Thursday, January 10, 2013

Yes, my books are educational. What of it?

Recently and in the past reviewers have remarked about how some of my BDSM books seem sort of educational. It's not that the scenes aren't hot, but they feel like I over-explain things a little. And you know what? That's just fine with me.

Why?

Because there's a lot to BDSM, including a whole lot of safety issues. And I would feel terrible if someone read one of my books and then hurt themselves because I put something unsafe in it or didn't talk about the things you should do to make sure you're playing safely.

As a "for instance", I have a wax play scene in my recent release, Master Class. As the Dom and sub are talking about the scene beforehand, the sub mentions there are special candles (the Dom is new and the sub is experienced) that you use for wax play. I did that because I read a BDSM book within the past year (meaning it's not an old release) where the Dom used regular household candles. Ow.

I know a lot of authors don't think it's their responsibility to educate about BDSM in their books, and that's okay, but I don't agree. I would rather have readers and reviewers alike mention the detail I go into about safety and education than the alternative.

What do you think the responsibility for both readers and authors alike is when it comes to BDSM? I'm totally open to hearing differing opinions. That's what makes the world go 'round. Tell me your thoughts in the comments section.

Oh, and before I let you go, I have two BDSM releases- Master Class and Unexpected Top. Here are the blurbs for both. More info is on my website at http://www.booksbycassandracarr.com.

Master Class:

Ryan Tomasi feels like a failure. His marriage is officially over; the ink dried on the divorce decree. His friend Jack introduces him to BDSM and he agrees to attend a Halloween party at a club. A submissive approaches him, offering herself, and how can he refuse the kneeling beauty? They do a whirlwind scene and Ryan is addicted—both to dominance and to her.

Lisette Rinaldo is returning to the BDSM club for the first time since ending a bad relationship with her former master. She spots Ryan and is taken by the combination of self-assurance and nervousness the man displays as he takes in his surroundings. And after he gives her an incredible re-introduction to the lifestyle, she knows she needs to see the man again.

Ryan and Lisette explore each other and the lifestyle, but what started out as playtime quickly evolves into something more. The problem? Ryan isn’t ready to get serious again and Lisette doesn’t want to fall in love with a guy who can’t give all of himself to her. Both of them are going to have to break out of the bonds holding them back from happiness.

Unexpected Top:
Sometimes a wife has to go to extreme measures to save her marriage. When Cissy Holden doesn't feel appreciated, she takes matters into her own hands--literally--and introduces her wayward husband Len to the concept of a Female-Led Relationship (FLR). Will Len be on board with FLR, or has Cissy just made the biggest mistake of her life?

-- Cassandra

7 comments:

  1. Cassandra, this is one of my favorite blog reads. I am assuming the comments about educational BDSM are from reviewers who think you slowing the action or whatever. As a reader, I love reading all the authors on here and am looking forward to reading those authors I've haven't read yet.
    I save all the Playroom posts because they are all educational. You rock, babe!

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    1. Oh thank you so much! I really appreciate the time you took to comment. Sometimes when you write these things you wonder if they'll ever see the light of day, so to speak. ;-)

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  2. I love when the BDSM books that I read explain things in a way that someone such as I (who has no experience with the lifestyle really) can understand and visualize the scenes. I think that with many readers becoming interested and trying out things they read in books, it is much better to give some education, to say how it must be done to be safe.

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    1. I agree, June, which is exactly why I do it. Thanks for stopping by!

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  3. For someone not in the lifestyle, and who only reads books, accurate information is a must (if only that it makes the whole thing realistic and doesn't create a wtf moment!)

    I'm happy to read 'instructive' scenes - it does add to the realism sometimes :) And with the proliferation of 'sugar kink', or an author seeking sensationalism, a little truth goes a long way!

    Hugs for some super stories, and thank you for this instructive blog!

    Carole-Ann

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    1. Thank you for coming over, Carole-Ann! I really appreciate it. :-) And thank you also for the nice words. I'm feeling a lot better about the slant of my books now. ;-)

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  4. We live in a world where hairdryers come with instructions not to use them in the shower or bath. It doesn't hurt to be cognizant of the inability of some people to take care of their own safety without specific instructions. I notice most books make a point of including condoms in their seduction scenes. That's responsible, to remind readers to be protective.

    So, you're probably not surprised that I support your efforts to include information that readers might not have, so that they don't take chances or make foolish mistakes. Experienced, aware readers can always skip over those parts if they wish. But if your expansion on the topic saves one person from injury, it's worthwhile, I think. Sadly, even with your cautions, there are some who will insist on jumping in without looking out for their own safety. Darwinism in action.

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