Well, sex is something we can not overlook. Basically it's in our face wherever you go. Straight women apparently enjoy watching man on man action just like straight men drool over a woman going down on another woman.
Gay novels are read more by women than men and are written more by women and have to say that their descriptive words do leave an erotic image in your mind. (and who said women don't know what men like?) They sure know what men like when you read their books. Now, I am not saying gay men do not read gay romance novels or gay porn for that matter but it is surprising how many women enjoy a hot romantic M&M novel.
So, what makes a novel interesting to read? The plot (if there is one) unless you just want to write pornography then there is no sense in thinking of a plot. There are numerous writers who have created some wonderful work blending man to man action with a plot, though simple, but enough to keep the reader interested until the last page.
Taste is what it's all about and I have spoken to many people about what they find interesting in a novel which contains hard core sex. Here are some comments made of what readers like to see in a novel
JENNA: A vampire story be it gay or straight is expected to have sex scenes, romantic and slow seduction to lure the victim. I like the author to give me explicit details but not make it too lengthy, just enough to picture the image and then move on. I love vampire stories, especially gay vampires, it's sexy, erotic and does tend to excite me a little.
PABLO: I have to say that I am not a fan of erotica, only difference you read are the characters but everything else is the same. I prefer the author to give subtle hints on the activity between the characters having sex and that's all.
RENE: I am not much of a reader but occasionally do read a story about lesbianism on the net. It's quite a turn on and watching two women together is even better but the wife doesn't seem to like it. I wont go any further on the subject!
MONTSE: Love watching women having sex but when it comes to novels I prefer reading about straight couples or gay men. It's more exciting.
ANDREA: What I like most about gay erotica is the variety of sex scenes you get with the characters. I'm not talking about positions but the fantasy in the story; gay shape shifters, angels, then you get the leather and so on. There is not much in the hetro section with such a variety of sexual fantasies. I even enjoy stories with threesomes - 2 men and a woman is fantastic.I have interviewed so many people about this and it seems that women win over the subject of gay erotica. But I do have to say that there were a few who looked at me as if I just rose up out of the pits of hell. The mention of gay erotica was definitely not to their liking. Each to their own I say.
My say on the subject? My genre is horror (reading and writing) I do pick up a gay romance novel every now and then as something different to read. I have to admit that I get tired of the stereo types - the smooth young lean male body, blonde hair and the blue eyes, not a single blemish can be traced in this young man's body or face. I seem to have read more novels with this type of characters. Is the lean, smooth body, boy look more attractive than the rugged and hairy, sexy and masculine man? What do you think?
65% Women like M&M erotica 25% Men like M&M erotica
30% Woman prefer Hetro 55% Men prefer Hetro
05% Women like Lesbian erotica 20% Men like lesbian erotica
REMEMBER, there weren't many gay men (maybe the occasional one) interviewed and I am sure the stats on the male side would be much higher
Keep in mind that the stats are only calculated on the people interviewed in Barcelona.Kudos to all authors who are entertaining readers with their style.
Have any thoughts on the subject? What do you like reading? What fantasy excites you the most?
Don't be shy.
I was amused by your comment about the description of the men without flaws. Is this because women who write m/m need a 'female' style character or because we all like the airbrushed look?
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ReplyDeleteI don't really know the answer to that. I seem to read a few M&M Romance novels with such characters who do seem to have that airbrushed look. I am actually intrigued as to why characters are developed like this. Not saying every book is like that but most are. Picked up two gay vampire novels and all the characters are similar, the looks, smooth tanned body, tall and muscular. The description doesn't seem to change much. This is only my opinion and only speak for myself. I've read romance novels about cowboys, police, vampires, shape shifters and even werewolves seem to be that mid 20's boy next door look. Maybe it can be looked upon as a female style character. I am not an M&M novelist and my experience in writing does not fall under this category. So I am no expert in this field, just my personal opinion :-)
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