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Desiree Holt | How and why I ended up writing erotic romance
January 25, 2013
Lately I've been interviewed a lot by people who ask me why I write erotic
fiction and how I'd describe it. And I discovered a vast population of people
that had no idea what it really is. It's a genre that has kind of snuck up on
the reading public, graduating from behind closed doors and plain brown wrappers
to now full out discussions on places like Goodreads. I didn't start out to write in this genre. Actually I didn't start out to write
romance at all. Everyone who's heard this next part, you have permission to take
a break to get a cold drink. I actually intended to write mysteries. My mother
and my sister devoured them and that was all I read growing up. I won't even
tell you how old I was before I read my first romance novel. So, okay, I sat down to write the mystery that I'd plotted so carefully, and in
a week I had three chapters carefully written. The problem? Two months later I
was still looking at the same three chapters. Not a good sign. Then I read my
first romantic suspense and I was off to the races. Sort of. It helps when you
pour your heart and soul into a manuscript if some publisher wants to buy it,
but no such luck. Then I took a chance on an open submission call for a themed series at Ellora's
Cave. I had never written erotic romance before (heck, I'd only just started
writing any romance) but I bought some of their books to understand the
genre, felt comfortable with it, and wrote CUPID'S SHAFT. Ta da! A
sale! I was black and blue from pinching myself. It's been a wild ride ever
since then but now to get back to the main question: why do I write erotic romance? The biggest different with other genres is that the sex is plentiful, graphic
and explicit. But not distasteful. And not out of context. I tell people I write relationship stories. I start with the two main characters
with all their good points and their flaws, their internal and external
conflicts, and the chemistry that is so explosive it's almost visible. In erotic
romance I have the luxury of exploring every facet of their physical
relationship and how it's an expression of their emotional connection. In erotic fiction I can really take the readers into the heart of each person.
Every act, every movement, is another manifestation of their deep connection. No
hold barred, but always in good taste. I like to think my readers can lose themselves in my stories, that I have
created an erotic fantasy world for them and perhaps they can take some of it
back into their real lives. If you haven't tried it yet, go ahead. Dip your toe into the heated waters of
erotic love.
Comments
51 comments posted.
Re: Desiree Holt | How and why I ended up writing erotic romance
Once Upon a Wedding. I do enjoy your character and relationship development. Lose ourselves in the stories....absolutely!!
(Beth Charette 9:30am January 25, 2013)
WOW would love to read this book!
(Bonnie Capuano 9:37am January 25, 2013)
I really like your characterization that you write relationship stories. Writing about the sex means you can explore all aspects of the relationship.
(Pam Howell 10:29am January 25, 2013)
I haven't read your book, but I have read other erotic books. Do you find it
hard to come up with different descriptions? I have read some that are
downright funny and ridiculous, that I couldn't say out loud without giggling.
(Susan Falkler 10:45am January 25, 2013)
Once Upon a Wedding
(Susan Falkler 10:47am January 25, 2013)
I haven't read your books.... But I do love reading books in general! :) Will look for your books next time.
(May Pau 11:16am January 25, 2013)
I'd love yo give you're books a read. :)
(Leslie Davis 11:21am January 25, 2013)
I don't mind a lot of sex scenes in a book as long as they don't overshadow the romance, plot, and character development.
Once Upon a Wedding
(Cheryl Castings 11:39am January 25, 2013)
Once Upon a Wedding
(Lois Kulach 11:42am January 25, 2013)
Once Upon a Wedding
I love all of your books. You are a great writer and you write very fast.
(Amy Smith 11:54am January 25, 2013)
I find that erotic novels are making a great turn in the development of the story and the characters. Years ago it was simply scene after scene of graphic sex that I couldn't believe the idea these people just met and spent 24 hours doing all they were.
I think the way people interact not just in communication can also verify their emotions in a physical way. Sex is an external action for the internal - from make up sex to angry sex to the exploration of love sex, it makes the characters in the book more "human".
(Carla Carlson 12:00pm January 25, 2013)
A thought provoking post. I am intrigued with your books.
(Sharon Berger 12:04pm January 25, 2013)
It's interesting to me that men tend to look at pictures, and women read. I think that means women use their brains more! =)
Once Upon a Wedding.
(Kathleen Conner 12:35pm January 25, 2013)
Once Upon a Wedding ~ is this erotic fiction as well?
(Susan Coster 1:24pm January 25, 2013)
Once Upon a Wedding
I haven't read any of your books before but I plan to. Have a great day and thank you for the giveaway!
(Chelsea Knestrick 1:28pm January 25, 2013)
Oh I have enjoyed your books...
(Colleen Conklin 1:28pm January 25, 2013)
Once Upon a Wedding - Thanks for the giveaway!
(Carolyn Helms 1:41pm January 25, 2013)
I have read and enjoyed erotic romance. You make a good
description description of it in your post. I see mention of
one of your stories in the comments, Once Upon a Wedding. Is
it a fan favorite? Or one of special significance to you?
