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Fic Talk => General Discussion => Topic started by: Pengi on May 06, 2012, 10:36:14 PM

Title: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Pengi on May 06, 2012, 10:36:14 PM
So I just read an article about this 50 Shades of Grey by EL James. First up, I'll be the first to admit I'm reading it. I started reading it based on a rave from an employee at our local Books a Million, and I'm most definitely not usually into the whole romantic-erotica genre, but my interest was peaked because I'd heard somewhere that it had started off as fan fiction. Yeah, it's based on Twilight, but still. It got me to thinking. Do you guys think that maybe the incredible popularity of 50 Shades will give more or less credibility to us as fan fiction writers, and even more do you think we have any EL James (not necessary erotica) among our ranks, in our story library?
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Pengi on May 07, 2012, 12:02:18 AM
I just want to specify also: I personally think that the book is really iffy on the author's actual writing ability. I feel like there are WAY, WAY, WAAAYYY better writers on this site with more original storylines than this story has. Even before I realized it was Twilight fan fiction for certain, I was thinking that she ripped the story right out of Twilight and kept waiting for Christian to reveal his vampiresque ways. I seriously think we've got some great talent here on AC. I'm just wondering more or less what you guys think about A) the idea of publishing an altered fan-fiction in it's relatively original state... B) ...if it makes fan fic writers look more credible... C) ...or more pathetic... D) ....and why?
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: simple sue on May 07, 2012, 03:55:29 AM
I know of an romance/erotica writer that started out in the fanfic field.   Granted,she didn't continue using the same stories but we all have to start somewhere and sometimes it's just a fluke when something blows up like this. I, myself, discovered it through the world of Twitter. I'm just waiting for my books to arrive :)
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: julilly on May 07, 2012, 04:17:55 AM
So funny you started this thread because last night I was thinking about starting one lol

I only learned the other day that 50 Shades started out as fanfic. I then decided I needed to read it. You are right Hannah in that the author isn't the greatest author alive, but if you look at the romance/erotica genre it doesn't have an incredibly high standard for literary genius. There are things she kept doing that really bugged me like the really high-brow dialogue with words no one would ever use, the fact that she points out the time of year all the time (i.e. It was a warm Sunday in May) and the first couple of chapters end really abruptly. Her writing does get better though and I have to admit she's a better writer than Stephanie Meier!

The book wasn't as smutty as I had expected since the media was calling it "mommy porn". It took almost 80 pages before there was any nudity, so to speak.

What really bugged me, and maybe it's only because I knew going into it, was that it was so OBVIOUSLY Twilight fanfic. Yes, there are no vampires and it was AU fanfic to start but there keep being these moments that are clearly ripped out of Twilight. It's much worse in the first book than the second.

Although it brings to light that there is publishable fanfic out there will it not also bring to light that this woman essentially stole someone else's characters and is now profiting off them? Or, because it's alternate universe, is the distance enough?
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: mare on May 07, 2012, 06:18:17 AM
I certainly hope not because I'm not sure if want people thinking all fanfic is patterned after smut or Twilight. I really can't say much about the book because I haven't read it and don't ever plan to but I saw the author on an interview where she basically said her writing wasn't important to her, she was just living out her fantasy. Uh, no thanks lol
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Carter-Orange on May 07, 2012, 07:14:22 AM
I started reading the book and abandoned it as I hated it! 

I knew it was Twilight fanfiction before I read it, and I have to say, there are much better Twilight fanfics on the site she originally posted it on, as I've read some Twilight stuff in the past which I preferred to Stephenie Meyer's books.

What I hated about the book was that Ana is pathetic and totally unbelievable as a college student just about to graduate.  Her inner goddess pisses me off and so does her never ending lip biting.  Christian is a perverted control freak who does nothing to make me like him.  I've been reading a blog by an author recapping it and I have to say, her blogs are very amusing :)

I have nothing against fanfics being turned into original fiction, and would love to see some of the very talented writers on AC turn their stories into original fiction.  I often mention Song For The Undead as one of the stories I'd love to see made into a movie and original fiction.

I just hate 50 Shades and am glad I downloaded it for free and didn't waste any of my hard earned cash on it!  I even have the Twilight version on my computer too if anyone wants either of them.

Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: colorguard_diva on May 07, 2012, 08:09:45 AM
Personally, I just think it comes down to what you like to read. It's not a story for everyone, but then again neither is Moby Dick. I don't think it was written to become a literary classic. To me, it's just a book I can read for fun and not worry about every little nuance of writing, including style, wording, etc. I never gotten thru twilight so I can't compare. I  did enjoy 50 Shades. Then again, there are literary classic I just didn't like. It just comes down to what you like to read.

Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Carter-Orange on May 07, 2012, 11:05:35 AM
Oh yeah, I know it all comes down to what people like to read.  I just didn't like the characters in 50 Shades, or the idea of signing up for that kind of thing just based off Christian's looks.

Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: julilly on May 07, 2012, 12:43:10 PM
I think it goes without saying that different people have different tastes. I think we can all agree on that without needing to reiterate it given how many genres of literature exist. As this is the fanfic discussion board I believe the question is more about the link between the book and it's fanfic beginnings and less about whether or not any of us liked it.

Like I said in my post I'm sort of torn. There are really glaring parallels between the book and twilight. You can tell she just changed the names of people/places but kept the general premise of characters/backgrounds. Considering there is now a movie in the works and this book has made big bucks does that raise any flags for Stephanie Meyer do you think? Would it be riskier to publish movie fanfic rather than real person fic?
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Carter-Orange on May 07, 2012, 01:13:07 PM
Yes, you can tell she just changed the names/places but it still seems very Twilight-ish in parts (from what I read).

