(Barrons, I want to do naughty things to you – for real! Picture from Karen Marie Moning’s website.)
Recently, Jessica at Read React Review (formally Racy Romance Reviews) posed the question – to what extent do you engage in fantasy when reading romance? She broke it down into two parts – first addressing why some of us treat characters as real. For example my Smexy Boyfriend list, or interacting with JR Ward’s characters on her message board. Most recently Karen Marie Moning has her characters interacting on Facebook and Twitter. I definitely enjoy this fantasy part that comes along with reading romance. I talk on my blog and on Twitter about characters like they are real all the time. Obviously, I know this is completely fiction (well, except for John Matthew, he is real right?) – but for me it is a natural progression after you read a book. I like to take a character that I have connected with and swoon over him or lust with him with other people. It is a way to bond with people when you have the same interest in a character. I can’t count the number of times I have been on Twitter or in the comments section of my blog and cracked up while talking about a fictional hero. It is silly and goofy, and I enjoy every second of it. Yes, I get a bit excited when the BDB brothers come online – there is always the chance Vishous could spank me. Or if I see Barrons respond to a Facebook thread I get a kick out of it. It is definitely entertainment and since we usually only get one book a year from these characters, it is a way to keep the story going.
Second she asks why some blogs fantasize about cover models or handsome men. Not to use the same phrase again, but this for me is also a natural progression. The romance books I read have hot, sexy men in them with explicit sex scenes. And I am not just talking about books that fall more under the erotic category either. Mainstream authors like JR Ward, Larissa Ione, Nalini Singh (and tons more) write very detailed, tension filled romance and sex. This is one of the big draws to reading romance. So if a blogger then posts pictures of attractive models, or men that are half naked (or in some cases very naked) it is really reflecting the characters they are reading about. It is the visual to match up with the words we are reading. And I am not saying we all read for just the sex and hot dudes. If that was the case, I would have given up romance books a long time ago…but it is a big part. Some authors, like the Karen Marie Moning, have started putting up pictures of real people that they think best represent their characters. I prefer to have my own vision in my head, but I can see the attraction of doing this.
Everyone brings their own personal experiences to each and every book they read. I can completely understand those who are not turned on by this fantasy. I think that is one of the great things about this romance community – there are such a varied amount of blogs out there. Some are much more serious, some posts naked pictures every day, some mix technology with books or movies and books – there is definitely something for everyone. And if you can’t find it, you can create your own.
I don’t take myself too seriously – I take reviewing books seriously, but life is too short to not give a “woot woot” when you read about or see a hot dude. Reading romance is SO MUCH FUN! My little fantasies definitely enhance the experience for me. And to think about all the books that are offered to us, and the amount of reactions each one produces, is really amazing. I think Jessica is completely right when she says:
It’s a testament to the diversity and flexibility and richness of the genre that any given text can serve many kinds of readers and many kinds of engagement.
The majority of the comments at Read React Review tended to shy away from the fantasy aspect and I’m curious to see what kind of response the readers of Smexy will have. Do you like to play the fantasy game or are you more one to read the book for what it is, and not involve yourself?
for me, the fantasy is part of the fun. my imagination plays a huge part in what the characters look like but I love to see pics of what the authors think their characters look like *licks Barrons pic* I like hot sex as much as the next person but the books I read have to be more than that, I need intrigue, suspense, chemistry & a good plot. a quickie smut read is great, however, in the end, I want more.
I think as long as you don't take it too seriously, there's not a damn thing wrong with it. the beauty of reading is the escape, the imagination & the way it takes you to a different world inside your head. at least, that's how it is for me.
I can't say I go as far as to actually interact with the characters on various boards, but yeah, fantasy plays a large part in my reading, especially the paranormal and urban fantasy. I want the heroes to be HOT – sexy, fearless, a bit jaded and cynical, lusty, smart, with a sarcastic sense of humor.
Visualizing a hot actor or model emphasizes the physical attributes, but it's really the actions of the character that make or break him. Someone who's dumb as a post or is cruel is not going to win me over, no matter how how he is.
jaymzangel – Oh I definitely need more than a hot hero to keep me interested in the book. I need a sense of humor and plot etc.. I don't like to see the picture of what the author thinks the hero or heroine looks like…I like my own picture.
