aelemercier

[aelemercier]

In some ways, quality editing might be the most important in porn, because errors break immersion.

I don't want anybody to get distracted from their wanking (physical/emotional or intellectual) by my dumb ass typo!

"This fic is literally just porn, why do you care about the quality of the editing" unfortunately, both my brain and my dick have strong opinions about verb tenses.

[aelemercier]

writing isn’t hard it’s just emotionally devastating and time-consuming and requires full body possession by an idea

[aelemercier]

Planning Using the Three-Act Structure: Romance Novels

This is the first in a series of posts about the Three-Act structure, written by guest blogger Annabeth Lynch. The second post in the series, about mystery novels, is here.

Writing a book can be daunting. Ernest Hemingway gave my favorite description of being an author: “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” It’s a big project that takes a lot of determination, especially if your goal is to write to meet a fast-paced challenge like NaNoWriMo. It’s beneficial to have a game plan to help you move along, even if you're a pantser like me. 

An understanding of the three-act novel structure can really help with basic planning. This structure breaks a story up into three primary sections: the beginning, middle, and end. Usually, the first act is called the Setup, the second act is the Confrontation, and the third and final act is the Resolution. The Setup is the first 25% of the story, the Confrontation is the middle 25%-75%, and the Resolution is the last quarter, 75%-100%. Across all genres, most stories follow this structure, which makes it a great plan to follow, but there are a lot of details that just knowing the names and approximate lengths of the acts doesn’t cover. Especially, the common landmarks that mark the transitions between the acts are often different between genres. In this article - the first in a series discussing how to apply the three-act novel structure to different genres - we’ll go over the more in-depth structure of a romance novel (which are usually approximately 90,000 words long). For simplicity's sake, this will be written as if the romance only involves two parties (e.g., isn’t poly and/or harem and/or reverse harem) and that the development and advancement of the relationship is the main plot.

Act 1: The Setup

This act lays the groundwork for the novel. It should, of course, start with your story hook - the situation or goal that will draw your readers into the story. Then, proceed with your world and character building. We should see your character(s) in their normal life, get a baseline of how the world works if the story includes fantasy or science fiction elements, and see their routine.

By the 12% mark (approximately 10,800 words into a 90,000-word novel), the main couple should have had their meet-cute (or meet-ugly) and reacted accordingly. This can result in them deciding to pursue the relationship or rejecting it, whichever your story calls for. This should directly cause them to accept or reject the call, e.g. wanting or not wanting the relationship.

20% into the book (approximately 18,000 words in) is typically the latest a main character should be introduced. Any character who is important to the plot should be actively involved in the story by this point. They need time to work their magic too!

The 25% mark - the end of the Setup act (approximately 22,500 words in) - is when the first plot point is introduced. This is where the couple is essentially “stuck” together. One or more major events that change their lives will, by this point, also cause them (often force them, if they’re antagonistic initially) to need to spend more time together, furthering both the “main” arc of the plot and their romance/relationship. The reason they are spending time together will serve as an important element for the second act, so it will need to be a consistent reason to meet up.

Act 2: The Confrontation

This is the meat of the story. Over the following 45,000 words (roughly half of the entire story by length) is when the romantic tension builds. The couple spends increasing amounts of time together, growing closer and building mutual trust. Doubts about each other and/or the relationship and/or the problem introduced at the end of the Setup and will lead to the final conflict should also grow in proportion.

Around 37% of the way through (approximately 33,300 words in) is the first “pinch point” of the story. This is where there should be a scene that builds intimacy. It could be something physical and discrete, such as a first kiss, or something more interpersonal, such as a demonstration of the increasing trust between the characters. Whatever occurs, it changes the way the prospective romantic partners see each other and takes them deeper into the relationship. This is an important plot point and shouldn’t be overlooked.

