Note: The words here are PG,
but the overall topic of the post isn't!
This post first appeared on the blog 4 the LUV of Sanity, along with a steamy excerpt from Who Is Candid?—definitely not PG! Head on over and take a look at this excellent blog!
Taoism, from a Slightly Different Perspective...
If I were to describe Taoism in erotic terms, I would say that it’s a philosophy of topping from below. The hand that holds the whip isn’t the hand that’s really in charge. It’s an odd concept for those unfamiliar with SM, but maybe makes sense to some of you.
Taoism is all about influencing from the sidelines, guiding from beneath, surrendering in order to lead.
“Superior leaders are those whose existence is merely known.” (17)
“Those who use the Tao to guide leaders
do not use forceful strategies in the world.
Such matters tend to recoil.” (30)
[quotes are from R L Wing’s translation of the Tao Te Ching.]
Taoism is about having the patience and stamina to wait for the right moment. It’s about honoring the female, the stream, the flow, the creation. It’s about emptiness and the value of the vessel. Yeah, it’s erotic.
How has being a Taoist influenced me as a writer of erotica?
Thinking in practical terms, I think Taoism has had the most influence on my male characters. I like men with strength and gentleness. I like men who respect and have the urge to protect the feminine. I’ve always thought of the men in my erotica as updated Regency heroes, but writing this article makes me see that they are all Taoists at heart.
I confess to falling in love with the hero of each novel as I write it. If I don’t love them, why should the heroine, and why should you the readers?
Dick, the Hot Hunk Nerd Taoist God!
Dick, the hero of Who Is Candid?, is just about perfect. Yeah, he’s a little dorky, in a gorgeous hot hunk, not taking advantage of his sexiness kind of dork. Imagine Zachary Levi, on the TV show Chuck. Don't you just love Chuck!
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| got this photo from TV Guide |
Yeah... Hot!
In the novel, Dick is sweet and protective and secure enough to let Lucy leave and find her own way back. Now, that’s sexy! And the ultimate Taoist!
There’s a Taoist fable that a farmer has a strong young son. The neighbors say, “How lucky you are.” The farmer shrugs. The son breaks his leg and can’t work. The neighbors say, “How unlucky you are.” The farmer shrugs. The army comes and takes all the young men off to war, except the farmer’s son. The neighbors say, “How lucky you are.” The farmer shrugs. And so on, and so on...
The point of the story is that we can’t see a big enough picture to judge how something will ultimately turn out.
Dick could be that farmer. He trusts Lucy; he trusts the future. He’s the ultimate in non-judgmental! And when the time comes to act, trust me, Dick knows EXACTLY what to do!
Would you like to read Dick and Lucy's story? Buy it now on Amazon!
So how about you? Readers, can you sometimes see the philosophical underpinnings of characters in novels? Is there a certain type of character that you just love? Writers, does your philosophy of life reflect in your writing? Please comment! I’d love to hear your thoughts, and look forward to a lively discussion!
