The idea behind Milestones was to explore how couples in domestic discipline relationships deal with some of themajor events, or Milestones, in life.
I'd dare say that many of us have dealt with these same topics or others that are similar.
Which brings me to a few questions:
1. Do you like reading about couples dealing with issues that are a bit more "real life" or do you prefer more of a fantasy?2. What are some milestones that you'd like to see addressed in fiction, whether a DD story or not?
3. Several reviewers have said that they'd have liked longer stories. Are there any of the stories in Milestones that you'd like to see made into full-length books?
4. For writers: is it harder to create a short story or a longer novella or novel?
5. What kind of milestones could you see DD helping with? Has DD ever helped you through a rough time in your life?
6. Why do you think DD worked for the couples in Milestones? How did it help them get through their problems?
7. What problems, if any, are too serious to tackle in a spanking romance?
Wow, you're asking some deep questions today, Celeste! :)
ReplyDelete1. I like reading about "real life" issues, for contemporary stories at least, because then I can better relate to the characters.
4. I wouldn't say one is harder than the other for me to write. I think any length of story presents its challenges, but with a shorter story you need to worry more about pace and if you've had enough time to develop the characters. With longer stories I sometimes worry that my plot is dragging.
I agree that w/shorter stories there's less chance for a story to drag. My attention span has also gotten shorter and shorter so I tend to skim some of the middle to get to the exciting ending.
DeleteI think this anthology departed from traditional spanking romances in that it did deal with some serious issues. Often heroines are spanked for minor infractions that seem kind of silly. In some of the Milestones stories the spanking didn't occur because the heroine had committed a serious act, but because the couple needed to reconnect after something serious had happened.
ReplyDeleteI think probably some real life "offenses" would be too serious for a spanking romance because it would make the characters unlikable. For example, what if the heroine had an affair, and the punishment was weekly/daily spankings? Would the reader be able to forgive her? I doubt it.
Good points, Cara. I sometimes wonder if people in r/l as well as in fiction think that DD will make up for some flaws in either themselves, their marriage or their partner which it really can't do.
DeleteAND I can't imagine a simple spanking would set things right after an affair. It isn't believable. I think they are just done after that.
DeleteSo many good questions! As a reader, I do like 'real' stories from time to time, but I tend to read more to escape reality, so a fantasy situation can also be really fun. And as a writer, a shorter piece is infinitely harder, I'm come to find!
ReplyDeleteI agree. I think a steady diet of more "real" stories would not be much fun since I also read to escape or experience something new.
DeleteThanks for stopping by!
Shorter is definitely harder. I prefer longer stories because of the depth they offer that is often lacking in shorter stories. As for "real life" vs. fantasy, I enjoy both. Sometimes "real life" gets a little too gritty for me, but there's a time and place for both types of stories.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stoppy by Kathryn. I agree that overall I'm more likely to pick up something less real life oriented, but from time to time it's nice to get a bit gritty. :)
DeleteI wondered, in my story about infertility, if taking on a deeper issue made my story more or less appealing. Maybe deep personal problems don't mix with erotica? I'm curious to hear if anyone has a reaction to this...
ReplyDeleteFrom some of the reviews and other comments I've seen, I think your story resonated with a number of people, particularly those who have dealt with fertility issues. I think it is still one of those "we don't talk about that" issues which adds to the pain and isolation of those who have trouble conceiving, so I think to see it brought into the open in a story was probably refreshing. Just my opinion, but hey...it's my blog!
DeleteI definitely go for the real life scenario stuff. My own writing (as Ashe Barker) tends to go that way - my first series had an undercurrent of mental illness, the second domestic violence, bereavement, loss. My third, due out in a month or so, addresses physical handicap. All these are erotic stories with a lot of spanking going on.
ReplyDeleteI've written short stories and much longer pieces. I like shorts because I can get them done and out of the way, whereas a longer novel or series tends to be with me for months. I share what others have said regarding character development, dragging plots, etc. Each brings its own challenges.
1. Real life scenarios definitely appeal to me more.
ReplyDelete2. Other milestones: My original idea for this anthology was to write a sort of sequel to To Love A Woman, where Marisa's daughter, Carly, is getting married to a clearly alpha man, and Marisa's reaction/feelings around her daughter marrying a man like Keaton--almost like maybe her daughter won't be able to handle it, even though Marisa can. I may write that one anyway.
3. Longer vs shorter: In an anthology, the stories have to be short, but for me, I enjoy reading and writing longer stories.
4. For me, shorter is harder. I write novels, for the most part, so this shorter story was more challenging. It forced me to cut the crap and condense it all for the sake of word count.
7. What problems, if any, are too serious to tackle in a spanking romance?
Infidelity, felonious breaking of the law... For me, and what I like to write, the DD is a minor part of the relationship, and comes up when SHE (because I write m/f) is careless with her safety or the relationship. Those are recurring issues in my stories because it feels most real for me. Most issues beyond these can be worked through via dialogue between two mature, respectful adults. But that's just me and my style.
1. I tend to like real life, couples dealing with issues that can be related to. But I also like reading stories that may be considered fantasy since I don't practice bdsm but I like to read about it.
ReplyDelete5. What kind of milestones could you see DD helping with? Has DD ever helped you through a rough time in your life?
knowing that there are others that practice dd and how maybe it is done since we all do it differently. yes DD has helped me many of times, probably saved my marriage
7. What problems, if any, are too serious to tackle in a spanking romance
Maybe a death of a child
I like the stories I read to be somewhat realistic, but not so realistic, that I end up comparing my own life and relationship to them.
ReplyDeleteI prefer to escape, when I read, so I also don't want stories to be too realistic. There's a nice compromise between both.
Great questions!
I enjoying readinng it very. I fin it scintillation and aruusing. If I would tead. I'm too old to start known ehrpen I eas younger I would enjoy that lifrstyle.
ReplyDelete