Issues with writing erotica 1 — family and friends

There are a number of issues I face due to my choice of genre for the books and short stories that I write, so I’m going to go through a few and see if others have similar thoughts — and any insights!

There are only one or two people who know that I write erotica — and pretty strong stuff as well. Mostly my tales, (novels, shorts & short story series), are of blackmail for sex and money, with a few mind control short stories thrown in for good luck. The ladies, mostly young and attractive, do not generally have the best of times. The people around them often end up controlling every element of their lives, and, of course, that includes their sex lives. Their about to become very active sex lives! These are not stories for feminists or anyone interested in the MeToo movement!

If this sort of thing was happening in real life then I’d be amongst the first to say that it was hideous and to get in contact with the police. However, stories are not real life and would be pretty boring if they were only allowed to be so.

For these reasons I’ve mostly kept it quiet that I write at all. If people knew then they might want to read something, and I’ve nothing safe to show them. Better then to just keep shtum and not mention this particular hobby. Although, as it is a reasonably major part of my downtime and home life, it is a pity to not be able to mention it at all.

My OH does know, and has read a little, but, while they like the overall writing style, they are definitely not the sort of story that they are at all happy with. A million miles away from their usual reading material. We’ve had a few discussions as to why I’m writing this. Why is happy, friendly, Dianne writing about women losing control over their own bodies and getting taken advantage of? Darn good question — and if I ever come up with an answer, I’ll let you know!

The same goes with the few friends that I’ve let into my secret. Well written they say, but not a subject matter for them. I like my friends, and it’s not like I want to find new ones that say they enjoy the material I produce, but it does mean there is a part of me that is not getting shared openly.

It’s not like my family and friends — mostly at least — would all run away if they found out. They are not going to shun me or anything, but it would change the dynamic of some of our relationships and I would become a regular topic of conversation. That’s not a place for me.

I like to be the quiet watchful one in the corner rather than the centre of attention — and that I would be for quite some time.

So, I’m putting this out there. How do you deal with your family and friends knowing — or not — what you write? Have you told them all? Or some? Or none? Do you fear them finding out?

Alternatively, have you just come out and told everyone — or at least those that ask what you write? If so, what sort of reactions have you had — both positive and negative!