(G. Bisbjerg 1:43pm January 25, 2013)
like your description of what you write :) while I haven't read any of your books yet, that's what I like about erotic romance as oppose to just erotica (which does little for me)
(d Kenney 1:56pm January 25, 2013)
Steamy...
(Callie Stuck 3:14pm January 25, 2013)
WOULD LOVE TO READ THIS BOOK IT SOUNDS VERY INTERESTING AND
VERY HOT!!!!
(Shelly Caggiano 4:01pm January 25, 2013)
I love these types of books :-)
(Stacy Novack 4:10pm January 25, 2013)
I haven't tried erotic romance yet because I'm afraid my husband would tease me if he saw me reading it---but I think I should give it a try.
(Sue Farrell 5:33pm January 25, 2013)
Sounds very HOT.
(Pat Lieberman 5:43pm January 25, 2013)
I'd like to read one of your books!
(Cheryl McEwen 5:56pm January 25, 2013)
Once upon a wedding. This books sounds great. I enjoy reading some of the erotic romance books. You are a new to me author and I will be adding you to my tbr shelf. Thanks for the giveaway.
(Emily Bowes 6:05pm January 25, 2013)
.looks good
(Kent Cook 6:20pm January 25, 2013)
Once Upon A Wedding The book sounds good I have read a few of your books and I really like them.
(Crystal Young 6:28pm January 25, 2013)
From mysteries to erotic fiction...that was a turn in the road; but evidently you have found your niche. Congratulations!
(Marilyn Nowlin 6:43pm January 25, 2013)
I enjoy erotic romances. A great mix of a compelling story, dynamic characters and sizzling romance. So glad your writing what you enjoy. :)
(April Harvey 8:07pm January 25, 2013)
I was fascinated by your journey to become an author.
(Anna Speed 8:16pm January 25, 2013)
Thank you for sharing your story with us, Desiree! I love reading author success stories-- gives me hope :-)
(Chelsea Brooks 8:25pm January 25, 2013)
Sounds like a very sexy book
(Terri Quick 8:49pm January 25, 2013)
Once upon a wedding!
(Pamela Dolen 8:54pm January 25, 2013)
What an interesting career change! Congratulations on your publication. Thanks for the giveaway.
(Bonnie H 9:28pm January 25, 2013)
Am always glad to 'meet' a new author - thank you for your introduction- would love to win the GC but will be picking up your books anyway! Happy New Year,
(Maribeth Curry 9:35pm January 25, 2013)
Once Upon a Wedding
(Holly Vanderhule 9:39pm January 25, 2013)
One thing I have against erotica is the lack of a storyline.
I guess I just really like reading about the build up, the
foreplay, and the way it all plays out. In any erotica I've
tried to read so far, that seems to be missing or, if they
try to have a plot, it's very minimal, just a weak connector
to all the hot sex scenes.
(Margay Roberge 9:50pm January 25, 2013)
Thanks for sharing your story.
(Mary C 9:55pm January 25, 2013)
Got to say, Cupid's Shaft is a delectably lewd title.
(Mary Ann Dimand 10:03pm January 25, 2013)
I have to compliment you on the way you wrote your comments today for your column!! That has to be the most tasteful way to write about erotic romance I have ever read!! After reading your piece, I wish that I had your book next to me, so that I could sign off of my computer, grab a cup of hot chocolate since it's cold and snowy here tonight, and just start reading your book!! If your comments caught my interest the way they did, I'm sure that your book is going to be the perfect thing for me to read to finish off this Winter. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and have a wonderful New Year!!
(Peggy Roberson 10:04pm January 25, 2013)
Once Upon a Wedding
(Sue Galuska 10:12pm January 25, 2013)
I am ready to Dip my toes into the heated waters of erotic love. Looking forward to reading the book---keep writing!
(Shirley Younger 10:21pm January 25, 2013)
Once Upon a Wedding
(Cheryl Lynne 10:22pm January 25, 2013)
Once Upon a Wedding , e-book, May 2007. Thank you.
:D
(Deb Pelletier 10:27pm January 25, 2013)
Very interesting post. I will have to read your new book.
(Rita Wray 10:52pm January 25, 2013)
once upon a wedding...really love to win...thanks
(Kimberly Hoefs 11:49pm January 25, 2013)
I have a few of your e-books. I enjoy everyone of your books.
(Kai Wong 2:00am January 26, 2013)
I haven't read any yet, but I would read your book.
(Debbie Penny 7:41am January 26, 2013)
Thank you so much, everyone, for the great comments. For those of you
who haven't read my books yet, I hope you'll give them a try. One thing I
want to point out is the difference between erotica and erotic romance.
Erotic romance always as a Happy Ever After ending. Erotica has either a
Happy For Now or at least a Happy in the Future. The relationship,
however, doesn't ave to be permanent. Thanks to everyone who enjoyed
my column, also. I'll be announcing my winner momentarily.
(Desiree Holt 8:49am January 26, 2013)
And the winner is: Carolyn Robertson. PLease email me at
[email protected]
(Desiree Holt 8:56am January 26, 2013)
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