Erotic Language: Smoking Smut or Rosy Romantic?

 I must confess to everyone that my curiosity is now in high gear, and throbbing hard. I’ve read erotica for years, and I think I have a pretty good feel for the lingo. But I’m finding that copping a good feel by reading someone else’s prose and writing what feels comfortable for me can sometimes clash.

Confused? Sorry about that. You see, I’m beginning to see myself as a walking paradox. I have no qualms about writing some truly weird stuff, the stuff no one else seems to touch on. You see, I like the element of surprise . . . shock, really. And my novel contains some shock value, not for prudes or those who are squeamish.

But  here’s the catch . . . yes, there’s always a catch . . . I tend to want my naughtiness served on a more tame, romantic platter. Now that may satisfy the appetites of several, or it may be something the more hard-core reader may wish to pass up.

If you’ve read my snippets, you’ve probably guessed that I tend to use a more flowery or tame style in presenting certain aspects of anatomy and sexual acts. I wrote my narrations, however, deliberately the way I did because I feel more comfortable expressing myself that way, even if the sex acts are rather . . . um . . . unusual. If you’ve actually read the whole Pleasure House novel or plan to read the upcoming Dance of Desire, you’re also going to see some hard-core, smutty words come out of characters’ mouths too. Why, you say? Because I felt the scenes and dialogue come together the way I wrote them.

Now, I have a question for all of you, and I want some honest, candid feedback: How do you like it? Your erotica, that is. Do you prefer more old-style, flowery prose with a romantic feel to it, or do you prance to the beat of harder, edgier words used today? Let me know. I’d love to hear from you.