I wasn't sure whether I wanted to share this story, but I thought, why not. I received a cancellation this week with a note (they shall remain anonymous) that he felt it was far too long between sex scenes. That he was put off early on because a character used the word "Fortnite", since no one uses that word anymore. Wondered if English was my first language. He wasn't the first to point this out to me, which I find... perplexing.
Who would think this story is set in modern day?
I've tried to be clear with everyone that this is not a fuck fest, which has a story. It is a story that has occasional sex. As far as Fortnite is concerned, that comment rendered every other criticism to be outright null and void.
The Laqueus Amulet is a gay story that has sex, yes. It moves slower than fuck comics because the story comes first. Supplementing the lack thereof with Pin-Ups and short stories. One must do some sexy stuff, I mean, I'm a man, and I'm gay.
If you are here just for the sex, are you not happier when it does happen? There's nothing wrong with that viewpoint, in my opinion.
Bernard and Cole, for example, are based on a real-life couple. Loosely based on looks, but the difference is clear. "Bernard", in real life, is big, hairy, muscular, and a bit of a belly, while his husband of 15 years is hairless, thin, and, dare I say, even a bit pretty for a guy. How they met is in the story, sort of... which reflects how they met in real life. Bernard played on a gay rugby team, and Cole is a physical therapist. Nature took it from there.
I don't have a large audience. I struggle to retain 80 dedicated followers at any point. Which isn't horrible when you think there are at least that many who are actually reading my work and investing in both the story and characters.
When I set out to do this story, I wanted to have an eclectic assortment of couples. Big with small, beast and men, big men with effeminate men, beast and beast, two big men together, two who want to have their options open.
You can please some of the people some of the time, but you can please all the people all the time.
That saying often comes to mind. And although I didn't create this story and its characters to please most, I did so for inclusionary purposes, and based my characters on actual friends and acquaintances, sometimes even including their likeness. There are three in this story (four now, I should say, I think you know who you are) based on their likeness. I always ask for permission first.
Anyway, I digress...
I am a creative. I love painting, drawing, 3d art, and making music. It's what I've been doing professionally for over 30 years. Won Cleo's in advertising, worked with SCEA (Sony Computer Entertainment America), and given lectures on art and design. There is one thing that links all creatives: difficulty when receiving criticism. It's difficult NOT to take it personally. I am only referring to personal projects.
I want you all to know how much I appreciate you! I'm not just saying it for the sake of saying it. I really do. I even made a few friends from this, which makes up for so much more than anything else. I can't tell you how excited I get when I receive a personal message, or even a comment on a post. It's like fuel that keeps me going. And questions about the story or characters are like an orgasm!
Sorry, got a bit chatty, haven't I?