Readers' Requests

Here's a response to the many readers' requests and queries about Destroying Fantasies Part 1: Part 1 is now on another blog which may be accessed via the following links

https://eroftasy.blogspot.com/2017/07/destroying-fantasies-11.html

https://eroftasy.blogspot.com/2017/07/destroying-fantasies-12.html (will only be live on Friday!)

Enjoy! Still muddling over the review edit.


I suddenly understand how Peppermint Patty feels about homework!

Inspiration

Inspiration comes in many forms and Literotica has pointed me in certain directions many times and recently, it was in the direction of this article https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/11/magazine/is-an-open-marriage-a-happier-marriage.html 


Now, it could be the perspective of the writer but the wife's reaction or lack of at times was disturbing and spoke of selfish desires that overrode the considerations of others. She finds problems in her husband's character and other relationship but is apparently capable of excusing obvious problems in her other lover. It is almost a classic LW story and I hope to write a sequel to it soon :)

In other news, I'm still waiting for response from some beta readers but barring unexpected delays, the story should be posted soon 😄 I'll be preoccupied with work conferences for the next fortnight, so readers following me on social media, hope you won't get too bored of the temporary silence LOL

Reaction To Comments

Finally pushed out the piece that I'd written near the end of last year. Everything has been delayed because of a combination of time crunch, exhaustion and illness.

The feedback has been interesting. Here are some points of feedback I'd like to deal with here:

• Wordy: I've heard this numerous times and I'm not quite sure what it implies. I've gone from posting eight to four to two pages. I'm not sure how less wordy I can get.  Should I hit the return key more often after a one-liner? Lol 

• No action/going no where/too much telling: Not to be a smartass but conclusions are not meant to introduce something new unless you're writing a lead-in for the next installment. They are supposed to conclude. And narrative, by definition,  is telling.  Technically, unless you're producing a video or illustration,  there's no show.  The "show" that readers often refer to is still descriptive. Remember,  there's no show and tell script in operation here.  

• Repetition: I agree with some of the comments on there being repetition. For me, that is a replication (yes,  pun intended) of the process of event and memory where memory replays the event and evokes or adds new layers of meaning  and emotion to an event or symbol.  

I thank all readers for their feedback, good intentions or otherwise. In particular,  I thank the LW greats and legends who have taken the time to lend me their opinions - a virtual kiss for y'all! Don't be a stranger now!

Empowerment

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: 

http://eroftasy.blogspot.com/2017/02/exclusive-preview-of-moving-on.html

Enjoy and have a good Valentine's.

Happy Halloween!

A Happy Halloween to readers! Equally happy Diwali to all Hindu friends!

Readers may wish to get into the mood of the season by having a read of my controversial sequel to StangStar06's Airbag Thanksgiving, very imaginatively named Airbag Thanksgiving: Absolution  which is available on both Literotica (https://www.literotica.com/s/airbag-thanksgiving-absolution) as well as my blog Fantasmes Érotiques (http://eroftasy.blogspot.com/2015/11/airbag-thanksgiving-absolution_29.html) it's long and split into several posts, so please approach with caution! Please do not read without having first read StangStar06's original work!

And in the spirit of Treat and Treat (yes, I don't intend to trick readers!) here's your chance to win shifter romances via shifter romance author Kim Fox, please click on the following link http://gvwy.io/h5i89cn  and enter for a chance to win 15 shifter romances from 15 noted shifter authors!

Have fun!

Response to comments on Pieces of a Marriage

Thank you to readers and friends who left constructive criticism and suggestions. As said, I'm open to comments that help me become a better writer. I'm, however, not receptive to abuse. If trolls are using the comments section to vent, then I feel bad for them. Seriously, there's a big world out there, plenty of other hobbies available. The 1* bombers - well, you're spending your time (and indirectly) your money on an agenda that gets you nowhere and exposes your IP address. And basically, I don't respond to anonymous posts/comments. If you have something to say that's worth someone responding, I'm assuming you'll put your name on it or send it via email with your email address.

In any case, my message to readers leaving feedback, please don't do the following:

1) Attack other readers and writers in comments. It's not healthy or respectful. I respect the fact that every reader is entitled to their own opinion, so please respect the opinions of others.

2) Don't leave comments that reflect the fact that you haven't read the piece that you're commenting on. I know my other pieces of writing are long. But if you're saying a piece that's about 1 page is long-winded, I think you need to ask yourself why you're reading it. You need a genre that is suited to your reading requirements.

There was a certain trend in the comments that was interesting: sbrooks103x was probably not the first to comment on it but that comment drew responses. Equal blame - to put it simply - was at the crux of the "problem" some readers have with the piece.


I get the eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth impulse that drives revenge - believe me that no fan of Dumas could possibly not have an appreciation of that. That said, my question(s) is (are( as follow(s):
A) Measurement of blame apportionment

What would be an appropriate apportionment of blame? 60/40? 80/20? 90.5/9.5? It reminds me of situations where things are screwed up and no one is doing anything to redeem the situation. Why? Everyone's too busy apportioning blame. Granted if there's a lawsuit and there's the issue of recompense, blame apportionment could make a difference.

B) Following from an accurate apportionment of blame, would we be mired next in an apportionment of revenge too? In other words, we'll have revenge sought and served that is proportionate to the blame/offence. Really? How do you measure? A pound of flesh for x amount of offence? Being a little too specific doesn't do too much for the outcome. You're liable to end up as Shylock, who for all his smarts is ultimately exploited and put at the mercy of his enemies.