Stacy – Good point..you can have a a perfect physical hero, but if he is dumb as a rock, no thank you ;)
I personally dont interact on sites like that and such BUT I do get fully involved with the characters in my mind. *Sounds silly I know* but Im a total daydreamer…I think about what if I was in their world and such. I love the Ward has brought her characters to life on her site! It pulls you EVEN MORE into her world. Like reading the interviews with all the brothers as if shes at the mansion! That's pure genius! So ya I totally play into all of that. Also I feel most HARD CORE readers like to (as you said) involve themselves into a book. For me…I have a tough job that stresses me out…SO I love diving into my books and bringing these characters more to life helps me slip into a different world…even if it is only for my lunch break! ;o)
SUCH a great topic sweetie! ;o)
Reading fiction, of any kind, in and of itself, is an escape. It all depends on your choice of addiction. I am currently reading all genres of romance/erotica. I have found it ranges from extremeley lousy to leaving me absolutely breathless.
I agree with you Mandi: I like my own picture of the hero and heroine. I have a very vivid imagination and with so many blogs, websites, etc., to choose from; it is so much fun to play!
My DH of 30 years would agree!
Monroe – it is definitely an escape…from working, raising kids, or just plain boring life :) I enjoy when a character gives an interview on a blog or a website..very entertaining!
Artemis – Very true – I just finished a book that left me breathless..the book before that I could barely finish..LOL.
My hubs understands my addiction..even though he has to give me a hard time ;)
For me, it's pretty simple. I read to connect. Characters that are believable and resonate on some level with me, I treat as real. If I didn't, I would feel disconnected to the story and probably wouldn't give a hoot what happens.
I read that RRR post last week and maybe I picked up the wrong tone from it but I found it slightly judgemental and I just didn't feel like defending or justifying my simple enjoyment of sweet, sexy, heroic FICTIONAL men. Why do I fantasize? I don't know. I just do. I have an imagination, so I figured I'd use it ;)
I like pictures of good looking men, too (but that's the very LAST reason that would attract me to a blog) and I know that the blogs posting such pics are not "objectifying" men…it's just visual appreciation.
I agree with you totally, reading romance IS so much fun. I love it. But nothing like too much cerebral discourse to kill a buzz.
I have to involve myself. I don't go overboard-stalking the author,cat rooms, cover models, ect… lol but I do emerge myself into the story and build a wee little fantasy about it starring yours truly. :)But I need more then sex and eye candy to make the story come alive for me.
If the story can't hold my attention while reading then the story isn't drawing me in and I'll probably put off reading the book a while.
I prefer covers that don't show faces. Silly huh? But I know what I imagine then to look like and if the face doesn't match mine it puts me off a little. Take for instance the actor who plays Eric on True Blood. I didn't picture him at all as Eric so I can't seem to get into the show. Sad huh? lol
Though I have to say that KMM nailed Barrens. Yum.
I love the fantasy part of reading books! I enjoy my book boyfriends, love the hot covers, love thinking about them outside the book – it's fun! Maybe I go a little overboard in my love of tattooed cover models and drooling over sexy scenes but hey I need some escape from my stressful workweek and if I wanna drool over my fictional boyfriends than that's what I'll do ;)
I think you're sexy! You can pick up your award here.
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Truth be told, I play the fantasy game more when reading epic fantasy, because they are my kind of men ;)
I tend to not take myself too seriously. I take my job & writing incredibly seriously–I want to do my best as an author and learn from everything I do–but that doesn't mean I have to take MYSELF seriously.
So I don't. :D I like to joke about my favorite characters with other people, I like to joke about my characters with y'all and I like to look at hot pictures, even if my definition of an eyecandy man tends to be less naked and more covered in weapons. :D
Which is not to say I don't love having serious discussions about the themes of books, or about the social culture of romance, or any of a hundred other things. I just don't want to do it all the time. Moderation, and what not.
Wait…you mean they aren't real?! I thought these were biographies! *smacks forehead* ROFL! Okay, okay. I know it's not real, and I am not big on "chatting" with characters, but I love talking about them with real people who lust for them just like me.
I am certainly a reader who pictures the characters in my head, no visual aid required. But…who's gonna complain if a blogger pops a picture of a hot guy on the screen. Don't they get paid to be looked at? :D I wouldn't want to be responsible for putting them out of a job. ;)
Personally, I'm not a fan of interacting with fictional characters. I've always found it a bit weird. But I also get that there's a huge segment of Romanceland that freaking LOVES it. So I say to each his own.