I don't see anything wrong with publishing fanfic as long as the story and characters aren't basically the same as the original book/movie like they are in 50 Shades.  I think it's a rip off of Stephenie Meyer's work.  But then again, didn't she have some issues with being accused of plagiarising too?  I don't know!
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: mare on May 07, 2012, 02:57:27 PM
As someone who a little experience on this topic, I feel like if I had Mel having sex with her brothers instead of killing herself i'd be a multimillionai re :( lol

I think it's much safer to change real life fics than tv or movie ones. I'm kind of surprised Stephenie hasn't gone after her yet. They can try to out crappy write each other lol although I have no clue if that 50 Shades chick is a crappy writer. I know the other one is. My opinion of course :) lol
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: julilly on May 07, 2012, 03:08:49 PM
There's always time for a few revisions, Mare! lol
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: mare on May 07, 2012, 03:14:00 PM
Maybe the sequel lol
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Carter-Orange on May 07, 2012, 03:15:19 PM
As someone who a little experience on this topic, I feel like if I had Mel having sex with her brothers instead of killing herself i'd be a multimillionai re :( lol

I think it's much safer to change real life fics than tv or movie ones. I'm kind of surprised Stephenie hasn't gone after her yet. They can try to out crappy write each other lol although I have no clue if that 50 Shades chick is a crappy writer. I know the other one is. My opinion of course :) lol

Aww, I loved Mel's Tree :)

My opinion is that E L James is not that great a writer, but I didn't even get halfway through the book before I stopped.  It might have improved, but I wasn't prepared to waste any more time on Bella...I mean Ana and her stupid inner goddess.  Sorry to anyone who loved the books.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: julilly on May 07, 2012, 03:17:35 PM
It's sort of left me wondering how many other successful books out there were adapted from fanfic!
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Carter-Orange on May 07, 2012, 03:19:23 PM
It's sort of left me wondering how many other successful books out there were adapted from fanfic!

I'm sure there must be a lot :)
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: julilly on May 07, 2012, 03:34:47 PM
I'm sure there must be a lot :)

In that case I'd best get started on my epic historical romance. I'm booking Fabio for the cover photo!
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Carter-Orange on May 07, 2012, 03:35:35 PM
*Googles Fabio*
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: julilly on May 07, 2012, 03:38:56 PM
NO DON'T DO IT! Lol

You'll regret that.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Carter-Orange on May 07, 2012, 03:41:23 PM
Ugh, you are so right!  He's gross *pukes*
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on May 07, 2012, 05:21:41 PM
This is an interesting thread!  As far as Shades of Grey goes, I have no interest in reading it; it doesn't sound like something I'd like.  That said, I think it's cool that it was originally a fanfic - it just goes to show that it IS possible to convert a fanfic to "original fiction," get it published, and actually be successful!

Without reading the book, I can't say how obvious it is that it was Twilight fanfic, but if the original fanfic was AU - no vampires and werewolves and stuff - it doesn't sound like Stephenie Meyer would have much grounds to sue this author for copyright infringement.  If the book contained sparkly vampires and Native American werewolves and the other stuff that Stephenie created for the Twilight universe, that would be different.

In the BSB fandom, I think you might have some trouble trying to publish a book about a boyband whose members were named Nick, Brian, AJ, Howie, and Kevin, but if you got rid of the boyband thing and changed some of the names, I doubt anyone but a fan would recognize them just from their personalities.  An AU would be no problem, assuming the quality was publishable.  In that way, real life fanfic is probably a lot easier to crossover from than something like Twilight or Harry Potter. 
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on May 07, 2012, 05:27:29 PM
To answer the other questions Hannah asked in her original post, I hope this will give us some credibility because I do think we have a lot of talented writers in our fandom who could totally get a book published.  Some already have!

That said, I don't know about you guys, but the question I always get from the few people in my real life who know I write fanfic is, "When are you going to write a real book - I mean, not about the Backstreet Boys?"  It's not that they don't think I have talent; it's that they think I'm wasting my talent writing fanfic about the Backstreet Boys.  It's hard to explain the appeal to people who don't get it.

I don't think a book like Shades of Grey is going to make it even easier because, just from the synopsis, it still sounds like what Twilight is - the fantasies of a bored housewife.  Isn't that what people think fanfic is too?  The fact that a bored housewife could get her fantasy published as a book doesn't really make it that much more respectable.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Pengi on May 07, 2012, 10:26:10 PM
First off for those questioning the glaring similarities.. . Christian's an arrogant asshole with control issues, Ana's a bumbling lip-chewing nimrod who doesn't consider danger because "holy crow he's hot", and there's a whining latino wuss named Jose that can't seem to stop calling and disapproving of Christian's relationship with Ana. Seriously she could've at least moved them out of Washington State. At least.

I definitely think 50 Shades is a huge, huge opportunity for Stephenie Meyers to hop on the "yo she plagerised" me train. It's like the book's entire storyline copy-pasted and using "find & replace" in Word changed the names, then went through and changed "vampire" to "successful businessman".

I feel like now that I've read more of the book that maybe the credibility I thought we'd be gaining as FF writers from it isn't really gonna happen. I mean this makes it look like anyone can copy the text and "write" an "original" story and get it published. It's like what high school students do with Wikipedia for history reports...

But that said, I'm gonna jump up onto something Julie said ^^ up there ^^...  and also down here (er there's no fancy arrows pointing down, dangit):

Quote
In the BSB fandom, I think you might have some trouble trying to publish a book about a boyband whose members were named Nick, Brian, AJ, Howie, and Kevin, but if you got rid of the boyband thing and changed some of the names, I doubt anyone but a fan would recognize them just from their personalities.  An AU would be no problem, assuming the quality was publishable.

See I've been playing with exchanging Something Beautiful to an OF - which is part of what this whole 50 Shades thing caught my attention for - but I want to keep the "boyband" idea, change the names. Course they're more rock than anything and their roles change from boyband to rockband. And honestly the intital concept for Something Beautiful WAS with the OF's characters and make-up and I altered the idea to be a FF, which I now want to convert back to OF.... convoluted I know, but bear with me... I don't feel like that wolud be an issue, though. Because the identities are different, you know? I don't feel like I write any of the Boys accurately enough that it could really be considered ... I dunno, I guess it's not "plagerism" if they aren't literary characters, is it? LOL But yeah I don't feel like I'd be violating that "these characters and events are entirely fictional" disclaimer, either.

How much of a story should be changed in detail before it's no longer "plagerising"?
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Carter-Orange on May 08, 2012, 03:44:51 AM
Good luck with the OF version of Something Beautiful :)  I love that story.

Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: mare on May 08, 2012, 05:22:41 AM
When I changed Mel's into an OF, it was kind of easy because it was an AU. Writing them as brothers was easy and I really do think if you read the book, unless you know it's from a fanfic, you'd never really guess it was the Backstreet Boys. When I did the same for Shadiw Woods it was a lot harder because they WERE The BSB in that one. I ended up changing a lot more than I thought I would have to. I'm still pleased with the result, even though it still remains unpublished :( came close but as of now still no cigar!

Best of luck, Hannah! I think it's a good idea to keep them musicians. Try it and see what happens.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Pengi on May 08, 2012, 06:44:15 AM
Thanks! I've been playing with it awhile now. It's been rough with the semester and everything - I feel guilty every time I start writing because I'm procrastinatin g projects - but after this week I'm hoping to get cracking on writing again and the OF of Something Beautiful is definitely where I want to get the most work done.

Are you published, Mare? I should probably know this.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: mare on May 08, 2012, 06:48:34 AM
Yup :) Mel's was published a few years ago. I entered Shadow Woods in a YA contest through Random House and it was a runner up but didn't win.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1413771149/ref=redir_mdp_mobile/175-9329222-8913042
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on May 08, 2012, 05:15:07 PM
Hannah, I think you could totally OF Something Beautiful that way.  They kind of still need to be famous, or the whole Amanda role wouldn't make sense, but making them part of a rock band or something would make it less obvious.  Like I said, no one but a fan would recognize the characters based on their personalities alone, even if they're really well-written, because no one but a fan would "know" the Backstreet Boys that well.

Also, I think writer's base characters on real people - or at least take qualities of real people they know - all the time.  As long as it's not blatantly about the Backstreet Boys, you should be good to go.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Pengi on May 08, 2012, 11:45:11 PM
I'll defiitely be ordering a copy as soon as I have extra $$ to Mare! That's awesome! :) I can't wait!


As for the Something Beautiful OF...like i said, originally the story was storyboarded as Brian's character being the lead singer for a Christian rock band (think Jars of Clay-esque), and his name was Tyler. Nick's character is the guitarist for said band, and his name was always Nick. Their band was called The Brothers, and they had a drummer named Eddie. A lot of the story had to be altered to make it a FF, so it's not as easy as hitting find/replace to adapt the story to an OF.

But yeah the whole 50 Shades topic caught my attention because of that and the work I've been doing to adapt it to the OF version.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Carter-Orange on May 09, 2012, 03:07:01 AM
Sounds great Hannah!

Doesn't Jackie Collins use real famous people but change the names? I've read a couple of hers in the past and was sure Al King in Lovers & Gamblers was based on Tom Jones lol.


Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Pengi on May 09, 2012, 07:27:42 AM
I was rereading some posts and noticed the comment Julie made about "writing a real book"... I think writing non-AU FF, in some ways, can actually be harder because there's so many pre-formed "rules" that people will notice if you violate them. Because you're writing about actual lifestories and theres facts and truths that aren't within your control, keeping the storylines realistic and creative can be a really hard line to walk. Then again, you don't have to create the characters, so its also easier in a way I guess. Personally I find the challenge of staying - for lack of a better word, as used by book FF writers I'll use the phrase 'true to the canon' - harder than writing the characters myself. You can bend stories and invent quirks for situations to make them happen the way you want to with your own characters. With non-AU FF you've got a set of personality types and backstories to work with. All that to say I hate it when people knock fan fic writers for not writing "real" stories...
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: twofaced on June 10, 2012, 03:36:04 PM
I will put my disclaimer up now: I just bought 50 shades yesterday... haven't cracked it open. That being said...

I have mixed feelings about it. I bought it because I've been hearing mixed reviews on it and I'm the kind of person who will read something people are iffy about (or if one group i.e. a church tells me not to), that way I can make up my own mind about it. I decided to buy it to help out a fellow fanfic writer (no, never met her, but still, I feel we should band together, never know if one of us is going to get a big break and we can say "I remember her when...")

I am hesitant to read it because of the fact it was a Twilight fanfic. I read twilight as a youth minister (my girls were asking me my faith based thoughts on it, so felt I had to read it in order to answer their questions adequately) and have to say, not very impressed with Twilight in general. Women at work are obsessed about it and now the latest topic of conversation at work is 50 shades, so yeah, will eventually read it (once I get through my other books I'm working on).

I will say this about my coworkers: I have started to get them to read The Hunger Games, and they are loving it, so there's hope yet for them...

My sister in law was reading 50 shades while also reading THG and said "One is a great work of literary fiction, the other is making my ears bleed and my brain explode, guess which is which..." then continued to tell her friends how crap 50 shades was.

I know that was kind of all over the board, but to sum it up: I bought it to support a fanfic writer, and I will read it, though I don't have high hopes...
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Carter-Orange on June 10, 2012, 03:42:55 PM
People seem to either love it or hate it!  A lot of my friends think it's the best book they've ever read, whilst I abandoned it and thought it was awful lol. 

I do support fanfic writers though and would love to see some of my favourite fanfics turned into original fiction and published :)
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: mare on June 10, 2012, 03:52:28 PM
Wow, if everyone had that we should buy it just because it was a fanfic and should help each other out mentality, maybe I wouldn't be living on ramen noodles lol

Wishes more people would remember she has a book published from a fanfic :( lol yes it was awhile ago but still... If only I had made it smutty
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Carter-Orange on June 10, 2012, 04:02:19 PM
You should publish it to Kindle :)
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: kevmylove on June 10, 2012, 04:18:58 PM
My best friend loved the book and I was excited to know it came from a fan fic writer. So she passednit on to me, but I've only gotten through two chapters and I'm lagging it to keep reading. Does that mean I'm not that interested?!? I'm not sure. I will try and keep on reading.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 10, 2012, 04:22:05 PM
S&M sells, Mare.  Maybe if Mel had had some steamy, incestuous relationship with one of her brothers, more people would be raving about your book! :P

I'll be the first to admit that I haven't read 50 Shades, so I have no room to judge, but at the risk of offending anyone on here who has read it and liked it, these are my thoughts on it:

Recently I've heard and seen a lot of my co-workers, most of whom are middle-aged mothers, raving about this book on Facebook and in person, although they tend to do it in code:  "Have you started THAT BOOK yet?"  "OMG yeah, I can't put it down!!"  One of the ones I'm teaching a workshop with this week has actually been carrying one of the sequels around in her purse because apparently she literally could not put it down. 

