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Tara Wyatt | Why I think consent matters in romance
Giveaway! Read and comment and you could win a copy of CHAIN REACTION
There are many things I love about romance novels. The brave, hunky heroes. The
smart, capable heroines. The eclectic plots, settings, and challenges the
characters face while fighting for their hard-earned happily ever after. And
while those are all great, I feel that one of the under-celebrated aspects of
romance is its willingness to tackle difficult topics, such as infertility,
grief, mental illness, sexuality, and intolerance.
As a romance writer, one of my goals is to explore some of these tough topics
while showing the characters working through their pain and achieving their
happy ending. For example, in my new book, CHAIN REACTION, the heroine
is a
sexual assault survivor. I donโt want to give too much away, but she does have
scars and baggage she needs to process before she can have a healthy, fulfilling
relationship with the hero.
Partly because consent is always important, and partly because Alexa is
a sexual assault survivor, it was extremely important to me for 1) the hero,
Zack, to know about Alexaโs past; and 2) the consent between them to be crystal
clear. Personally, I think itโs always important that the consent between the
hero and the heroine is clear, but even more so in this instance because of what
happened to Alexa. Itโs key that readers see the difference between Zackโs
treatment of Alexa, and what she endured and survived.
In the book, Alexa has come to terms with her past through therapy, but she
still struggles with some of the lingering baggage. In a very loving, supportive
way, Zack helps her work through her remaining scars, while also acknowledging
the horror of what happened to her. Thereโs a sharp contrast between what Alexa
went through and the love and security she finds while connecting sexually with
Zack, and none of that is possible without very clear consent between both of them.
Part of the reason Zack and Alexa have such a powerful connection is that they
have a deep trustโa trust that wouldnโt be possible without sexual consent.
Given Alexaโs history, the fact that sheโs able to move forward with Zack in a
loving, consenting relationship, is all the more profound.
While writing this book, it was important to me to treat what happened to Alexa
with sensitivity and empathy, while not painting her as a hapless victim. Sheโs
a quiet character, but has an inner strength, grace, and a good heart that
shines through, and will have readers cheering for her.
Consent is sexy. Period.
Let me know what you think in the comments! Everyone
who comments will be
entered to win a copy
of CHAIN REACTION (US/Canada only)
Comments
13 comments posted.
Re: Tara Wyatt | Why I think consent matters in romance
I Totally agree with you, especially on such a delicate
issue as Sexual Abuse. The delicate mind of the victim is
such that any physical contact will be construed as a
threat. A very special individual is needed to handle such
a person.
(Wilma Salas 2:07pm February 28, 2017)
Consent is mandatory!
(Nancy Ludvik 4:17pm February 28, 2017)
This column is spot on! I love the way you emphasize trust and
absolute understanding. Without it, there can be no lasting
relationship.
(Kathleen Bylsma 4:49pm February 28, 2017)
I love that you make her strong after her tragedy- shes a
survivor
(Ricardo Gonzalez 7:31pm February 28, 2017)
I love a character with the strength to continue on and find their way to happiness.
(Colleen Conklin 8:16pm February 28, 2017)
Absolutely. No sex w/o consent, I don't care what the
couple's is. And when you have the 'non-traumatized' person
be understanding and willing to help heal the other, that's
even better, especially if the former is a macho man.
(Sandy Haber 8:47pm February 28, 2017)
I appreciate how you have broken down your handling of the
subject matter. The care you've taken speaks volumes.
(Terrill Rosado 10:06pm February 28, 2017)
You broke it down perfectly.
(Kathleen Bylsma 4:19pm March 1, 2017)
Turning a negative into a positive is a difficult thing for most people and this
story may help people to see that a negative does not have to consume them
(Diane McMahon 8:18am March 2, 2017)
thanks you for this giveaway
(Emily Stemp 7:32pm March 2, 2017)
I totally agree. I think it's important for authors to
write about difficult topics. I love that you've wriiten a
strong heroine and a sensitive hero.
(Tanja Dancy 3:33am March 3, 2017)
This would be a difficult situation for an author to write about. Being strong is important for the heroine so she can not only be a survivor but to have a happy future.
(Anna Speed 12:18pm March 3, 2017)
love finding new authors
(Emily Stemp 1:44pm March 3, 2017)
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