I do cast heroes when I read them. Not always exactly, but there are some heroes who I think look just like "such and such actor". And it seems the stronger I feel about them, the more likely I am to cast them. Except for Roarke. I have yet to find an actor who I think looks like the Roarke in my mind's eye.
But there are certain characters who beg to be cast, I think.
But to the question, I think that fantasy is healthy when handled appropriately. And I think that romance novels, in particular foster fantasy. So I say, "woot woot"! ;oP
For me, the fantasy part of romance is what makes reading romance so much fun. You're able to lose yourself in the moment.
While I do follow KMMs characters on Twitter, and Barrons on FB, I'm not sure I'd actually interact with them. I've never been big into that part of fantasy.
Your killing me Smalls! Killing me with lol's over your quote "life's too short not to give a woot woot to hot dudes".
I read books where women are captured and sold as bride slaves or demons that need to have sex to survive. So yeah, I guess you could say I'm in it for the fantasy. I'm wholeheartedly involved in the book fantasy…maybe even a little role playing on the side. What no one hugs their pillow and whispers Bones?
As for hot pictures of dudes that represent our favorite book characters, uh yes please.
While I'm not on the boards interacting with the fictional characters, I don't begrudge those that do. It's fun. I might follow a character to two on Twitter…maybe. :) Part of the reason I read this genre is I enjoy the fantasy. Taking it a step further by associating characters with sexy pics or giggling with friends as if they were real is all a part of the fantasy. Again, it's fun.
The fantasy is what makes the difference between a book you read and a book you love. It's about characters that are real and alive. They live in your mind and heart and you carry them with you. It doesn't matter if they are from great works of literature or your favorite romance hero or heroine.
Jay-I love your comment…that is an excellent way to describe it!!!
Hey doll! I have an award for you! :)
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Love this post, Mandi. This conversation "across blogs" from Jessica's to here at Smexy is one of the reasons I love the romblogger community.
It's funny, cause I have a tendency irl to take myself too seriously and find it hard to "play". It just doesn't come naturally to me. But participating in the DIK group blog has helped me lighten up and enjoy that fantasy aspect. I love fantasy casting heroes from my books when I can. And, while I don't really post the cookies over at my place, it doesn't mean I don't enjoy them when I visit other bloggers'. ;-)
I think one message I took away from the 1st post on this topic (though I don't know if that was the intention) was that fantasy/hot men pics and "serious" discourse about romance are mutually exclusive. I don't agree. Each blog/blogger brings what they want to their own place, and they all are of value to the community. Whether it is a fantasy/cookie site, one filled with deep, intellectual posts, or (gasp!) one with both ends of the spectrum and everything else in between.
There's plenty of room at the table for everyone to sit down and join us. :-)
I love the fantasy of it all, my life is stressful, I am busy, so yeah I am down with oogling my favorite heroes if I can. Interacting with bloggers and some characters on twitter give me a much needed giggle most days. I'm not going to have whole conversations with them daily, but I do like to follow characters in the off chance I see a clue or spoiler or something…it fills the time til the next book.
I also prefer to see the authors representation of characters…. I think I am in the minority on that one. I have always had a hard time visualizing descriptions so its actually a bit of a relief when I see what an author envisioned when she wrote the character.
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that quote right there is why I will follow Bree and Donna (Moira Rogers) from here to hell. its like they live inside my head and that scares me LOL
argh it deleted my quote LMAO it was this:
" my definition of an eyecandy man tends to be less naked and more covered in weapons. :D"
"I take reviewing books seriously, but life is too short to not give a “woot woot” when you read about or see a hot dude."
Totally agree. It's a bit of harmless fun and escapism. And the more invested readers are, the bigger a compliment it is to writers (IMO anyway).
Some readers can get a little too over-zealous (i.e: those JR Ward fans who rallied against a Blay/Qhuinn romance, to the point that board moderators had to remind people to show respect)… but that's only a small faction of people. The rest of us are happy to "woot, woot" our storybook love.
Scorpio – I don't see those pics of men (or women) objectifying..and yes, reading is fun :)
Tori – I totally prefer covers with no faces. I think KMM did a pretty good job with Barron's..the man in my head is still better..LOL
Heather – Drool away!!