Overhearing these women gush about it is awkward because I've heard enough about it to know that it's graphic and involves kinky S&M kind of stuff, but I think what really makes me feel embarrassed for them is knowing that it was originally a Twilight fanfic.  That "Christian Grey" everyone's obsessed with is actually just sparkly Edward without his bloodlust, being even creepier than he is in Twilight, and the girl is pathetic Bella.  I can't speak for the quality of the writing, but hearing these reading teachers rave about it just makes me shake my head.

More power to this author for turning her fanfic into a goldmine, but I feel like she's giving other fanfic authors a bad name.  Modern fanfic started out being written by Trekkies, whom people picture as grown men living in their mother's basements, but now I feel like fanfic writers are going to be typecast as people like this woman and Stephenie Meyer - desperate housewives living out their sexual fantasies vicariously through barely-disguised fictional versions of themselves in the stories they write.  Some BSB fanfic authors already convey that image, and I feel like as this brings more publicity to fanfiction, people are going to assume we're all that way.  It's hard enough to explain why I write stories about the Backstreet Boys without adding that stereotype to the mix.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: mare on June 10, 2012, 04:35:44 PM
You should publish it to Kindle :)


Writers actually have to pay Amazon to have their books put on Kindle and I just don't have the money to do that. Maybe I can borrow some from this chick. Lol yeah, I'm jealous. I admit it. Especially if she sucks as an author as badly as most people say she does.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Carter-Orange on June 10, 2012, 04:42:38 PM
Writers actually have to pay Amazon to have their books put on Kindle and I just don't have the money to do that. Maybe I can borrow some from this chick. Lol yeah, I'm jealous. I admit it. Especially if she sucks as an author as badly as most people say she does.

You have to pay them?  Don't they take a bit of commission or something?  I don't know how it works.

Yeah, she sucks!  I wouldn't mind some of her money though :)
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: mare on June 10, 2012, 04:45:19 PM
I'm sure they would get a commission from the publisher maybe but yeah we have to pay them initially. I think that's how hey make their initial profit because if it doesn't sell they still manage to make money.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Carter-Orange on June 10, 2012, 04:47:20 PM
Hmm, so the people who publish books for free on there are actually out of pocket? 
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: kevmylove on June 10, 2012, 04:53:07 PM
That's exactly what my best friend said before she knew it had been a fanfic. "I swear Grey reminds me of Edward" a few days later she told me it had started as a Twilight fanfic.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: mare on June 10, 2012, 05:05:06 PM
Hmm, so the people who publish books for free on there are actually out of pocket? 

Probably, unless they published for free from Amazon itself I guess? I have no idea about everyone else lol
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 10, 2012, 05:18:55 PM
I wonder why someone would pay Amazon to sell their book for free?  LOL  That's why they make programs that will convert stories to ebooks!  If you want to give them away for free, you can make them for free too and upload them to a free website.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: mare on June 10, 2012, 05:31:23 PM
yeah, that's why I don't think those people have to pay Amazon. I'm sure Amazon has figured out a way to get money from them. LOL
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 10, 2012, 05:42:17 PM
I like that the whole self-publishing/ebook route has made it possible for anyone to publish a book, but at the same time, I feel like it cheapens the whole process.  It used to be that you had to have a certain level of talent and the right story to publish a book because you had to find an agent and a publisher and whatnot.  Doesn't seem to be the case anymore.  I have mixed feelings about it.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: mare on June 10, 2012, 05:43:38 PM
To me the whole e-book thing to writers is the same as the whole auto tune thing to singers lol

Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Sakabelle on June 10, 2012, 06:13:17 PM
I like that analogy, Mare. lol

I haven't read 50 Shades of Grey, but I feel like I'm going to have to because I know I won't like it and I want to be able to accurately argue with people about why it bugs me so much. I work with a bunch of dudes, and they're reading it and they think it's great. It's very, very strange. The fact that it was a Twilight fanfiction is what bothers me the most about it, actually. I feel like it's going to end up giving fanfic writers a bad rep, or a worse one than we already have. Which is unfortunate because the reason I dislike the idea of this book so much is because of that, which is the exact thing I can't say to my work friends without the conversation turning into "Steph writes BSB fanfic?!"

So I'll just sit there and judge them silently lol.

Also, I was in the Chapters with my Grandma last week. She saw the display and was like "Oh, I heard good things about that book." And I was like "It's basically porn, Grandma." And she looked horrified lmao.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 10, 2012, 06:19:33 PM
LOL That's exactly how I feel, Steph.  And that's hilarious about your grandma!  Then again, my grandma raved about The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo and loaned me her copy to read, and then I read it and was shocked that she had liked it so much!
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: mare on June 10, 2012, 06:20:32 PM
Lmao aww grandma!
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: kevmylove on June 10, 2012, 06:26:37 PM
Omg you guys and the porn. My best friend said it's not graphic! Is it?
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 10, 2012, 06:29:47 PM
It sounds like it's pretty explicit!  The radio station I listen to in the mornings started this new segment where they read excerpts and replace all the inappropriate words with something else - the one I heard was movie titles.  It was pretty funny, but they sure had to replace a lot of words!  Just think of the more graphic visuals in our fandom, and that's what it sounded like.  And I know it involves bondage and S&M kind of stuff, so it's more than just graphic sex.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Sakabelle on June 10, 2012, 06:39:44 PM
I flipped through it a bit in Chapters and the two pages I landed on were sex scenes. So either I managed to land on the only two in the book, or there's enough of it to make it so that it's very likely to land on one by just flipping through. I don't mind sex in books, I've written a fair amount of sex scenes myself but ehn... I dunno.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 10, 2012, 06:55:23 PM
Yeah, it's not the sex that bothers me; I think it's mainly the Twilight thing and the way the relationship is described.  It just doesn't sound like something that would appeal to me at all, and I'm surprised that so many intelligent, self-respecting women I know are so into it.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Sakabelle on June 10, 2012, 08:25:07 PM
Bear with me while I get over analytical for a moment, lol.

I feel like books like this and Twilight appeal to some women because they play up the carnal, lust driven relationship that is attractive to some people. The intense amount of passion in these books can be a nice escape from everyday life where things might be very routine. It's not really an insult and I don't mean it to be that way at all, I just think that might be the reason why so many women are into this sorts of thing. These types of books are an outlet for them in that way, I think.

