Almost eight weeks ago, I was unexpectedly warded and underwent a whole series of tests and an operation. Since then, it has been a slow and painful recovery. I am glad to be back on my feet. Physiotherapy has been painful and expensive but no argument from my end against that.
Following that experience, I am in no hurry to be back on the posting route. I know I have missed posting deadlines but seriously, after what happened two months earlier, I am relearning to re-examine my life and what's really important.
Yes, I will start writing and posting but it'll be at a much slower pace. Meanwhile, here are some links for recent posts including Destroying Fantasies Part 1:
I have been asked (or accused) several times why a feminist (aka moi) would ever write in the Loving Wives category. After all, isn't it all a misogynistic fest? I understand the misgivings some of my female readers and friends have about the category.
As naive as it sounds, I was brought up surrounded by all the traditional ideas about who cheated (men), why they cheated (they're just dirty dogs) and how good women stood by their men and forgave them because women were of a higher caliber than men. The "romances" a friend got me hooked on and the drama I saw around me only reinforced the prejudices. Women who cheated almost never existed, certainly were never heroines. You only had to look at the owner of the fleur de lys brand in The Three Musketeers to understand that the sexually promiscuous women were seen as the ultimate threat to the male identity and even existence.
Of course, the good student that I was imbibed that plus a whole dose of classic feminist theory (second to fourth wave). Didn't burn my bra but certainly made me no fan of the male of the species.
So what changed? What made a feminist write in a category that was seen as the bastion of male rage against the female species? I was aghast at the earliest LW stories I read. I swore off the category for years but upon rethinking some of the storylines, I realised the main themes touched on some of the deepest triggers for me: betrayal, anger and vengeance. I've never bought into the twisted idea that cheating on the part of women is a kind of wrestling control over their sexuality back from the patriarchal structure.
No, control has nothing to do with betrayal. Power over one's body and sexuality has nothing to do with betrayal. If you no longer love someone and have fallen for someone else, the decent thing to do is end things as nicely as possible and walk away. Whatever your gender. The power of choice and decency is true independence. My first efforts at writing in this genre were controversial to say the least and that was reflected in the ratings. There are so many stories I'm still reacting to and am forever grateful to many of the LW legends including Longhorn07, Harddaysknight, Papatoad, TheCelt etc, for the inspiration they have created with their stories.
I intend no offence when I write "sequels" to the stories of of other writers. It is a reflection of the impact of their creative efforts and I don't deny their creative efforts. In fact, I regard any sequels as my tribute to these writers who have inspired me and do not aim to benefit from these storylines. My only aim is mostly to entertain readers with a darker view of love and relationships that explores some unpalatable truths. My latest effort will be posted soon. For a preview, read my other blog:
It's been a crazy couple of weeks filled with work and stress. Some delay has cropped up on the writing side of things because of health issues etc but I'm on course to post a new story soon.
Here's a taster:
"Laughter floated around the little house as he kicked the door open and swung her over the threshold. It was so traditional and yet so new in someone who'd breathe new life in her world. They had known each other for so long yet her eyes had been focused for so long on that no good charmer who had made her heart beat so fast but left her in the dumps when she refused to surrender her body to him. One day, the other guy was charming as could be and the next, he was openly kissing her best friend. Her friend looked embarrassed, he did not. And through the tears, she'd glimpsed the face of real love who would pick up the pieces of her heart and make her whole. It was young love and didn't take long before she was lost in that steady gaze that reflected only her image. Her wounds were licked each time she felt the gaze of the other guy upon her as she kissed the owner of that steady gaze."
Look for the new story on Literotica soon!
I'm off for some comfort food - here's hoping the kimchi soup does some good!
First, a 'big thank you' to readers who actually read the entire story and triple the thanks to those who survived the series! Makes me hopeful that attention spans aren't going the way of the dinosaurs LOL
The trolls waiting for an acerbic response: Sorry to disappoint but I really don't have the time or energy. Then again, if you've got time to spare, you could always go on waiting or you could take the time and write a story for the rest of us. I mean that in the nicest way, really.
As for critics and supporters who've given constructive criticism and suggestions, thank you. I'm not above accepting criticism, it comes with the territory. I've dished out worse to professional authors in my day job, politely of course, - so I guess there's karma huh? I've written to template and for target audiences in various career positions and I'm not inclined to do that in my undercover writing. I'm inspired by the complex of emotions that the LW category provokes. That's why I write in this category in the first place. One commentator came really close to understanding my intentions in this story, much to my surprise (the trolls and brickbats are the usual and the script they spout is so repetitive it's pretty much a cut and paste). And that surprise was supplied by GrandPaM. There were a few others, including those kind enough to send me private messages through the Literotica Feedback mechanism, and rest assured I've read your comments.
This is something I wrote before posting the story and it helps explain why I've written this story.
