championship tennis player who was washed up and on his way down – The book was called Love Match by Keira Andrews who did an excellent job of making the tennis circuit real and alive. There was actually a story and a plot that obviously involved a great deal of research but well worth it.
Recently I read an excellent novel by Ginn Hale called Wicked Gentlemen – another original and extremely well written story.
These are just three examples of the types of stories with terrific plots that are different that I wish I could come across more often. I do look for other books that fall into the category of “fresh and new” but mostly I depend on word of mouth from other readers about great books they’ve read.
Of course not every book can have an original storyline – I do recognize that but because I read so many M/M books I seem to come across the same or similar plots a great deal of the time.
Wave
1. Why do you like to read M/M erotic romances?
Uh….cuz their frickin hawt?
2. What elements attract you to these books – what is the appeal?
I’m not sure. I see two guys making out all the time, and omg it’s sexy. Maybe reading gay romance is an extension of that, although it’s not terribly realistic. To be fair, most mainstream ‘romances’ aren’t either. I also have the female take of the make fantasy…wouldn’t mind being the Emmy filling of a two sexy sumbitts sammich.
3. How did you start reading the genre?
I started reading EC ebooks. First it was reading het, but I got sidetracked into m/f/m, then sort of transitioned into m/m and that’s where I’ve been stuck for a few years.
4. If there is one thing that you would change about the genre, what would it be?
You know I hate Gay For You. I refuse to believe that there are men who are otherwise straight, but for the one guy in the universe they’ll take it up the ass for. I mean…really. I’m also incredibly bored with the Gay Lynch Mob plot device. Yeah, there’s fucktards everywhere you go in the world, but being gay is hardly a hangin offense anymore.
Without differentiating regarding sub genres such as paranormal, horror, sci fi, mysteries etc. How do you like your M/M erotic romances?
Hawt and steamy
a. Would you like more sex scenes in these books?
Depends. We talkin romance or porn? I want to read some sort of plot, rather than endless back to back sex scenes. I wouldn’t ascribe a particular percentage, but I’d like sex to be relevant to the story, rather than worthless scenes injected randomly to make an extra buck or two, and/or raise your book’s sex rating from prissy missy to one fister, or whatever frickin stupid rating your publisher came up with.
b. Would you like to see more plot/story in M/M erotic romances and less emphasis on the sex?
Didn’t I just say that?
c. For those of you to whom plot matters, would you like to see more intensity?
I don’t have a preference for genre, really. I like books that are well written with at least one sympathetic character.
d. Would you like some new/different story lines to invigorate the genre (a recent example – conflict between priesthood and love), or a continuation of the current tried and true themes?
Why don’t you try a take on the Law and Order ‘ripped from the headlines’ series? Read gay mags and get story ideas from real life experiences. Particularly for female writers, because my gay roomie *laughs* at their take on what a gay relationship entails. Med really don’t spend half as much time playing with prostates as books would suggest.
e. Which do you prefer – character driven or plot intensive storylines?
Who cares? Just make it interesting, as long as character driven isn’t a reference to self flagellation. Kicking your own ass for being gay isn’t going to make you straight. Really. And I don’t want 20k+ words of someone figuring that out for themselves.
Why do I like to read m/m romance? I don’t know, I suppose I feel that it’s more free of conventions than m/f romance. M/F romance tends to have a lot of gender stereotypes to it which I don’t like, whereas m/m romance doesn’t have to have. (Sometimes that dynamic is imported, and I don’t enjoy those stories so much.)
I’ve always made up m/m stories in my head, so when I discovered the genre it was as if it had been made for me. I can’t be any more specific than to say that I’m just wired to enjoy this stuff.
If I could change things, I would introduce more emphasis on plot over sex. I need there to be a story much more than I need there to be any sex. I’m happy with fade to black sex scenes as long as the plot and characterisation is good.
I’m not sufficiently well read in the genre yet to know what the current tried and true themes are, but I’m all for wider diversity as a general principle.
I prefer a storyline which is equally balanced between plot and character.
I write the kind of stuff that I would like to read myself. I don’t write with any gender in mind as an audience, but I do try hard to make my male characters sound masculine to any potential male readers. Ideally I hope I write so that men and women can equally enjoy my books.
Emmy
You always make me laugh no matter how serious I try to make the topic *g*. Are you sure that you’re not a writer? I would buy your books.
Thank you very much for your opinions and I will incorporate them in the results although I will probably have to have a separate category for your “special” comments 🙂
Wave
Hi Alex
Thank you for your comments.
I can confirm that your male characters in Captain’s Surrender were total men which I loved. I’m sure you have a balanced readership between both sexes because of the characterizations as well as your sub genre.
I hope to post the results by the end of the week.
Hey Wave, some interesting questions there. I think I’ve answered two of them already… I’ll try to do the rest too 🙂
What elements attract you to these books
As a female, m/m romance allow me to visualise and read a more sensitive and vulnerable side male characters, which is lacking (or not convincing) in m/f romance. And I think gay romance still have many real obstacles to overcome, both on a social and personal level (yes, including its taboo and secretive nature), sometimes their conflicts seem more real and urgent to me.
If there is one thing that you would change about the genre, what would it be?
Nothing bores me more than when the conflict in a romance got resolved within the first half an hour! And then the rest of the story is just sex and silly loving murmurs… I don’t mind the characters jump into bed right away, but I hope there’re angst, hurt and real problems, so I have a “story” to read 🙂 Come on guys/gals – make them work for their HEA! *g*
Would you like more sex scenes in these books?
