Porn vs. Eroticar_grayjoyJanuary 22 2008, 18:34:18 UTC
...but I never seem able to get a clear explanation as to what makes my work porn and someone else's erotica.
I might have a thought on that. Now, I'm not thinking of any work of yours in particular when I say this. This is just a generalization, and might or might not be a useful suggestion for you. Take it with a grain of salt.
In general, I think the difference is how much the writer is getting into the characters' headspaces. We think of "porn" as a work that focuses solely on the physical aspects of the sex act, and "erotica" as something that focuses more on the mental/psychological/emotional ones. That doesn't necessarily imply romance; a lot of us find a good old-fashioned grudgefuck or a bit of dub-con hot, too. ;)
A good rule of thumb that I've seen is that you should write at least as much description of what's going on in your character's head and what he or she is experiencing as description of the physical actions taking place. If you're writing primarily the actions, your piece is going to sound like a letter
( ... )
Actually, I'd argue that romance and all the trimmings are absolutely not necessary in order for a piece to be considered "erotica." There are a number of people who enjoy erotic non-con (not generally my thing) where there's not a speck of romance to be found. Others really get into hatesex, sex motivated by spite or manipulation, or a good old-fashioned grudgefuck (definitely my thing) -- and again, there's no romance as far as the eye can see.
I'd even go so far as to argue that plot and build-up are not even required. But I think you're right in suggesting that characterization does make a significant difference. As I discussed above, with "erotica" the emphasis is on the mental/psychological experiences of the people involved more so than on the purely physical aspects of the sex act. So if you're aiming for "erotica" rather than "porn," then justification through characterization (not necessarily plot) is essential.
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It is frustrating when you can only get people 'pooh pooing' your work and not get any contructive feedback on where you can improve.
I, for one, enjoy your writing, which comes across as down to earth and realistic rather than the 'oh so perfect' sex everyone seems to write.
Personally, I'd say if you enjoy the writing process keep going!
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I might have a thought on that. Now, I'm not thinking of any work of yours in particular when I say this. This is just a generalization, and might or might not be a useful suggestion for you. Take it with a grain of salt.
In general, I think the difference is how much the writer is getting into the characters' headspaces. We think of "porn" as a work that focuses solely on the physical aspects of the sex act, and "erotica" as something that focuses more on the mental/psychological/emotional ones. That doesn't necessarily imply romance; a lot of us find a good old-fashioned grudgefuck or a bit of dub-con hot, too. ;)
A good rule of thumb that I've seen is that you should write at least as much description of what's going on in your character's head and what he or she is experiencing as description of the physical actions taking place. If you're writing primarily the actions, your piece is going to sound like a letter ( ... )
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I'd even go so far as to argue that plot and build-up are not even required. But I think you're right in suggesting that characterization does make a significant difference. As I discussed above, with "erotica" the emphasis is on the mental/psychological experiences of the people involved more so than on the purely physical aspects of the sex act. So if you're aiming for "erotica" rather than "porn," then justification through characterization (not necessarily plot) is essential.
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