R.C. Butler's Blog: An Author's Musings
July 20, 2015
Erotica done “write”
A beta reader recently commented that she was surprised to learn I was male because, based on the erotica I have included in Unbound, she assumed I was not. I was told that I “get” what woman are looking for in erotic writing. I took a few minutes to reflect on this and to think back about my intended audience when writing those scenes.
I wasn’t writing for a specific gender, nor was it much of a consideration at the time. I think the key to good erotica is emotion and the only way to have any reader emotionally connect, be they male or female, is to develop a character well and ensure they have depth and meaning. Not all readers will like or care for the character but if they are properly developed, they will connect with them. That connection will help transmit the emotions of the scene and draw the reader in. With erotica, this is extremely important. Without the character connection your words become poorly written porn. Is there really a gender difference in what makes “good erotica”? Perhaps, but I prefer to think that good writing, solid characters, and some well thought out excitement will always cross the gender lines.
I wasn’t writing for a specific gender, nor was it much of a consideration at the time. I think the key to good erotica is emotion and the only way to have any reader emotionally connect, be they male or female, is to develop a character well and ensure they have depth and meaning. Not all readers will like or care for the character but if they are properly developed, they will connect with them. That connection will help transmit the emotions of the scene and draw the reader in. With erotica, this is extremely important. Without the character connection your words become poorly written porn. Is there really a gender difference in what makes “good erotica”? Perhaps, but I prefer to think that good writing, solid characters, and some well thought out excitement will always cross the gender lines.
July 15, 2015
Humbled, Surprised and Ecstatic
I just learned that the prologue to my recently published novel, Unbound, has hit #1 on Literotica's Reader Voted All Time toplist. I am humbled and ecstatic to see the piece doing so well.
A huge thank you to all that helped me make the novel what it is today.
A huge thank you to all that helped me make the novel what it is today.
July 13, 2015
Erotic Author and Proud
When people learn I write erotic or erotic based fiction one of the first questions I receive is whether or not I use a pen-name.
I do not. I am proud of the work I produce and I am fortunate to have a career and life that does not require me to hide that fact. I understand the "negative" aspects some have to deal with as erotic authors and I respect their right to protect themselves from unfounded assumptions that some people will form upon learning what they do. I have been lucky enough not to have to deal with or worry about this in my own life.
I have had the fortune of being able to own my work, to share it proudly and to not concern myself with the assumptions of others as those assumptions have little to no effect on my life.
Granted, I have issued my share of "warnings" to those that wish to read my work (if you decide to, it's on you mom. You've been warned) but I've never had to hide who I am or what I do and I am very grateful for that.
I am an erotic author and I will forever say that proudly.
I do not. I am proud of the work I produce and I am fortunate to have a career and life that does not require me to hide that fact. I understand the "negative" aspects some have to deal with as erotic authors and I respect their right to protect themselves from unfounded assumptions that some people will form upon learning what they do. I have been lucky enough not to have to deal with or worry about this in my own life.
I have had the fortune of being able to own my work, to share it proudly and to not concern myself with the assumptions of others as those assumptions have little to no effect on my life.
Granted, I have issued my share of "warnings" to those that wish to read my work (if you decide to, it's on you mom. You've been warned) but I've never had to hide who I am or what I do and I am very grateful for that.
I am an erotic author and I will forever say that proudly.
July 3, 2015
Marketing Woes
Today I find myself musing about the one downfall of most independent authors - Marketing.
With my newest title now on the shelves and some tepid marketing leading up to the launch it's time to put the marketing plan into full force. A daunting process but an exciting one at the same time.
In the past, marketing has been "work" for me. Something that had to be done but never felt joyful and creative. It lacked the passion, creativity and freedom of the other publishing processes but with this latest release things have changed. I now have an extremely supportive and brilliant 'publicist' helping me through the process and the ideas she has provided me are not only unique but creative and fun. They put me in a much more familiar and comfortable mindset and I find myself looking forward to the implementation process.
It's interesting how easily a slight change in process and some unique concepts can completely change one's view-point and help to shift the mindset. As much as I'd love to be locked away pounding out the first draft of 'Honor Bound' (my upcoming Ellison Frost sequel), I find myself not only content but excited to step away from it for a short time and delve into the new marketing plan for 'Unbound'.
I remind myself not to turn away from new ideas and a fresh perspective. They can bring you a new joy in tasks that have never provided it.
R. C.
With my newest title now on the shelves and some tepid marketing leading up to the launch it's time to put the marketing plan into full force. A daunting process but an exciting one at the same time.
In the past, marketing has been "work" for me. Something that had to be done but never felt joyful and creative. It lacked the passion, creativity and freedom of the other publishing processes but with this latest release things have changed. I now have an extremely supportive and brilliant 'publicist' helping me through the process and the ideas she has provided me are not only unique but creative and fun. They put me in a much more familiar and comfortable mindset and I find myself looking forward to the implementation process.
It's interesting how easily a slight change in process and some unique concepts can completely change one's view-point and help to shift the mindset. As much as I'd love to be locked away pounding out the first draft of 'Honor Bound' (my upcoming Ellison Frost sequel), I find myself not only content but excited to step away from it for a short time and delve into the new marketing plan for 'Unbound'.
I remind myself not to turn away from new ideas and a fresh perspective. They can bring you a new joy in tasks that have never provided it.
R. C.
