I was coming down from my writing a book hangover a few weeks ago and I noticed something shocking on my Facebook feed. I saw that there were a lot of free books and promotions from Indie authors whose genre was short story erotica. I was intrigued and slightly disturbed at some of the book titles, taglines, and wording that were used. Now I’m not talking Fifty Shades, I’m talking about 40-60 pages of very graphic sex.

I’m not a prude by any means. Any person who has read my books knows that I use profanity liberally and I also blur the lines between erotica and mainstream while writing love scenes but this shocked even me. I started thinking about the subject and decided to investigate. I found out short story erotic novellas are very happening right now and so that lead me to ponder something.

Who is buying these books?

I asked around and no one would own up to it. All of the woman I put this question to seemed to say that they needed to have an emotional connection to a story and they had no use for smut. Ok, I thought, so again I ask, who are these women that are buying these particular short stories?

Let’s break it down, shall we? Now I personally think that some of the stories are ridiculous. For example; if a man burst into my dressing room at a store, I would not offer to model lingerie for him and then proceed to have him perform somewhat violent sexual acts on me and make me call him sir. I would yell profanities and threaten to knock his teeth out. I also would not think too kindly to have three men proposition me in a bar and have a four way.

If three strangers came up to me and said anything of the sort, I would laugh hysterically before throwing a drink in all of their faces.

But, is this the point to these books? Are woman finally allowed to indulge their fantasies without having to leave the comforts of their own home?

Reading books are safe. You don’t have to worry about meeting some psycho in a bar or have anxiety over picking up some random guy or girl (or both) to partake in your secret daydreams. You can stay home, snuggle up in bed, and pleasure yourself if you so desire without having to worry about sketchy partners or the ridicule of society.

I know that this next question can make some of us squirm but it is one that must be asked. Are we secretly sluts? Is monogamy really realistic or are these books simply a way for us to have our cake and eat it too? After all, we’re not doing anything wrong but getting caught up in a mindless albeit steamy story? It’s harmless, right?

I then started to think that maybe this is part of a whole new sexual revolution for woman. For decades now, men have had Playboy and Penthouse and we woman have had to bring these men back down to reality. No, breasts are not that full and perky without the help of silicone. Nope, I’m pretty sure I or anyone else I know has never participated in 99% of the ‘True Stories’ that men have written into these magazines and a big Hell no that a woman has a loud, throaty moaning orgasm every single time during sex.

But do men now have their own competition to deal with? Almost every story features a sexy, ripped billionaire who can make all our dreams come true. They can whisk the heroine away, arrange 3 or 4 ways and watch without getting jealous or territorial. They never fart or get anything on their shirts while eating. They buy expensive gifts and have a sexual prowess that is truly impressive.

I also have another observation and I’m sure I will receive a backlash from the author community but have these stories now become a gateway for people to make a quick buck? I mean let’s be honest, 40-60 pages of graphic sex is something probably any teenager can write. Are some of these books written by frat boys who are trying to make money for their weekly beer pong party?

I hate to diminish any writer and their stories. I think it’s important that Indie authors support one another but I have a hard time generating enthusiasm for someone who almost makes a mockery of literature. I’m not saying that every single erotic author sucks. I have read some pretty good stories that have shown a great balance of not only having a great storyline but also hot sex scenes. I’m just weary of these short story novellas that provide nothing as far as substance.

But is that the point? Is this a way for us woman to get a quick fix and go on about our busy lives? How many of us have the time to read a 300 page book in a few days? Is this now the new quickie? Are these writers providing us with a service?

I know that’s a lot of questions but I think at the end of the day, maybe this means that we as woman readers finally have it all. We can read Jane Austen one day and the next we can read ‘The Slutty Submissive’ (I apologize to the author if that’s a real title). We can fantasize about men like Christian Grey but silently tell ourselves that if a man used a switch on us like that, we wouldn’t lose sleep or ten pounds over him.

So, is smut here to stay? Are we sluts? Is this a feminine revolution?

I think it’s yes to all of the above. I also believe that whatever floats your boat is ok with me but remember fantasy is just that. It’s an unrealistic realm in which we dream about. The reality of a good man or woman who will hold you when you’re sick and look at you at your worst with love, is what really the ultimate love story truly is in this crazy world.

I think it’s sexy when my husband empties the dishwasher so maybe I’m not the best judge 😉