In this post, I’ll say more about my thoughts on fantasy. It is something I touched on briefly in the Porn or Erotic Writing article that can be found here.
Earlier in that piece, before fantasy was mentioned, I said that I myself am a dreamer, so let’s start there, with the definition, according to Merriam Webster…
one that dreams : one who lives in a world of fancy and imagination
Picking up on the first definition, here’s the definition of dream, according to the same source…
a series of thoughts, visions, or feelings that happen during sleep : an idea or vision that is created in your imagination and that is not real : something that you have wanted very much to do, be, or have for a long time
Of course, dreams don’t only happen at night. At least mine certainly don’t. There are many, many times when I drift off into a dreamy state during the day, into a daydream…
a pleasant visionary usually wishful creation of the imagination
I’ve always been a dreamer. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t dream in one way or another. For me, it’s not only an integral part of who I am personally, but it’s also essential to who I am as an author. Especially when coupled with something else that’s mentioned in all three of the above definitions…
the ability to imagine things that are not real : the ability to form a picture in your mind of something that you have not seen or experienced : the ability to think of new things : something that only exists or happens in your mind
In the Related Words sections of both daydream and imagination, you’ll find…
something that is produced by the imagination : an idea about doing something that is far removed from normal reality : the act of imagining something : a book, movie, etc., that tells a story about things that happen in an imaginary world
Yes, I know it’s taken us a little while to get here, but I did say that I was expanding on what I’d said in the other article. In truth I already have, in a way. I’ve taken you on what I hope is an enlightening, insightful journey along a couple of pathways, by way of definitions, that interlink.
All that’s well and good, but how do they relate to me, or you, or more specifically to my writing?
Personally, mine and my husband’s life is pretty good, but it wasn’t always that way for me. When times were tough, I’d escape into a world that my mind, my imagination, had created. My dreams, my fantasies, took many forms. Sometimes the vision was location based, where I lived or was visiting somewhere different. There are times, even now, when I still have that dream.
In other dreams the scene/s that played out were of a sensual and yes, erotic nature. One of the beauties of dreams or fantasy, as well as being able to explore worlds that are far removed from reality, is that they allow you to do so safely. Without fear of being hurt, either physically or emotionally.
It is my opinion that fantasies are critical to our development as we get older. Yes, I’m referring to those of a sexual nature now. The fantasy exploration can help us develop our intimate identity. In the Porn or Erotic Writing article, I mention some of my personal preferences. Preferences that I either include, or indeed omit, from my writing.
How have I come to those decisions? How do I know, with abject certainty that I prefer to make love, instead of having sex? How do I know that I dislike anything involving sensual contact that isn’t consensual? Because I’ve explored those scenarios, safely, in my mind, in my imagination.
Our fantasies are very personal. Just as each and every one of us is unique, so too are our fantasies. They are unique to us. They are also often secretive. Something that we dare not mention to anyone, including our partner, or the object of our desire.
While there is nothing at all wrong with that, sharing your sensual, intimate fantasies can also greatly enrich a relationship. Doing so certainly brought my husband and I closer and indeed has added even more depth, no pun intended, to our intimacy.
Fantasies, in some form or another, are a key part of my stories. It is my hope that all of them, including Serendipity and others yet to be released, allow you, the reader, to escape to a world that is, perhaps, far removed from your reality.
In Serendipity, Sam Meyers meets Kate, his high school crush, the object of his teenage fantasies, some thirty years later. Back then, in his senior year, he had been too shy to even ask her to dance, never mind take things to the next level. Unbeknown to him, sophomore Kate felt similarly, yet kept her feelings secret.
During the school’s Homecoming Weekend, they chat and admit their attraction. Then, as their relationship develops, in scenes that are sensual, pleasing and erotic, they explore their long held intimate desires and fantasies.
You can read Chapter One of Serendipity here. Or if you prefer to download a sample, you can do so here.
Are you a dreamer?
I’d love to hear your thoughts, please leave me a comment and let me know.
Rebekah S. Fiore 