As explained in an earlier post, I'm currently taking a break from writing because of health issues and also because of work. I'll be back (no, not channelling Arnie, seriously) in October hopefully with three stories : the conclusion to The Original Sin (non-LW), my Shakespeare tribute piece that will also be my foray into sci-fi LW (haha, think that'll send the trolls crazy??) and a piece that will be an original LW. The other LW stories, many of them sequels, are on hold currently. Destroying Fantasies taught me the dangers of going into overdrive on something that provokes such intense emotions in me. Guess that's why the series is so "long-winded" and "over the top" LOL
Before ending this post, I'll like to thank beta readers who've been real patient all this while. In particular, DFWBeast who's been way more patient and supportive than expected. And to thank readers, there'll be a contest set up - watch for the release and giveaway!
So far, I've refrained from actually responding to comments and feedback sent through emails and through the comments section on the story. That is, apart from readers who specifically requested responses via email. I've found from experience that responding to positive or negative comments merely encourage the trolls. I do thank all who took the time to give a considered feedback. As for the haters/doubters - Whatever your intentions, I prefer to give you the benefit of the doubt.
There was, however, one strand of comment that left me wondering just how did that impression come about.
Let me be clear about one thing: I do not find infidelity, adultery and cheating sexy or romantic. So there is no chance that I could ever romanticise a situation that contains these elements. Is there anger? Yes. Is that anger romanticised? No. I do not
support or endorse violence in any way. I've been on the receiving end of violence so romanticising violence is about as palatable as soggy fries floating in tea.
Revenge fascinates me. The stripping down of Man's layers of civility to basic, raw emotions is potentially mesmerising - it's what drew me to theatre and the cinema for years! Is the exploration of all these emotions and ideas done in an OTT way in my
work? Let me be honest, hell, yes. Though I might never reach the same level as the works and artists I admire, I do not shy away from the darker side of things.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, fair enough if you don't like my work. I have varied tastes, HEA is fine but I appreciate a touch of the melodramatic (read OTT) that Euripides’s Medea and Zola's Thérèse Raquin provide. And you can only
imagine what my reaction to Seneca’s Phaedra is LOL
If your reading palette extends beyond pastel cotton candy and cayenne pepper chocolate, try reading my work. it's not easy reading but who knows you may like it! Here's the link.
Everyone else, venture no further, such reading is not for the faint of heart or short
attention spans!
And the knives are out, so friends looking to support me, read and vote! BTW, I know some readers who commented didn't read the complete story which shows in the comments made LOL
Reading and writing cheating wives or LW stories has had great impact
on me. Most readers and friends would know by now that I've avoided
the genre for ages. Then I read a couple, was aghast, then read a few
more and was hooked. Now, I guess I'm obsessed in the same way I was
obsessed by revenge tragedies.
For me, it's all about the themes of betrayal and consequences, more
often than not revenge. I'm not a misogynist, let me make that clear.
I've always been a feminist and I despise those who think women are
too dumb or weak to think and decide for themselves.
This, of course, means I strongly dislike LW stories where the wife is
too dumb to refrain from cheating or betraying her spouse.Seriously,
do the deed, face the consequences.
Having said that, I do think people who cheat or are unfaithful can be
prone to delusions or illusory justification of their actions. Some
people do say "it's not how it looks" because they really don't see it
that way. They've built up a whole illusion that helps them justify
their betrayal because the truth is too hard to swallow.
Cheating wives or LW is a genre which provokes some of the worst
responses and reactions from people because it is gut wrenching to
realise that you cannot trust the person you thought you loved and
swore to be with for better or worse. And that after forsaking all
others.
For me it's so gut wrenching that I cannot read or listen to certain
stuff without feeling the indignation or the fire.
Take Heart's All I wanna do is make love to you. It's an old song but
people still react in controversial ways to the song. I'm glad in a
way that the lead singer and members of the group don't like the song
in terms of the content. To be frank I've never been too comfortable
with the song lyrics.
Look, is the lead character really wanted a baby and the guy she's in
love with can't give her kids, there's always a sperm bank. She didn't
have to fuck a stranger, a young good-looking virile stranger. That
she dies says as much about her as it does about her opinion of her
lover or husband.
It gets worse because the second stanza goes on to talk about how the
stranger she fucks did everything right and "brought out the woman in"
her "so many times" "easily". Here's where it gets murky, if she
fucked a stranger to get pregnant, was it necessary for her to enjoy
the process and isn't her vicarious gushing over the prowess of her
one night stand. It gets worse because she goes on to talk about
"loving arms to hold onto" and refers to their fucking as "making
love". So where does that leave the man she supposedly is in love
with?
And that note she leaves the stranger made me choke - flower and seed
- seriously, why the need to justify or beautify the whole sordid one
night stand. It gets worse, she tells him in the note he will "live in
her memories" and he'll "always be there". Hands up anyone else who
thinks the betrayal is complete? First physical and sexual. Then
emotional and mental.
