More Sex—Djuna Shellam The Write OWL

Q: Why Don’t You Have More Sex In Your Books?

A question that comes up from time to time is, “Why don’t you have more sex in your books?” Well, actually, I don’t have any sex in my books. My characters do, here and there, but alas, I do not.

Ba dum bum! [Insert rim shot here.]

In all seriousness, I do address the question to a degree in my video blog, but I’d love to explore the topic a little further here. The fact is, I write adult themed novels, and do include sexual scenes into my books; but for some readers, there’s either not enough of it, or it’s not explicit enough. What can I say? I can’t please everyone. If I write explicit borderline (on the cusp of soft porn) sex scenes, then a certain segment of my readership is going to be offended. If I don’t, another segment will find something else that’s more explicit to read, which I think is okay.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not against sex scenes, obviously, because I definitely have them in my books. I love sex scenes, and I consider it the ultimate challenge to write compelling, sexy scenes that dance on that fine line between perfect and almost porn. I also don’t want to have to fill a quota of a certain number of sex scenes per book to satisfy a certain group. After reading the first three books in The Em Suite, I think you’ll agree that each story determines how much sexual activity is included.

Do I push the envelope of my own comfort limits from time to time? Sure. I definitely do, because the story calls for it, but there is that fine line—in my mind, anyway—between love scenes and soft porn. I can’t describe exactly when that line is crossed, but I know it when I read it or see it. Hmmm… where have I heard that before?

Though there are some who might consider me a prude, I don’t by any means. I’ll take an R-Rated film or cable television over G-Rated family fare any day of the week, but even in some cases I feel certain intimate scenes simply go too far. Gratuitous sex is not always necessary to tell a story well. As always, it’s just my humble opinion, but I thought since I get asked that question enough I should respond to it. What do you think?

Be sure an pre-order your copy of The Em Suite Book 3 Prairie Fire, which is set to release to the public May 13, 2016.