Not only because I totally love Josh, but his books, IMO, have the perfect percentage of sex – usually it’s about two sex scenes in one story. And surprisinly, that’s enough for me. Another important factor is that the sex scene should enhance characterisation or plot development.
Would you like to see more plot/story in M/M erotic romances and less emphasis on the sex?
I think they can go hand in hand, actually. I am just not interested in PWP (porn without plot)…
For those of you to whom plot matters, would you like to see more intensity?
Not necessarily a complex plot, but one with rich characters and emotional elements like angst and hurt/comfort work well for me.
Would you like some new/different story lines to invigorate the genre
I think there are already many around! Some of my favourites are “straight guys go gay” (lol), may/december romance… I would also like see the main characters’ occupations expand to outside usual hot jobs like builder/cop/lawyer/doc/vet…
Which do you prefer – character driven or plot intensive storylines
I would like to see both in a story, but if I have to make a preference, I’d go for character driven. I can’t get into a story if I don’t like or care about what happens to the characters.
wow… that’s long. Thanks Wave for organising this.
1- I like to read M/M books for several reasons. I love the relationships that develop between the guys, they can be more friends, with (usually) a more even balance between them. M/F is usually an Alpha Male with the simpering, innocent, sweet, etc woman. They rarely are shown as friends and “partners” in the relationship. Also, to be honest, two guys together are super hot IMO 😀
2- As I just stated, guys together are hot. I totally love reading about them having sex, since it’s something that I’ll never be able to personally experience (being a woman). I like the kinkiness, whether it’s just a few slaps to the butt or one guy holding the other down during sex, to full BDSM scenes, again for the same reason, it’s just something I can get into when I read but don’t do in real life.
3- I was getting real bored with the M/F books I had been reading (I starting out reading Harlequins almost 30 years ago, and wow doesn’t that just make me feel like a dinosaur). Over the years I have read literally thousands of books, and had changed M/F genres a lot to chase away the reader boredom I was getting. I was reading Christine Feehan, Laurell K Hamilton and Sherrilyn Kenyon when by accident I found a small section of erotica books at the book store. Picked one up on a whim and liked it, then looking for more online discovered EC and Changeling Press (and a lot more since then). I started reading M/F ebooks, then found menages, and when I discovered that the two guys together were more interesting and hotter than the M/F aspect I was hooked and haven’t looked back since.
4- One of the few things I don’t like too much is the “gay for you” plot. I just don’t think it’s realistic. I can buy into hiding being gay for whatever reason (but deep down knowing they are gay), but the being totally straight and then “gay for you”, best friend or total stranger just feel contrived to me.
a- I don’t know what % would be reasonable. It depends on the story. I love the sex, and frankly lots of it, but it needs to fit the characters and what’s going on in the book.
b- Plot is not that important to me. I read to “escape” the everyday. I want a good story, and yes, a hot good story is even better. While I don’t want nonstop sex from page 1 til the end, I want to experience something different from the everyday, not read the ‘great American novel’, most of which I find boring anyways.
c- Not so much plot as genres, while I love contemporaries, I would like to see more Vamps, Weres and Fantasy/Futuristic stories.
d- I like the older/younger pairings, also both older, Dom/sub, the hidden kink under a seemingly very proper persona.
e- I love character driven. I love books where the focus is on the people and not so much on a specific plot issue. I love the interaction as the protags fall in love, how they learn to live and be together as a couple, that type of thing. Also, I do love some angst so that the HEA is an AW!! moment, when I finish the book I like to feel “happy” for them.
Lily
I think the "Gay for you" plot works if the guy has not been in a straight relationship that was satisfying on all levels for them.
And also if they're internally wired to love a person not a person of such & such gender.
Is that realistic? I'd buy it but then I see the world from slightly whacked perspective anyway. ^_^
Hi Eve
Very thoughtful responses and I agree with most of them except the “straight to gay” storyline which I think is really overdone. I know that M/M books are fantasies, but my gay friends laugh hysterically when I mention this storyline. However, as long as women like the “gay for you” theme I’m sure it will continue to be featured prominently in the genre.
Your other points were focused, eloquent and addressed some of the other comments I have also expressed. I hope to have the results available by the end of the week. Thanks Eve.
Wave
Hi Wave,
About “straight to gay”.. I’d like to point out that I don’t mean really “straight” guy suddenly gone gay… I am referring to stories with characters who have led a hetero/straight life until, just not aware of or had been suppressing it until (fill the bland). Or we could call it latent homosexuality (too clinical? *g*). I agree with most that I don’t really buy “Gay for you (only)” storyline.
Hope this is clearer 🙂
WOW Lily, what a comprehensive response. Thank you so much. You have addressed just about every area in the poll.
I’m looking into a way to put together a file on blogger which would contain all the responses and made it available to authors and others, should they request it. Obviously there is no way that all of the comments can be included in the summary.
I totally agree with you on the “gay for you” theme. As I commented earlier, my gay friends find this hysterically funny. However, as long as fans of the genre like it, this theme will continue to be prominent in M/M books.
