Writing Dark Erotica
“How do you think of those things?” a fellow author asked me. I responded by saying, “I guess I have a twisted imagination and find the power dynamics between people fascinating.”
I believe that in the heart of every fiction writer dwells the power of empathy. We create characters, give them names and identities and place them in crazy situations. As an author, I have to listen carefully to my characters, once underway, because as they get involved with one another, they tell me things about who they are and what they need. Everyone is just trying to make the best of what they have been dealt and if I listen carefully enough, I can empathize with their circumstances and share that on the page. When Jane feels…I feel as well.
I’m not discounting research when necessary but at some point the research has to meld into a palpable situation that includes all the senses so when I feel it, so can you.
Writing for me is like a fantasy taking over. For me my fantasies can be dark and I wouldn’t want them to happen in real life. For instance, I wouldn’t want to experience Jane’s journey in real life but I enjoyed writing and reading her journey.
Did you know that rape and forced sex is a common fantasy for women? On a list of top ten fantasies for women, it ranks number one. In My Body-Mine, Jane, after much convincing, shares an abduction fantasy that she feels extremely embarrassed to disclose.
In my research, I read an interesting article called Rape, Fantasies, and Female arousal by William Saletan. He addresses research done measuring a woman’s intellectual response as opposed to her vaginal blood flow. According to the article, men’s minds and genitals are in agreement when it comes to sexuality and fantasy but for women it is different. The research team speculated that arousal in women can be stimulated by the need for protection which is a biological response to avoid vaginal damage. They called it, “reflective sexual readiness” which is very different from desire. However they believe it is wired into our arousal system to keep us safe from abuse.
In my writings, I’m very fascinated by the body/mind conflict in sexuality. Maybe my character, Jane, experiences reflective sexual readiness. If that is the case, she doesn’t know it. ;)
It’s interesting to note that I have a very low tolerance for violence, torture or gore in movies and TV. I can’t tell you the number of movies where I have had my eyes closed for parts of the film. I think I empathize too much and feel it as if it’s real.
Empathy allows authors to write about all sorts of subjects whether or not they have direct experience with them. Fortunately I finally figured out a good use for my vast imagination. At least I hope you all think I have.
Don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a free eBook of My Body-Mine.
Warm hugs,
Blakely
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My Body-Mine
My Body Trilogy, Book three
Blakely Bennett
Genre: Erotic Suspense
Publisher: Fanny Press
Date of Publication: July 15th
ISBN: 978-1-60381-534-5
Number of pages: 324
Word Count: 87,000
Cover Artist: Sabrina Sun
Book Description:
Jane has accepted that her relationship with her husband Luke, who drew her into the darker side of BDSM, is over. She has taken refuge at the home of Luke’s powerful friend Marcello and his submissive, Janice. With Marcello’s patience exhausted, Jane must either submit to his demands or move on from his household and his support. Ultimately, she signs a six month contract of sexual servitude but, as Marcello and Jane grow closer, Janice feels neglected and jealous, creating tension in their normally easy daily rhythm.
In an effort to help Jane, her best friend Parker introduces her to Chase, a confident and flirtatious man who lacks the arrogance of either Luke or Marcello. Jane’s rapport with Chase is lighthearted and subtle, allowing her to gain a new perspective on men. She is intensely attracted to Chase but does not feel free to consider him as more than a friend.
Once Jane gets a real picture of Marcello’s extremes, she knows what she must do. Her feelings about Luke and Marcello and her own sexuality must be resolved before she can find true love with a man who appreciates everything she has to offer. Can she possibly find the kink she has come to desire without the full-time submission?
My Body-Mine is the final book in the My Body Trilogy.
My Body-His (Marcello)My BodyTrilogy, Book 2
Blakely Bennett
Genre: Erotic Suspense
Publisher: Fanny Press
ISBN: 978-1-60381-525-3
Number of pages: 264
Word Count: 76,000
Cover Artist: Sabrina Sun
Amazon BN
Book Description:
Jane Stiles has embarked on an intense odyssey into the world of domination and submission. She no longer recognizes herself. She has quit her job, surrendered her possessions and agreed to a wedding where she is the only one naked, all for the sake of the elusive Luke—a man so compelling, she can deny him nothing.
Now there is no going back. Her new life will revolve around Luke, his friends and clients. Hovering in the background is Luke’s best friend Marcello, whose ego is as towering as his stature. Marcello has set his sights on Jane. She is drawn to his power, his masculinity, and the challenge he represents, even though she fears and dislikes him. After Luke discovers that Jane has breached one of his many “rules,” he sends her to Marcello for punishment and lessons in Dom/sub culture. What happens there will change her forever.
Jane and Luke reconcile, and even find a rhythm that includes not only bondage and punishment but genuine love-making. Just when Jane is convinced that the happiness and devotion she has always craved is within reach, Luke pushes her beyond endurance, and she rebels in a way her harsh husband cannot forgive. From there, her life spins out of control. But Jane has a strong spirit, and she will prevail. My Body-His (Marcello) is Book 2 in the My Body Trilogy.
My Body-HisMy BodyTrilogy, Book 1
Blakely Bennett
Genre: Erotic Suspense
Publisher: Fanny Press
ISBN: 978-1-60381-523-9
Number of pages: 246
Word Count: 74,000
Cover Artist: Sabrina Sun
Book Description:
Jane Stiles is successful in business but bored with her socially mundane existence. One night at a party, she meets an intense and compelling stranger named Luke. This fateful encounter prompts her predictable life path to veer into uncharted territory, sweeping her along on a frightening erotic journey into the world of bondage, domination and submission.
Jane had never experienced genuine desire, and now passion consumes her life, robbing her of free will. Her new lifestyle creates an emotional chasm between her and her old friends. Will they understand why she has abandoned her high ideals and long-term plans for a traditional wedding? What society considers right or wrong no longer matters.
Prepared to surrender everything to Luke, she wonders if her everything will be enough. She now needs his discipline as much as she craves his love and approval. How far down this dark path is she willing to go? Jane’s pilgrimage into domination and discipline has created a war between her mind and her body, and her body is claiming victory.
About the Author:
Blakely Bennett grew up in Southeast Florida and has been residing in the great Northwest for over eight years. She graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a degree in psychology, which accounts for her particular interest in crafting the personalities, struggles, and motivations of her characters. She is an avid reader of many genres of fiction, but especially erotica and romance. Writing has always been her bliss. She is attracted to stories of self-struggle and ultimate recovery.
Blakely is married to a wonderful, loving and supportive husband, also a writer, who helps to keep her grounded. She is a mother, a communitarian, a lover of music (always on while she is writing—thank you, Pandora), and a good friend. An advocate of love and female empowerment, she is a facilitator for a women’s group. She loves to walk and hike for exercise and finds that, since moving to Seattle, WA, she is now one of those “crazy” people who walk in the rain.
Author Blog: http://blakelybennett.fannypress.com
Twitter @BlakelyBennett
Thanks so much for hosting me and my tour on your site. :)
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