How real is real part 2?

Oddly enough, AAR's latest column talks to male authors on writing males.

http://www.likesbooks.com/226.html

It's really interesting, though there are spoilers for Jenny Crusie and Bob Mayer's book. Leigh Greenwood had an interesting comment, "Then there's the problem that romances are written for women, so must authors write what women want to read. I don't mean to imply that they're copping out. They just write how they'd like things to be. It's fiction. They have that right."

That's the point Maureen made in the comments to the last post. It's fantasy, a little escapism, and things don't have to be cutting edge real.

I think each reader has their own comfort level as well when it comes to realism. I think it's a very wide spectrum of preferences.

For me, I like a dose of reality, mixed with a dose of fantasy. I don't mind fart jokes, but I'm not going to enjoy a romance where the guy is a dog.

May the muses have real men
Lany

How real is real?

In work for the other author ego, I had a critique partner mention a joke I had put in about bathroom habits. I knew it was on the line, so it wasn't a big deal, I probably would have taken it out on the read through. But it started me thinking about how real is too real for writing?

Authors do a lot of research and take classes in making their characters sound real, especially men. I know a couple of writers who struggle with making their male characters sound more like men and less like women.

A long time ago, I read a review somewhere of a book by S.L. Carpenter and Sahara Kelly (and it might have just been Carpenter on his own, I can't remember what book it was), which...really didn't like the use of fart jokes.

I'm also reminded of a scene in Mulan where Mushu and Mulan are walking through the soldier's camp. Mulan says, "They're disgusting." Mushu replies, "No, they're men."

Men and women do talk and act differently, that's a given.

One way, I think men can be different is that they are a little bit cruder with language. I worked in an office with four men and was there a lot of time, just me and the guys. It's amazing what they will say. And yeah, *sigh* fart jokes aren't exactly unrealistic.

Men do not use as many words as women. My DH makes me laugh a lot because he will answer a three paragraph email from me with one word (we email sometimes while he's at work instead of phoning). If I get more than four words from him, I'm asking him is he sick.

So when writers strive to be "real" with their men, when is it too real? How much realism is wanted or needed?

This doesn't just extend to writing men. I know some writers have wondered in sex scenes, how real is too real, especially when writing anal sex and with the use of condoms.

I'll answer the question, too, a little later.

May the muses have men
Lany

Take a look at this!

From the website http://www.angryromancegrrl.com/, --the Angry Romance Girl's top ten replies to people who criticize romance novels!
1. Bite me
2. Come closer and say that.
3. What bothers you more: the sex or the romance? (This is my favorite!)
4. No, I'm not laughing with you. I'm laughing at you.
5. You! Off my planet.
6. I'll try being nicer, if you'll try being smarter.
7. When I want your opinion, I'll give it to you.
8. That explains a lot.
9. Kiss my crayon-colored ass. *Grin*
10. Three words: 51 million readers.

Until later~
Mel

An interesting survey :

On Love.com- suggests a recent survey shows it’s not just good looks, nor a charming personality or powerful career women want in men but rather fidelity. When asked, 54 percent of the women responded a faithful partner so were the men who cited the same as well as an important attribute.

Below are the results of the survey that was conducted last January where 1052 adults where asked what are the attributes they most valued in a potential mate and how they responded.

What women want most in a man:
1. Faithful partner: 54 percent
2. Respect the other person's independence: 40 percent
3. Ability to listen: 35 percent
4. Physical attraction: 13 percent
5. Being good in bed: 6 percent

What men want most in a woman:
1. Faithful partner: 47 percent
2. Respect the other person's independence: 36 percent
3. Ability to listen: 35 percent
4. Physical attraction: 26 percent
5. Being good in bed: 13 percent

The best place to meet that special someone:
1. Introduced by friends: 40 percent
2. Chance or luck: 17 percent
3. Introduced by family: 11 percent
4. Sports or social clubs: 7 percent
5. Work: 3 percent
6. Bars: 2 percent
7. Internet: 1 percent
8. Newspaper classifieds: 1 percent

Here's something that should gladden every heart: Fully 90 percent of those polled believe it is possible to be happy with the same person for a lifetime."

http://kiskeyanconnection.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=149

90 percent of those surveyed! Now isn’t that grand?

Until later~
Mel

Happy Mother's Day

Hope everyone has a wonderful one full of family, friends, and joy.

May the muses have good days
Lany

Congrats

to my partner in crime. She's graduating today! *tosses confetti and blows a noisemaker*

Great job, my friend.

May the muses have celebrations
Lany

A little good news today

Have I mentioned I adore Robin Schone? If not, LOL I will, probably about a dozen times. The Lady's Tutor remains the most erotic book I've ever read and I reread it constantly. I've seen her twice now and walked up like a little puppy dog to babble, "OMG, I just love your books." Yes, you can picture me doing the Wayne-Garth bow of "I'm not worthy."

It's been a while since her last book :(. I've been very sad but hark...good news. Her book will be out next February!!

And a lovely station in Chicago did a segment on erotic romance. And featured Robin Schone. It was a pretty good little feature piece without too much wink wink nudge nudge some do. And they featured Robin Schone *G*. It is nice to see the media taking notice of the current trends in romance novels.

http://cbs2chicago.com/seenon/local_story_123153320.html

May the muses have those to look up to
Lany