Helena Halme Author

Nordic Fiction with a hint of Noir and Romance

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Google+
  • Books
  • Blog
  • Join My Launch Crew
  • New Novel Sneak Peek
  • Contact me

Do You Read Erotic Fiction?

June 14, 2017 by Helena Halme 1 Comment

If you like romance, you may also like reading erotic fiction

There was a time not so long ago, when erotic fiction in the UK was confined to shady Soho establishments, and even the fabulously stylish The Erotic Review (now sadly no longer available in print form) was posted in an innocuous envelope, not revealing its contents, just in case the postman, or your neighbours, be offended.

Then, six years ago, in May 2011, the first book in The Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy was published. These erotic books took the publishing industry by storm because it was, firstly openly erotic, secondly self-published and sold in its millions as an Ebook. And it was said to be revolutionary because the audience was predominantly (dominance being the operative word!) women readers.

Of course, there was a plethora of criticism leveled at the series of books by the traditional publishing industry, until the big publishers woke up to the opportunities a best-seller such as the three books provided. Now E L James is a millionaire, and the books are traditionally published and turned into two films so far. We can discuss the quality of the writing of those books until the cows come home, as well as the portrayal of the female and male characters and the power they had on each other, but I think the important lesson we should take from the success of those books is that yes, women do like sex. And yes, the female of the species also likes to read erotic fiction.

There is such a thing as brilliantly written erotic fiction

Perhaps Fifty Shades of Grey failed to make sex intellectually viable and emotionally relevant on the page, but this is not true of all fiction that deals explicitly with romantic love. Erotic fiction shouldn’t be intellectually inferior just because it describes an act that is deemed by society somehow dirty, and certainly naughty.  Writing sex, like writing in general, is intellectually challenging, and difficult.

Sex should be like eating a mango

At a recent BareLit festival discussion, author Leone Ross, an award-winning author whose collection of short stories (some of which can be classified as erotic), Come Let Us Sing Anyway, is just out, commented, ‘Sex should be like eating a mango, wonderful and delicious, but natural.’ The talk, titled, ‘Sexy Times’ centered around how the patriarchal society has for too long portrayed sex as a male domain, and through it oppressed women and their natural sexuality. How moralistic rules of what is allowable and not allowable are still in force around the world. Women in sexual relationships are portrayed as submissive and innocent, while men are experienced and in control. Things are done to a woman with or without her consent, let alone enjoyment.

Anyone who has been in a fulfilling sexual relationship knows that the rules are set by those involved, not anyone outside, and that as long as those involved are consenting adults, rules are immaterial.

Erotic fiction is empowering

Leone Ross also says, ‘Being a woman writing about sex means that I am a woman walking free around the world.’ And I guess this is the point of erotic fiction; to be able to write and read about a subject still so taboo (especially for women) around the world is a wonderful thing.

Religion and Erotic Fiction

A new Muslim Erotica novel, Uqasha, has recently been published by an independent publishing house, Fixi London. Uqasha started as a serial on Wattpad, updated 3 times a week for a year. It currently has more than 5.64 million readers. Written in Malay, it is now available in English for the first time. Uqasha explores a woman’s sensuality at the same time as she circumvents her ways around the religion around her relationship and marriage. The text describes the emotional and physical relationship, as well as how the two lovers wake up the next day to pray together.

Financial Times and London Evening Standard critic, Arifa Akbar, says, ‘Uqasha offers a paradox in its invention of ‘moral’ erotic fiction which defies the narrow preconceptions of the Islamic faith by putting Muslim values and characters – and challenges to these values – at its heart. A quietly subversive twist to the erotic fiction genre, and a bold, brave debut.’

Do you read erotic fiction?

Comment below and start the conversation going!

Would you like to get my new posts directly to your inbox? Tap the image below and sign up now.

You may also like:

Writing Sex by Patsy Trench Default ThumbnailThe Next Big Thing? Default ThumbnailMoomins on the Riviera – a new feature film Default ThumbnailCoffee and Vodka is out!

Tagged With: Books, ebook, erotic fiction, indie author, romance

Comments

  1. Silver Lights says

    June 19, 2020 at 6:35 am

    erotic romance has always been the talk of the town and to be honest it is just amazing.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

Free Story for my Readers Group only!

Read an Exclusive First Chapter

NEW

Find out more

new

View Book

Alliance of Independent Authors /

Free Exclusive Bonus Chapter

looking for the self publishing coach?

Follow me on Instagram

First time on the Elizabeth Line. #elizabethline First time on the Elizabeth Line. 
#elizabethline #londonlife #tube #farringdon
I’m into orange at the moment, I wonder why? 😄🧡📙
Five weeks to publication of AN ISLAND HEATWAVE today. 💃
https://mybook.to/AIH #linkinbio
What a lovely surprise! AN ISLAND HEATWAVE has hi What a lovely surprise! 
AN ISLAND HEATWAVE has hit #No1 on Amazon.💃
The novel is now on pre-order offer. 
https://mybook.to/AIH
Link also in bio. 😉🧡📙
It’s a frosty, sunny morning in North London. Fe It’s a frosty, sunny morning in North London. Feels a bit like home. 🥶🇫🇮🇬🇧
Load More Follow on Instagram

Follow Me On Facebook

Facebook Pagelike Widget
Alliance of Independent Authors /

writing and publishing tips

Read Exclusive First Chapter

free exclusive bonus chapters

Copyright © 2023 · Author Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in