Monday, March 16, 2015

You Be the Judge




 Is sex sexy? Is violence ugly? Can birds fly? Yes to all three of those questions.

I’ve read books where sex and violence were thrown in for shock value, and nothing more. They really didn’t progress the story at all. I’ve also read books where these same elements were pertinent to the story. Of course, there are books that contain neither one of these things and they can be entertaining.

In my humble opinion, leaving the sexy scenes to the reader’s imagination is much sexier than laying things out in minute detail. I also believe that the anticipation of what’s to come can be very titillating. Does anyone remember that photo of Marilyn Monroe where the air is blowing up her skirt? It was sexy and titillating, but it wasn’t graphic other than showing a lot of leg.

Think about it. John Doe patted Jane Smith on the behind and followed her through a door, pulling it closed behind him. Do you want someone to tell you exactly what happened behind that door? Or would you rather dream up your own scenario? Hmm. All kinds of possibilities there.

I have a friend whose desire, several years ago, was to write contemporary romances. She wrote a book in that genre and submitted it to a publisher. The publisher was interested, but only if she’d add sexual and sensuous scenes. So this friend, knowing what was wanted and what she was capable of, sat down in front of her computer and started adding sex scenes. It turned out there was a problem. She suddenly realized that as her fingers flew over the keys while she wrote this graphic scene, she couldn’t bring herself to look at the computer screen. She looked up, to the right and left, and out the window – anywhere except at the screen. She’d been asked to write something she wasn’t comfortable with, and it embarrassed her. Still wanting to write romances, she changed from Contemporary to Regency romances, where she didn’t have to include anything she didn’t want to.

She told the story so well, but when I laughed and pictured it in my mind, the woman sitting in front of the computer unexpectedly turned out to be me. I write mysteries and the stories I write don’t involve romps in the hay or lurid sexual encounters. They involve – what else? – mysteries. They center around the puzzle, the characters and their growth, and they include some humor. My logo is “a little humor, a little romance, A Little Murder!” It suits my books.

Since mysteries often deal with murder, this leads me to the violence in so many books. If the reader enjoys reading about someone being chopped into little pieces, with all the parts described in detail, and then those pieces are being buried around the county, okay. Reader’s choice. For me, I see enough violence in the newspapers, on the news, television shows, and in magazines. I’ve mentioned before that it seems like there’s enough drama and violence in real life. Why would I want to read about more?

I won’t knock any author who writes graphic material, because there’s a market for it – and some of it is extremely well-written. I simply prefer something entertaining and mysterious, but that’s just me. I won’t even try to change any minds here.

I will say that a young woman approached me after reading one of my books to tell me how much she enjoyed it, and she told me two additional things. First, she said she never, ever reads anything that doesn’t contain graphic sex. Secondly, she said it was two weeks after she read the book before she realized there wasn’t any sex in it. Draw your own conclusion.

What’s your preference?

Until next time, I wish you a week of no drama and plenty of laughs.

CLICK HERE to visit Marja McGraw’s website
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Do purple cows and elderly spies have a connection? Can Chris and Pamela Cross figure out what it is? You betcha. Check out How Now Purple Cow – A Bogey Man Mystery, now available in both ebook and paperback format.

22 comments:

  1. My preference is to read something that will not embarrass me if I drop dead in the middle of it, and to write something that my parents and my children can both read and point to with pride. That's part of the reason I love your books--they're just exactly what I love. I think you're right--some things are best left to the imagination of the reader, and that can be even more exciting than what's on the page! Thanks for another great post.

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    1. Thank you, Amy. I had to chuckle, thinking about dropping over with a book open to an embarrassing page. Thank you for stopping in!

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  2. Of the thousands of books I've read I can remember only one where the sex scene was absolutely vital to the story. It just had to be there and because it was necessary it wasn't about the sex at all but about her willingness to trust the hero. It's been almost 20 years since I read that incredible story, but it continues to be one of my all time favourites and yes, I read every single word of that glorious sex scene! Most times (as in 99.999%), however, I skim over those pages because they're boring, clinical and/or of zero consequence. Similar to your writer friend, it took me years to get published because of my desire NOT to write said sex scenes. Why write them if I don't read them? It's a personal decision and sadly one few newbie authors consider making until the rejection letters pile high. GREAT POST!

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    1. Thank you, Anne. I was once asked to judge a writing contest. The book I was sent was erotica. Even the cover was embarrassing. Needless to say, I had to beg off. I couldn't have done the book justice, which wouldn't have been fair to the writer. Thank you so much for stopping in!

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  3. I think the sexiest scene ever was in Gone With the Wind where Rhett carries Scarlet up the stairs and the following scene is the next morning and the expression on Scarlet's face. That was all one needed to know about that night!

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    1. Perfect example, Pat. The imagination and anticipation can work wonders in a story. Thank you for stopping in!

