Decisions, decisions - advice would be appreciated

[NotWise]

That's weird. I cannot find the little discussion you mention. Even a search just shows the one mention of BDSM, as a soft trump.

Here 'tis

Number four 'trump' category: BDSM

If your story has more than a hint of BDSM, it belongs in this category. We're talking bondage, domination, submission, punishment, in a mutually agreed to scenario. If you don't put it there, and it's not moved there, you'll definitely hear from the readers, and it won't be pretty. This doesn't necessarily include things like spanking, or light bondage sessions that are not the central theme of the story. The BDSM crowd are very big on the consensual aspect of this category. If your story action morphs into NonConsent, put it there.

It probably doesn't add to what you already know.

 

[TarnishedPenny]

Thanks. Odd I can't see it.

 

[ElectricBlue]

I put the first chapter of Rope and Veil, which has an extensive rope-tie sequence (but for reasons other than bdsm) into Erotic Couplings, and the follow-up chapters into Romance. It's my most read series, and generated the most comments overall, and demonstrates Romance readers don't mind hot and horny sex, but want the emotion and intimacy too.

From the sounds of your story, TP, I reckon it would run okay in Romance.

Also, I get the sense from time to time that the BDSM category is turning into one of the polarised tribal grounds - if you don't write what the denizens say is "correct scene practice" you might cop some grief.

 

[SimonDoom]

I put the first chapter of Rope and Veil, which has an extensive rope-tie sequence (but for reasons other than bdsm) into Erotic Couplings, and the follow-up chapters into Romance. It's my most read series, and generated the most comments overall, and demonstrates Romance readers don't mind hot and horny sex, but want the emotion and intimacy too.

From the sounds of your story, TP, I reckon it would run okay in Romance.

Also, I get the sense from time to time that the BDSM category is turning into one of the polarised tribal grounds - if you don't write what the denizens say is "correct scene practice" you might cop some grief.

That might be true for some, but I'll just add that wasn't my experience from my initial foray into the category. My story was well received without being real, hardcore BDSM. I didn't get any negative marks from people who wanted something more hardcore.

But HeyAll definitely is right. BDSM is not the best way for a story to maximize exposure to readers, especially if it encompasses other, more popular categories.

 

[MelissaBaby]

You touched on something I’ve pondered from time to time - and that is sexual positions. I think each has advantages and drawbacks when it comes to participants. Some positions are/seem more romantic in my eyes. Example: Missionary, spooning seem more passionate / and romantic. Doggie style, anal I tend to associate with a primal lust - not always true. It’s enough of a factor that it influences a majority of my stories. Early chapters tend to have some form of doggie style, but as the story shifts so does the sexual positions. Maybe I’m wrong, but it fits rather well in the stories I tell.

I definitely take the mood of the scene into consideration in choosing the details of any sex scene. I agree with you, to most readers missionary and spooning are the more romantic positions.In some scenes, I have played against that supposition . When I included an anal scene in Mary and Alvin, I tried to write the most tender anal scene I could.

 

[NotWise]

I definitely take the mood of the scene into consideration in choosing the details of any sex scene. I agree with you, to most readers missionary and spooning are the more romantic positions.In some scenes, I have played against that supposition . When I included an anal scene in Mary and Alvin, I tried to write the most tender anal scene I could.

But don't forget your religious teachings. It's dangerous to get too excited.

“In 1215, the cleric Johannes Teutonicus ...[announced] that there was only one “natural” coital position — what we today call “the missionary position,” a term that was coined in the 1960s — which was also optimal for conception. Attempting any other position was a mortal sin, Johannes opined, involving exotic and unnecessary forms of stimulation. ... Alexander of Hales railed against coitus retro, the rear-entry position, as a mortal sin, for it was coupling “in the manner of brutes.” St. Albert the Great discussed in detail four other forbidden positions: lateral (side by side), seated, standing, and anal sex.

...

The handbooks listed recommended penance of bread, water, and abstinence for exotic congress. A consensus on the punishments included the following:

Dorsal sex (woman on top): three years

Lateral, seated, standing: 40 days

Coitus retro — rear entry: 40 days

Mutual masturbation: 30 days

Inter-femural sex — ejaculation between the legs: 40 days

Coitus in terga — anal sex: three years (with an adult); two years (with a boy); seven years (habitual); 10 years (with a cleric)

Theologians were divided on the punishment for coitus interruptus, the withdrawal method that frustrated procreation, arguing for a penance of between two and 10 years, while semenem in ore (semen in the mouth) could attract anywhere from three to 15 years. Pierre de La Padule added that sex during menstruation, sex in churches and sex preceded by kissing and fondling were almost as bad as the previously mentioned positions. Masturbation was so common that it only incurred a 10-day penalty for men and 30 days for monks, but women who used “erotic devices” did penance for one year.”

Three years penance if the girl gets on top! Down girl!

For me, the most romantic position is similar to "Butterfly" but it probably has a different name. You're engaged, both partners sitting, facing each other. Man's legs are crossed under the woman, her legs wrap his hips. Action might be limited to slow undulations; it's mostly warmth and intimacy. It's a great thing late in a long night when maybe you're both a little tired, and feeling very, very close.

 

[MelissaBaby]

But don't forget your religious teachings. It's dangerous to get too excited.

Looking at your list, I won't live long enough to do the penance I've accrued already, so it's a moot point.

 

[Hypoxia]

Looking at your list, I won't live long enough to do the penance I've accrued already, so it's a moot point.

Relax. The statute of limitations has expired. Sin all you want.

NOTE: 'Sin' is Español for 'without'. Having no water is sin agua. Doing without sex is sin sexos. Avoid sin. Do not do without.

 

[TarnishedPenny]

Thanks all for your advice. I went with Romance, where it has garnered at least a lukewarm response - vice an searing frigidity.

Oh well, effort made, story published, things learned and who's to say it would have done better elsewhere? I had fun writing it, which is the main thing.

Again, thanks for the help.

Dianne