The Dirty Hairy Details: Writing the Hero's Physical Characteristics in an Erotic Romance by Beth Kery

If there’s one thing about erotic romance authors, we don’t glaze over the down and dirty details. (Perhaps you’ve noticed?) And…the sexier you get, the more you’re likely to push some “yuck’ buttons with someone. It’s a fact of life.

What you like, your blog-friend doesn’t, your best friend thinks is disgusting, and your neighbor thinks should be declared criminal. Here’s a relatively innocent example.

In my world anyway.

Hero. General Appearance. Naked.

I hope you don’t mind me getting a little nitty gritty here and taking your pulse (cough) on a few intimate details. It is the island, after all. It’s all in the name of author research. J See, I wonder about some things when I’m coming up with the specifics for a hero’s appearance. So I’m curious as to your responses on a few key descriptors.

Erotic romance can get it ‘wrong’ a lot easier than non-erotics

when it comes to physical description, meaning we tend to have a higher potential to hit someone’s ‘that’s so wrong’ nerve. (And I’m just talking about male features here, not sex. That’s a whole different set of on/off buttons for every person).

It’s one thing to have a dark haired/dark-eyed vs. blonde haired/blue-eyed hero, for instance. That’s something that any romance writer will have to decide, and there will undoubtedly be a portion of readership that is meh-ish about the hero description, at least in the beginning, because she prefers another choice.

But erotic romance authors have much more intimidating decisions to make, because even more intimate description is required. Following are a few hero physical appearance items I sometimes go back and forth on in an erotic romance.

(And trust me, I do wonder what you’re thinking when I’m writing. All the time. It’s just that….as I said above, when it comes to down and dirty sex, I’m a bit more likely to strike your “wrong” bone, although hopefully I get it right at times as well).

Here’s a few basic examples.

Do you like a muscle bound hero or do you like them long, lean and sinewy?

A hairy chest or smooth? A hairy chest can be awesome, but when I say it, the image of dense carpets of hair pops into my mind, and I wonder if it does for readers, too. I sometimes find myself backpedaling and saying, he doesn’t have a pelt! Hopefully this photo of JFK Jr. will help give the picture of what I’m referring to, but of course, no illustrations in books.

How do you feel about penis descriptions? Would you like to know if your hero is well endowed or would you like to just know he’d make an ‘eye-crossingly good fit’? Do you want details of his appearance—shape, size, taste, texture—or would you rather the author left it up to your imagination?

One detail that I often struggle with is clean-shaven privates or au natural. I think people have a wide range of preferences here. Clean-shaven can have a diversity of potential meanings. On the more ‘negative’ side of things, it might mean level of sexual expertise, promiscuity, or even self-involvement (as in a guy who flexes in front of the mirror a lot). More positively, it could connote a hygienic quality, awareness and pride of male aesthetic beauty, and knowledge of the improved potential sensuality with the lack of covering on some of the most acute sensory nerves in the body. (This list is not meant to imply every possibility or preference, just rambling. Feel free to fill me in on your reason for like/dislike).

So you may begin to see what I mean about how dicey things can become for a writer of erotic romance at times, and this is just for basic male body description.

For the shaved/au natural detail, I find myself choosing based on the character of the hero. For instance, Jason in Paradise Rules shaves. He’s a very sensual man who wants to feel every nuance during sex, but more importantly, he has a history of being an Olympic swimmer who would be used to being ‘streamlined’ and well…wearing Speedos. LOL. (Don’t worry, no Speedo moments in Paradise Rules. By the time the book takes place, he’s no longer a competing swimmer and wears surfer trunks…or more likely, just his skin in his private lagoon). However, Sean my hero from Release, while also very comfortable with his sexuality, is more of an earthy bad boy. I just picture him raw and au natural.

Okay, so Lea was nice enough to set up a little poll for me. (Thank you Lea!) You tell me what you think. If the survey doesn’t give you a chance to respond adequately, tell me in a comment. Have there been any hero descriptors in the past that totally threw you off into ick-land? Any that you ended up loving by the end of the story?

