Let's talk about sex
I just finished a romance novel that had quite a few sex scenes. I wasn't expecting it based on the book description and, to be honest, I didn't realize from the back cover it was a romance. But once again I have to wonder what you expect when you read a cozy.
According to the general "rules" for cozy mysteries there is no graphic sex or violence. Of course, you might want to inquire as to who sets these rules and who determines what is graphic! Perhaps a better word would be explicit. Is it necessary to move the story forward? Do the scenes add to the reader's understanding of the characters?
Consider how you would feel about a character who randomly selects partners, has one night affairs and kicks them to the curb before the sun comes up. Now compare that character to someone who holds potential love interests at arm's length and never lets alone get close. Aren't they both the same? Neither is able to make a commitment, perhaps due to his or her history or fear. Both may try to form a relationship but are not able to succeed. If the author goes into detail about the first character's behavior in the bedroom does that really make your comprehension of the character any more in depth?
The next time you read a scene where the characters jump (or leap or dash) into the bedroom, consider whether it adds to the experience or if it was simply a way for the author to fill the pages. If you are reading a romance you expect sex, but if you are reading a mystery, does sex increase the reader's ability to figure out whodunit?
Happy trails,
Leslie
According to the general "rules" for cozy mysteries there is no graphic sex or violence. Of course, you might want to inquire as to who sets these rules and who determines what is graphic! Perhaps a better word would be explicit. Is it necessary to move the story forward? Do the scenes add to the reader's understanding of the characters?
Consider how you would feel about a character who randomly selects partners, has one night affairs and kicks them to the curb before the sun comes up. Now compare that character to someone who holds potential love interests at arm's length and never lets alone get close. Aren't they both the same? Neither is able to make a commitment, perhaps due to his or her history or fear. Both may try to form a relationship but are not able to succeed. If the author goes into detail about the first character's behavior in the bedroom does that really make your comprehension of the character any more in depth?
The next time you read a scene where the characters jump (or leap or dash) into the bedroom, consider whether it adds to the experience or if it was simply a way for the author to fill the pages. If you are reading a romance you expect sex, but if you are reading a mystery, does sex increase the reader's ability to figure out whodunit?
Happy trails,
Leslie
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