I have another novella coming out in January 2011. It's very erotic with explicit sex scenes. This is new territory for me. Most of my sex scenes have been behind closed doors or warm versus what I consider to be hot.
So what's your opinion? If there a fine line between erotica and porn?
I don't know if I've read enough to properly gauge, but I'd say that if the sex furthers the plot, it's erotica. If it's just there to titillate, it's porn.
ReplyDeleteAnd if it involves lasers, it's sci-fi. ;)
Adam
PS - MUAH!
I've always said if it gets the reader off, it's porn. If it gets the characters off, it's erotica.
ReplyDeleteWriting to make the reader horny is breaking down the fourth wall, acknowledging that the story isn't real, and has a tendency to make the characters a bit...er...wooden, if you'll forgive me for using that word. Basically, it destroys suspension of disbelief.
The sex, as with any other scene, has to either reveal character or progress the plot. The best scenes do both.
With porn, you're left thinking, "Huh? What is this scene even FOR?"
Basically that's a long-winded way of agreeing with Adam. (Steady, Adam - don't get used to it)!
Yeah, I have to agree with Adam and Scarlett on this. If the sex is just there to titillate the reader, it's porn. If it furthers the plot, even if it's just making the characters more emotionally invested in each other, then it's erotica.
ReplyDeleteIf it starts out with, "I was riding in an elevator with this nurse in a tight dress..." it's probably porn. ; )
ReplyDelete