Paypal, Censorshipand Sexual Titillation

I have a question. Just what is wrong with sexual titillation?

From what I understand, the current ban goes against the erotica genre, and erotica by definition sexually arouses.

So, while it is okay to include rape, bestiality and incest in a slasher murder book, where the characters get slaughtered, apparently making people depressed and grossed out is fine – but getting a little turned on is bad?

I don’t get it. When I get turned on, I seduce my husband, which he seems to like and is good for our marriage.

But if I get depressed, I just might knock him over the head with the toaster if he pisses me off.

So depressed is good, turned on is bad?

And folks, it is possible to write steaming and not sick erotica using those topics.

Take rape. Okay, we will all admit that rape is bad thing. But we are talking fiction here. Women have rape fantasies. Typically those fantasies involve hunky looking men who force us to experience the forbidden pleasure that society tells us is bad.

But we flipping know it is FICTION, a fantasy. We aren’t asking to get raped in the parking lot by some smuck. Let us have our fiction!!!

As for bestiality – I imagine those shape shifters that are so popular now might get a little horny. And really folks, as I said, it is FICTION.

And for the incest, what harm is a book where consenting adults get it on? While I admit the father daughter, and even a step-father daughter thing grosses me out, but what is the big frick’n deal with non-blood relatives or even cousins? Many cousins marry. Heck, I had a great-uncle who married his aunt!

I don’t understand a society that defends the purchase of assault rifles, in spite of the tragic school shootings – yet feel it is okay to ban fiction that might turn someone on and spice up the sex life.

Time for a Confession

With Smashwords caving to Paypal’s censorship, I have decided to come out of the closet – so to speak.

I take my first amendment rights very seriously, and I don’t feel comfortable discussing such a vital subject while draped in a fog of fiction.

First, Sam is my husband, not my boyfriend. Actually, he has been my husband for many, many, many years. Yet that doesn’t sound near as sexy as a boyfriend. Most of the other Sam stuff is pretty much the truth, only the names have been changed to protect the innocent – and not so innocent.

Another fiction – I don’t have a brother or stepbrother. My blog post on the subject was an extension of my fiction.

I’ve done a lot of thinking about my erotica, and the Paypal lockdown. I’ve temporarily removed some of my stories from Smashwords, as they fall in a gray area.

Erotica by definition is art that arouses. I can’t imagine the courts ever deeming my stories pornography, as I pride myself on plot and character development. Yet, there will always be people out there that would call it pornography.

Since the Paypal decree, I’ve been surfing the blogs, reading what other erotica writers have to say on the subject. I was startled at how so many of them expressed feelings I didn’t even know I had.

I don’t just write erotica – yet of all my writing, I believe writing erotica has taught me the most about myself, and the world around me. It is a safe haven where I can explore my deepest fears and desires.

Those closest to me know I write erotica, yet I only share my pen name with my husband and a few other people, and he is the only one of my circle who is allowed to read my stories. One friend asked for my erotica pen name, and I told her I believed I am a more open, freer writer when I don’t have to worry about those around me judging my writing, yet that doesn’t mean they aren’t fully aware of what I am up to.

With each story I write, I discover something new about myself, through the thoughts and experiences of my characters.

Writing erotica has also punched up our sex life - seriously. My husband is a VERY happy man these days, and I am a very satisfied woman. For women, sex starts in the head, and writing erotic doesn't just get my creative juices flowing.

I totally disagree with Rick Santorum that sex is all about procreation. If that were true, God would fix it so women would loose their ability to have orgasms after they go through the change. Trust me Rick, that ain't so. A healthy and active sex life helps foster a more solid and closer relationship between spouses - of any gender.

I hope the other players, like Amazon, don’t follow Paypal’s lead. I’d be all for an adult section at Amazon, to keep explicit covers from young readers. Yet, other than a separate section, I am opposed to censorship.

PayPal - The Internet Censor

I just received the email from Smashwords, informing contributors we must remove erotica stories with specific story lines - such as rape and incest.

I couldn't help but think of several books I've read by mainstream romance writer, Johanna Lindsey, where the leading man rapes the leading lady. One I recall involved a pirate, another was a viking raider.

I went ahead and removed about 5 of my titles, as I'm not sure which ones cross the Paypal line, and I don't want to put Smashwords in jeopardy, as Paypal can do some nasty damage to the company.

For now, look for my books at Amazon, yet not sure what will happen to my books there and at Barnes and Noble.

I suppose I shouldn't be surprised - not when GOP contenders for the presidency are talking about making birth control illegal and Rick Santorum insist sex is just for having babies.

Even if you don't read erotica, this censorship and political shift is chilling.