Go ahead, give me the down and dirty.

Lea: I'm delighted to say we have a surprise visitor here on the Island today who is great "friends" with Beth and I have to say, despite my heart being all a flutter I had to approach him ask him a question or two.

It's my great pleasure to introduce "Jason Koa", the hero of Paradise Rules! Woo Hoo! Raises Koa Mai-Tai!

Jason: "Why thank you for the nice welcome Lea. Um, cool bikini top." *Jason squints eyes* "Is that a dog you are holding?"

L: "Yup, this is Tori, I think she likes you.." (Yikes, what's not to like?) "Would you like to hold her?"

Jason: *smirking* "Thanks but, no thanks."

L: "LOL I know you are good friends with Beth (after all she did write your story and arranged for you to visit the island), do you know what her next novel is called and what it is going to be about?"

Jason: "She did happen to spill some details after drinking two Koa mai tais. I’m thinking Beth must have gotten her fill of the sun and surf in Paradise Rules—how could that woman have created me?—because her next two stories involve her heroes and heroines being stuck with each other in blizzards, which ends up being a good thing, of course. Holiday Bound is short novel about a woman who is looking forward to getting serious with the older man she’d been casually dating at a ski resort over Christmas. Instead, she ends up being stranded with his bad-ass, gorgeous, rude son in a blizzard and realizes she’s wandered into a family battle zone…which she unintentionally intensifies by falling hard for the son. Holiday Bound comes out in e-book format from Samhain December 1, 2009.

Release is a much darker, intense love story about a man and a woman that wanted each other so much, they agreed to a ménage a trois with the woman’s husband when the husband suggested it. The single night of impulsive pleasure changes their lives forever, because the husband turns up dead…and both the hero and heroine suspects the other of murder. Everything comes exploding to the surface three years later when the woman and man are stuck together in a Chicago penthouse during a snowstorm. Release comes out from Berkley Heat February, 2010.

Nice chatting with you Lea, I’ll get Beth another mai tai and subtly suggest she needs to get back to sun and water sports. "

L: "Thanks so much for taking time to chat with me Jason! And, thank you for the sharing the details about Beth's upcoming publications. :) Enjoy your day on the Island." *winks*

*The four Polls for Beth's Questions are placed in the right sidebar for your voting pleasure. Voting will close at midnight because we are flying home so be sure and let your preferences be known!! I'll pass the tallies from the polls to Beth along with the names for the draw.

Please Note: Entries for the "Paradise Rules" Giveaway is now closed. Beth will draw and announce the lucky winner at her blog on Friday morning (*It will be up to the winner to contact Beth within 48 hours of the announcement at her blog).

A big DIK thank you to Beth Kery for visiting the past 3 days and being such fun and a good sport!

When Beth isn't here visiting on the island she can be found at her website: http://www.bethkery.com/

Beth Kery Chats About Her DIK Books (Day 2)

Welcome back to our second day of fun and sun at DIK Beth!

I agreed to let Beth borrow my blowfish bikini top because she was eyeing my breasts during the luau festivities last night and I finally decided it was in everyone’s best interest just to let her wear it today… How’s the fit Beth?

Was I gawking? Sorry, I might have been having fem-bot flashbacks while looking at your fish. The fit is pretty good, Lea, and I have to admit, I’m feeling armed and dangerous, here.

LOL! Armed and dangerous fish lips, I'll have to remember that one.. *waggles brows*

Just so you know though, you cannot borrow Tori!

Dang!

LOL

So, without further adieu I’m turning the mic over to Beth, who is going to talk about her 5 favorite DIK novels she has brought along to the island.

My DIK’s.

Slow Heat in Heaven by Sandra Brown.

