My first novelette is now published. BREED was created originally because I had not yet written a science fiction story, and I wanted to do something in memory of my dad, and the copies of Galaxy Magazine that I used to steal from him when I was a pre-teen. Those magazines were my first introduction to Robert Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, and Harlan Ellison. I wanted to write an adventure story, like the ones that first hooked me on science fiction.
Then an odd thing happened. I was caught up trying to read 50 Shades of Grey, mind you, only out of curiosity. I was so disturbed by how badly written the prose were, and how generally not sexy the book was overall, I never got past chapter 2. I realized I'd never tried my hand at any kind of erotica. I've never really felt any need to write about sex, and have in fact, been intimidated by the whole idea. But it made me curious to see if I could, in fact, write an erotic scene. Somehow that idea, and my idea for a science fiction story became intertwined, and that's how BREED was created.
I suppose, as a writer, I was a bit naive about the impact this story would have on readers. I took the original copy of BREED to a writer's group, and was, admittedly stupidly, surprised by the reaction that several readers had. They were offended by the nature of my interactions, and the scenes I portrayed for my lead character. Some of their comments made sense to me, and I did go back and do extensive rewrites. One of the comments had to do with the "rape" content of the story. I did not agree with that viewpoint very simply because, as a woman who has been raped three times in my life, I am very clear on the difference between rape as a real event, and fictional erotica. I honestly did not see any correlation in this story between the two. There are those who will disagree with this view, and as a woman and a writer, I respect their right to do so.
I then sent a copy to a professional editor at a popular science fiction magazine, telling them about the reactions I'd had, and asking their opinion about the sexuality of the piece. They felt the sex was not gratuitous, and fit the story. I then sent the story to my own editor, who had positive input.
I have been a reader and a writer all my life, and I have great respect for both sides of the view. Ultimately, the reader will decide how they feel about this story. I have been true to my imagination, and as a writer, that's the best I can do.
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