I started with stories that had a bit of bondage and maybe a touch of spanking. It was hot. It was kinky. And it was safe. But as a reader I started exploring the edgier BDSM stories I found at EC too. Those stories were dangerous. Intense. And they usually made me cry.
I still like both, but I'm discovering that when I write I tend to write on the lighter side of the BDSM spectrum and I don't know if I should push it or stay in my "comfort" zone.
There's a lot to be said for both styles of erotic romance (I'm going to leave erotica aside for now, since that isn't what I write).
Light BDSM shows a hint of kink on the part of the characters in the book. It shows that they're willing to explore their sexuality together. It allows the focus of the story to be more on other elements rather than on the D/s lifestyle. Edgier BDSM has depth. Usually a lot of angst and tension too. There's a psychological emphasis that's really appealing to read about and to write about too.
Maybe it's about voice. What do you think? I think it might be easier to inject humor into a story with light BDSM. But I've read really great stories that are heavy BDSM that still have elements of humor too. Characters that are snarky and sarcastic. Still, some authors have a "lighter" voice and some have that "darker," more intense kind of voice.
Of course, all stories derive from characters. Maybe it's the characters that determine the intensity of the BDSM in the story. Some characters are solidly in the lifestyle and understand the psychology of things. They know that BDSM is part of the core of who they are and vanilla will never fulfill them.
Thus far, I've written or I'm working on stories where one person (usually the guy) is comfortable with himself and solidly in the lifestyle, while my heroine is learning about her own nature. In that case, she's not going to be ready for anything too intense right away.
Just like in a D/s scene, a person/character starts off slow then increases the intensity and sensation. It's like when you're learning to swim - most of us start in the shallow end until we're comfortable in deep water. Very few of us are comfortable with the sink or swim scenario. Maybe if I end up writing a story with both characters comfortable with their BDSM natures, then my story will automatically be edgier. After all, that initial exploration of the lifestyle won't be necessary. Both my hero and heroine will understand who they are and will be looking for someone to meet their needs. That allows the deep psychological elements of dominance and submission to be explored more thoroughly. Hmmm
I say write what you love, Francesca. If you find the lighter side more your cuppa as a writer, do that. For me, as a writer, I find my voice isn't always in harmony with what I like to read. :) I may read super heavy, dark (think Stacia Kane's Unholy Magic books) but that's not my style of writing at all. Make sense?
ReplyDeleteGreat post Francesca! I think you have to follow your heart on this one. I write BDSM but I believe that with the writing, as with real life, love, respect and good intentions must be present for the harder stuff to work.
ReplyDeleteThe light stuff is fun because its mostly about playfulness, stimulation and dropping inhibitions, with no need to go to a deeper, darker place.
XXOO Kat
Arwen - great points. And yes, I get what you mean. I love reading really dark edgy BDSM stories, but the stories I write are always lighter. It makes me stop and think about where I want to go as a writer.
ReplyDeleteKataline - You're right. When writing BDSM erotic romance the love, respect and trust are mandatory whether you write dark stories or light ones. Sometimes light is just fun. Great thoughts. Thanks for stopping by to share!
I guess I could say that I like to read them like I write them. Sometimes light and sometimes deep. All depends on the mood.
ReplyDeleteRecently I turned one in that was a lot more intense and my editor told me that the edgier book really fit my voice. I'm not sure why, but that surprised me.
Eliza - I'll have to look for the book when it comes out. Intensity is very good. wink...
ReplyDeleteI love to read both, but when I write it's often light, fun, kinky spanking/bondage stuff, not a hardcore Master/slave lifestyle. But if it's BDSM, I'll read it! Can't wait!
ReplyDeleteFrancesca, I'm sure you can write both. The story and characters will probably determine whether a particular story will be dark or light. I love to read both and I think the scenes I've written have been mostly light. Sometimes you want to stretch your own boundaries as a writer and write the darker, edgier stuff. :)
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