In 2020 I started my erotic romance publication journey. The first steps were easy – at least in retrospect. I had to come up with a story worth telling.  First Tentative Steps was first conceived as a stand-alone erotic romance story.  In the first pass through the plot, I realized that there were three books in it.  The first, coming out in late 2022 or early 2023 by Deep Desires Press, introduces us to the challenges humans face when moving outside the expected societal norms.

Who is Michael Abramson?

Mike was the second character I developed for the story.  He is an immigrant to the United States and has a rough childhood. That’s not unusual, since immigrants give up their support structure at home, leave the comfort of their language, and struggle to acclimate to the new environment.

As a child he had no control over what was happening around him. The family suffered serious financial hardships as they too learned the language so they could get jobs. The Abramson’s were a proud family, and handouts were not their style. So, Mike’s family did all they could to find work, get a roof over their head, and start moving forward.

This is part of the backstory I developed for Mike, and the issues he has to address later in life. It is part of the drama that drives the story forward. It is part of Mike’s erotic romance journey.

Who is Helen Abramson?

Helen has her own erotic romance journey. She was the first character I developed for the trilogy. She, in a way, is the most important character because of her own character arc. She starts off as a frustrated wife, that truly loves her husband, but as they approach the empty nest, issues she’s ignored are surfacing.

As Mike’s work ethic borders deeply on being a workaholic, Helen sees her future and does not like what she sees for herself, or for her husband.

Hotwife or Stag-Vixen?

In the general erotic parlance of Hotwife, the cockold is the husband that is cheated on and is often – but not in all cases – humiliated for his own pleasure. In doing the work to develop the Stag-Vixen Journey I needed to have a different image for the potential reader.

The Stag, again in the general erotic parlance, is a confident male that has the proclivity of enjoying his wife (or significant other) erotically engaging with others.

The Vixen is the one that enjoys the company of others, not for herself, but because it gives her and her Stag pleasure. She does not see him as someone weak, but rather a strong person, confident in their deep connection. Within that certitude, uncommon as it is, she can explore her sexual side completely, and share it – openly – with her Stag.

The Vixen can launch her own erotic romance journey, explore it deeply, and come home to the warmth and love of her Stag.

The erotic romance journey

In writing the trilogy I want to explore the fullness of the erotic romance journey. There are dynamics that go far beyond the sexual aspects of it.  If I succeed, Mike and Helen will face a great deal of adversity, but their bond will allow them to overcome.

Life is not simply about sex, but sex is an integral part of daily life. Beauty is not limited to the physical but comes from within. The challenges we face say – in the end – more about us, than the obstacles. If Mike only focuses on his career, based on his intelligence and experience, he is missing the third important leg. If Helen only focuses on her own needs based on her intelligence and adventurous spirit, she too is missing a third important leg.

Their bond truly makes them – as it would all of us – stronger and far more capable than either can see in themselves.