It's the same way I am with boybands. It's a safe space to enjoy whatever you want in a fictional world. I personally get very nervous when I'm alone with men, so admiring Nick on YouTube videos from afar is a way for me to enjoy being attracted to a man without feeling apprehensive about what's going to happen.

I have had a lot of conversations with my very feminist friend about this sort of thing, so sorry for my over analytical answer haha.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 10, 2012, 08:31:41 PM
No, that makes sense; I can see that.  I think whatever we like to read, we do it for that sense of escapism, as well as entertainment.  Most of what I read and write, I would not want to happen in real life, but that's what makes it cathartic.  With fiction, you can live out your wildest fantasies or worst nightmares without ever leaving the safety of your home LOL.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 10, 2012, 08:44:41 PM
Mare tweeted this pic - how true is this?  Pretty sure I shed a few tears over the beginning of Up, whereas Twilight... nothing.

(https://p.twimg.com/AvEp7gVCMAQWV-E.jpg:large)
https://twitter.com/bitybella/status/211996759726108672/photo/1/large
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Sakabelle on June 10, 2012, 08:45:59 PM
Haha, so true! I also cried at the beginning of Up.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: mare on June 10, 2012, 08:56:02 PM
Thanks, Julie lol

Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: twofaced on June 10, 2012, 09:03:59 PM
Ugh, ok, now I'm cracking it open... Will keep you updated... Though one of my friends on tumblr posted up "50 shades of there..." with like 10 instances where the writer was afraid to go into any sort of anatomy:

"My breath caught as I started to feel things there."
"I shivered as he put his hand there."
"A moan escaped my lips as he began to kiss me there..."

and so on... Can't stand writers that use words like "There" or "sausage" it's like really? Come on, now. Hopefully we're all adults and can handle a common word without giggling.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Sakabelle on June 10, 2012, 09:10:37 PM
I'm reading it now too. If "sausage" is used in it, I will actually die laughing. But yeah I agree, if you're going to write a sex scene, man up and use the right words! Otherwise it'll just come out sounding awkward.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 10, 2012, 10:17:09 PM
Sausage!  LMFAO!!!  That would totally kill the scene for me; I'd die laughing too!

Keep us posted on your progress, both of you; I'll just read it vicariously through you guys LOL.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Purpura Lipstick on June 10, 2012, 10:20:05 PM
Probably, unless they published for free from Amazon itself I guess? I have no idea about everyone else lol

I don't recall seeing an intial fee to publish on kindle, only commission. I have to read again but I don't remember a fee when I read up on it.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: mare on June 10, 2012, 10:23:28 PM
^ to self publish on there? Yeah I didn't think you would have to pay for that of you are using them to do it.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Purpura Lipstick on June 10, 2012, 10:25:30 PM
From what I read it's a commission process... you publish and they take a commission. I have yet to read anything about a fee to upload a book.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: mare on June 10, 2012, 10:29:56 PM
It's a fee for people who want to have their stuff on Kindle that aren't self published using Amazon. It wouldn't even be on their site it's just something we are sent as authors.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Purpura Lipstick on June 10, 2012, 10:31:31 PM
since it's published in book format already with another self publishing company I guess there could be a fee if that' what you mean.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: mare on June 10, 2012, 10:38:51 PM
It wasn't self published but yes, that's the general idea lol
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: twofaced on June 11, 2012, 12:39:01 AM
I'm reading it now too. If "sausage" is used in it, I will actually die laughing. But yeah I agree, if you're going to write a sex scene, man up and use the right words! Otherwise it'll just come out sounding awkward.

No, I took "sausage" from the movie "10 things I hate about you" lol, sorry!
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: twofaced on June 11, 2012, 01:47:29 AM
Chapter 1 has been read, and let me just say:

OMG!

*Rolls eyes* Please tell me it gets better???

I was groaning before I'd even gotten through 2 pages. First of all she has the confidence of a snail, and in true Bella fashion, relishes in it. Also, what college student in todays day and age says "She's my dearest, dearest friend." Ugh. The clumsiness in Bella was understated. You knew she was clumsy but it wasn't evident in EVERY page just about, like it is in shades, almost like James wants it to be a comic undertone, not just a statement of character...

AND WHO DECORATES AN OFFICE WITH SANDSTONE FLOORING? Sorry, I took a year of geology. Sandstone crumbles and breaks, as walls, sure, but not as a floor. Heels don't clack on sandstone, they break the sandstone...

And in true Cullen tradition, everyone that has anything to do with "Edward" is PERFECT.

Barf tastic...

Wondering if I'll return it or not...
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Carter-Orange on June 11, 2012, 05:33:38 AM
I wouldn't bother continuing with it, LOL!

What I didn't understand was that a supposed 21 year old college student had never had a boyfriend or been attracted to anyone in her life.  Then she sees Edward/Christian and BAM she's in love *rolls eyes*

Also the language used isn't even typical for British people, never mind American!  The example you gave "dearest dearest friend" is not something a 20 something or even 30 something would say, and I'm a 30 something year old Brit :)

Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: mare on June 11, 2012, 05:43:27 AM
Does this story take place in the UK?
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Carter-Orange on June 11, 2012, 05:59:31 AM
Does this story take place in the UK?

No, it takes place where Twilight did.  But the author is English and lots of people have complained about it not sounding very American.  But then the author uses words that aren't typically used by 20 somethings in England either.


Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: mare on June 11, 2012, 06:00:20 AM
Oh okay lol
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Sakabelle on June 11, 2012, 07:24:33 AM
I'm on Chapter 3. The way it's written does sound very awkward. It's like, Dawson's Creek in the 40's or something LOL. No one talks like this. I'm finding it to be very slow paced and at the same time the character likes this Christian Grey dude way too quickly. It feels like nothing is happening and the writer is just trying to get to her plot too fast but putting in way too much nonsense.

I'm typically not a fan of things that are written in present tense either, but that's just personal preference.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: twofaced on June 11, 2012, 09:29:00 AM
I'm on Chapter 3. The way it's written does sound very awkward. It's like, Dawson's Creek in the 40's or something LOL. No one talks like this. I'm finding it to be very slow paced and at the same time the character likes this Christian Grey dude way too quickly. It feels like nothing is happening and the writer is just trying to get to her plot too fast but putting in way too much nonsense.