50% (approximately 45,000 words in) is the story’s midpoint. Congratulate yourself on making it this far! Now is the time to up the stakes. This is usually accomplished by bringing the characters to a false high or false low. A false high makes it look like the couple are on their way to a “happily ever after,” whereas a false low threatens that the characters may never end up together. Regardless, the result is that your characters do some introspection or get advice that causes them to decide what they really want in terms of the relationship, and how that does and will influence the daily life we got a glimpse of during the Setup.

At 62% (approximately 55,800 words in) the second pinch point comes into play. Events at the second pinch point more often are driven by internal forces/feelings/reflection - a look into the mind of the main characters as they struggle with the circumstances around their relationship. They have to overcome their own preconceptions to earn their love story. If you choose a false high, the other shoe should drop and separate them. Whenever things give them pause, though, the characters’ issues should resolve by them finding their way back to each other.

The end of act two, the Confrontation, comes at the 75% mark (approximately 67,500 words in) with the second major plot development. This will be a point when the stakes reach an all-time high. All the simmering conflict should boil over, and the worst possible thing(s) happens. This is often a breakup, where it looks like the couple will never end up together. Trust is broken and their differences appear unfixable due to one or both of them rejecting their true feelings.

Act 3: The Resolution

During this act is when all the questions that have been raised throughout the book are answered, and the couple comes together again. I like to call this act the “triple C’s”, the Crisis, the Climax, and the Conclusion.

The crisis comes at about the 87% mark (approximately 78,300 words in). Your characters work through their feelings and decide if the relationship is worth the effort (this is a romance novel: they’ll decide that it is). They’ll face their own flaws and learn a life lesson, which will usually also give them the answer to their current non-relationship problems.

There’s a quick turnaround between the crisis and the climax, which should come at about 90% into the book (approximately 81,000 words in). Often, this involves a grand gesture by one member of the pairing toward the other, but that isn’t required. Either way, this is the point in the story when one of them admits their love for the other. Readers will be on the edge of their seats, waiting to see if they get back together.

By the ending, the characters have decided to be together and the readers want the “happily ever after” or “happy for now” ending. Conclusions often include a snapshot of their future, a hint of how they’re doing together, and how they’ve put in the work to achieve their dreams (both in terms of the relationship and any external goals introduced earlier in the book). This can sometimes be an epilogue as well.

And you’re done! That’s the whole book!

I hope this helps anyone struggling with developing and/or utilizing a basic framework suitable for structuring a romance novel. This is a general guide, but don’t be afraid to mix it up and make it yours. Remember, you make your story special, unique, and engaging!

[aelemercier]

Periodic reminder that Chuck Tingle books are lovely if you haven't read them, specifically FOR the sincerity. (And I recommend.)

As a smut writer myself I was lucky enough to come to this organically, because at the end of the day I'm a romance writer (that's very smutty.) The heart is what makes the smut worth reading. The heart is also what makes the jokes memorable. (I love writing with my wife because it actually makes me funny, and our gaybies, such as "the time Flint was a parrot", are probably why Chuck Tingle books immediately resonated.)

You can argue this type of writing isn't Great Literature (but what is?). And of course it's funny because life is funny and sex is funny and people are funny, but when you sincerely, lovingly laugh with someone you always want to come back for more.

what now?

[aelemercier]

Birthday reading?? :D

Hi friends! It's my birthday tomorrow! :D If you have a spare few minutes with your phone while watching TV or pooping I'd LOVE a boost to my Radish algorithm??

Install the app

Watch 6 "Video Ads" from the gift box page (sadly the free coins they give you for signing up don't count ;_; )

Spend the coins on one of my stories <3 <3 <3

Happy Birthday to me!! XD

[aelemercier]

New work from Common Goals publishing!

My new series has dropped on Radish! Come check out your new favorite pretty, bitchy and stupid boys!

