The reader’s imagination is a powerful tool for writers.

cj Sez: A lot of the passion, or eroticism, a reader findsin a story is often the part that’s left unwritten. For me, what one imaginesto be residing between the lines of a story—the perceived hidden meanings—canbe more erotic than detailed descriptions.

  Writers can never predict how their words will beinterpreted because their readers are coming from a multitude of backgrounds with different sets of life experiences. 
  That’s both exciting andfearful. Words, syntax, and semantics have to be as exact as we can make them,all the while knowing that each reader will most likely interpret themdifferently. I believe it is unfair and insulting to intelligent readers forauthors to tell them what they meant through the use of Italics and adverbsattached to dialogue.  Example: “How dareyou do that,” she exclaimed angrily. Suggested alternative is just a plain-old“How dare you do that.” This draws the reader into the story by allowing him orher to place their own emphasis.

 

  I’ve had the pleasure of having a reader tell me how muchshe enjoyed (or did not enjoy) a particular scene or dialogue exchange. When Iasked why, her interpretation of the scene or dialogue was nowhere near what Ihad intended. Obviously, words and phrases do not have universal meanings. Inparticular, writing with and about passion and eroticism tends to invite a lotof critical judgment and opinion.

 

Eroticism is far more than the sexual and sensuousdescriptions.
Andromeda Nebula  For me, the definition of erotic pleasure is nebulous. It issitting on the floor of a darkened room immersed in music…it is snowflakesmelting in my eyelashes…the smooth caress of summer breezes...the warmth of themorning sun…the whistle of an elk and the cry of a loon in the northernwilderness...it is pleasure that fills me with laughter and the pain that makesmy heart ache…it is intelligence with a quick wit and gentle humor…it is theharmonics of a deeply resonant baritone…the touch of a guiding, strong hand atmy waist…it is the feel of silk, satin, skin on skin…the velvetiness of ababy’s cheek…the taste of dark chocolate melting on my tongue...it is the aromaof a pipe and the coarseness of a woolen shirt…it is the heady sheen and smellof an athlete…it is trees dressed up in spring green or autumn blaze…pewterclouds and blue skies…it is sounds, feelings, sights, smells, tastes, touch,memories…it is imagination.
§§
  Summer is winding down, and one of my favorite cartoonsillustrates the lament of most everyone returning to their regular fall,winter, and spring school and work schedules.
  Beyond that … I am so yearning for some moderating autumnaltemperatures on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. The summer heat has been hellacious thisyear—a very long string of 100-plus-degree days with sauna-like humidity. Infact, Mobile set its own record this year for 11 days of >=100 degrees.I haven’t ventured into my yard for longer than an hour or so at a time sinceJune, and boy, do I have the weeds and vines to prove it.§§
  Okay, that’s it for today. You-all guys keep on keeping on,and I’ll try to do the same. Raising prayers for a happy and safe you.
cj
Perfect for theupcoming holiday: HALLOWEEN PIECES

I have a short paranormal story, “Once in a Blue Moon,”  included in this fourth installment of theMobile Writers Guild anthology PIECES series.

 

Kindle is$1.99/paperback is out of print. I happen to have four paperback copies ifyou’ve a mind to hold that book in your hands. First come, first served andsale priced at $7.50 plus mailing. Just drop me a note:  cjpetterson@gmail.com

 

  My novels THEDAWGSTAR and DEATH ON THE YAMPA are fast-paced, thriller/suspense stories withsassy banter and a smidgen of sweet romance. (Perfect diversions for a quickweekend getaway.)

 

  The books areavailable on Amazon or through your favorite eTailer and bookstore. Got alibrary card? You can read the ebooks free from Hoopla.
  Little note: The Haunted Book Shop has a few signed copiesof my books in stock. TO ORDER, contact: https://www.thehauntedbookshopmobile.com/contact-us  If she happens to be sold out, I have a smallstash. Angela Trigg, the awesome owner and a RITA Award-winning author in herown right (writing as Angela Quarles) will be happy to ship you any book(s) byany author of your choice.

 

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