I’ll never forget reading this book; it had a huge impact on me as far as writing erotic romance. After years of wishing Sandra would write ‘more’ as far as sex, she actually wrote the word ‘cock’. As in Cash Boudreaux’s cock, and trust me, this hero’s sex organ couldn’t be called anything other than cock: he’s raw, elemental, rude and beautiful. I’d have to have at least one Sandra book with me, because I’ve read her forever, and I attribute my love of good old-fashioned romance and thick sexual tension to her. Practically every page is foreplay, so when the hero and heroine do finally get it on, it’s explosive. In addition, I love kissing scenes, and Sandra is the queen of the curling-toes kiss.

A Room with a View by E.M. Forster.

This is a timeless romance; the prose so spare and elegant one wonders how Forster packed so much meaning into a small book. I love it because it’s a story of the contrast between conventional life, and how things ‘should’ be on the surface versus the dark, inner world of wild longings and primitive sexuality. It has everything: humor, beautiful scenery, a prim and proper English girl who isn’t so prim and proper after all, who ends up sacrificing the world of staid parlors and polite conversation for passion and true love.

Snowbound by Larissa Ione.

I have a fondness for lovin-it-up in a snowstorm. While the desert island is nice, I’d need something to take me back to how it feels to cozy up with a great book during a blizzard…or with a hot guy. I love Larissa’s smart, sexy voice and the complexity of her characters. She doesn’t take the easy path, which I respect, and I’m so glad she didn’t in Sean’s case.

Persuasion by Jane Austen.

I know it seems trite to be a Jane Austen fan these days, but I have been a JA lover forever. Well…since high school. I’ve visited Jane Austen museums and traced the paths Anne Elliot walked in Bath. To me, Persuasion is Austen writing at her height of talent. I would bring Persuasion to the desert island as a reminder of the importance of character, and how plot can serve the purpose of character-building versus having characters merely fit into the plot-slots. At first glance, Anne seems bloodless and flat, and I so admire the way Austen finessed her character and growth, until by the end of the story we have an in depth portrait of a woman who while not perfect, has grown from her mistakes, and rightfully earned a second chance at love.

The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley:

I’ll admit it: sometimes I just need a good cry. I ball my eyes out almost every time I re-read this book. I’m a real lover of the Arthurian legend, and this book, which does the myth from the female/matriarchal perspective, is just a plain and simple tear-jerker in addition to being sexy, violent, dark and spiritual all at once. And it’s a woman’s book; I cry for the stories that were never told.

Of course, you’ve gotta have someone to hate on a desert island, as well, and a sketch of Zimmer Bradley’s Guinevere would make for a great target for my home-made bow and arrow.

L: Oooh I think you would look so cool wearing the fish lips armed with a home-made bow and arrow. *wink*

Seriously though, awesome and interesting DIK book choices Beth!! I like the diversity of your picks. I love "A Room With A View", too and hadn't though about it in a very long time. Thank you so much for sharing. If you have any questions for Beth with respect to her DIK reads, or about her work I know she will be by and will be delighted to answer.

Please Note: Entries for the "Paradise Rules" Giveaway is now closed. Beth will draw and announce the lucky winner at her blog on Friday morning (*It will be up to the winner to contact Beth within 48 hours of the announcement at her blog).

When Beth isn't here visiting on the island she can be found at her website.

Please Welcome Beth Kery To The Island!

It is my great pleasure to introduce and welcome author Beth Kery to the Island! ::Big round of applause - raising drinks::

I was delighted and honored when Beth agreed to guest here at DIK because I’ve been cyber stalking, um a fan since I read “Wicked Burn”, in 2008 and have loved every one of her publications since.

Beth’s most recent release “Paradise Rules”, is set in Hawaii and for me was as enjoyable as her previous publications.

Welcome to DIK Beth, isn’t it nice to get away from the chilly weather in Chicago to a nice warm beach?

It certainly is. I’m a pretty typical city-girl, but there’s nothing like a tropical getaway. Thanks for asking me to the island, Lea.

L: Your welcome, the ladies and I are delighted you took time out of your busy schedule to join us!

Are you ready for the rapid-fire induction DIK “About Me”, questions?

As ready as my sluggish morning brain will allow. (I’ll be an easy target).

Favorite Reading Position?

BK: Propped up on pillows in bed.

