Sorry for the late post today, folks. The weather turned cold here in NYC and gave me a cold.
Our guest today is Kimberly Kaye Terry, who writes interracial erotic romance for Kensington and Ellora’s Cave. All I can say is don’t pick up her stuff unless you’ve got a trusty man or a sturdy fan nearby. Or maybe some ice chips . . . well you get my meaning. I’ll let her tell you about it.
Why I love to write hot, sexy, in your face don’t be scurred boy, erotic romance!
By Kimberly Kaye Terry
There is seemingly, always, an overwhelming need to validate the expression of female sensuality. Not necessarily a problem with the expression of her sexuality. They’re two sides of the same coin. Excuse me while I wax 
Women have been subjugated throughout the history of the world, regardless of race, class or socio-economic status. As a therapist (before my writing days) I worked with women in transition, and learned a great many valuable things. One thing that I learned is that no matter the race, class, or status of the woman, there are underlying themes and issues that bound them, us, together.
One major theme: The effect of sexual domination of males over females.
Physically, spiritually, mentally…any of the major lly’s. It is overt and understated at the same time. It is layered so thickly, yet subtly, throughout our culture that it is at times difficult to “see” we have become so used to it being a part of our lives as women.
We no longer question things that perhaps we should.
So what happens when a few daring women start saying, thinking…hmmm, what if I write a romantic book with a great plot and wonderful story line…and when it comes to the love scenes, I go all out. I mean, I let ‘em go buck wild, and write it real.
And…what if I don’t want to call it his manrod, and I don’t call it her velvet sheath…naw…How about I call it his c*ck, his d*ck…his magic stick (okay, so I think magic stick is funny) and call hers her vagina, her mound or her pretty kitty (Am I the ONLY female reader who finds this word strangely appealing?)
And…I leave the bedroom door open and allow the reader to enjoy the ride along with the couple (forgive that nasty bit about the whole “enjoying the ride” what can I say, I write it hot with NO shame in my game.)
Why keep trying to validate? It is what it is. Celebrate it! Rejoice in it!
A novel, whatever genre, when it comes to sex scenes, just like a good murder scene, should be real. I like it real! Give it to me! I can take it; I’m a big girl. Well. Maybe a bit too big if I keep eating these little Debbie oatmeal crème pies I can’t seem to give up.
In the end, the labeling is just another way to subjugate women and it’s too bad that many women not only allow this to happen in an industry where we should be in control, (romantic fiction) but some are the main ones leading the march, dogging other women writers for expressing sensuality in the way that is real.
There is room at the table for all. Just as there are various, wonderfully eclectic taste in readers, from those who like it sweet in a romance, to those who like it get down dirty don’t make me hurt you if you don’t give up the goodies, romance. There are writers who are just as wonderfully eclectic in their approach to writing fiction aimed at the female population.
I freely, without shame, admit that in romantic fiction, I like it hot. I have read all types and my taste are varied as well. I’m not saying every novel that I read must have eroticism up front, some of the best scenes I’ve read were not, in fact.
I am simply saying that it would be cool as icy lemonade if there wasn’t this constant need to categorize, label, put the big scarlet letter on, or whatever you want to call it, erotic romantic fiction.
The expression of feminine sensuality is pornographic at times and very visual and that’s okay! Erotica is verbal, cerebral and sensual and that’s cool. The combination? Rocks my world as a reader and ultimately as a writer, it’s how I flow.
Please leave a comment for Kimberly to let her know you enjoyed her post. Visit her at her website and check out her blog.
Kimberly;
Great post and even greater point about letting the genre be open to all styles & sensuality levels of writing. I agree.
A reader shoulder have choices, and she will select what stories & styles appeal to her.
You mention different areas of women’s lives affected by subjection, but I’m curious to know what is the biggest or most significant effect you’ve noticed.
Megan Kerans
Erotic romance Rocks! Celebrate your sensuality with a little bit of hot sex in your reading material. It definitely gets the blood flowing!
I hear you and I applaude you, you write what flows like blood from you pen and you are so right the universe is large enough for all of us to flow how we see fit…
Bless you
angelia
Hey Kim,
Great Post!!!!
I also think people should write what they feel, but I do believe there should be different lines (in any particular publishing house) for different sensuality/sexuality levels in order to make it easier for the readers to find what they are looking for. You know my marketing mind. I can’t help it. Sheeeesh.
I love it all–heck I write it all. LOL. But I also acknowledge that not all of my readers will want to read my more HEATED works. I’m fine with that. But that’s also why I’m glad they are categorized differently.
Anywhooooo, don’t worry about the heat or terminology, just keep writing those fantastic tales of yours. You are a Mess in the best way.
Love you
Dee
Kimberly!
I’ve lived a pretty liberated life and wouldn’t mind a little “subjugation” every once in a while. Guess it’s that secret sub in me trying to be noticed!!
(Anyone who knows me has to be snickering bigtime.)
Seriously, I wish you the best this year! Can’t wait to see your books in print. I’ve been lucky enough to get sneak peeks at some of them–and WOW!
Delilah Devlin
Meg: It effects so many levels of our lives, that I could finish that P.h.D I’ve been saying I’m going to finish, with all the layers and ways this has invaded women’s lives.
The most important, in my view, is the way it has shaped our spirit, or the essence of who we are.
When an oppressed person (or people) has been subjugated for so long, they began to exhibit self-hate types of characteristics, and this in turn can have them “act out” in a variety of ways. Destructive behaviors, sabotaging type of behaviors directed at themselves as well as others, are just a few ways this can happen. Self-doubt, low self-esteem, feelings of negative self-worth soon follow, or happen concurrently. A woman living under physical or spiritual subjugation will accepts maltreatment from those she perceives has ‘power’ over her.
If we as women instead, not allow ANYONE, male or female, to dictate how we live our lives this will have a trickle down effect, I believe. This new found empowerment will change our outlook on life, we will tap into our spirit and take charge of our destiny.
Myla: Rock on, baby rock on!
XO
K
Angelia (btw, I love your name) The Universe has arms so wide, ready to embrace and love us all, we just need to sit back, relax, and know that it is ALL in Divine order!
Dee!
Hey mama, now you KNOW I’m gonna keep writing it nice and naughty…it is my flo, fo sho fo sho
LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!
K
DD!! You are a hot mess, to borrow my friend Dee’s fav term for me, lol! You would be the only one to say something like that, you naughty woman…teehee. Is it any reason I love you like a play cousin? You be my GIRL!!! Hmmm….I’m thinking for your b-day, I need to send you a special little something that just might help you out in the way of tapping into your “inner sub” ::snicker::
Thank you for the comp about my work, coming from a writer like you, that means a lot. Aw shucks…she likes me, she likes me. *g* seriously, you rock, chica! Can’t wait to get my hands on your new releases this year, as well!
xoxo
K