Comments on: Condoms and the Romance Writer

By: Gabriele

Gabriele — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 11:01:42 +0000

Yes, Shelley, they do. Of course, we have the word Kondom, too, but the others are more fun.

By: Shelley Munro

Shelley Munro — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 07:04:43 +0000

Gabriele – they words mean condom?

Julia – I’ve read quite a few erotic historical romances where condoms were used. Mr. Casanova used to use them, I believe.

Thanks, Titania. It’s funny how readers are different. I tend to get jerked out of the story if a condom isn’t used or mentioned, but I have to agree. Romances are fantasies that sweep us away from the real world or a bad day at work!

Pussreboots – There are quite a few Harlequin romances that use the secret baby/pregnancy plot where condoms fail or have been forgotten in the heat of the moment. It’s a great premise when handled well.

Jane – you’re a bit like me. I definitely notice the absence.

Amy – that’s the beauty of writing sci-fi – making up our own rules and worlds.

Hi Estella – I’ve read some very sexy condom scenes. Some erotic romance writers do this really well.

Amy W – wow, thank you for both the award and the compliment!

By: Amy W.

Amy W. — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 20:41:41 +0000

Wow, cool topic. I have to say I’m dead on with you as far as condoms go. (Might be why you’re one of my favorites!) In a contemporary romance I think it’s irresponsible of the author not to use one, there are occasions it’s ok, but more often than not I want them to be responsible. I mean if they aren’t man/woman enough to take responsibility, protect themselves and their partner then in my mind they aren’t hero/heroine worthy. Wonderful topic!

Oh swing by my blog when you get a chance I have an award for you!
Hugs,
-Amy W.

By: Estella

Estella — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 20:16:54 +0000

The use of a condom in a scene doesn’t bother me, if it is written into the story well.

By: Amy Ruttan

Amy Ruttan — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 20:04:29 +0000

It depends on what you’re writing. Contemporaries yes. Historicals, no not really.

And it depends how you work it for a Sci Fi thriller. :D STD’s being eradicated is perfect. Zannie Adams in Hold quite simply mentioned in hers by the heroine saying “Thank god my yearly birth control shot was up to date” or something like that.

I have no issues, if it’s worked right and doesn’t pull you out of the story.

By: Jane

Jane — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 19:46:25 +0000

I think condoms in fiction are appropriate and they don’t bother me. I do notice when there is no condom in the scene.

By: Titania Ladley

Titania Ladley — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 19:45:03 +0000

Very interesting topic, Shelley! For me, while I’ve included them a few times if I felt it would somehow enhance the scene, I prefer not to write or read about condoms at all. It jerks me right out of the story when they’re included, so I guess since I look at reading as a take-me-away fantasy, I just prefer to think of it as something I *assume* they’re using, yet a thing that’s not focused on as part of the mechanics of lovemaking. But with a story like FANCY FREE where condoms are part of the plot—now that’s a totally different thing. I would definitely expect and want to read about them being used in the loves scenes in that case. Congrats on the release, by the way. Excellent premise!

Titania

By: pussreboots

pussreboots — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:55:15 +0000

I don’t read many romances but I applaud books when they do include condoms or the consequences of not using them. For instance… Forgive Me by Amanda Eyre Ward (not exactly a romance) deals in part with an unexpected pregnancy because of a previous condomless sex scene.

By: julia

julia — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:11:58 +0000

I usually read historicals, so condom use has never been present in the books I’ve read. As for writing, I’ve only written historical and paranormal, and it never crossed my mind to include them. The types of characters I write would assume that their own virtuous behaviour excludes STD’s, whether that was true or not (LOL!)

By: Gabriele

Gabriele — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 14:49:59 +0000

Well, I’ve said it before I’m not fond of condoms in ficton. It’s FICTION, after all, and to me it reads like a political manisfesto.

But then, I scarcely read contemporary to begin with. And sure there are exceptions; if condoms are part of the PLOT, I don’t mind them in the sex scenes.

For fun, here are some words for it used in German speaking countries: Lümmeltüte, Verhüterli, Gummi (the last one refers to the material and isn’t erotic at all, imho).