Blodeuedd – Well see..that is great..it is your fantasy ;)
Bree – I totally agree..myself..not seriously. My reviews, my blog in general..I definitely take seriously. LOL – I like a person dripping in weapons too :)
dyockman – I know..they are not real..BUMMER!! ;)
Kati – yes, definitely when handled in a way it makes you feel comfortable.
Colette – I have yet to actually tweet "Barrons" – what should I say? ;p
Smokin – yeah..we are on the same page ;)
FV – I know you are "friends" with Barron's on FB!! :) It is fun!
Renee – Yes, I really enjoyed Jessica's post – She mentions KB as saying she is one that can post a hot dude, but also talk about serious stuff. But either way, there are plenty of blogs out there to choose from. Like you said, there is plenty of room for everyone, and I would hope everyone always feels welcome.
KV – yes, getting extra details or spoilers is definitely a bonus (for me)
Danielle – yeah, I don't get into the dramatics or fights on those boards. But otherwise, it is all good
Mandi–Actually, no, I'm FB friends with the actor that inspired KMM's Barrons. No the "Official Barrons Character". Really embarrassing I know, but when you made fun of me I had to stay FB friends out of principal…or principle? Whatever. Now it's gone on so long that I feel like he'll get mad if I un-friend him. Whoops, there I go in my fantasy land again LMBO!!
I'm so with you on having fun with books and characters. I read because it's fun, and it's even more fun to chat with others about books…and the hot yummy guys in books. LOL. I take writing quite seriously, but reading and talking books is all about fun.
As for authors putting up pics of real people to represent their characters, it works for me if the pic matches the image I have in my head of the guy. If not, then I'll appreciate the hottie but keep my own version of the hero. ;) If I have that clear of a vision of him in my head, then he's become 'mine' by then anyway, so he gets to look however I want him to look. LMAO
I've read character interviews where the have a complete discussion with the interviewer. I totally understand that this is actually the author talking, but it's a great insight into how the author thinks about the character, what the character looks like to the author. It gives us a view into the author's imagination.
Mandi this is a terrific topic. Nope, I don't shy away from fantasy, it's the reason I read the books I pick. For me the fantasy game of a book is while I'm reading it and ends when I move on to the next one. Yep, I'm easily swayed. I'm definitely a poster model for a book slut.
Most of the time.
There have been some that won't let my mind go like The Fever, BDB, Sookie Stackhouse and LOTU series. These few have motivated me to go further like to forums etc. I might follow a few on Twitter or FB but I don't really engross myself in these vices, just dabble.
I'm like you and prefer my own visuals of characters versus pictures that others have come up with like comparing a character to a model or actor.
I've never interacted with fictional characters or treated them like they were real, although there are a few characters that are just this side of read for me (Mr Darcy). I can definitely get how people love a fictional world so much they want to bring more of it into their own lives, though, and personally I think it's great. My favorite example is Wizard Rock–a whole genre of music based on Harry Potter books! I would have TOTALLY done that if I was a teenager when I read them.
On the other hand–and I'm about to get super-geeky here–I DO have conversations with historical figures. In my own head, of course. Like when you study a person you feel as if you really know them, and you start having dreams about them? Yeah. So who am I to judge with the message board/FB thing?
FV – oh you are right :) I forgot there was the model that inspired him and then the actual barron's page. My bad ;)
Ava – LOL..I agree :) And I do have to say you post some verra smexy men on your site :)
Beth – It does give us nice insight…and maybe a tidbit here or there that we didn't know about the character.
Donna – It is funny how some books grab you and you can't help but go online and see if there is more information out there :) That happened to me when I read Dark Lover:)
Heidenkind – I have had many conversations with Martha Washington and Abigail Adams in my head. I think in a previous life I lived during the revolution :)
I love this post…
You have highlighted two great points as I missed the original post (must go check it out)
I do like my fantasy men and world – I do understand the rush readers get to seeing their fic alpha heros log in or just tweet….
It definately helps build up the personna of the character and when authors gets it right – they can build an entire franchise around these charaters…
Twilight franchise is booming all because of it's fantasy heros…
Great post
E.H>
E.H>
I really loved this post (and thought that it generated a very awesome discussion) and would like to feature it in my "First Rate Friday" (a meme I found at http://www.crazy-for-books.com). My blog is at http://fictiondistrict.blogspot.com. Is it alright to post a link to it? =)
Sure :)