…is the people I have to talk to about the books.
I was at a party the other night, and whenever it comes up that I write/organize around/enjoy erotica, the topic necessarily turns to THE BOOKS. Of course it does. 50 Shades of Grey was once of those once-in-a-lifetime pop culture moments that will long be remembered/referenced/spoofed/derided.
Long-time readers (or listeners of Sex City) will know that I don’t have issue with the books, as most “serious” erotica writers/readers do. They are poorly written (many manuscripts are until after editors get a hold of them) and the link between past trauma and BDSM is troubling. But, I enjoyed reading them. I got into the story. The books have a style all of their own.
That said, when someone offers that they can’t handle something so poorly written, that the BDSM bit is too difficult, that the style is awful…fine. I accept that and we can have a good literary conversation. You might score points, I might score points.
However, I cannot handle people who will speak ill of the books without ever having read them.
I am sorry, but I just cannot take you seriously if you want to tell me how horrible something is if you haven’t taken the time to crack the spine and note the words yourself. This practice makes you look like a fool.
Really, I can’t believe people do this. And it happens all the time. I’d say at least 90% of the conversations I have about erotica involve 50 Shades of Grey and at least 50% of the people I’m chatting with then tell me that they haven’t actually read it.
How can you possibly expect me to take you seriously?
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