[aelemercier]

Oh snap, it's Jack and David <3

READ: Radish | Kindle | Ebook

there's something about amoral manipulative little masterminds who are constrained only by their intense fealty to a person of high(er) morals that's just. chef's kiss. so good

[aelemercier]

The Masked Alpha - a Magical College Romance

Now exclusive on Radish for free*! Radish is a serialized reading app where readers can unlock episodes with coins obtained from ads, daily giveaways or purchases.

Get the app: with a 12 coin sign-up bonus Read sample: The Masked Alpha

Mage-physics student Giacob needs sex-powered magic for his summer studies. He's sure that Prince Kal, the handsome older student who's been helping him with his summer project, is the same Alpha he's been anonymously hooking up with for magic. At least, he hopes he is. Because he's falling hard for both.

When Collegium student Giacob Di Marina applies for an anonymous Alpha to empower him - and his summer mage-physics research projects - the last thing he expects is to fall in love with "Ylyndar" when he doesn't even know his identity. Simultaneously, sparks are flying with the handsome Prince Kal, his much-older research collaborator. Giacob's pretty sure Kal IS Ylyndar… but Kal has sworn to stay single to avoid his father's political machinations. Can Giacob set aside his research long enough to convince Kal to reveal his identity and take a chance on love?

"The Masked Alpha" is a queer magical dark academia romance with multiple erotic encounters, featuring longing, sexual tension, anonymous lovers, knotting kink, versatile alphas, omega switches, and eschewing tradition for love.

[aelemercier]

Unscripted Desires: Double Trouble

The second novel in my Porn Star series is now exclusive on Radish for free*! Radish is a serialized reading app where readers can unlock episodes with coins obtained from ads, daily giveaways or purchases.

Get the app: with a 12 coin sign-up bonus Read sample: Unscripted Desires: a Gay-for-Pay Adult Film Star Romance

When Gay-for-Pay porn star Alex Livingston finally takes a chance on a serious relationship with co-star Lucas Wolfe, it might be just the thing he needs to get back in the saddle after a loss in the family. Filming his next porno with his actual boyfriend ought to be easy… right?

But Alex's twin, Jordan, is having crazy ideas. Like moving in with his boyfriend Sterling, and Lucas. With Alex. And making his own adult film debut. Also with Alex. And spit-roasting his boyfriend on camera… with Alex.

Embracing change might be as difficult for Alex as learning to love himself as an adult film star. But perhaps, now that he has Lucas to support him, he can truly feel happy and confident in his own skin, on and off set.

[aelemercier]

DILF Island

Now live on Radish for free*! :D Radish is a serialized reading app where readers can unlock episodes with coins obtained from ads, daily giveaways or purchases.

Get the app: with a 12 coin sign-up bonus Read sample: DILF Island: A Steamy, Himbo x Daddy Gay Love Story

Jason Moss isn't really a himbo, but when he agrees to play one on hot new reality TV show 'DILF Island' to help the director, his best friend Quinn, out of a tight spot, it seems like an easy gig. But somehow his plan to seduce a few hot daddies, break hearts and get kicked off the island turns into secret after-hours encounters with the handsome, technically-a-Daddy Carson Andrews… who's definitely on DILF Island to find love.

Meanwhile, Quinn has problems of his own when a chance encounter with Carson's younger brother turns to romance… only for an unexpected love triangle with a hot daddy to form. And Wes - a himbo with a weakness for older men - discovers that one of the 'daddies' happens to be his old professor… who he still carries a hopeless torch for, even when Stephen rejected him.

With Daddies and Himbos hooking up everywhere, can Jason manage to admit his feelings for Carson, and will Carson forgive him when he finds out that he's been faking the entire competition?

[aelemercier]

The Little MerSir

My book with @simonaniles is now live on Radish for free*! :D Radish is a serialized reading app where readers can unlock episodes with coins obtained from ads, daily giveaways or purchases.

Get the app: with a 12 coin sign-up bonus Read sample: The Little MerSir

Silverfin's not an idiot: if you leave the sea for love, you need to make sure you're an irresistible proposition. So when he goes after handsome but jaded pirate Captain Hawk, he brings the key to finding a treasure galleon that will make the man rich beyond his wildest dreams.

