I attended my Open Read Group last night for the first time in several months. Life gets busy and I get forgetful, so needless to say, I had missed a few.
It was nice to see a 'full house' at the little book store where we all gather to read our 'stuff' for the benefit of others. No critiquing involved, but that's okay.
I read first, which isn't usual. I mostly sit back until my courage is up enough to read aloud to those strangers who may or may not like what I write. I try to keep things as clean as I can because of mixed audience. I never know who might be insulted because I get all het-up about a battle scene and am not really careful with my language.
I try to keep the erotica and sensuality as base as I can, as well. I don't write in innuendos, I simply write and if a love scene is in the cards, then it shows up in my story. I try to keep it within reason.
Last night, I was shocked and truly appalled at the "poetry free-verse" from a gentleman who seemed to make it his business to be certain everyone knew his sexual orientation and preference without directly saying. I thought his choice of wording and content was poorly done.
I have nothing against gay people, couples or not. I have some wonderful friends who are gay and I honestly believe they would have been as shocked as I was! I'm not a prude and started my writing career with erotica. (Not porn!!) I just wasn't expecting that type of thing at an open read night in mixed company. If I had been there representing a publishing house, I would have gotten up and left after the second poem. Or perhaps sooner.
I really didn't need him telling about 'liking his salad on his hands and knees', nor did I care to hear about the images he brought forth in the form of innuendo and cunningly disguised phrases set to 'excite' or 'shock' the listener. I was neither one or the other. I was bloody well appalled and embarrassed.
Anyway, feel free to respond. Keep it clean.
'Q'
It was nice to see a 'full house' at the little book store where we all gather to read our 'stuff' for the benefit of others. No critiquing involved, but that's okay.
I read first, which isn't usual. I mostly sit back until my courage is up enough to read aloud to those strangers who may or may not like what I write. I try to keep things as clean as I can because of mixed audience. I never know who might be insulted because I get all het-up about a battle scene and am not really careful with my language.
I try to keep the erotica and sensuality as base as I can, as well. I don't write in innuendos, I simply write and if a love scene is in the cards, then it shows up in my story. I try to keep it within reason.
Last night, I was shocked and truly appalled at the "poetry free-verse" from a gentleman who seemed to make it his business to be certain everyone knew his sexual orientation and preference without directly saying. I thought his choice of wording and content was poorly done.
I have nothing against gay people, couples or not. I have some wonderful friends who are gay and I honestly believe they would have been as shocked as I was! I'm not a prude and started my writing career with erotica. (Not porn!!) I just wasn't expecting that type of thing at an open read night in mixed company. If I had been there representing a publishing house, I would have gotten up and left after the second poem. Or perhaps sooner.
I really didn't need him telling about 'liking his salad on his hands and knees', nor did I care to hear about the images he brought forth in the form of innuendo and cunningly disguised phrases set to 'excite' or 'shock' the listener. I was neither one or the other. I was bloody well appalled and embarrassed.
Anyway, feel free to respond. Keep it clean.
'Q'