L: Ah, yes, that is my favorite too.. ;)

How old is your inside voice?

Hmmm…pretty old. A dozen centuries at least. That’s my wise-inner-voice, the imp-one is a perpetual two.

If you could be a hero who would you be?

It would be Merlin from the Mary Stewart trilogy, and not just because he was magical, and a brilliant mathematician, architect and doctor. There’s just something about the way Stewart wrote him, such a complex, layered, beautiful character who understands his fate and yet faces it with grace every day. In a weird way, I’d like to be some hybrid of Merlin and Arthur in that trilogy. Arthur has all the male dash and brawn and Merlin all the insight, and it’s really together that they create the most powerful king of all time.

What heroine is most like you ?

Well, this is a tough one. I’ll have to go with Anne Elliot from Austen’s Persuasion with just a touch of Elizabeth Bennett (Pride and Prejudice) mixed in for spice. LOL. I’m actually fairly reserved and ‘watchful’ like Anne, but my sense of humor is more like Lizzy’s. I love to laugh, and I laugh at myself a lot like Ms. Bennett.

What heroine would you like to be?

Honestly? Can I pick an anti-heroine? If it was just for a few days, I’d love to step into Daphne Du Maurier’s Rebecca. She’s one of my favorite villains, so gorgeously nasty. Plus, it’d be worth it to get to wear her glamorous gowns and mince about Manderly, smoking from an elongated cigarette holder and seducing stable boys on a whim (just to piss off Max). She was never even in Rebecca, but she dominated every page. We never even knew the ‘true’ heroines name, because Rebecca so overshadowed her. Brilliant writing.

So, yes, go figure. Most like Anne Elliot, but wants to be Rebecca for a day. Something weird about that.

L: Cool, I like her.. ;)


Boxers, Briefs, boxer briefs, kilt (I say we add commando)?

Boxer Briefs but commando is always a nice surprise.

L: Yeah, those boxer briefs allow for nice definition.. lol ;)

Favorite book set on a tropical island?

Maybe Sandra Brown’s Tempertures Rising.

What hero is most like your significant other?

Well, not entirely of course, and this isn’t from a book, but Will from Good Will Hunting. Like Will, hubby comes from a working class family and he lived by his fists for a lot of his childhood. But he’s got a brilliant mind, as well, and it took him a long way. I love that contrast…the richness. He can blend in with corporate America and construction guys with equal aplomb. I can give him almost anything, and he’ll be able to fix it, a busted coffee maker or complex business problem.

Just as aside, Thomas Nicasio, from the currently unnamed novel I’m working on at the moment (due out December of 2010) is suspiciously built along those lines as well. Hmmmm….

L: Okay, I'm so liking Thomas.. That is one fine looking man.. Mind you, I'm a huge Will Hunting fan too. I imagine that that the heroes authors write are often inspired by men they know and admire. I think it's wonderful that sort of inspiration can be drawn from your significant other. :)

What hero from a novel would you like to be your significant other?

Well, since I’m on fantasy island here, I’ll say Jason Koa from Paradise Rules. Why? Because he’s very comfortable in his own skin (and looks phenomenal in it). He’s pretty psychologically healthy; I have enough hang-ups for two people, so I’ll be happy to share. 

If you were stuck on a desert island what 3 things would you bring?

Lots of paper and pens—I would say a computer, but with no outlets, I’d have to write the old-fashioned way, and if I wasn’t prepared, I’d end up writing books on palm tree bark. Lots of sunblock—this Irish-American skin and the tropical sun don’t get along well without it. My husband—because he’s a must.

L: Well I hope hubby enjoys a visit here on the island too. :)

Favorite drink to bring to the DIK party?

Lily Koa (from Paradise Rules) makes some kick-ass tropical drinks. She made a special one for her grandson, Jason Koa, who is part Hawaiian and part Welsh. It’s a mai-tai with a splash of Pendrang whiskey, and it’s the favorite drink at Jason’s popular ocean-side restaurant, Jace’s.

