email post - a musing on "heroes"

[erastes]

I have to say, I was vastly amused by this call for submissions



http://www.imajinnbooks.com/silk&magic_guidelines.htm



In keeping with the nature of *all* books ImaJinn publishes, a story or
novel appropriate for our erotica line will be, first and foremost, a
romance. The main plot of the story should be the sensual development of an
intimate relationship between one man and one woman, who are both heroic in
stature (i.e., possessing high moral standards) and who ultimately make a
commitment to each other. We are not looking for multiple partner
relationships; the relationship must be monogamous



Heroic in stature (i.e. possessing high moral standards)



Hmmmmm.........



Setting aside that this really limits a writer's scope (and what a bloody
stuffed shirt you'd end up with with those guidelines) I have to think of
all the heroes we know and wonder if any of them are "of high moral
standards"? Would they get accepted to that market?


Even the really heroic ones who profess to have such rare ideals, such as
Lancelot and Galahad had serious flaws. Would this market allow their
goodly hero to fall in love and sleep with his king's wife? Would this
market allow a hero king who slept with his sister? oops. No. Sorry!

I can't help but think of the Mended Drum, famous haunt for Discworld
Heroes, and the submissions editor from Silk and Magic explaining to Hrun
and Cohen and various broken nosed, pug faced heroes clad in studded leather
with various bits missing that one SHOULDN'T kill the priests, and one MUST
NOT rape the women and stealing is RIGHT OUT.

Monogamous heroes? Isn't that an oxy-moron? *looks accusingly at Kirk*

Seriously though, ambivalent heroes are what fiction *has* to have. It's no
fun at all if Prince Valiant just gallops up to the castle, refuses to kill
the dragon for ecological reasons, won't kiss the princess until he gets her
father's permission. What I like to see is a man doing the right thing, and
doing what needs to be done in the execution of that right thing. See Mal
in Firefly as a perfect example of that!!!

Comments

[rwday.livejournal.com]

Also, how do you define 'high moral standards?' Whose standards?

I happen to think Mal has very high moral standards, they're just not necessarily what our society views as traditionally 'right'. His moral compass is Serenity and its crew, and he'll do what he has to to protect it. And that makes him far more interesting to me than some idiot who blindly follows a moral code handed down to him by long dead priests.

When I worked at the regular library, I read some 'Christian' romances, because they were very popular with our patrons. For the heroes and heroines in these books, the ultimate authority was the Bible, and any time any other value conflicted with biblical teaching (as interpreted conservatively), you knew that in the end they were going to do what the bible said. That isn't interesting to me at all, but I guess for people who like formulaic books, it is.

[gweneiriol.livejournal.com]

*hear hear* *raises a glass of Scumble to you* *brain melts out of head*

[sionnain.livejournal.com]

So my original novel where the woman is kidnapped by the shady arms dealer, then leaves her friends and family to go live with him in Greece is out, I imagine.

What the fuck? What fun is high moral standards? *yawns*

[catsintheattic.livejournal.com]

There are people who want to know what they get. No suspense, no surprises, and, please, no inner conflicts, as they are the most disturbing ones.

So, for those who love their little island and the cosy little walls around their sweet little brains - this call will produce their most wanted books. ;-)

To each his own?

[eroticjames.livejournal.com]

Although, that could be really, really funny as a spoof if done right.

[erastes.livejournal.com]

Was very tempted. I may still do one and try and place it in a fantasy publication, if I can find one that doesn't take itself too seriously!

[erastes.livejournal.com]

not that I'm suggesting I could do it right!!

[erastes.livejournal.com]

I just can't imagine reading a book with all that stuff missed out. How dull would it be?

Each to his own, as long as he keeps it away from me!

[erastes.livejournal.com]

I know. I'm baffled.

and whee!!!!!!!! sounds good!

[erastes.livejournal.com]

Yay! Raises a glass of something made from grapes.

well, mostly grapes.

[erastes.livejournal.com]

I absolutely agree. Mal would do anything for his crew, sacrificing himself and the ship if need be along the line and woe betide anyone who gets in his way. But as you say, they don't suit that publication. Now I really want to read something of theirs.

[tammylee.livejournal.com]

This reminds me of reading commentary about the Dragonlance novels and how Margaret and Tracy actually FORGOT about Elistan for the large part of it. Lawful good = forgetable?

Although, I find a sinful, voyeuristic thrill from the idea of reading erotica about moral people; imagine how ashamed and humiliated they'd be if they knew I knew?

[ejab62.livejournal.com]

Ah, no! That would be so boring! Every heroin should have a good *and* darker side, that's what makes them interesting!