Variations on Archetypal Plots

A story can be sexy, but a good story has to have a plot, too.

There are only so many plots, but for each one there are unlimited stories to tell. Think about Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story--same plot, but very different approaches. More recently, Taming of the Shrew became 10 Things I Hate About You, and Jane Austen's Emma inspired Clueless.

Exercise:

Think about a fairy tale or classic story that means something to you. Just using the bare outline of the story, write a quick paragraph or two outlining a plot of your own. It doesn't have to contain every element; the original might be just an inspiration for yours.

Now write several more, based on that same original story. You may come up with something splendid for your eighth try. Keep a journal of your attempts, and when you feel stuck in your writing, come back to the journal and try again with a different story.

On my bookshelf:
Nancy Madore has written several collections of erotic short stories based on fairy tales. My favorites are her first two: The Twelve Dancing Princesses and Enchanted.

Movie to watch:
If you haven't already seen it, rent the video Shakespeare in Love, a very sexy, romantic comedy. It isn't a historically accurate account, but the references to Shakespeare and his plays are beautifully woven into the story in a clever and fresh way. Does it have a happy ending? "It's a mystery."

Valentine's Day

I happened to be browsing the internet, and found a Wikipedia entry for "Erotic Literature." link

Interesting to see some history of the genre. I plan to check out some of the classics--if they haven't been swiped from the library shelves.

Getting in the mood...to write.

A friend I write with said, "I know you're writing something naughty, because your face is really red!" Well, I do blush sometimes, but sometimes it's just really hot in the library. I'm taking off my sweater.

I've been thinking about some of my favorite rituals before I begin to write a sexy scene. One of the most important: chocolate. And not just any chocolate, but Mozart Chocolates from Austria. A friend sent some from Europe, but I need to find a local distributor because they're almost gone.

I know a bubble bath is a cliche, but there's a reason it's a cliche--it's lovely. Canus Goat's Milk Foaming Bath has a wonderful fragrance, long lasting bubbles, and a very affordable price.

Pre de Provence makes exquisite soaps, some with olive oil--so silky on the skin. I find some scents overpowering, but their lemon verbena and lavender scented soaps are delicate and fresh.

I've been replacing what's in my socks and underwear drawer with things I wouldn't be ashamed of being discovered in. How can I feel sexy when I'm wearing Grandma's panties? I discarded the three in a package bargain brands and made room for some sweet bits of lace with bows.

I guess I want to treat myself as well as I'd want the characters in my stories to be treated.

Time to curl up with a mug of chocolate made the way the Aztecs drank it--with hot chili peppers--and now I'm ready to write...

Recipe for Aztec Hot Chocolate

2 cups milk
4 oz. bittersweet chocolate
1 to 4 chili peppers, cut in half lengthwise and seeded
optional: cinnamon stick, vanilla bean

Put milk and chocolate in top of double boiler, heat gently and whisk until smooth. Turn off heat but leave upper pot over the hot water. Add chili pepper (and vanilla bean and cinnamon stick if desired) and let stand for a few minutes. Strain, return to pot, and whisk until frothy. Pour into mugs and enjoy with your sweetie.