Meanwhile, Silverfin's sister Mara, stuck on land after being betrayed by her lover, struggles to help her idiot brother… and perhaps navigate an unexpected romance of her own.

But between angry hosts of Merfolk after them and Pirate politics to navigate, can they possibly take the promised treasure? And even if they do, will Silverfin's sacrifice be enough to convince the emotionally damaged Captain Hawk to return his love before it's too late?

The Little MerSir is a steamy adventure romance featuring fairy tale romance, steamy Pirate x Mermaid encounters, dealing with suddenly having feet (and various other sundry things below the waist), and learning that giving love a second chance might just be worth more than any treasure on the ocean.

[aelemercier]

Darren's Muscle Sub

Now live on Radish for free*! :D Radish is a serialized reading app where readers can unlock episodes with coins obtained from ads, daily giveaways or purchases.

(Also pls enjoy my photoshopping of Hot Shirtless Stock Dudes onto book covers XD )

Get the app: with a 12 coin sign-up bonus Read sample: His Master's Embrace: Darren's Muscle Sub

Professional Dom Darren is falling hard for his new sub - straight guy Miles - despite his better judgment. Can he manage to keep things professional between them, or will his feelings drive Miles away? And can Miles give him what he truly needs?

When Professional Dominatrix Darren Quinn takes on a new client, he can tell Miles Bennet is a mess: hurt and broken from some mysterious trauma, recently divorced AND heterosexual to boot (or so Miles claims). Miles needs a firm hand to help him rebuild his self confidence and his life, which just happens to be Darren's speciality. When Miles's healing through submission quickly turns to genuine attraction and romance, both he and Miles begin to discover that breaking the rules and taking a chance on each other might just give them both the life they've been longing for.

"Darren's Muscle Sub" is a straight to gay romance featuring emotional dom/sub play exhibitionism, spanking, pain as a tool for healing, first time bottoming, sex toys, oral worship and enough hot reward sex to soothe any tortured sub.

[aelemercier]

The Bitchelor

My book with @simonaniles is now live on Radish for free*! :D Radish is a serialized reading app where readers can unlock episodes with coins obtained from ads, daily giveaways or purchases.

Get the app: with a 12 coin sign-up bonus Read sample: The Bitchelor

As the star of the all-gay "Mr. Catch", Harrison Pearce must choose between handsome Lord Patrick, muscle-daddy Sebastian, and beautiful, troubled Adrian… all with their own secrets. Can Harrison find the courage to act before he misses his chance with all three?

Against his better judgment, Captain Harrison Pearce, Jr, has allowed his surrogate daughter to talk him into starring on her reality TV show, "The Catch", with its first all-male cast. Now the new queer Mr. Catch has been thrust into the spotlight - and the stresses of reality TV - with eleven men vying for his favor. Soon, Harrison finds himself torn between the affections of the handsome Lord Patrick Montgomery, muscle-daddy Sebastian Cruz, and beautiful, troubled Adrian Fisher… all with their own secrets. Can Harrison find the courage to own up to his feelings before he misses his chance with all three… or worse, his potential-boyfriends all run off with each other?

"The Bitchelor" is filled with erotic polyamorous encounters and comedic show-business shenanigans, where finding love in multiple unexpected places might just lead to happy endings and ratings gold.

[aelemercier]

The King's Omega

Now available on Radish for free*!

Radish is a serialized reading app where readers can unlock episodes with coins obtained from ads, daily giveaways or purchases.

Get the app: with a 12 coin sign-up bonus Read sample: The King's Omega

A STEAMY GAY OMEGAVERSE FIRST LOVE STORY. Jack Eisenschreber is nine when his father, the High King, dies tragically, throwing him into a life of political responsibility. The only one who dares eschew protocol to treat him like a real person is his best friend, David Bennet. When Jack comes of age and pushes David away for the sake of duty, it's up to David to find a way to give the young King what he needs... and convince Jack to accept their secret love.