If readers want a reminder of the consequences of an exacting revenge BTB, you might want to read BTB Forum which most critics unanimously agreed was way OTT. I'm not mad at readers, ok, maybe those who condemn before they even read what they are critising.

Frankly, I'm grateful there are readers who like the stories. Equally grateful for readers who take the time to tell me what could be improved. So watch for more posts, I'm hoping to get some out before the end of the year. Have fun and keep the feedback coming!

I'm off to stuff my face - yes, again LOL

Checking in on Blog Readers

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!

New LW reads

No, you didn't read that wrong, at least not as far as the title goes. I'm still on that hiatus from LW and writing - hey mortal me needs some recovery time. The last time I inadvertently broke the rule and read some LW, I immediately felt the itch to write. With all the pain and meds I'm on, the likelihood of a torturous and tortuous piece is highly likely so in the interest of readers and based on the feedback, it's probably a good thing that I'm on this hiatus. 

That said, a friend DFWBeast has just posted his latest work and it's a sequel ( I wish I could have written ) to a story from another writer Harddaysknight whom I admire. Have fun reading!

And don't forget to read my stories too!

Meanwhile, I'll watch cheese mature..

Destroying Fantasies - The Response

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.

http://judithloewe.blogspot.com/2016/08/why-i-wrote-destroying-fantasies.html

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!

Have a good summer everyone!

The Destroying Fantasies Giveaway

Destroying Fantasies will be released as an ebook before the end of 2016. Parts that had to be cut from the postings on Literotica will be added to this version and a new epilogue will be written. Yes, just imagine, it was even longer in its original form! I'll run a giveaway for Literotica readers based on responses to the following in part 3:

1) Spot the grammar mistake that made it past 2 sets of software. I kept the mistake in the story posted to see if readers would spot it.  Hint: It's near the end and in a sentence that has Lisa in it.

2) Spot the time wrinkle. Hint: It has to do with Jackson's past. And not the timeline in relation to the children.

3) There are three bad jokes strewn throughout part 3. The most obvious is one to do with an organization that encourages infidelity. Name that organization.


Only responses filed through the private message function on Literotica Feedback mechanism with valid email addresses will be considered. Do NOT put your response in the public comments section. There will be five winners who will get a free copy of the ebook and one among the five who will also get an Amazon gift card worth US$25.

If there are sufficient numbers, there'll be a lucky draw! Contest open till 31 August 2016, results to be announced on this blog on 3 September.

This is my 'thank you' to the Literotica community! Enjoy!

Why I wrote Destroying Fantasies

Why did I write Destroying Fantasies?

When I first read the original story of Ashley in The Man Next Door, I was appalled. Despite being a feminist, I found that I could not stomach the careless and callous manner in which Ashley indulged in her adulterous affair. She showed almost no remorse and apart from bellyaching about how she was scarred by the whole affair and fallout, she merely reveled in her 'scars'. Her husband, Will, was merely a tool and background for her great fantasies to play out against.

I was appalled not just by the shallowness of the female protagonist but also by the comments that supported her. A strong and empowered female doesn't need to empower herself through the betrayal of another. Nor does she require male reassurance of her attractive qualities through approval (and presumably through an adulterous lover) from male counterparts.  As a feminist, I shuddered to think fellow feminists viewed Ashley's betrayal as empowerment.

Then again. these aren't perfect characters, more so in Ashley's case. She was attracted by the guy in the original and even with what she learns in Destroying Fantasies, I doubt she'll fully see the truth till faced with callous reality. So that session with Jackass was the final part of the disillusionment, the betrayer is betrayed, the act of betrayal is reversed and becomes an assault on the unfaithful wife physically and psychologically.

Betrayal, regardless of the gender of the perpetrator, is never sexy. I set out to write Destroying Fantasies because I needed to give Will a voice. Yes, he isn't a knight in shining armour nor is he an all out hero. He's as broken as they come and shaped by the choices he makes. Hopefully readers will appreciate the flawed male protagonist in my sequel.

Responses to comments on Destroying Fantasies Part 2

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! 

Destroying Fantasies Pt 2

Just in case anyone is still waiting for Part 2 of Destroying Fantasies, It's out. Readers beware: it's wordy!

 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

A Letter to Readers

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!

Rollercoaster

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!


Here's my way of apologising:

My NightTime Music List 

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!

Ok, off to hopefully keep the promise on time!

Stepping on a Literotica landmine

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

https://www.literotica.com/s/btb-forum-founder-s-story

Warning: contains themes of infidelity, incest and vengeance.

Have fun, just don't slam any harder :)

For me, it's back to work. Maybe salvage things or at least not make it worse?

Older Not Wiser

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Upcoming

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!

Exclusive Peek at The Payback

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.

The Original Sin Update

It's been a crazy few days, I've resigned and am between jobs right now. It's for the best, just not the best feeling in the world. The downside is the job hunt begins, the upside is I'm leaving a horribly toxic atmosphere.

For readers (where would I be without you?), alternate story arc update will soon be available on Literotica. Read The Original Sin Chp 1 and 2 before reading Chp3 :) Marguerite and Henry will be forced to part soon and dark, dark revenge will soon be upon some members of the Brotherhood.

Part 3 of the original story A Step Into Darkness is now on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited. Part 1 and 2 are also available on Amazon, Google Play and iTunes among others!