Of course, the stranger himself finds himself betrayed indirectly when
he happened to go the same way some years later. He finds he's been
sperm donor for the woman's child. And that she only wanted that from
him. That he was also a great fuck was bonus apparently. Oh and she's
in love with another man. Really??
How do you love someone and betray them so thoroughly? For those who
think I'm too hard on the woman - if the circumstances were reversed
and she can't have kids, would it be ok for the man to go out and fuck
some female, get her pregnant (oh and declare it was a great fuck
experience) and then present the woman he loves with the situation and
the kid? Hell no! It's not acceptable for a man or a woman though I
can already see women going like "well, men would behave this way
because they're pigs or dogs".
Suffice to say I won't accept this from anyone - male or female. It's
clearly selfish betrayal no matter how you look at it.
It's that time of year again when many celebrate and some reflect on the year that's been. It's been quite a year for me. Started writing and publishing in the second quarter of the year. Made a few new friends online. Started a more active social media presence. And started on genres that I never thought I'd ever dare to touch.
Themes of betrayal have always fascinated me and I guess it shows through the work. I've always liked Alexandre Dumas' work. That was a major driving force behind the effort to learn French, which is still a work in progress, stalled by lack of time and resources. I miss French classes and French cinema! Even the declensions, which drive me up the walls!
Revenge for the betrayal suffered has been a unchanging principle for me perhaps because I've seen betrayal early in life. Some have jokingly attributed that to the horoscope ^^ LOL
Yet I prefer to think of it as an Old Testament thing, you know the part of the bible that provides all the drama and brimstone (plus fodder for Hollywood blockbusters!). Mind you, I like a happily ever after like most but I can't accept one that occurs because one party was hoodwinked or unfairly dealt with. If this offends you, please do not read my recent work. Those not offended by some brimstone, please read on!
Real life: started a new job earlier this year, contemplating moving as the wanderlust beckons and I'm ready to start looking earnestly.
If circumstances allow, I'll return to the Continent soon and may even go back to school, I know, I know, I'm addicted to the freedom of student life, but hopefully, I'll be in less claustrophobic surroundings, another experience of dreaming spires madness is not quite for me!
Hopefully, there'll be time to breathe in the new year and I'm looking forward to a little break so don't miss me too much!
Hope to post one last story before the year ends - I'm unusually hesitant about the story because it has my guts roiling and I'm afraid what that might cause in my dark/twisted imagination LOL read and find out!
Lastly, here's wishing a really wonderful holiday season to all readers and keep reading and giving feedback! I've donated most of my holiday budget to charity and no cards going out this season I'm afraid but I'm sure you won't mind since a vulnerable individual or family out there will be eating and warmer this season!
Apparently, my Christmas story is out : Have fun! From the comments, the knives are drawn LOL! Maybe I should bring out the turkey hurhurhur!
Hope everyone's having a good lead up to the holidays! My new story should be up soon, but for those who can't wait, here's the link to a sneak preview:
It's been a hell of a week, had quite a "reception" on BTB Forum : Founder's Story. Had to rethink the plot for Airbag Thanksgiving Absolution which took extra time, so (hopefully) the conclusion will be posted later today!
Song number 9 goes to a friend who's been nice enough to be supportive this week - you should recognise this song - Happy for you that you've found happiness, am guessing the story with the title of the song is the one closest to you! Envy of the rest of us still treading the broken road but still really happy for you!
Oh boy, think I've just stepped on a Literotica landmine, the first comments on the latest work I've submitted is eoouch! Then again, oh well, it has to happen sometime I guess. :p
So just in case anyone wants to see what the slams are about, here's the link
Thank you to all readers who've read and given feedback on Behind the Screaming Headlines. Am working on another and trying to fulfill promises though that looks increasingly difficult!
About to post my first ever Loving Wives story on Literotica. Final edits which I hate. Which is ironic considering my day job. Just in case the website refuses to post asap. Here's the taster! And yes, older, probably not wiser, so thanks for the greets!
Behind The Screaming Headlines
This is my first attempt at writing a Loving Wives story. It was based on or inspired by a celebrity whose life was embroiled in scandal some years back but it’s not a retelling of her story, rather an active re-imagining of her life. Originally intended as a novella, life and distraction intervened, so apologies for what is likely to be a read riddled with gaps and questionable relevance.
I tried not to wince but it was near impossible. However accustomed you may be to seeing your name in the media, when it’s coupled with the words “cheating slut”, it’s never a pleasant affair.
They had got it all wrong naturally. I suppose, after all the years of being in the business, it was to be expected. And in retrospect, it was a small price to pay for the vengeance I had exacted.
Lifestyle guru cheated on husband!
Sordid affair revealed!