_______

As a writer, Radish has been a WAY more exciting platform to publish on so far compared to Kindle Unlimited. They also have a commenting system for bonus audience engagement.

As a reader, I wish there was better filtering / cross filtering, as unless you're there for a specific author it's often hard to dig out the gay content from all the het... but AO3 has clearly spoiled us all. XD

[aelemercier]

When it comes to sex scenes, the rules say things like: Don’t write them at all, and if you do, don’t use these words. Don’t write them silly, porny, dramatic, tragic, pathological, grim, or ridiculous.

My whole practical thesis around the craft of writing a sex scene is this: it is exactly the same as any other scene. Our isolation of sex from other kinds of scenes is not indicative of sex’s difference, but the difference in our relationship to sex. It is our reluctance to name things, the shame we’ve been taught, our fraught compulsion to an act a theatre of types. It is indicative of the lack of imagination that centuries of patriarchy and white supremacy has wrought on us. 

To teach sex scenes is to talk about plot, dialogue, pacing, description and characterisation: all those elements that make a captivating scene. A sex scene should advance the story and occur in a chain of causality that springs from your characters’ choices. It should employ sensory detail that concretises and also speaks symbolically to the deeper content of the story. Or if not, it should service your work of art in whatever ways you want from your scenes.

“Mind Fuck: Writing Better Sex” in Body Work by Melissa Febos

[aelemercier]

These are some really interesting insights.

I've always assumed that - at least for queer A/B/O - the draw is much the same as writing slash: a safer platform to explore things like gender roles without the baggage that comes with them from my every day life. I love writing regular BDSM (queer), but exploring the A/B/O space has been unexpectedly rewarding for me because of the Spec elements, both for world building and relationship building.

Do male omegas experience elements of our world misogyny? Do issues with pregnancy and motherhood change when men are suddenly experiencing it? (do female alphas experience toxic masculinity?) And as someone who's nearly-trigger levels of repulsed by het pregnancy because of IRL (and personal) issues, mpreg has let me actually explore how making bebbies could be hot and rewarding in a romantic relationship.

(Though also - as a person on the ace-scale, I also love heat/sex pollen tropes because _I_ can't fathom being "uncontrollably horny" for someone in normal circumstances hahaha. And knotting's definitely a fun smut kink.)

tbh the reason i don't really vibe with A/B/O much is bc i find the central conceit much more interesting without the speculative elements. i like dom/sub dynamics, i like characters being so horny for each other that they have a hard time acting normal in public, i like characters struggling with this tension between who they think they ought to be in bed versus what comes most naturally to them, BUT I tend to find these elements much less interesting when they're hard-coded into the setting like that.

i'm sure i could write A/B/O fic that i'd enjoy if i wanted, but i've never bothered bc i prefer to attain that type of relationship dynamic through characterization and that carries less weight if it's also incorporated at the setting level. all A/B/O really has to offer me is some light furry flavoring and i have other, more interesting ways of doing that, too

[aelemercier]

Steamy new bdsm smut!

"When professional dominatrix Darren Quinn is given the opportunity to take the stage and perform with his husband and submissive Miles at an exclusive BDSM New Years party, it's the perfect opportunity to show off for their new submissives, poly couple Tristan and Leander. But as their relationships grow deeper than playtime, will the opportunity to make the beautiful and alluring Leander into a submissive showpiece make Darren re-evaluate his feelings for Leander? And are all four of them ready for the steamy future that might hold?"

GET IT: https://books2read.com/u/bWA22q

"A Submissive Performance" is a 18,000 word kinky m/m BDSM love story with multiple steamy encounters, dom/sub play, "daddy-kink"-style brother role-play, kinbaku bondage, exhibitionism, multiples, swingers and switch hitters and forming intimate connections with the best kind of found family.