July 2, 2007
Does Older Mean Boring?
So, out of necessity *coughshitcough* I pulled out a WIP I’d like to work on. I’ve really got to do some major character fleshing (and writing), but I”d forgotten how much I loved this story. It’s an absolute hoot and if I can get it written *godhelpme* should be a fun read too.
However, when I first created the characters I made them older. Not OLDER older, but my age older. The heroine is 39 and the hero is in his early 40’s. I did this for very specific reasons. Namely the hero is a doctor and all that medical school stuff takes a while. I also gave them both issues I think a lot of people my age and slightly older can relate too–aging parents. I think it’ll make an interesting sub-plot.
And, oh yeah, it’s supposed to be an erotic romance.
You can stop laughing now.
So while I know the age amongst the readership of erotic romance varies widely (and i tend to stick with 30-something heroines), how do you feel about reading slightly older characters? I’m a fine one to be asking, I can’t even date older men 
Are you insinuating that older people can’t be hot?
Depends on the character.
You know Raine……i saw this chick at Starbucks and I know she had to be about my age or a bit older…and she was HOT
so I would never say that. 
Part of it is my own age late 30s (thank god it’s the new 20!)
Speaking of the whole age thing. there is a new reality show Age of Love the guy is 30 and some of the women are over 40. GO GIRLS!!!
so that all said. Yes it rocks Amie!
I’m all for older. Besides, us older-somethings can have really hot sex too.
PS - The Man is 46 and trust me when I say - he KNOWS what he’s doing.
Let’s take Oceans 13, for example.
Ellen Barkin, George Clooney, for example.
Ellen Barkin is 53 years old, baby, and looks better than women HALF her age–and is very, VERY hot.
And Clooney?
Have you seen pictures of Clooney when he was younger??
Definite improvement with age.
Definite.
I like slightly older characters. I tend to write most of my characters in the 30s, but I have 40-ish heroes, too. I think it’s b/c I remember how absolutely-freakin-stupid I was in my twenties.
socially 40/50 now is like 20/30 of the 70’s—-for real! I look at people who are the age I was when Heir was born and think, damn they’re young!
Older, to me, just means more character and knowledge. (and baggage which can lend a lot to a story!)
on a side note-ish. . . . I have a girlfriend whose youngest (she has four) child is the same exact age as me (she has a twenty-y-o grandchild) and she acts just like me when we’re togther. Although every now and again I get, “Oh you’ll think different when your older. “
Sure.
I’ve characters who are centuries and millenia old. Older characters get a thumbs up from me.
Wait a minute, you are writing a plain ole contemp without para/fantasy elements?
“Older” characters? I’m an old character.
Us “older” characters shape the demands of romance fiction now.
I say, bring it on! Reading about people my age (or close) still out there looking, finding a mate, and succeeding at a relationship are what keep me hopeful.
And George… He’s like a fine wine - getting better with age. His dad looks good to, so George could continute to look good for the long haul.
Good topic, Amie.
I don’t enjoy reading or writing romances with 18-20-something heroines. I can’t relate. The characters I create for my erotic romances are usually at least 35 and some have been past 40. I have one WIP with both characters in their 50s.
Personally, I think aging definitely has its positive points when it comes to sex. Increased confidence; more life experience; having a better idea what we really want from a partner and from life; etc.
Missy LOL and wehre the HELL have you been???????
And I thought it was 40 is the new 20?
If so, I”m underage
Raine I totally agree on Clooney!
May
yes contemporary sugar…….
Daisy I think as long as you can avoid the “Ew they’re my parent’s age” squick, we’re good to go.
Us “older” characters shape the demands of romance fiction now.
You are so RIGHT. O’course I’m in limbo between baby boomer and Gen x-er