The New Intimacy

Naked Reader Book Club Discussion: CAN'T HELP THE WAY THAT I FEEL (Lori Bryant-Woolridge) and MAKING THE HOOK-UP (Cole Riley)(July 27, 7-11 PM EST)

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Contributor: rexy rexy
Quote:
Originally posted by Lori Bryant-Woolridge
Words have power. They leave lingering impressions. How many authors do you think actually consider that as they craft their stories. For all the reasons you mentioned, people are looking for escape and books still provide this. It's our job, ... more
here! here! esacpe and happy endings, and don't think your readers don't appreciate that
07/27/2010
Contributor: Jul!a Jul!a
Quote:
Originally posted by *Keona*
I can relate to that. I've read some stories that ended up in having to take a break to get myself together. Also, I think it takes a talented person to excite someone without necessarily using erotic terms. I tend not to read stories where the ... more
The stories I stumble across where the dialogue reads like a bad porn I find I make it about a quarter of the way through and just ditch it entirely
07/27/2010
Contributor: Cole Riley Cole Riley
Quote:
Originally posted by Cole Riley
There is a time delay...LOL. I've seen a lot of love and lust but I want to experience so much more.
A lot of readers crave excitement. They love darkness. They want to go places where they would not go on their own.
07/27/2010
Contributor: Lori Bryant-Woolridge Lori Bryant-Woolridge
Quote:
Originally posted by *Keona*
I can relate to that. I've read some stories that ended up in having to take a break to get myself together. Also, I think it takes a talented person to excite someone without necessarily using erotic terms. I tend not to read stories where the ... more
Ke, you have to read Bubble Music in Can't Help. The author, Toi James has such amazing lyrical power that she gets you hot without having to revert to the usual. I wanted to write like her when I was done reading her story, and she's my writing student!! As another one of my authors, Elle, said: "Good erotica should be like braille...a must touch experience."
07/27/2010
Contributor: *Keona* *Keona*
Quote:
Originally posted by Misfit Momma
Oh I don't know about that! I usually can't keep lingerie on long enough to admire it myself. Shame too, love lingerie
Well there's always the option of reading it naked and then you wont have to worry about keeping it on lol
07/27/2010
Contributor: Brendada Brendada
Quote:
Originally posted by Cole Riley
Brenda, temptation means going for it. I have a very loving partner. She is very experienced. That makes it fun.
I figured as much -good to hear!
07/27/2010
Contributor: Cole Riley Cole Riley
Quote:
Originally posted by Cole Riley
A lot of readers crave excitement. They love darkness. They want to go places where they would not go on their own.
The best stories grab you somehow and shake you.
07/27/2010
Contributor: rexy rexy
Quote:
Originally posted by Lori Bryant-Woolridge
Ke, you have to read Bubble Music in Can't Help. The author, Toi James has such amazing lyrical power that she gets you hot without having to revert to the usual. I wanted to write like her when I was done reading her story, and she's my ... more
braille, huh? that is a brilliant way to describe it.
07/27/2010
Contributor: Lori Bryant-Woolridge Lori Bryant-Woolridge
Quote:
Originally posted by Cole Riley
A lot of readers crave excitement. They love darkness. They want to go places where they would not go on their own.
I agree with you Cole. And that's one of the things that I love about books. There is something for everyone. You can find your flavor if you just look. That's why I don't get upset when someone says they didn't get it or wanted something different. That's exactly why we need a variety of voices and not the same old stuff between every cover.
07/27/2010
Contributor: Brendada Brendada
Quote:
Originally posted by Lori Bryant-Woolridge
Ke, you have to read Bubble Music in Can't Help. The author, Toi James has such amazing lyrical power that she gets you hot without having to revert to the usual. I wanted to write like her when I was done reading her story, and she's my ... more
Love the braille comparison -brilliant! We also get some of our books INTO actual braille!
07/27/2010
Contributor: Cole Riley Cole Riley
Quote:
Originally posted by Cole Riley
The best stories grab you somehow and shake you.
And sometimes you read something and you are in awe. The pattern of the words, the callope effect of the emotions they create, the desire they stir in you.
That is how an editor selects a story.