When I originally started reading erotica I read tons of M/F books but I found that a lot of the heroines were TSYL (too stupid to live) so when M/M appeared on the scene it was an answer to a prayer. I love the genre but I wish that authors would take risks with themes or topics. I read hundreds of books every year and it’s hard to be interested in a story when the theme is the same as the one you just finished reading. Emmyjag suggested that authors should take a page out of the Law and Order Ripped From The Headlines series which I think is an excellent idea. Thanks again.
Wave
Thanks for the clarification Eve. I think I understood what you meant.
I’ll answer here:
1. Why do you like to read M/M erotic romances? its new for me so maybe its the novelty factor after years of m/f. I like to have a look at a different dynamic I guess.
2. What elements attract you to these books – what is the appeal? (Is it the kink factor? Is it because you like the thought of two hot guys making out? Do you like being a voyeur looking in at something you think is forbidden or taboo? Insert your own reasons) Well, there is the kink factor, but I don’t really think of it as taboo. I think I just enjoy seeing a m/m relationship that is faced with the same issues as a m/f but different. Hard to describe, but many of the same issues (insecurity, being hurt) but coming at it from a different angle maybe because its two guys. These questions make me think too hard. LOL
3. How did you start reading the genre? (Your friends recommended it? Other genres bored you?)I somehow found out about it on amazon and then I found JenB’s blog and … well, it just kept growing. So I’m blaming her. LOL
4. If there is one thing that you would change about the genre, what would it be? (Too much angst? Not enough real conflict in the books? Not enough plot? Characterizations? Insert your own ‘beef’) Well, it really depends. I seem to find enough books that fit my taste. I like a combination of plot/character but probably character driving slightly more.
Without differentiating regarding sub genres such as paranormal, horror, sci fi, mysteries etc. How do you like your M/M erotic romances? I prefer straight contemporary (haha straight). I’ll be honest I am so not a fan of first person narrative. If I see that I won’t buy it. Just can’t read it. I like older younger (within reason I suppose), usually two guys who are already out to some degree. I’m not big on the straight guy denying he’s gay until the bitter end, the best friends from highschool doesn’t really do it for me either but I’m sure those appeal to other people. Also extreme kink (bought one that had exteme piercing and it really didn’t work for me) so while I don’t mind some stuff off the beaten path, I don’t want to go too far. But I wouldn’t want ALL books to be the same, that would be boring. There should be things out there for everyone.
a. Would you like more sex scenes in these books? (What would be a reasonable amount of sex, in your opinion, in each book – 5%, 10%, 20%, 30% of the content? More than 30%?) Sheesh, I don’t know. Lots. LOL So far I’ve been content with the ones I’ve read. A few have less with more plot and some have more with less plot. As long as the book is well written I don’t really mind either. But if there are 250 pages I don’t really want to wait until page 115 before they even kiss. I’m not saying they have to get between the sheets on page 5 (although I’m okay with that) but don’t drag it out. Its erotica.
b. Would you like to see more plot/story in M/M erotic romances and less emphasis on the sex? (To what extent does plot matter to you, or does it?) No, not really. Some books are just about two people getting to know each other and deal with their own issues about relationship and others are more about outside plots, mysteries, etc. Both are valid but I have never read something and though “gee, less sex please”. I wouldn’t be reading the genre if I wanted cuddling and hand holding.
c. For those of you to whom plot matters, would you like to see more intensity? (Political intrigue? Murders most foul? Drug cartels? Insert your own plot) I like murder mysteries as that is the other genre of book I like. Not big on drugs or politics.
d. Would you like some new/different story lines to invigorate the genre (a recent example – conflict between priesthood and love), or a continuation of the current tried and true themes? (Best friends become lovers? Gay for you? Teacher/student? Give us your opinions – ‘Change’ isn’t only for politicians *g*)
e. Which do you prefer – character driven or plot intensive storylines?
Thank you Tam. I believe your answer was quite complete and you gave very valid reasons for your choices. I really appreciate the time you took to assist us in this poll. This was really great of you.
Wave
1. Why do I read M/M erotic romances? As a gay male, I have read my fair share of mainstream gay fiction along with my other gay friends. What was missing in a lot of those books was elements of romance and eroticism. Im a huge fan of E. Lynn Harris who writes about african-american gay males for example, but I found and other gay men found was after he became well known and on the NY Times Bestseller list, his books became less explicit (not that there was explicit to begin with) but it was almost as if sex between two men were nonexistent. He did this bc his female readership was growing but he lost a lot of gay male fans. So I found M/M erotic romance to have the elements of sex and romantic love that I wanted and needed.
2. What elements attract you to these books? What is the appeal? Hmm, bc the idea of two guys sexing and in love is volcanic! As a gay man, its not taboo or foreign to me. For me I can relate! Trust me Its HOT! LOL. But along with the sex factor, the concept of love for me is very real and I love to read about two men in love as well. Its gives me hope in finding it in my own life.
3. How did you start reading the genre? I dont know how I start reading. I remember just websurfing and somehow came across finding this genre of literature that as someone who can seriously call himself well-read never knew existed. So Im slowly starting to read the novels and stories, and im officially hooked now.
