Monday, March 5, 2012

Secrets?


I've engaged in a number of conversations with other erotic romance authors about their secret identities as writers of the hot stuff. Some are very out there with what they do. A good number keep it a secret from people they know in their daily lives. The reasons are largely either professional or for the sake of protecting children and families.

As a rule I don't believe in secrets. However, given the continual judgments of mainstream society about what I do, I too keep them. As freeing as it is to share ones total identity with other like-minded, thoughtful individuals, (especially other erotic romance authors who are a barrelful of fun) does keeping this type of secret provide residual benefits?

Do you get a thrill walking around thinking about your naughty story ideas and knowing the folks around you would never guess what you do when you sit at your computer? Or the interesting equations you have to consider on a daily basis about erotic positioning and fresh ways to describe sexual anatomy? Does it put a little oomph or jaunt in your step? Maybe just being a secret reader of this same material is enough to add that sauce as you carpool to school with your kids or watch their soccer matches.

Most people keep some parts of their lives private. That in and of itself is not unusual. So is there a difference when you write (or read) erotic fiction? Is this a more difficult secret, or one you feel comfortable keeping? One you are pleased to keep because it adds a fun aspect to your life?

What do these secrets do for you?

7 comments:

Casey Crow said...

I don't keep what I write secret because this is a business. I write what sells and sex sells. I casually explain that to folks who might lift a brow when I say I write spicy mainstream and erotic romances. (And see, I've been laid into by other mothers at my kids school who have never to taken the time to understand that we do not write "porn" but love stories. In fact, my last editor asked to make my story more erotic!

I'll admit the hardest person to admit my writing to was my daddy. His response was "You should have asked me for advice because I'm the roguest of the rogues." An apt, but not neccessarily a visual I like to think about. LOL Still, if my daddy isn't mortified by my career, why should I worry what other people think?

Wynter said...

Like Casey, I don't keep my alter ego's identity a secret, but it's fun to have that naughty chick side;-)

Dalton Diaz said...

I do basically keep it a secret, but only for one more year. Once my youngest kids are out of school, all bets are off. This is me, this is what I write. For now, I made that choice, not my kids, and I don't want them to be judged for it.
Oh, and my kids are proud of me. Oldest bought my first book. Said he'd never read it in a million years, but he bought it.

Michelle Polaris said...

I'm glad everyone is so comfortable with this part of their identities. Go erotic romance writers!!!

Jax Cassidy said...

I've never been embarrassed about telling others that I write erotic romance. I've always had that naughty streak so it's natural to make it a career. The best part is that it makes for a lively conversation during dull parties! :)

Callie Croix said...

Okay, I guess I'm in the minority because I keep my naughty alter ego on the down low. I don't hide it exactly.

My kids are both in Catholic school and I work in the library there once a week. No one there knows I'm an author, but I always wonder what would happen if they found out I also write as Callie Croix. Could be interesting!

Paige Tyler said...

I don't necessarily keep it a secret, but sometimes it's just easier to say I write romance. LOL!

*hugs*
Paige