I'm typically not a fan of things that are written in present tense either, but that's just personal preference.

Oh, but you remember Bella was attracted to Edward RIGHT away and couldn't understand why he was so repulsed by her! lol
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Pengi on June 11, 2012, 09:58:17 AM
I gave up reading the book. It was really dumb and the graphic scenes had no real point. I mean personally I'm ok with the sex scenes when they have a point - like when you're actually rooting for the characters to get together or they actually are in love - but the scenes in 50 Shades kind of feel pointless or something... even when the author's TRYING to make them more romantic than S&M driven.

I definitely feel like EL James is cheapening the realm of fan fiction. And it makes me want to fix up Something Beautiful even more and spin it better. lol There's just so damn much that needs fixing in it!  :'( lol and my concentration level is like in the negatives this summer with all the stress from preparing to move and everything...

Anyways... The first 8 minutes of UP was fantastic... *sigh* lol

There's ways to self-publish to an eBook that's cross platform and sell in places besides Amazon (inlcuding Barnes & Noble). You only pay for a designer to create the PDF basically (or you can create it yourself on Adobe InDesign if you know how to with the specs for eBook publishing). Also an ISBN number. If you (Mare) had it published professionally though not through self-publishing, you might want to check with your publishers about the eBook process because they may hold some sort of clause in the contract about exclusivity.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Purpura Lipstick on June 11, 2012, 10:09:28 AM
My dearest, dearest friends

I did not date until I was 21 BUT you can't say I wasn't attracted to several, several guys...

:) 

thanks for giving me more reason to stay away from it
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 11, 2012, 07:19:16 PM
Thank you guys for confirming my belief that I'm not missing out on something amazing by not reading this book!!!  I respect you all and trust your judgment - it must be as terrible as it sounds!
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Sakabelle on June 11, 2012, 07:37:11 PM
Oh, but you remember Bella was attracted to Edward RIGHT away and couldn't understand why he was so repulsed by her! lol

I never actually read Twilight lol I just saw the first movie haha. Absolutely no desire to read those books.

No desire to read this one either, really, I just want to be able to have a good argument for my night out with friends on Friday lol
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Pengi on June 11, 2012, 09:05:47 PM
I have read all the Twilight books. I'll admit I don't mind the actual BOOKS... I feel like they are mediocre writing but the character of Edward could be analyzed to have some real depth (which is why I found them interesting enough to finish) - though I feel that was probably accidental more than anything else on Meyer's part... but the movies are absolutely ridiculous. I literally fell asleep watching Breaking Dawn Part 1 a couple days ago.  ???
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 11, 2012, 10:35:07 PM
I have to admit, I can see the appeal of Twilight; I plowed through all four of those books in two weeks, so there had to be something there.  That said, I had a hard time trying to reread them.  I'm the kind of reader who reads good books over and over again, but they just didn't hold my attention like they did the first time.  I think the reason I read them so fast was just to see how the storyline would turn out, not because they were actually good.  Turns out, the way the storyline ends is a huge letdown that makes the other books basically pointless, and Edward is a huge creeper.  Even Jacob is creepy by the end.  I've still seen all the movies (and yes, Breaking Dawn Part 1 was really bad), but I believe people who make fun of them are completely justified in doing so LOL.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Carter-Orange on June 12, 2012, 06:56:49 AM
I loved the Twilight books and have seen the films (and I own the DVDs), but I can understand why people would find them ridiculous, lol.  I didn't like the whole imprinting thing.  Bella got on my nerves as did Jacob, and Edward was a bit of a stalker...but I loved him hahaha :)  Also the end of book four was a let down as I wanted a huge battle.  My favourite book was Eclipse.

But 50 Shades has nothing that appeals to me.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: mare on June 12, 2012, 07:18:45 AM
I HATED Twilight the book with ten passions lol I was in the hospital when I read it and the nurses would come in and laugh because I was always yelling at it! My version of hell would to eternally hear Nkotb read Twilight. I can't think of anything worse... Well I guess if they tried to sing it, that would be worse lol
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Carter-Orange on June 12, 2012, 07:22:27 AM
I HATED Twilight the book with ten passions lol I was in the hospital when I read it and the nurses would come in and laugh because I was always yelling at it! My version of hell would to eternally hear Nkotb read Twilight. I can't think of anything worse... Well I guess if they tried to sing it, that would be worse lol

I'm sat here laughing at the image of NKOTB singing the Twilight books!
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: mare on June 12, 2012, 07:56:26 AM
I'm still not entirely sure they could all read lol Oh no she didn't. SNAP :-p
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Pengi on June 12, 2012, 09:32:13 AM
I'm still not entirely sure they could all read lol Oh no she didn't. SNAP :-p

Best. Comments. Ever.  :D
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Purpura Lipstick on June 12, 2012, 09:49:14 AM
I'm still not entirely sure they could all read lol Oh no she didn't. SNAP :-p

People at work are starting to stare at me I'm laughing so hard about this.  And yes, I too have an image of NK singing the Twilight books...

Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: mare on June 12, 2012, 11:07:37 AM
Hehe :)
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: kevmylove on June 12, 2012, 11:26:13 AM
OMG Mare! That was hilariously evil!!
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 12, 2012, 06:43:13 PM
LMFAO That needs to happen!  Twilight audiobook, recorded by NKOTB!