07/27/2010
Contributor: *Keona* *Keona*
Quote:
Originally posted by Lori Bryant-Woolridge
Ke, you have to read Bubble Music in Can't Help. The author, Toi James has such amazing lyrical power that she gets you hot without having to revert to the usual. I wanted to write like her when I was done reading her story, and she's my ... more
I'm excited already! I'll have to check it out as soon as I get a copy in my hands. You know a story is good when it makes you want to pick up a pen and just write something. I'm tempted to leave and go pick up a copy and just comment while I read.
07/27/2010
Contributor: Lori Bryant-Woolridge Lori Bryant-Woolridge
So i want to know what readers prefer, longer or shorter stories.
07/27/2010
Contributor: Kristina Wright Kristina Wright
Quote:
Originally posted by Lori Bryant-Woolridge
Words have power. They leave lingering impressions. How many authors do you think actually consider that as they craft their stories. For all the reasons you mentioned, people are looking for escape and books still provide this. It's our job, ... more
Lori ~ Speaking of happy endings... regardless of setting, a lot of African American fiction is categorized as "urban fiction" and is traditionally dark and dystopic. How do you feel about that label and how would you categorize Can't Help the Way That I Feel?
07/27/2010
Contributor: Cole Riley Cole Riley
Quote:
Originally posted by Cole Riley
And sometimes you read something and you are in awe. The pattern of the words, the callope effect of the emotions they create, the desire they stir in you.
That is how an editor selects a story.
The ordinary and the mundane are our enemies. We need that variety. We need those stolen moments of joy and desire. The society resists but it is being pulled in. It is happening. In society and in our lives too.
07/27/2010
Contributor: *Keona* *Keona*
Quote:
Originally posted by Jul!a
The stories I stumble across where the dialogue reads like a bad porn I find I make it about a quarter of the way through and just ditch it entirely
Yea I just use those books as coasters
07/27/2010
Contributor: Kristina Wright Kristina Wright
Quote:
Originally posted by Lori Bryant-Woolridge
Ke, you have to read Bubble Music in Can't Help. The author, Toi James has such amazing lyrical power that she gets you hot without having to revert to the usual. I wanted to write like her when I was done reading her story, and she's my ... more
I think "Bubble Music" is my favorite story from this collection. The word lyrical really captures the feeling of the story.
07/27/2010
Contributor: rexy rexy
Quote:
Originally posted by Kristina Wright
I think "Bubble Music" is my favorite story from this collection. The word lyrical really captures the feeling of the story.
Well, I know where to jump ahead to in the book, now!
07/27/2010
Contributor: Hopeless Romantic Hopeless Romantic
Quote:
Originally posted by Lori Bryant-Woolridge
I agree with you Cole. And that's one of the things that I love about books. There is something for everyone. You can find your flavor if you just look. That's why I don't get upset when someone says they didn't get it or wanted ... more
That's brilliant, just like sex! I do not know how to break it to my husband but we need to spice it up so it does'nt get boring. It always seems like I fullfill his fantasy but when I ask for him to ties me up & put some porn on, tease me, or just get kinky he can't do that for me. I know he wants too but I don't know what happens. Maybe I am missing something.?! I have intorduced toys, vibrators, lotions, oils, whips, ticklers, plugs, all kinds of things. It's almost like it intimidates him to a certain extent. Maybe I am wrong. Maybe we have bad communication. I want to spice it up like I always do which is amazing, but honestly I think he needs to read a book!
07/27/2010
Contributor: Brendada Brendada
Quote:
Originally posted by *Keona*
I'm excited already! I'll have to check it out as soon as I get a copy in my hands. You know a story is good when it makes you want to pick up a pen and just write something. I'm tempted to leave and go pick up a copy and just comment ... more
It is on Kindle but will be odd on the "lead me into temptation" but an erotica journal could come in handy, right?

Both Cole and Lori's books are available in digital but I sure do love me some real paper books!
07/27/2010
Contributor: Jul!a Jul!a
Quote:
Originally posted by Lori Bryant-Woolridge
So i want to know what readers prefer, longer or shorter stories.
