Let’s first look at the definitions of “pornography” and “erotic” according to Merriam Webster…
movies, pictures, magazines, etc., that show or describe naked people or sex in a very open and direct way in order to cause sexual excitement
relating to sex : causing sexual feelings
For me, personally, the choice is easy and it all comes down to one word from the definitions…
an awareness by your body of something in it or on it: an emotional state or reaction: thoughts of wanting to help someone who is sick, hungry, in trouble, etc.
Here’s another question…
Have sex or make love?
Again, the answer for me is easy. It all comes down, again, to one word… FEELINGS. Not only physical, but more so, emotional.
For me, both questions are totally interlinked. In pornography two or more individuals are engaged in sexual acts. It is only really the act, or action, that is key. The first thing I think of when I think of porn is movies. Whether they be short clips or “full version,” all that truly matters in those productions is when the subjects engage in various sexual activities. Pornography can include both consensual and non-consensual sex. Who the characters are outside of that scene, that act, doesn’t matter. It isn’t relevant.
But I don’t just want to see the individuals having sex. I want to get to know them. Who they are. Where they have come from, both physically and emotionally. Most importantly, I want to know what they are feeling.
Yes, of course, there has to be a physical attraction. It is, after all, a feeling, an emotional response. But in pornography it is only an assumption. The characters are actors and actresses in the production. It is their job to look and act as if they are attracted to each other, so that others become sexually excited.
Let’s now look at another word…
works of art or literature that deal with sex and are meant to cause sexual feelings : erotic works
When I think of erotica, in terms of literature, what springs to mind are scenes that aren’t that far removed from pornographic productions. For me, by it’s definition, erotica is only a single step away from porn. The sex or other related activities can be either consensual or non-consensual.
Yes, depending on the length of the piece, readers might get to know the characters outside of the sexual acts. Yes, we might get to know at least some of their feelings. However, it is still the sex that truly matters.
My Writing
My own feelings and emotions mean a great deal to me, and my husband’s mean even more to me than my own. We don’t have sex. We make love. We always have. I’m being totally honest when I say that right from the start we have made love. Even then it was our feelings, our emotional bond and love for each other that were the foundation. Making love was, and is, an extension of that. A confirmation of our incredible emotional connection.
And so it is in regard to the characters I create and the stories I write. Yes, I write heated, steamy scenes. Scenes that I hope do arouse and excite you as readers. But that is not purely what I’m about. I, personally, am a romantic and a dreamer. With that in mind, let’s look at another word…
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
My stories, including Serendipity, and others yet to be released, are essentially love stories. Heartwarming tales that allow the reader to escape to a world that is, perhaps, far removed from their reality.
They begin by introducing the characters and allowing readers to get to know them. To get to know who they are. How they are feeling in that moment. As the story progresses it is their feelings and emotions that are key. Both in regard themselves and toward the other characters.
There are multiple heated, erotic scenes throughout the story, although I won’t give any specific details here now. Sorry! What I will say is that my characters are all consenting adults. In each steamy scene, the feelings, emotions and sensuality of the characters are equally as important as the physical action. If not more so. They have to be, or it would just be sex. And I don’t write sex or pornography.
Another key difference between my writing and porn or erotica, is that my characters are not portrayed as looking a certain way. Certainly not in the way they often are in those genres, the so-called “perfect” person. Yes, their physical attributes are described in detail. Those characteristics are, after all, part of who they are, and I want readers to get to know them.
Yes, there is an initial physical attraction between the characters, but it isn’t just that which matters. It might sound cliched to say that it’s what’s inside that counts, but it’s the truth. That’s how I, personally, feel and it’s how the characters I create feel. Beauty or handsomeness is not just skin deep. Each of my characters are attracted to and ultimately fall in love with the whole person, while enjoying delightful, sensual and yes, erotic romps.
While I’ve purposely not gone into much intimate detail about either myself or my characters, that’s not to say I won’t. I’d love to share more with you and I will in both blog posts and my periodic newsletter. Please consider subscribing to be the first to know when new things are posted.
What Do YOU Think?
How would you answer the questions I’ve asked and answered here? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Click here for ways to contact and connect with me.
Rebekah S. Fiore 