Then BSB can record Harry Potter <-- MOST EPIC THING EVER!!!
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: mare on June 12, 2012, 06:44:47 PM
Lmao I like that idea!
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Sakabelle on June 12, 2012, 06:46:25 PM
I'm just popping in this thread to say that I'm on chapter 6 I think and this book is still extremely horrible and boring and very poorly written. I actually can't believe it's published.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: mare on June 12, 2012, 06:48:18 PM
Stop torturing yourself, Steph lol
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 12, 2012, 06:55:08 PM
But haven't you heard, Mare?  Torture is sexy!!!
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Sakabelle on June 12, 2012, 07:00:04 PM
That's what this book is currently teaching me.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: mare on June 12, 2012, 07:05:34 PM
That's why I'll never make it lol :(
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 12, 2012, 07:14:04 PM
You've already got the torture part down, Mare.  Now you just need to make it sexy.  When someone carves MINE into Nick's flesh, it should be because he BEGGED for it.  Turn his screams of agony into screams of ecstasy, and you're there!
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: mare on June 12, 2012, 07:16:27 PM
I shall try that. I guess I'll have to work on awkward English as well lol
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 12, 2012, 07:23:49 PM
Just read some 19th century literary classics, as well as the Bible, and try to model your writing after those, linguistically .  Or read some of the "special" stuff on AC and become fluent in caveman speak.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Pengi on June 12, 2012, 09:31:05 PM
Can Kevin do Hagrids voice, please?  :dancebanana:
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Carter-Orange on June 13, 2012, 05:08:14 AM
LOL I'm sat here laughing at the thought of Nick screaming in ecstasy whilst having the word MINE carved into his body!

I don't get why women all over the world are loving 50 Shades, I don't find it sexy reading about a stalker control freak who likes to torture women :( 

BSB reading Harry Potter though, mmm yes please!
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: mare on June 13, 2012, 05:15:39 AM
Helmets and harnesses lol
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 13, 2012, 06:42:00 AM
Can Kevin do Hagrids voice, please?  :dancebanana:

LMAO YES!
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Pengi on June 13, 2012, 08:12:42 AM
LMAO YES!

As your avvy points out, it'd be like

Kevin (as Hagrid): "Y..o..u..'..r..e.....a.. ...w..i..z..a. .r..d......H.. a..r..--"

Nick (as Harry): *zaps him with his wand, forever changing the rest of the entire series*
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Pengi on June 13, 2012, 08:14:22 AM
I just now saw the bit about Nick screaming in ecstasy over the word "Mine" being carved into his flesh. First off, I read the word "mine" in a seagull voice from Finding Nemo.

Mine! Mine! Mine!

Second, Nick's kinky enough that he really *would* like that. He'd be like "oh dude, a new tatto!"

 :crazy:
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Purpura Lipstick on June 13, 2012, 10:15:56 AM
Now which boy would read for Hermionie? LOL
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: mare on June 13, 2012, 04:38:35 PM
Howie! Duh lol
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: twofaced on June 13, 2012, 06:52:46 PM
My dearest, dearest friends

I did not date until I was 21 BUT you can't say I wasn't attracted to several, several guys...

:) 

thanks for giving me more reason to stay away from it

Oh purpura, you always make me giggle ;) You truly are my dearest, dearest friend.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: twofaced on June 13, 2012, 06:57:29 PM
I have to admit, I can see the appeal of Twilight; I plowed through all four of those books in two weeks, so there had to be something there.  That said, I had a hard time trying to reread them.  I'm the kind of reader who reads good books over and over again, but they just didn't hold my attention like they did the first time.  I think the reason I read them so fast was just to see how the storyline would turn out, not because they were actually good.  Turns out, the way the storyline ends is a huge letdown that makes the other books basically pointless, and Edward is a huge creeper.  Even Jacob is creepy by the end.  I've still seen all the movies (and yes, Breaking Dawn Part 1 was really bad), but I believe people who make fun of them are completely justified in doing so LOL.

I completely agree with you on the ending. As I mentioned before, I read Twilight to answer questions that rose up in youth group, and I was OBSESSED. I LOVED the books. And then I read #4. You remember the term "jumped the shark"? The point when a storyline becomes so ridiculous, it jumped the shark, ala Fonzi in Happy Days? I totally think that Twilight jumped the shark, like Stephenie herself said "Shit, I've been writing this crap too long, I must shove every happy ending into this last book so I can finally be done with it!" and voila, Breaking Dawn... When I read Breaking Dawn, I went from loving Twilight and telling everyone how great it was into making fun of it.  And now to try and make it through a fanfic... *sigh* Let's see if I can actually read chapter 2, I've started it twice...
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: twofaced on June 13, 2012, 07:02:44 PM
Also, I saw a girl at work with one of the fifty shades books and simply said, "Oh, you're reading the series?" and even she kind of gave me a "don't judge me please" look and said, "Yeah, I'm kind of liking it..." I had to giggle at that. I told her I had just started on #1 and she said "OMG Don't you love it?" and I simply said "I've only read chapter one... Love is not the word I would use..." then she told me it gets better at chapter 8.... Not sure I can hold out for chapter 8....
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Sakabelle on June 13, 2012, 07:26:58 PM
Chapter 8 must be where they do it for the first time. I'm on chapter 6 I think. I highly doubt I will make it to the end to be honest.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 13, 2012, 08:08:24 PM
I completely agree with you on the ending. As I mentioned before, I read Twilight to answer questions that rose up in youth group, and I was OBSESSED. I LOVED the books. And then I read #4. You remember the term "jumped the shark"? The point when a storyline becomes so ridiculous, it jumped the shark, ala Fonzi in Happy Days? I totally think that Twilight jumped the shark, like Stephenie herself said "Shit, I've been writing this crap too long, I must shove every happy ending into this last book so I can finally be done with it!" and voila, Breaking Dawn... When I read Breaking Dawn, I went from loving Twilight and telling everyone how great it was into making fun of it.  And now to try and make it through a fanfic... *sigh* Let's see if I can actually read chapter 2, I've started it twice...

Yep, I agree.  I can handle the first half of Breaking Dawn, until Bella becomes a vampire, and it's all downhill from there.  My biggest problem with the books is that Stephenie Meyer does not know how to write action, suspense, or good villains.  I've never been able to successfully reread any of them because I always lose interest right before the "climactic" parts toward the end - the baseball scene in Twilight where the e-vamps show up, the whole Italy part in New Moon, etc.  I always felt like James and Victoria were totally random, and the Volturi were a huge build-up to NOTHING.  She would have been better off sticking to the forbidden romance/love triangle stuff than trying to throw in random vampire wars (in which one side surrenders before any fighting actually takes place) at the end.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Pengi on June 13, 2012, 10:04:21 PM
Chapter 8 must be where they do it for the first time. I'm on chapter 6 I think. I highly doubt I will make it to the end to be honest.