Koa mai-tais all around!

L: Yummy!!

Thanks Beth, great answers! LOL We’ve planned a rockin luau tonight with the DIK menz in attendance and Beth is going to be back on the island with us tomorrow talking about her favorite DIK books that she has brought along. I know Beth is going to be stopping by during the day today so if you have any questions for her I'm sure she will be happy to answer them.

Please Note: Entries for the "Paradise Rules" Giveaway is now closed. Beth will draw and announce the lucky winner at her blog on Friday morning (*It will be up to the winner to contact Beth within 48 hours of the announcement at her blog). 

When Beth isn't here visiting on the island she can be found at her website: http://www.bethkery.com/.

Lanyon Book Winners

Using the Random Number Generator----

Kati

&

Booklover0026

are the winners of Josh Lanyon's brand new fling--I Spy Something Wicked.

Email me! noseinabookATliveDOTcom and I'll send you your gifty!

Enjoy!

Strange Offer

Jake Riordan (see photo) from the Adrien English Mysteries my DIK hut is here today to tell you about a very Strange Offer.

Jake: No. I'm not.

LBea: Why must you be difficult? I just need you to step up on this box, right here, and tell people about the one time, special offer, interview with the love of your life, Adrien--

Jake: I never said that.

LBea: Out loud--no, but, sweetie, you totally love him.

Jake: ::sighs:: What do you want me to do?

LBea; Tell everyone about the interview you guys did with your very good friend, Josh Lanyon.

Jake: Friend? Did Lanyon tell you that? I think you misunderstand the meaning of that word.

LBea: I don't! I think you're just mad because everyone thinks you're a nit and it's slightly his fault.

Jake: ::stony silence::

LBea: I don't think you're a nit.

Jake: Get on with it, LBea. And keep that bastard Nate Hawkins away from my side of the hut. He calls me 'boy' one more time...

LBea shudders delicately: That is so....sexy.

Jake: You have your alpha beta pairings confused.

LBea: Do I? Just tell the ladies here on the Island what's going on, and I'll keep Nate from spanking you. Yes? That's a good deal. Then I can give some free books away, drink my Jamaican Butter Rum coffee, and write my own books!

Jake: Who the hell is this guy?

LBea: You like? He looks like ADRIEN! No?

Jake: No. Here's the news. Pay attention. I'm only saying this once.

::crinkle of paper::

A Strange Offer

Order Strange Fortune, the new spec fiction novel by Josh Lanyon through the Blind Eye Books website by midnight on November 20^th and uncover a small fortune in exclusive promotional plunder.

Jake: Did you just make me say 'plunder'?

LBea: Nope. Not I.

Order between November 5th and November 20th and receive:

• Sketches of Hidush. A PDF sketch book containing 6 pages of gorgeous original illustrations from Strange Fortune by noted artist Dawn Kimberling.

• A Cookbook for Gentlemen featuring one recipe from each of Josh’s works. From Italian margaritas to rabbit pie, there’s something for every appetite in this little gem.

• Adrien and Jake: A Private Conversation. Josh’s most popular characters answer a host of questions posed by their creator and a score of readers in this “private” interview.

• “The French Have a Name for It.” An original short story by Josh Lanyon. This story is only a

vailable through this offer.

• Vintage bookplate template of mysterious swami chap.


Remember, like all things magical…there’s a catch. You must order before midnight on November 20th. When the clock strikes twelve all this lovely loot vanishes like white smoke from a Hidushi temple sacrifice.


LBea: See that wasn't painful at all. Thank you, Jakey. ::pats hand::

Jake: Well, the cookbook looks interesting.

***In honor of my birthday, which is All Saints Day, and rightly so, I'm tossing two copies of Josh's I Spy Something Wicked out to the crowd. It's a Halloween story. Happy Birthday to me!

Just leave a comment in the, er, comment section, and I'll pick someone by midnight on Sunday. WOOT!

Jake: Does that DIK banner say all the heroes here are naked in their huts?

LBea leers: Yup. Even you, sweetie.