Why Would You Write THAT??

by Sara Brookes 

I get asked a lot why I write BDSM. After my typical response of: “Why not?” I explain that the psychology behind it fascinates me. This usually throws most people for a loop. After all, say “BDSM” to the average American and, if they haven’t cringed away or called you a few choice names, think it’s all about the whips, chains and various other assorted devices people identify with BDSM.

But, believe it or not, without the psychology, those things would never come into play.

Though I do use some of the typical implements identified with BDSM (collars, cuffs, floggers, etc), you’ll find most of my books are more about Dominance and submission, or D/s.

In my Sypricon Masters series, the Doms in the club use their most powerful instrument to work with their subs—their voices. Though there are devices most people are used to seeing in regards to BDSM (though, I did make a few enhancements and changes—the series is sci-fi after all *g*) the key things between the characters is their connection.

To me, that’s one of the most important things when it comes to genuine BDSM. 

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Sara Brookes is an award-winning author who has always been fascinated by the strange, the unusual, the twisted and the lost (tortured heroes are her personal favorite). She is an action movie junkie, addicted to coffee and has been known to stay up until the wee hours of the morning playing RPG video games. Despite all this, she is a romantic at heart and is always a sucker for an excellent love story. Born and bred in Virginia, Sara still lives there with her husband and daughter. The entire family is owned by two cats, Galahad and Loki, who graciously allow the family to cater to their every desire.

When You Are the Character

Recently, I was chatting with my husband while I worked on a book. My male character was extremely forthright and had no problem speaking his mind quite frankly. Yes, including certain words that have come to be expected in erotic romance. Not every book I write has those words and not every character I write says them. I’ve always believed in time and place.

But this one character in particular used them quite frequently without any trouble at all. In fact, it wasn’t a conscious decision to use a particular word (let’s just say it rhymes with ‘punt) in this story the first time. I’d worked along, trying to block out noise around me at the time, which made me focus more. The next day, when I read over what I’d written, I actually stopped and asked myself “Where did that come from?” It worked for the character and the situation. In fact, it worked a lot more places as I discovered it fit the character to use the word. I’d told my husband that I had found I had a little trouble dealing with it and he said that made no sense. After I’d stared at him for a few minutes because I had no idea what he meant, I asked him why.

His response? “You are the character.”

Again, a few moments of silence for me while I processed what he said. I immediately protested and said I’m nothing like this character. He’s brash and rough around the edges. I’ll use foul language at times, but never to the extent of this character. I’m nothing like him. Which my husband pointed out wasn’t the truth.

“You created him. He’s a piece of you. Maybe not a piece that you realize, but he’s there.”

Huh. I never thought of it that way. What he says makes sense, if you think about it. As authors, we create something from nothing. We pull in slices of life all around us and create emotional characters and situations in order to tell a story. At times, doing so, we can let down our hair and let a side of us show that we’d normally keep locked away from the rest of the world.