4. If there is one thing that you would change about the genre, what would it be? Hmm good question. I can honestly say that I havent read enough, but I have read other’s opinions on it and I can safely say I probably have the same concerns: 1. “Gay for you”-This is my spiel on this. Now I do believe that there is an exception to every rule. I do believe that there are guys who probably never entertained the notion of being involved with another man, but honestly, IMO, its a rare thing. I think in our society, women are allowed to be more fluid with their sexuality. Take for instance Anne Heche. She said she never entertained the notion of being with another woman when she met Ellen Degeneres. She fell in love with the person. Okay I can buy that. I think it can happen to a man but its extremely rare. But what I finding from reading others take on some writers work that this theme is very popular and prevalent. I can probably suspend disbelief on this, but I can only take some of that once or twice till Im like Im out and not interested in the work anymore bc its not believable to me. Its not good to have suspend belief on a contemporary novel without any elements of the paranormal or horror and “gay for you” is suspension of disbelief to me plain and simple.
2. If there is anything that is important to me in this genre is character. All men are different. What Joe may like, Jack may loathe. Trust me, I know for a fact that all gay/bi men are different for as tastes, kinks, dislikes, and how they express love. So I definitely dont want to get to the point as Im reading these stories that basically Im reading about the same group of men. I want Diversity! I want different flavors!
For as plot and characterization, frankly I like a huge percentage of both. I want the pages to literally turn themselves. I want to where I literally CANT put the book or story down. Im all for angst but to a certain point. I dont want it to be where the character becomes this indecisive whining, annoying person who cant do anything with himself bc of all of this “angst”. Conflict? I like it. Dont make it easy for the two characters to get together. I want to get to the end and feel like i have been on a journey with these characters and if the ending is a HEA (if there is a HEA) that is well deserved, realistic, and germaine to the story.
a. Would you like more sex scenes in these books? And what percentage? Hmm it depends on the story. After all, this is EROTIC romance, so if the writer only has 2 sex scenes in the book for example in a 300 page book, those 2 scenes needs to be SCALDING HOT. If there is many sex scenes are these scenes illuminating anything about the characters or completely gratuitous (which I hate by the way) Sometimes its not about quantity but quality. I definitely dont want sex scene after scene without any reason for it. If that was the case, I would rather read or watch porn. I think a good percentage is 30% but again it depends on the story.
B.)Would I like to see more plot/story and less emphasis on the sex? I love a great plot. What I think is important is natural storytelling as if the story is unfurling before you not some contrived plot. The best romances for me is where this is a sense of realism and the conflicts are what couples go through (infidelity, loss of trust, etc)
c.For those of you to whom plot matters, would u like to see more intensity? I think a good plot is a good plot. If a story has some great political intrigue, murder, and even drug cartels, that is wonderful. But there still has to be a healthy dash of romance and eroticism thrown into the recipe as well. Such topics are great from the norm but having your tried and true themes can be just as great if done in a different and unique way.
e. Which do you prefer character driven or plot intensive storylines? I think it all boils down to in this genre is character. We want to see two men in heated passion or love. You can have a intriguing plot but if we dont care about the characters its a complete waste.
Ooops, I missed d and e.
d. Would you like some new/different story lines to invigorate the genre (a recent example – conflict between priesthood and love), or a continuation of the current tried and true themes? (Best friends become lovers? Gay for you? Teacher/student? Give us your opinions – ‘Change’ isn’t only for politicians *g*) no priests for me – being non-religious I just don’t care about their inner conflect because it seems dumb – not fair but tht’s me. Student/teacher kind of squicks me out a bit, best friends – ehhh. I’ve read firemen and cops with college students, that worked for me. Cowboys, vets, people who work with animals does it for me.
e. Which do you prefer – character driven or plot intensive storylines? I like both – no preference but hey, stick both together and make my day. LOL
By the way, I know Im not the only gay male reader of M/M so pls make your voice being heard. This poll is very important so pls speak your mind..:-) I sound like Wave is campaigning for president the M/M Organization (although I would vote for her and support her vigorously)..lol 😉
Tam
Those themes were only suggestions – I think the comment was that you should choose your own favourite themes which I believe you did. Thanks again for your input.
Ozakie
You have outdone yourself this time. It’s obvious you feel very strongly about this topic and I can relate.
There is a tendency on the part of some authors to forget that gay men do read and enjoy this genre and have strong opinions about some of the storylines. For the most part the majority of these books are written with female readers in mind and some authors perhaps don’t recognize that men also like to read romantic stories but that they want the characterizations to be real. What I hear you say is that even though these books are fiction and represent a fantasy to some readers, it is important that the characterizations in contemporary M/M books really reflect the full range of gay men in today’s society and not be caricatures.
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your response and the time you took to craft your reply to ensure that your message is heard. I certainly got it.
To summarize some of your comments, as a gay man, “gay for you” would definitely involve suspension of belief along the lines of paranormal books.
Second, you want more diverse and different characters. In other words just like in food, if you eat the same thing every day the diet becomes boring and old very quickly and you don’t want it any more after a while.
For you, characterization is of prime importance because if you don’t love the characters the book won’t interest you. But a good plot is also very important. In addition, you want a whole lot less angst because the whining gets stale pretty fast. Like you, I love as much conflict as an author can fit within the pages of a book without it exploding and angst is not my favourite element in this genre. But some authors and readers love angst so my advice is when you find an author whose writing you love – stick with him or her. I’ll email you a couple of suggestions (yes, more books for you to buy).
I want to thank you very much for the time and care you took in preparing your comments and I really appreciate it. This has been the most interesting poll I have run to date – I can’t believe all the valuable information that has emerged and is still coming. I have to figure out how I’m going to reflect all the opinions provided. *g*
No campaigning for any organization on my part Ozakie, M/M or otherwise. I have enough to do with my day job.*g*
This poll was done at the request of an M/M author – I only helped to design the format.
