Read What You Write - A Conversation With Betty

Do I feel lucky?  Oh yes.  Yesterday, I met up with the delightful Betty Herbert, author of erotic fiction, and wise lady of the all things bedchamber related.  I had 'won' a critique of a 'love scene' from Betty via the wonderful Authors for Japan fundraiser in March this year so I was excited when she offered to meet with me in London in the wilderness of St. James to run through my feebly attempted love scene.  I felt like an ingenue being received into court of an experienced Duchess.  She is that good.  We discussed numerous topics, Sex, Filthy Books, Positions...oh wait, not really, well okay, kinda...  And, then we talked about my chapter, and her feedback was invaluable, I blushed furiously whilst she flattered and then I took notes!

One thought stuck in mind whilst we talked and I want to share it with you.  When writing amorous scenes, it's best to get comfortable with the subject, and the only way to do that is to confront it face on, read up on it!  Figure out what you're going to call 'those bits' of anatomy. I know it's stating the obvious, but sometimes... you need that reminder. Read What You Write.  So, at the end of our lovely discussion, I headed off in search of the filthiest books...all in aid of research and well, okay...who am I kidding, it could be useful in other areas of life.  Who knows?  

A/N:  Sometimes, I feel bombarded with a wealth of online writing tips, so much that it leaves my head spinning ala spooky child from 'The Exorcist'.  Tis hard to know who or what to listen to.  Without doubt, the time spent with Betty yesterday was more valuable than me wading through many links.  If you get the opportunity to meet with an experienced author, face to face - do it!  I thoroughly recommend it.  Happy Monday all, and have a wonderful week!  Catch you on Friday.
Talei xox

Comments

Anonymous said…
Aw thanks Talei, it was lovely to meet you too, and to have the chance to work on an already very polished piece of writing! I wish you all the luck in the world with tackling those icky, embarrassing bits...x
notesfromnadir said…
That's cool that you got to meet w/ a local author! :)

Smart of you to take notes & make sure you put them in your Idea File or label it how you want so you can easily refer to them.
Talei said…
@ Betty! Oh, you're too generous! *blushes* Thank you so much for a great critique and the opportunity to meet and talk through it. You're a star! Now, I can say 'pudendum' out loud without blushing, though it still makes me giggle like schoolgirl! ;-) x
Talei said…
@ Lisa, twas fun and educational! I've got notes filed away in my little pink notebook. ;-)
Lydia Kang said…
So cool that you got one on one time for a critique. Priceless!
Melissa said…
That's so awesome you got to meet with a talented author and got some great advice! That will be invaluable. Bet your love scenes are going to kick some serious butt!
Carol Kilgore said…
What a wonderful conversation you two must have had. Learning from a master is priceless.
Ann said…
So what books did you get? Sounds like a wonderful albeit blushing afternoon.
Danette said…
Sounds like a great experience for you, Talei! And I quite concur, it's fantastic contacting a published & well known author. I've had three different experiences (Sandra Dallas.. we emailed back and forth!, Diana Gabaldon... heard her in a lecture then spoke to her!, and Cassandra King... also emailed!) and each of them gave them me a bit of insight. I have not yet had the privilege of a critique (so lucky you!) but their advice was still priceless.
Angela said…
This sounds like a wonderful experience. Everything is harder than it looks, isn't it? Even writing genre stories.
Anonymous said…
That sounds like such a great experience. I've met authors before face-to-face, but to have one critique your work is awesome!

Enjoy your research ;0)
Talli Roland said…
How cool that you got to meet face to face, and get such valuable advice! Fantastic.

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