I posted earlier this week about Religion and Erotica mostly because I was still struggling with a recently written chapter in my Stargate series of novels and short stories.  I had a very hard time getting up the nerve to write that chapter then struggling with every word. However, when all was said and done I felt it came out well but was unsure of how others would receive it.

People who've been reading my series for the last several years know what they can expect from me...there's a reason they're my readers and it's not always because I tell such great stories--though I'd like to think so!--but also because they're aware that I push the envelope from time to time.  I try to force them to think outside the box and see the beauty in things that might otherwise be considered 'ugly'. As I did with this particular chapter.

As a younger writer I wrote a lot of things for shock value...which can be a lot of fun when done in moderation.  As a mature writer I do my best to simply stay true to the story I'm telling.  If something is shocking then, well, it is what it is and count on the fact that there's a reason that it's in any given story I've written since 2003 or so.

I've come to the conclusion that my CC is simply different from other people's Muses.  There's a reason Fate put CC and I together and I think we make a good team even if our stuff is a little off the beaten path.

Reviews are starting to come in for that worrisome chapter and I'm very pleased.  Yes, some people opted for the cheat and the quick wrap up with the G Rated version of said chapter BUT almost all of them came back to read the 'real' chapter.  They've called it 'beautiful' and 'touching', 'soulful' and 'well crafted' along with several other wonderful compliments.

I don't know about you but The Dollanger Series--"Flowers in the Attic"-- is my absolute favorite series of stories of all time so when someone compares me (favorably) to VC Andrews I take that as high praise.  She is the one who gave me my first lesson in thinking outside the box after all.  The love scenes between "Cathy" and "Chris"...brother and sister for those of you don't know...could have been 'sick' and 'disgusting' but instead they were touching and completely understandable.  They were, in fact, rather beautiful. Her stories were sweeping and they were dripping with emotion and turmoil.  Yes, can you tell they really drew me in?

I know...an author shouldn't look for validation in their Readers...they shouldn't look to anyone for such a thing but to themselves and find it within the Art they create.  But authors are people too and a little kudo from others is a very much appreciated thing especially when the work has been extraordinarily laborious.

Looks like my efforts have paid off once more. My mailing list has grown considerably over this last week and everyone wants to be informed the second anything new goes up on the site.  Pretty high praise once again!  We are on the last story in this epic series and I'm humbled and thrilled to know that so many people have taken this long and winding journey with me.  Doubly so to know they've enjoyed it.

Makes it all worthwhile.