Wave,
Im very happy and pleasured that my opinions and comments are invaluable to your research. When you posted this question, it was such a great time to really get my voice out there. Sarah at her blog, ironically, had a similar posting and I gave pretty much the same answers with slight variation. It definitely is a topic worth discussing.
This genre has such room for growth and expansion and I’m sure when this subject was first approached to you by that author I completely understand her intent to just getting the female readers point of view bc lets face it M/M’s readership is predominantly female. But there are some male readers (gay, bi, or really openminded het) that are slowly but surely getting into M/M. For instance, I’ve become a full-fledged Twilighter. Now Im by far not the typical reader of the Twilight series( black, gay, and male) but Stephanie Meyers got me hook, line, and sinker with this series. Im quite sure Stephanie Meyer will not turn away any sales of her book bc a vast number of her readers are not in the targeted demographic. But that is the mark of a talented writer in my book if you can reach a huge variety of readers. It is this way of thinking that M/M authors NEED to look at. EVERY writer wants to reach a wide number of readers. Even though I am male, as you can access from my answers to the poll, my concerns, wants, and needs are really not that different from a female reader.
I agree with you 150% I dont want to read caricatures. Believe it or not, I used to sneak and read my mother’s Harlequin romance novels when I was young (a bad boy I know..lol) and it got to the point I started disliking them bc why is the hero falling in love with the heroine again? She is so weak!! And that is not the type of women that I’m used to seeing. In essence there were poor developed feminine characters or caricatures. And frankly, I dont want to read caricatures of gay men. U know I really, really hope that Josh Lanyon really put out another edition to Man, Oh Man Writing M/M Fiction bc what he wrote in that book is truly the gospel truth. Give me Characters that I can fall in love with. Im tired of stereotypes! I remember reading just a smidgen (four paragraphs at the most) of one of his Adrien English novels and I was hit in the gut by the emotion. 4 paragraphs and I immediately fell in love and identified with Adrien and I havent started reading his work yet! That is a writer who has done his homework on characterization and believe me Annie Proulx brought out the exact same reaction to me when I read Broke back Mountain years before it became a social phenomenon which means great writing about men in love knows no gender.
I really do love diversity in writing for as characters, setting, plot. U know I havent read a bit of her writing but Suzanne Brockmann is going to get my hard earned money for her books. I read an interview and what she said was so true. “Not all gay men are hairdressers and interior decorators”. THANK YOU SUZANNE! Somebody finally got it. Im so glad that she said that bc its true. Im getting stereotypes even from gay male writers and im tired of it. That fact that she would include a gay prominent FBI agent Seals is music to ears and I will definitely read her work so i get to know this Jules Cassidy character. So M/M authors, spice it up! Keep your readers on their toes. Once again, many would do themselves some good by reading Josh’s book.
Further answers to the questions I thnk I missed: I do like the idea of straight from the headlines for subjects of books. Mainstream writers do it why not M/M writers. May/December romances? Bring them on. That is what attracted me to ZA Maxfield’s Crossing Borders (That cover!!! HOT to death) There is nothing sexier to me but a man who is in their late 40’s and fifties with gray or touches of silver in their hair, but they have the body and limbido of a guy in his twenties or thirties! HOT, HOT, HOT.(I CANT WAIT to read Crossing Borders Cant wait I tell you..lol) Controversial topics like gay priests? LOVE IT! (sounds so very Thornbirds…oh the angst) Student/Teacher? HOT, HOT, HOT.!
I think that covers it. For now..lol..im sure i will be posting further comments on this post..;-)
Im a huge fan of E. Lynn Harris who writes about african-american gay males
omg… “This Too Shall Pass” by E.Lynn Harris is one of my favourite books 🙂
Hi thelasterie, dont you just love E. Lynn Harris? I brought and read his latest book. It was great, but I still want some sexual sizzle and more of a focus on the gay relationships…;-)
Hi Wave
Ahh, new questions! *rolls up his sleeves*
1- I think I like to read M/M romances partly because it’s still a new thing for me. I started reading M/M romances and romances in general only last year (see question #3). I’ve never even been a fan of contemporary books. My favorite genres were always and are still fantasy, sci-fi, historical and murder mystery (I think I own almost every mystery that Agatha Christie ever wrote and I have read them many times).
Those non-M/M books I read for the most part of my life often featured some kind of romantic relationship between a male and a female character, too. But considered in retrospective the descriptions of these relationships and the romantic feelings between the characters were never of any importance to me. I accepted them as a necessary part of the story, but I couldn’t really relate to them.
And then I read my first historical M/M romance and suddenly I could relate. Now when reading M/M romances I find that it has also become important to me to read about the whole romantic stuff. And thus my growing love for the romance genre in general. The funny thing is that I even started reading the occasional M/F romance and I enjoy those, too, but maybe because of different reasons. *giggles*
I’m still reading non-romance and non-M/M books, but I definitely prefer to read M/M romance books now.
