What do you think about the erotic changes to the Anita Blake series?

Since her ninth Anita Blake book was published, Laurell K Hamilton has taken a lot of dissension and flak for her change in writing style. Where previously the Anita series had been mostly a combination of horror, sci-fi, and drama, Laurell has since added an erotic side to the storyline. For reasons I don't quite understand, this has upset many a fan.

Oh, I understand to a point. Being an avid reader, I can relate to being furious with a storyline. I have mentally berated many an author because a book did not end the way I expected. Then, I realize it was not my choice. I did not write the story.

If the author has done his or her job, you feel like you are part of the story, or at least an observer. Once you get to know a character well enough, it almost feels like they are an old friend. You feel you should have some say in the choices they make. In reality, you have no say at all. You are along for the ride, wherever the author may take you.

What I do not understand in this case, is how some once devoted fans of Laurell K. Hamilton's have publicly turned on her as they have. Some have sent angry emails berating her for her choices. I have visited many forums where supposed fans are belittling the storyline they once loved. Laurell has even had to defend her series in public interviews.

These so called fans should realize that, no matter how much they have come to love the Anita Blake books or the characters involved, they have no right to try to tell Mrs. Hamilton how the series should unfold. The idea for the story, the world in which the story is set, and the characters involved were born inside her head. Laurell, as the author, has complete control over how the storyline progresses. She should not have to defend that right.

In my opinion, these readers should remember why they enjoyed the Anita Blake series in the first place. The world Laurell K Hamilton has created is fantastic. The story is so detailed and defined; you can almost see it playing out in your mind. The characters are so real; you feel that you know them personally. Mrs. Hamilton writes in such a way that you feel you are there watching the story unfold. That is why I started reading and fell in love with the series, and I am willing to bet that many other readers became fans for the same reasons.

That being said, my final point is this. Laurell K Hamilton has never shied from the graphic descriptions in her battle scenes. Every physical confrontation is described in vivid detail. So why would we expect her to shy away from describing the more erotic scenes in her story?

The content for this lens was originally published on HubPages. I decided to more it here to Squidoo where I thought it would get more attention. My article had already received some feedback while it was on HubPages and I thought those comments would add to this lens. Here they are for your reading enjoyment.

sayitaintso:
Good article. I agree. I have viewed forums in which these former fans, who are now disgruntled with the direction Laurell K. Hamilton has now taken the character Anita and her books, and they resort to name-calling the author and the characters in the book themselves (as if they were real people!lol). I am no blind fan, nor am I extremely disgusted with the author and the books, and yet to try to reason with these people is like trying to reason with a rabid dog. You are labelled all kinds of unkind names and obviously have little to no intelligence, for who else but the blindy stupid would read these books? Now, I'm game for any kind of civil discussion and debate, but not when someone I'm debating views me as somehow beneath them since I still enjoy the books.So I also believe it's a testament to how very good an author that Laurell K. Hamilton is, that she can create a character(s) so life-like and a world so detailed and alive that people relate to the characters and books so much so that they get this upset over changes in the character. The author has done their job well if that's the case. Kudos to Laurell K. Hamilton!

crystal_booth:
sayitaintso, I very much agree with your comments. These fans are taking the changes to the story very personally. I don't really like all the erotic changes either, but it is till a fantastic series. Laurell K Hamilton has done an exceptinal job creating such a lifelike alternate reality. Thanks for your support!

Lewis:
I have read a lot that you've written about these books, and even though I don't read fiction books at all, I may well read one! Not because of anything to do with battle scenes or erotic scenes. No way! Just because of your enthusiasm for the series!

crystal_booth:
LOL Thanks Lewis! I am very enthusiastic about this series. It is one of the best written alternate reality stories I have ever read.

marie says:
Personally, I believe the erotic makes these books that much more. I mean think about it who doesn't like sex? Especially mixed with the vampires, werewolves, and let's not forget wereleopards. Speaking of which, I would love to have a Micah wouldn't you?

crystal_booth:
Thanks for you comments, Marie. I have wished for a Micah myself. :) And I agree with you that sex mixed with the vampires and were-animals theme isn't all bad. I just think sometimes it is a little much.

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What do you think about the erotic changes to the Anita Blake series?
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