BDSM Unleashed

BDSM certainly has had it's fair share of time in the spotlight recently, most of it due to a book called Fifty Shades of Grey. Whether the saying any publicity is good publicity turns out to be true remains to be seen, but the interest generated within the community of romance readers, publishers and the media may have positive benefits for those of us who write erotic romance, particularly with BDSM themes. 

BDSM isn't new to erotic romance, there are many excellent authors who have been writing BDSM specific romance for years.  It is, however, new in the eyes of many mainstream romance readers and even publishers. Readers who liked the Fifty Shades trilogy are now looking for other authors and books along the same lines, opening up a new reader base for established authors writing within the genre. If demand for more kinky novels continues then it isn't a far cry to see mainstream publishers taking on more authors that write BDSM specific novels. So it's all good I hear you say. A win/win for readers and authors. Maybe not.

The quality of writing in Fifty Shades has already drawn negative attention. It remains to be seen whether the popularity of the books ultimately taints work by other authors with readers assuming all BDSM is of the same quality as Fifty Shades. I hope readers that are interested in BDSM, but weren't happy with the writing style of Fifty Shades seek out quality work by other authors, rather than disregarding the genre all together. As with any fiction, there are good and bad authors out there and popularity doesn't always equal a quality read. Just as readers like and dislike different books, so the quality of writing varies according to each author.

There has also been criticism from feminist groups leveled at the book questioning whether women's rights and the gains made in the area of gender equality are adversely affected by the submissive representation of the female character in the novel.  This accusation has far reaching effects, not just for authors but for those of us that are part of the BDSM community. It's an unwarranted criticism that submissives living the lifestyle have faced for years. All I can hope is that any media exploring this topic seek out members of the BDSM community that can counter the argument articulately and present a positive view of dominance and submission as an individual lifestyle choice. 

I'm glad that The Playroom has put together this blog hop and I'm proud to be part of it. It's not just an event where readers can win a free ebook or two, it's a community of authors and those within the lifestyle presenting a positive view of BDSM writing and offering information to those interested in finding out more about what BDSM really is.

Now for my giveaway... click to follow my blog, leave a comment on this post, along with your email address and go in the draw to win an ebook copy of Playing Jax, the second novel in my Wylde Shore Series.  If you already follow the blog then you still get to go in the draw if you leave a comment on the post.

Also to go in the major draw of the BDSM Unleashed Giveaway visit The Playroom BDSM Authors Blog at The Playroom and comment on one of the posts as part of the blog. You'll also find a list of more than 30 other authors participating in the giveaway, so there are lots of chances to win prizes and lots of informative blogs to read.


Update: 24th July 2012: I want to thank everyone who commented for a chance to win my ebook but there can only be one winner and that lucky ducky is... Sebrina. Congratulations, Sebrina. Please check your email to find out how to claim your prize.

The Playroom authors will post during the hop about their love for the genre. Comments on The Playroom Blog posts will count as entries to win the BDSM UNLEASHED GRAND PRIZES


Below is the list of participating authors for this blog hop. Check them out for changes to stack your reading shelves with lots of prizes.