Why write about erotica, a sex toy shop and funny women?
My original intention for Grace Files was to assert women’s right to own their sexuality. Grace’s stories will always include the element of erotica, in various forms and preferences. The reason I needed to make that point started working its way into the novellas as the story conflict. You know, the blatant misogyny and the failed patriarchal structure. Then the ideas got more complicated. Everything I was worried would come true began happening. Now we are witnessing a real-life enactment of the Handmaid’s Tale. We’re on the precipice of it going global. Each Spicy Tale is a peaceful protest and tackles the reality that women and communities face while encouraging women to support one another.
I want to explain why I decided that there had to be humour and plenty of non-toxic male characters. Bad actors exist. Each one of us will have to deal with or survive one of them. Most likely, multiple bad guys. #MeToo heightened awareness of widespread global male toxicity and our wish to end male aggression towards us. With over-saturation, apathy sets in. To counter that mindset, instead of writing more dark romance stories about all the evil in the world, I wanted to write stories about the good guys. They’ll possess flaws; an issue of their own to work through, a kink that is not for everyone or an intense ambition that may detract from their relationships, but no malice towards their female counterpart. The focus of Spicy Tales will include Grace building an underground network to support her clients or help them escape. And these guys, even with their flaws, will be a big part of this network.
I am a proud Canadian, and therefore my stories will be in Canadian locations with Canadian characters. Actual locations in Canada inspire my settings, though I haven’t used their names. I am also switching my business focus to the Canadian market and platforms wherever possible. Despite my personal difficulties in life, had I not been born in this country, my life would have been considerably worse. That is why I want to support women and write characters that support each other.
Grace and Jasmin, who run a self-care and sex toy distribution business, needed a community. My initial idea of an online sex toy shop for their business, was simply to celebrate women’s sexuality without judgment. I wanted to show their partnership, their friendship, their independence from men. But current events demanded a shift in focus, the importance of supportive communities. So, Grace and Jasmin found a home. Research pointed to Manitoba as the ideal location for their small business. I chose the province before knowing who the Premier would be. A decision I now celebrate. I look forward to writing more material for that province.
I want to take a break from all the negative people, and I want to celebrate the good guys and gals out there, standing up to bullies. I think if we want to bring about a change, we need to encourage the guys that are doing the work by showing we recognize them. Give them some attention. I’m not dissing dark romance, erotic thrillers, or non-spice thrillers. I’m just saying that the good guys need to be represented, too. It’s proven that non-violent measures using humour is the best way to make a change. If there're any guys that want to read some erotic romance, Spicy Tales from Grace will be a safe space for them too. No confusing messages in this erotic saga. Let’s control our doomscrolling and find ways to make it better. Together.
Grace’s Good Books Network is fictional. Should it become a reality? Maybe. Hopefully, Canada will curtail the systematic reduction of our rights back to 1800s levels, but this battle will continue. Though Spicy Tales are fictional, I’ll share resources addressing the series’ themes. And hey, readers with relevant information or resources are welcome to share; I’ll gladly feature them. We should showcase events and programs that support women facing challenges from patriarchy, particularly those in creative fields, self-employment, and small businesses.
Side note: I will use the term “survivor” instead of “victim” when discussing the domestic violence survivors in “Spicy Tales from Grace”. As I do in life. I know from my experience that the minute I’m referred to as a victim, I react with a deep-seated cringe that immediately has me coming out swinging. Either that or shutting down and avoiding the services that may have helped me focus my energy better.
Meanwhile, several resources exist for those facing grief, unsafe or abusive living situations.
Let’s begin discovering amazing stories! I’m starting this journey of finding inspiring women. If you know of female entrepreneurs, helpful services, fundraisers, or events empowering women, please share. Comment below, DM, or email me. I’ll happily feature them. My goal is to shine a light on women making a difference.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15eWqNjyge9n_cpUB7NmQNHMs6hcAbDnWsc_LV-vjwO0/edit
If you made it this far, I hope this blog was uplifting and sparked some ideas. Let’s connect, support, and grow together. Happy reading!