2- I think I pretty much answered this question already. It’s the fact that I can relate. And of course, like it was already mentioned by several commenters, reading about two guys having sex is absolutely HOT! *g*
3- I started reading M/M romances only last year. Of course I knew that there were books out there with and about gay characters, but I more or less assumed that those would only be PWP’s (porn without plot) and I didn’t really much cared for those. Dont’t get me wrong, I can enjoy those books, too. Just like I might watch the occasional porn movie … strictly for research purposes, of course. *lol*
But then Amazon.com recommended Discreet Young Gentleman by M.J. Pearson to me and I was fascinated by it. I loved that cover! I knew that it was really cheesy but I couldn’t help it. I had to have that book! And the rest is history.
4- I think there should be books for every taste and as I seem to find enough that fit my taste, I can think of no particular thing that needs to be changed.
a- The amount of sex scenes I like in a book only depends on the mood I’m in and what I want to achieve by reading a book. Sometimes I may only have a few minutes to spare and just want to relax a bit by reading a book. That’s when I tend to read PWP’s and those can’t have enough sex scenes, even though the scenes should still be creative and not only sex after sex with no good reason. Anthologies also come in handy when I’m in that particular mood.
Other times I want to immerse myself in a good story and then it’s really important that the amount of sex scenes fits the story. With those books the plot and good characters are much more important to me than the sex. For example, the last books I read were The Gold Warrior and Twisted Brand by Clare London and those books feature very little sex and even very little interaction between the two main characters at all, but I totally loved those books because the world building is beyond extraordinary in my opinion.
b- See above.
c- Murders most foul would be great, but everything from my favorite genres (see question #1) is fine with me.
d- I’m quite content with the current tried and true themes, even though I know that some of them are not very realistic (gay for you).
e- I guess I prefer plot over character driven storylines, even though the quality of the story as a whole depends on both.
Finished! 🙂
Christian
Christian
Again you delivered.
I will ensure that your comments are included as part of the summary and I’m glad you think the Ripped From The Headlines theme might be worth pursuing by some M/M authors.
I haven’t read Clare London as yet but I do have two “shorts” by her – Deep Cover TQ Press and Just Like in the Movies by Red Rose Publishing. I have been trying to decide if I should get The Gold Warrior and now I will, on your rec.
Thanks again Christian – you’re a peach *g*
1. Why do you like to read M/M erotic romances?
I find men’s bodies unbearably erotic -the flat planes, the angles – whereas women are all curves- and two men together are gorgeous. I also like the way that it’s easy to have men together as friends without any pre-amble of courting (for the historicals)or game playing for the contemps.
2. What elements attract you to these books – what is the appeal? (Is it the kink factor? Is it because you like the thought of two hot guys making out? Do you like being a voyeur looking in at something you think is forbidden or taboo? Insert your own reasons)
Sort of already answered that one!
3. How did you start reading the genre? (Your friends recommended it? Other genres bored you?)
I found it via fanfiction. I’d never considered it before – if I’d thought of it… but no, I’d never thought of it. I’d never heard of Mary Renault even. When I first discovered it I thought I was perverse for finding it sexy and compelling and then I realised that a lot of men like f/f, sothere was nothing weird about it.
4. If there is one thing that you would change about the genre, what would it be? (Too much angst? Not enough real conflict in the books? Not enough plot? Characterizations? Insert your own ‘beef’)
I don’t like “Chicks with Dicks” but then a lot of people do. I wouldn’tchange anything about the genre, because there’s always a marketfor anything -if I’m not mad on reading one particular thing -like shifters – then I simply won’t.
Without differentiating regarding sub genres such as paranormal, horror, sci fi, mysteries etc. How do you like your M/M erotic romances?
I like them -whether they are historical or contemp to be as true to the characters as possible.
a. Would you like more sex scenes in these books? (What would be a reasonable amount of sex, in your opinion, in each book – 5%, 10%, 20%, 30% of the content? More than 30%?)
The sex HAS to be relevant. There’s nothing worse than reading a 200 page novel and 150 pages are sex, (for me, anyway) I want the sex to be a part of the story, not to keep interrupting it so much that I’m flicking forward to find out what the next thing is that HAPPENS.
b. Would you like to see more plot/story in M/M erotic romances and less emphasis on the sex? (To what extent does plot matter to you, or does it?)
The plot has to be the mainstay of the book. Even Emmanuelle had a plot.
c. For those of you to whom plot matters, would you like to see more intensity? (Political intrigue? Murders most foul? Drug cartels? Insert your own plot)
It doesn’t matter – as long as there’s some kind of journey, be it literal or metaphysical. I would like to see more classic thrillers perhaps, there’s not enough.
d. Would you like some new/different story lines to invigorate the genre (a recent example – conflict between priesthood and love), or a continuation of the current tried and true themes? (Best friends become lovers? Gay for you? Teacher/student? Give us your opinions – ‘Change’ isn’t only for politicians *g*)
Not really sure what you mean, here. I think that there’s just about everything covered already.
e. Which do you prefer – character driven or plot intensive storylines?
There has to be a balance of both. And it’s tricky to achieve.
This last question is for authors of the genre
Do you write M/M erotic romances with female readers in mind? Are your stories targeted at both genders? What elements do you try to include that you think your readers will like?
I started out writing for men because I didn’t realise that it was mostly women writing it. Now I do know that, I don’t think I’ve changed my style at all. I have mostly female readers – as far as I know because that’s tricky to find out – but strangely the most emailsI get from readers are from men.
I know that there are a proportion of gay male readers who want romance and really my books are for them. If the women enjoy them too then that’s a terrific bonus.
Erastes
Thank you so much for your very incisive and insightful comments. I think you covered all the points on which we needed opinions.