I regret this betrayal of a good friend!
It was all there in the screaming headlines. And I knew the picture presented to the public was of an adulteress running away from public attention and condemnation because of her scandalous deeds. Frankly, I could give a damn but didn't. I simply drove with little in mind other than relief that my long plan for vengeance was almost over and I was finally out of it all. I looked into the rear view mirror at my teenage daughter and son and suddenly, I just felt tired. All the scheming and pretense simply to fulfill that deal Patrick had made to secure our future. The years of guilt and acting had taken their toll and I was just drained.
****
And because I can't go for the concert
Like the cheesiness of it all, even the hair. Hey I liked Macgyver lol!
Yet another week and the end of the lovely weekend! Would it be childish of me to wish I didn't have to go back to work? After all the classes taught over the weekend, I've barely had time to breathe!
Made some new friends over the last few weeks in the online writing community and am actively considering doing an erotic horror cheating wives story lol Be careful what you ask for DFWBeast!
Before the "horror" emerges, here's another excerpt from a sequel to a cheating wives story that I'm working on. The back story is Ellen had a lustful encounter with Stu on a business trip and when she finds out she's pregnant, she assumes Stu is the father id the child and her insistence on keeping the child drives a wedge between Ekken and her husband Rob. Unknown to Rob, Elklen had several more lust-filled encounters with Stu. Eventually, Ellen reconciles with Rob and rejects further advances from Stu. This is the original plot from Just Plain Bob's great "Rob and Ellen" series and the reason why I've dared to venture on a sequel is because I feel bad for Rob. Ellen got away with everything and has little to no remorse over her behaviour and despite the risk of sounding like a "conservative" - it ain't right. This excerpt is about 1/5 into the sequel I'm still working on. Enjoy!
He was finally showing his true colours as he towered over me and I cringed, waiting for more. Rob stepped between us. Stu turned his fury on Rob. The ugly sneer on his face was accompanied by his disgusting jibes. "What's the matter Rob? Cant keep your wife satisfied and too pussy whipped to let her go?" Even as he swung his fist, Rob caught him mid swing and told the deputies who were rushing to the mêlée," You're all witnesses. He's attacked my ife and has attempted to attack me." As Stu was led away by he deputies, he aimed a look of chilling hatred at Rob and me. "You're not getting away with this!" His lawyer blustered after him as Rob looked at him and shook his head before remembering that I was still n the ground. "Are you ok?" Rob's gruff voice almost brought me to tears. "Yeah, I'm fine." "You should get some ice on that cheek. It's gonna bruise bad."
The NSFW version is on my other blog, enjoy! goo.gl/SXywEX
Been working on cheating wives story collection while battling sleep deprivation, exhaustion and depression - yup, not happy bunny here :(
Nevertheless, here's an exclusive peek at The Payback.
Some background information: Steve, the protagonist of the story, has had a terrible year and a half. His wife of 24 years had decided to embark on a journey of sexual discovery with a stranger and while she has refused to divulge the identity of her adulterous lover, Steve has known the identity of her lover for some time plus a few rather unpalatable details. For better understanding, please read the original story 'Hypocrite or Cuckold' by StormX on Literotica which inspired this followup piece. If anyone is unhappy with the story please blame me, as StormX has played no part in the twist in this followup and I'm grateful for his original story which has inspired this short story. This is but the intro and the NSFW part will be on my other blog http://eroftasy.blogspot.com/2015/10/the-payback-preview.html. Enjoy this raw preview:
The Payback
What do you say to the guy who has made you a cuckold? That was the
question Steve faced when he came face-to-face with Bill Jackson at
the company social event for clients and potential service providers.
It had been 10 months since Cindy, Steve's loving wife, had ended her
"exploration" journey and hence her relationship with Bill Jackson.
Steve was surprised to find himself quite calm when he found himself
shaking the hand of the man who had been a principal source of the
cracks in his marriage.Yes, Steve had made efforts to put aside all
the obstacles, hurt and raw pain that resulted from his wife's journey
and decisions. Cindy had been nothing if not eager to please and
smooth over the fissures that had appeared in their married life.
The first month back was the most painful as the couple made
adjustments. Within a week of Cindy's return, Steve realised the first
casualty of Cindy's decision. Trust. After the euphoria of regaining
his wife, Steve found himself sinking into a dark valley of doubt and
insecurity. It started with his review of Cindy's affair. Having discovered
that she had run around behind his back for 2 months( only, at least
according to her) before she confessed and brought his world crashing
around his shoulders, Steve realised he no longer trusted his wife.
After struggling with himself for a few days, he decided to reactivate
Ricky the PI who had gathered the information /evidence from Cindy's 9
month affair. Well, he counted it as 9 months since he was pretty sure
his wife hadn't jumped into bed with Jackson on first date, or at
least he was willing to give the slut whore the benefit of the doubt.