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  4. Even though I'm in my early thirties I'd sometimes blush and giggle like a school girl when reading sex scenes. Still though I don't write it myself or read a lot of romance, I prefer to witness the romance between the characters. Yes, even in erotica. I want to see that build up of emotional connection between two people. I want to see the deepening of feelings and heightened attraction. And it doesn't have to explicit. Gory lust doesn't do it for me.

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    1. I agree, Lidy, that it's the emotional connection that makes the difference, and that it doesn't have to be explicit. Great take on this. It's also nice to hear from someone in a different age range than me. Thank you so much for stopping in!

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  5. Your post reminded me of "Misery" by Stephen King, one of my favorites. In it, Annie is upset because her favorite author used profanity in his most recent novel. He explained to her that the language was an integral part of the story; that's how street kids in New York talked. Which is exactly how I feel about sex and violence in a book. If it's a necessary element of the story the author is writing, it needs to be included. If not, please leave it out!

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    1. A great example, Pat. Sometimes these things are necessary -- if they further the story. Otherwise, I'm with you. Please leave it out! There was a brief TV series that made a point of showing a naked dead body in almost every episode. It was the same body every time. Pointless. Oh well... Thank you so much for stopping in!

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  6. I couldn't agree with you more, Marja. Because I write primarily for baby boomers and seniors, my mysteries don't contain graphic sex or violence. Some of my re aders have said that they appreciate that there are no F words, violence or sex in my books, although I do include a little romance. I don't enjoy reading books like Fifty Shade of Gray, so why write them?

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  7. Good point, Jean. Why write them? I once worked at a library and often had patrons stop to ask me what I could recommend that didn't have graphic sex or violence. I guess we're not the only ones who feel this way. Thank you so much for stopping in!

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  8. My Black Cat mysteries appeal to folks who want a charming story, love cats, and don't want to see explicit sex, violence or profanity in a story. If you have to add those elements to sell the book, it's probably not a very good story to start with!

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    1. Good point, Elaine. I'm glad you included profanity. If I want to hear that all I have to do is go out in public. Snarky for me to say that, but things as I know them are changing. Thank you so much for stopping in today!

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  9. I think it all depends on what you're comfortable reading or writing. As a writer sometimes it's hard to know how much is too much as far as romance is concerned. But when you get to the point where you're too uncomfortable to read what you've written, then it's time to draw the line. I know the romance in my novels gets a little on the warm side, but I try not to cross that line.

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    1. I've read all of your books and never felt like you crossed the line, Evelyn. I think you've hit a great balance. Thank you so much for stopping in today!

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  10. Interesting post, as always, Marja...! :-)

    On the whole, I agree with your thoughts on this matter.

    In mysteries, I definitely prefer that the romance should be subtle and discreet, with intimate details avoided.

    When reading romance, I am bit more flexible ...but not to a great extent. 

    To me, 'love' and 'romance' is not such a physical thing ...as much as an emotional connection.

    And yes, I agree that one cannot negate the 'physical aspect', and I don't mind few such scenes here and there in the story ...but I personally feel that physical chemistry can be beautifully 'implied' through exquisite manipulation of words, and it doesn't always have to be described in details.

    Besides, it's usually more fun to imagine certain romantic scenarios, rather than to have every detail forced upon us...!

    Coming back to mysteries,  it's always my desire that graphic descriptions of violence, gruesome details of murder, and tragic impact of death should be greatly minimized. 

    And the focus of the story should be on the mystery plot, it's investigation process, and it's satisfying solution.

    I can tolerate a 'little' profanity, but only a little...!

    As for humour, well, it always add to my reading pleasure ...as long as it's decent...!

    I guess these are the main reason that I usually prefer 'Golden Age' and 'Cozy' Mysteries.

    In any case, my ultimate requirement is always that reading the books make me happy ...and for me this can only be when the overall ambience of the story remains comfortable and pleasant...! :-)


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    1. Your last paragraph says it all, Ramla. I read for entertainment purposes and I love a happy ending. There are times when graphics are important to a story, but sometimes it's just thrown in for the shock effect. When I put a book down, I like to feel satisfied. Thank you so much for stopping in today!

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  11. Marja, I loved the post. I agree with you, the imagination or the allusion to something going on behind a closed door is more suggestive than reading each word when it is not appropriately placed. In my up and coming novel 'Fanaman Curse,' there is a love scene, but it is gentle. Not in your face. In this case the need was there. augie

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    1. Somehow, Augie, I can imagine you would write a gentle scene. Sometimes a suggestion can go so much farther than the "in your face" type of writing. Congratulations on your upcoming book, and thank you so much for stopping in today!

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  12. I'm a little late to the party, bu here's my input. I like to write a bit of romance, but I have absolutely no confidence I could put together a great sex scene, so because I respect my characters and want the very best for them. I let them provide the sex off the page and don't subject them to my limited imagination in this area.

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    1. Very well put, Lesley. I can really relate to your explanation. Thank you so much for stopping in!

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