I’m with you on the “chicks with dicks”. I now no longer buy/read books by certain authors who don’t understand that men should be men whether or not they are gay or straight, and the mere fact that the protag is called Joe instead of Jean doesn’t automatically make him a man. Some of these characters just need to wear a dress to complete the picture.
I understand what you’re saying about the importance of BOTH plot and characterizations to make a book really enjoyable. What you said about Mary Renault reminds me that I have to finish reading The Charioteer – don’t know if I’ll be daring enough to try and review the quintessential M/M book written by such an icon.
I really appreciate your input Erastes.
Wave
1. Why do you like to read M/M erotic romances?
Wow, I mean…men are so sexy. Not that I don’t find women sexy too but being a woman myself there is an attraction to the mystery there. The ‘What is it like to be a man’ question isn’t a simple factor of gender but men are treated different, behave differently and have very different relationships than women and that makes me incredibly curious. It’s something I’ll never know and in a way m/m books give me a peek (though more often unrealistic) into that world. Also I do still enjoy m/f romances but the dynamic in a m/m romance is often times a lot more intense reading for me.
2. What elements attract you to these books – what is the appeal?
There is a limit to the amount of physical interchange between a man and a woman before it starts giving off an abusive feel. With two men it feels very different to me. It feels like they could be at each others’ throats and yet still have it feel sexual. Does that make sense? I really enjoy the raw feeling of masculinity in an author’s writing, headbutting alpha males and aggressive interactions. It’s passionate, I really like the way two men can have those sorts of interactions and have it come off as infinitely more sexual than it would with a man and a woman.
3. How did you start reading the genre?
Fanfiction actually! I was surprised and a little horrified when I first found it but then I couldn’t stop reading it. NOW all I want to be is a gay comic artist! I’m doomed! 😉
4. If there is one thing that you would change about the genre, what would it be?
Ugh. NO MORE SAPPY ROMANCE. I do not want to read about boys sighing dramatically and rambling about how MUCH they love each other and how they can’t be without each other, etc. Come on, just because a man wants cock does not mean he turns into some emotional weeping heap. I am so sick of stories that wax poetic about true love and eternity and how they were never complete before said other person. It’s like BAD m/f romance novels.
There are ways to show love and devotion without breaking out the long winded professions of love. I don’t want to see a character head over heels in love in the first 2 chapters. I want to see love come from something other than words. It’s my biggest pet peeve in m/m romances.
My second biggest pet peeve is wimpy bottoms. Taking it up the butt doesn’t mean he’s a soggy dishcloth. I’m very exhausted with emotionally vulnerable bottoms. They are generally portrayed as helpless and weak and entirely at the other man’s mercy. Blech. The point is for the story to revolve around 2 men right? That doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate characters like that, it just means I only want to see them if they’re written well. Not many people write them well.
Without differentiating regarding sub genres such as paranormal, horror, sci fi, mysteries etc. How do you like your M/M erotic romances?
I like real world, modern and mysteries for the most but I am game for supernatural stuff too. 🙂
a. Would you like more sex scenes in these books?
There is such a thing as too much sex. Let the anticipation build up to it. The last book I read had 2 sex scenes in all 160 pages and I was perfectly happy with that. It depends on the author, the book and how it’s written so I can’t give a clear answer as far as percentages.
b. Would you like to see more plot/story in M/M erotic romances and less emphasis on the sex?
Plot, plot, plot…yes PLEASE! I’m happy with less sex if the plot is paid more than just cursory lip service.
c. For those of you to whom plot matters, would you like to see more intensity?
I am all for plot! The best way I’ve enjoyed it are with plots that purposefully work to push the characters together or force them to be around each other. Murder, suspense, etc. I could go for almost anything though if the characters are good.
d. Would you like some new/different story lines to invigorate the genre, or a continuation of the current tried and true themes?
I’m all for new and different but I do adore the tried and true. I would love to grab up another book with a common theme if the characters and writing is good.
e. Which do you prefer – character driven or plot intensive storylines?
Character but both is better! A story without well done characters isn’t worth much of a read. I want to feel driven to invest myself in their welfare for 200+ pages, you know? And when I put the book down I want to feel compelled to come back to it. Plot can play into that but characters moreso.
Hi Jophiel
Thank you so much for a very thoughtful and in some ways different perspective.
Loved this
I really enjoy the raw feeling of masculinity in an author’s writing, headbutting alpha males and aggressive interactions. It’s passionate, I really like the way two men can have those sorts of interactions and have it come off as infinitely more sexual than it would with a man and a woman.
and this
NO MORE SAPPY ROMANCE. I do not want to read about boys sighing dramatically and rambling about how MUCH they love each other and how they can’t be without each other
You also hit a number of my other hot buttons e.g. “wimpy bottoms” and the fact that the sex should advance the story and not be the story.
I’m also with you re more plot in these books.
Thank you so much for your input.
Hey Wave, great topic! I’ll post or mail you my answers…for the moment I’ll scribbling down my thoughts on the topic in a Word Pad document during commercials at work :-D. Love reading everyone’s comments, even when I don’t agree! 🙂
Hi Mary
Thank you. And you don’t have to answer all the questions, just the ones you would like to. As a favour, could you post your response on the blog please? I’m having nightmares about how to ensure that comments received by email are viewable in their entirety by other respondents. Thanks Babe
wave
Hey Wave! Thought I’d stop by and see what damage I could do 😉
1. Why do you like to read M/M erotic romances?
Because honestly, M/F is becoming one big fat cliche after another, except for a handful of very brilliant women that I still read daily and often. Plus, TSTL heroines piss me off in a fundamentally female way.