I want to explain why I decided that there had to be humour and plenty of non-toxic male characters. Bad actors exist. Each one of us will have to deal with or survive one of them. Most likely, multiple bad guys. #MeToo heightened awareness of widespread global male toxicity and our wish to end male aggression towards us. With over-saturation, apathy sets in. To counter that mindset, instead of writing more dark romance stories about all the evil in the world, I wanted to write stories about the good guys. They’ll possess flaws; an issue of their own to work through, a kink that is not for everyone or an intense ambition that may detract from their relationships, but no malice towards their female counterpart. The focus of Spicy Tales will include Grace building an underground network to support her clients or help them escape. And these guys, even with their flaws, will be a big part of this network.
I am a proud Canadian, and therefore my stories will be in Canadian locations with Canadian characters. Actual locations in Canada inspire my settings, though I haven’t used their names. I am also switching my business focus to the Canadian market and platforms wherever possible. Despite my personal difficulties in life, had I not been born in this country, my life would have been considerably worse. That is why I want to support women and write characters that support each other.
Grace and Jasmin, who run a self-care and sex toy distribution business, needed a community. My initial idea of an online sex toy shop for their business, was simply to celebrate women’s sexuality without judgment. I wanted to show their partnership, their friendship, their independence from men. But current events demanded a shift in focus, the importance of supportive communities. So, Grace and Jasmin found a home. Research pointed to Manitoba as the ideal location for their small business. I chose the province before knowing who the Premier would be. A decision I now celebrate. I look forward to writing more material for that province.
I want to take a break from all the negative people, and I want to celebrate the good guys and gals out there, standing up to bullies. I think if we want to bring about a change, we need to encourage the guys that are doing the work by showing we recognize them. Give them some attention. I’m not dissing dark romance, erotic thrillers, or non-spice thrillers. I’m just saying that the good guys need to be represented, too. It’s proven that non-violent measures using humour is the best way to make a change. If there're any guys that want to read some erotic romance, Spicy Tales from Grace will be a safe space for them too. No confusing messages in this erotic saga. Let’s control our doomscrolling and find ways to make it better. Together.
Grace’s Good Books Network is fictional. Should it become a reality? Maybe. Hopefully, Canada will curtail the systematic reduction of our rights back to 1800s levels, but this battle will continue. Though Spicy Tales are fictional, I’ll share resources addressing the series’ themes. And hey, readers with relevant information or resources are welcome to share; I’ll gladly feature them. We should showcase events and programs that support women facing challenges from patriarchy, particularly those in creative fields, self-employment, and small businesses.
Side note: I will use the term “survivor” instead of “victim” when discussing the domestic violence survivors in “Spicy Tales from Grace”. As I do in life. I know from my experience that the minute I’m referred to as a victim, I react with a deep-seated cringe that immediately has me coming out swinging. Either that or shutting down and avoiding the services that may have helped me focus my energy better.
Meanwhile, several resources exist for those facing grief, unsafe or abusive living situations.
- www.sheltersafe.ca - This site connects over 600 shelters across Canada. www.intervalhouse.ca- One of the first official shelters for abused women. The crisis line is 1-888-293-5516 www.justice.gc.ca - For information on Child Support, Family Justice Services, Support for Victims and Survivors of Crime, Criminal Conviction Review, Proposed Legislation, and Canadian Law search tool. www.actioncanadashr.org Action Canada is Planned Parenthood. You can find sexual health services near you on the website. The access line is 1-888-642-2725 and email is access@actioncanadashr.org. While I couldn’t locate a cross-Canada website connecting women with post-pregnancy loss services, Service Canada offers helpful resources. Look for Chapter 7: Loss and Grief on the Service Canada website.
Let’s begin discovering amazing stories! I’m starting this journey of finding inspiring women. If you know of female entrepreneurs, helpful services, fundraisers, or events empowering women, please share. Comment below, DM, or email me. I’ll happily feature them. My goal is to shine a light on women making a difference.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15eWqNjyge9n_cpUB7NmQNHMs6hcAbDnWsc_LV-vjwO0/edit
If you made it this far, I hope this blog was uplifting and sparked some ideas. Let’s connect, support, and grow together. Happy reading!