I prefer the longer end of short stories. It lets me get into it and enjoy it more if that makes any sense
07/27/2010
Contributor: Lori Bryant-Woolridge Lori Bryant-Woolridge
Quote:
Originally posted by Kristina Wright
Lori ~ Speaking of happy endings... regardless of setting, a lot of African American fiction is categorized as "urban fiction" and is traditionally dark and dystopic. How do you feel about that label and how would you categorize Can't ... more
I get so frustrated by the industry's need to catagorize all A-A fiction into the genre du jour. And I am a consumer as much as I am a supplier and I want to read erotica that I can relate to. I love sex. Sex makes me happy and whole. It's not a scary thing. It's a loving thing. Sometimes it's boring. Sometimes it's frickin' awesome. Sometimes it's loving and sometimes it's angry. But all of the things written in the stories Cole turned down, are all of the things I don't want to read about because they aren't part of my experience. So, I'm not saying don't publish it. I'm saying publish a wider variety.

How would I describe Can't Help? Relateable, realistic, hot and happy sex!! I'm all about my readers relating to the characters and Can't Help features women that I get and want to know, and maybe learn a few tricks from.
07/27/2010
Contributor: Cole Riley Cole Riley
Quote:
Originally posted by Cole Riley
The ordinary and the mundane are our enemies. We need that variety. We need those stolen moments of joy and desire. The society resists but it is being pulled in. It is happening. In society and in our lives too.
As you mature and grow, you leave a lot of things behind. I have written a bunch of dark books when I was the typical thug. Wise mentors and savvy women helped me to gain my emotional and sexual footing. Now, I've seen the other side of experience and my work has evolved.
07/27/2010
Contributor: Jul!a Jul!a
Quote:
Originally posted by *Keona*
Yea I just use those books as coasters
Lmao! That's awesome! I've been fortunate enough to only have these stories online, I'll stick with the old CDs as coasters for now, lol
07/27/2010
Contributor: Hopeless Romantic Hopeless Romantic
Quote:
Originally posted by Lori Bryant-Woolridge
So i want to know what readers prefer, longer or shorter stories.
I think if it is something you are going to use to stimulate your mind and your relationship probably short stories.
07/27/2010
Contributor: *Keona* *Keona*
Quote:
Originally posted by Lori Bryant-Woolridge
So i want to know what readers prefer, longer or shorter stories.
I prefer longer stories since some of the shorter ones leave me wanting more and I know I can't get it. I end up imagining what I think would happen in my head. If its longer then I can live in the story for a while. The only way I wouldn't prefer a longer story is if it dragged on forever with no point.
07/27/2010
Contributor: Kristina Wright Kristina Wright
Quote:
Originally posted by Cole Riley
As you mature and grow, you leave a lot of things behind. I have written a bunch of dark books when I was the typical thug. Wise mentors and savvy women helped me to gain my emotional and sexual footing. Now, I've seen the other side of ... more
Interesting, Cole. So your evolution from the darker books to the more emotionally engaging work you're doing now suggest a move from what's being called "urban fiction" to... what? How would you classify the erotica you are writing and selecting now?
07/27/2010
Contributor: Hopeless Romantic Hopeless Romantic
Quote:
Originally posted by Jul!a
Lmao! That's awesome! I've been fortunate enough to only have these stories online, I'll stick with the old CDs as coasters for now, lol
I thought I was one of the only people in the world who use to use old CD's as coasters. They make awesome coasters
07/27/2010
Contributor: Jul!a Jul!a
Quote:
Originally posted by Hopeless Romantic
I thought I was one of the only people in the world who use to use old CD's as coasters. They make awesome coasters
I've got a few laying around. Sure beats water marks! lol
07/27/2010
Contributor: Cole Riley Cole Riley
Quote:
Originally posted by Cole Riley
As you mature and grow, you leave a lot of things behind. I have written a bunch of dark books when I was the typical thug. Wise mentors and savvy women helped me to gain my emotional and sexual footing. Now, I've seen the other side of ... more
Amen, Lori. I love sex as well. But I love the deep trust and communication that comes with it as well. A good, trusting, supportive partner is worth her weight in gold. The thing I've learned from Lori's book and most of the Cleis books I've read is how wide the sexual experience is.
07/27/2010