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Can a novel be sensual and gripping, but not erotic and graphic, and still make you love, laugh, cry, and hope?

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By
I hope you realized that was a rhetorical question. Of course it can!

Some of the most famous books and movies are famous because they appeal to a wide audience. 

One of the things I've always recognized about animated movies such as Shrek and Tangled is their ability to make innuendos that children miss, but adults catch. While I know this is annoying to some parents when looking for a sweet, innocent movie for their children, it’s what makes the movie appeal to the masses.

And at the risk of readers fussing at me, what’s wrong with a little sensual innuendo? That’s my favorite part. I don’t need it spelled out for me. Sexual tension is a lot more fun than just getting right to the act. And hey, attraction is a part of life; we are supposed to be attracted to one another. 

If you’ve read previous blogs here, you’ll know this is an argument I constantly fight: why is it okay to show violence, but not sex—even between a married couple—in a book or movie?

I’ve been accused of ‘mommy porn’ and ‘couldn’t stomach the moral values’ in the same book, even though I’ve warned readers…

All of my novels are sensual, but not erotic, gripping, but not graphic, and will make you cry, laugh, love, and hope. I don't think there's anything wrong with a sensual read, but I leave the best parts to your imagination. Readers have great imaginations; that’s why you read. 

AND… Although I don't write 'Christian' books, I often share my characters' beliefs, even if they struggle at times. Why? Because they are my beliefs and ninety percent of Americans’ beliefs. Our beliefs--good and bad--are what make people...real. If you didn't have any ideals, you'd be a vegetable. So my characters are real people, who come with real flaws; no perfect people allowed.


I refuse to conform to either side of the “ultra clean, not realistic story” or the belief that “we have to shock you to keep your attention” type of stories. I write stories that overflow with romance, mystery, suspense, and of course, tragedy, because they are believable and true to life, while still being a great escape from reality as I weave a story of love, hope, overcoming, and restoration.

So you’ve been warned…now, if you like, you can check out my books for yourself.

Until next time, happy reading!

Carmen
Thank you for stopping by my place and reading my musings. Remember, these are just my opinions and shouldn’t be taken too seriously. If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section, and I promise you I will answer.  If you’re curious about what I write, please visit one of my author pages, where you can read all about my novels and short stories. And hey, I’ll even give you a free book just for stopping by.

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Comments

  1. Linda Lee WilliamsThursday, August 21, 2014

    Carmen, what a delightful post! Everything that you mention, that you write about, is a part of life. Faith, family, and friends; love, sex, and sensuality; tragedy, triumph, and hope--these are the ingredients that memorable romance novels are made of!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carmen DeSousaThursday, August 21, 2014

      Thank you, Linda! I'm glad you enjoyed my post. Thank you for sharing too! :)

      Delete
  2. Shirleen DaviesThursday, August 21, 2014

    Great post, Carmen. Couldn't agree with you more!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carmen DeSousaThursday, August 21, 2014

      Thank you so much for stopping by, Shirleen! I'm glad you enjoyed my post. :)

      Delete

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