2. What elements attract you to these books – what is the appeal?
Someone already mentioned it: the masculinity. Men being men that happened to be doing men is just all around fantastic. I like that they can be absolute assholes to each other and there’s still a raw edge of attraction around them.
3. How did you start reading the genre? I went about it backwards. I wrote a story about a bisexual guy, blushed furiously at the idea that it could be sold then wrote another story and sold it. I grabbed stories on the basis of curiosity and research. Now it’s just pleasure!
4. If there is one thing that you would change about the genre, what would it be? *grin* I’m sure you’re remembering my *ahem* discussion about this but I want better written ethnicities and this is in M/F and M/M. James Buchanan is my hero in that he writes real ethnic characters. Latinos, Caucasian of coures and I’m sure sooner or later, he’ll get to black. James is great like that. But I want to honestly see more black characters and not just the ghetto gang bangers that everyone seems to love. I know they exist, who doesn’t? But it’s a slap to black readers, male and female, to get interested in seeing a black character only to find out he’s like a rap video reject, even if he’s supposed to be a lawyer. I’m not saying ignore the slang and so on, none of us as people speak correctly but the black culture is bigger than the ghetto and should get that respect. Give them respectable jobs and don’t shove them in some ghetto chunk of Detroit for ‘atmosphere’. It’s not just annoying, it’s aggravating. We deserve to like ourselves in books too!
How do you like your M/M erotic romances? Intense, conflicted and sexual. Again, James Buchanan. Josh Lanyon, while not overly sexual, has excellent confliction. Mychael Black, Chris Owen, Cassidy Ryan, Margaret Leigh.
a. Would you like more sex scenes in these books? A quote from my mentor, “I write as much sex as the story requires.” That’s what I want to see. If the story needs it, have it. If it doesn’t, please, leave it out!
b. Would you like to see more plot/story in M/M erotic romances and less emphasis on the sex? (To what extent does plot matter to you, or does it?) I don’t need ultra heavy plots and I don’t need a lot of sex. Give me a story that has a decent amount of conflict so that the characters have the obstacles they need to really grow and then if they happen to be horny, give ’em some lovin’. There shouldn’t be more or less of either but then it also depends on the type of story one is writing. Let’s face it, contemporary m/m stories tend to have a lot of sex and not the most powerful plots. But they’re also not really supposed to, unless you’re going for angst. Contemporary is about life issues and the hopeful capturing of love. The End.
c. For those of you to whom plot matters, would you like to see more intensity? Since I do like plot (the stories that are Plot What Plot or Porn Without Plot suck bananas), I’d like to see some deeper issues. People are moving away from coming out stories but it seems to be getting stuck on “it’s bad to be gay” stories. Not that some of those aren’t well-written because honestly, people still get crap about it. But if that’s all that stops the story, I’ll walk away. Build it up and handle it. Lanyon and Buchanan handle the closeted character brilliantly. Buchanan’s Brandon could have become whiny in someone else’s hands but he keeps Brandon fresh and real with the fact that while Brandon doesn’t want to come out, he has flashes of wanting to be “out” with Nicky. That’s real, constant mental conflict. Lanyon’s Jake is similiar in that he won’t come out the closet for anyone, even for love of Adrien but Lanyon always gives those flashes of what Jake could be if he’d let go of his fear. Real conflict, real stories.
d. Would you like some new/different story lines to invigorate the genre? Actually, I believe there’s a lot of problems out there that we can work on so there’s nothing new I’d really like to see. Just deeper. Now someone mentioned this (gotta start remembering names) but sappy romances need to be drained of almost all their sap. I’m all for love. I hate squishy love. It just…agh, it squicks me. Women, a big chunk of ’em, get squishy. I’m a woman. I get squishy sometimes. But men? Not so much.
e. Which do you prefer – character driven or plot intensive storylines? Ah, character-driven hands down. A good plot is fantastic but if I don’t like the characters, how he thinks, acts, comes to his decisions, I’ll toss the book in disgust.
This last question is for authors of the genre
Do you write M/M erotic romances with female readers in mind? Are your stories targeted at both genders? What elements do you try to include that you think your readers will like?
When I originally started, I was writing with specific gay male friends in mind. They were a little emotional, both of them, and horny. So that’s what I wrote. A little emotion, a little sex. I haven’t written a story toward them in a while so I think my audience targetting is mixed with both. There’s been stories though, that I’m sure will get more looks from women than men and vice versa.
In my writing, I try to put in universal hope if nothing else, I try for that. I personally do not always believe the HEA is what the characters need. Sometimes, you just need to hope that things are gonna keep getting better.
In the end, I write romance. Whether its kinky or sweet, that’s what I write. Which means everything I put into my work is angled toward that end. So when a reader, man or woman, picks it up, I hope they walk away with the warm knowledge that this is love, growing, flourishing or arriving, that they’re reading. Period.
A side-note cuz this just came to me. I totally believe that there can be sap stories. I’ve written a sniffler of two, I’ve written that warm glow of love and the depression that can follow when it’s ruined or crushed.
But long monologues of love and loneliness?
Make it stop. Just make it stop.