Even them finally doing it is really lame.
Christian is WAY overstated and pathetic and moody. I mean even before I knew it was Twilight fan fic I was like "good God this guy's like a Edward Cullen on PMS....take a freaking Midol dude" LOL

And the girl. OY WITH THE POODLES ALREADY!
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: mare on June 13, 2012, 10:14:41 PM
On my way down to Philly for the workshop I was teaching, the teachers in the van were talking about how much they wanted to read it. By the time we got to the place I had convinced them all it wasn't worth it lol

Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Sakabelle on June 13, 2012, 10:15:17 PM
He's really unattractive honestly. He's just super moody like you said and the author tries way too hard to make him seem deep and intellectual, and so he just comes off as a bunch of hipster douchey character traits without a personality. Like that scene when they were sitting there having tea? Ugh.

Oh, also she can't write the way North Americans speak. There was one point (maybe it was that same coffee shop scene.) where I was imagining the characters speaking with accents cause they were using European lingo. Then I remembered they were in the states and I was like "well this is awkward sounding."

Like I said I sort of wish I could get into this book so I could gush about it with everyone who seems to love it so much but making fun of it is fun too! lol
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 13, 2012, 10:34:45 PM
^ That's where an editor would have come in handy.  You can't blame her for not getting the dialogue just right, being British and writing about American characters, but someone should have helped her fix that before it was published.  Another reason not to self-publish!
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Sakabelle on June 13, 2012, 10:37:50 PM
I didn't realize she had no one look it over! Wow, everything makes so much more sense now lol. Either way, it still pulled me out of the story a bit. Not that I was overly immersed in it to begin with :P
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 13, 2012, 10:46:21 PM
From what I heard, she originally went the ebook route, like we've talked about in one of these threads lately, so I don't know if there was any outside editing involved.  If there was, sounds like they didn't do a very good job LOL.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Purpura Lipstick on June 13, 2012, 11:13:58 PM
^ That's where an editor would have come in handy.  You can't blame her for not getting the dialogue just right, being British and writing about American characters, but someone should have helped her fix that before it was published.  Another reason not to self-publish!

Or just write the story in an area you are familiar with.  It obviously isn't bothering too many people.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Purpura Lipstick on June 13, 2012, 11:15:06 PM
Howie! Duh lol

I was going to say that but ...*shrugs* perhaps we can have Lance have a guest spot as Hermione? I want Howie to read Voldemort for some reason....
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Sakabelle on June 13, 2012, 11:19:43 PM
I'm guessing she set it in the states because that's where Twilight was set.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Purpura Lipstick on June 13, 2012, 11:28:17 PM
most likely Steph.  I know if I were to write a story that takes place outside of the US I would need help to get lingo right that is for sure.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Pengi on June 14, 2012, 02:55:05 AM
I was going to say that but ...*shrugs* perhaps we can have Lance have a guest spot as Hermione? I want Howie to read Voldemort for some reason....

LMFAO Howie as Voldey! *dieeees*
IIii will beeee the oooone to killl Harry Potterrr!!

Dude seriously someone needs to get a video of him saying that now.  :D
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Carter-Orange on June 14, 2012, 04:20:08 AM
A few of the women I work with have been gushing over Christian Grey, I couldn't resist telling them exactly what I thought of him!  I also talked another one out of buying the book :)  Coming from a family where my dad was violent towards my mum (and also us kids), I really don't see the appeal of a man who punishes a girl for disobeying him :(
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Purpura Lipstick on June 14, 2012, 09:11:05 AM
LMFAO Howie as Voldey! *dieeees*
IIii will beeee the oooone to killl Harry Potterrr!!

Dude seriously someone needs to get a video of him saying that now.  :D

Could you just IMAGINE the facial expressions he would make saying that alone? 
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Pengi on June 14, 2012, 10:46:46 AM
Could you just IMAGINE the facial expressions he would make saying that alone? 

I'm imagining the same face that he'd make after eating a lemon. buahhahaa.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: twofaced on June 15, 2012, 12:39:20 AM
most likely Steph.  I know if I were to write a story that takes place outside of the US I would need help to get lingo right that is for sure.

I know there are books you can buy so that way if you're writing a story set in the deep south, you can make sure that ya'll get it right now, ya hear? Or if we are in London, it is proper to sound posh... She just needed to consult one of those books and failed miserably.

I actually had lunch with a friend who read it and we spent the entire time ripping it apart (me with my knowledge of 1.5 chapters, her the entire book) and we came to the conclusion that it's choppy (the new settings are anywhere from 3 paragraphs to 2 pages typically, then there's another break indicating a fast forward to something, then another short, crappy setting.) Also, the chick has WAY too many descriptive thoughts that are pointless and really add nothing to the story.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Pengi on June 15, 2012, 01:21:54 AM
Our reviews of this book make me scared to know what people are really thinking about my writing behind the scenes. lol I bet her friends on whatever site she originally posted thought the story was good - obviously, she took the steps to "publish" it. And a lot of people are gushing positively about it. I dunno, it just makes me wonder what people would be saying if I were to work on Something Beautiful and publish it as an OF. You know? Anyone else got this self-induced phobia now?
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Carter-Orange on June 15, 2012, 05:05:04 AM
But Hannah, Something Beautiful is a great story whereas 50 Shades is crap!  I'm sure people are only reading it for the sex :)
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: mare on June 15, 2012, 05:44:06 AM
Hannah, no matter what there are always going to be people who love your stuff & people who hate your stuff. There are so many people who love 50 Shades & Twilight etc.. Where I can't even imagine how it could be possible but then there are people like me who love Stephen King but others are full of hate for him. Bottom line, if you're a good writer, which you are, people will like your book. But yes, there will be people that won't as well. lol
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Carter-Orange on June 15, 2012, 05:48:47 AM
You can't please everyone, so you're better off just doing it to please yourself :)

Is it weird that I loved Twilight but not 50 Shades?
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: mare on June 15, 2012, 05:57:13 AM
I don't think so. lol I know quite a few people who loved one and not the other.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 15, 2012, 05:04:56 PM
As far as critiques go, I have to agree with what the last few posts have said - you can't please everyone.  I'm sure plenty of readers praised 50 Shades when it was a fanfic, and the fact that the published version is a bestseller tells us that plenty more readers in the general public are enjoying it too.

There will always be critics, in both realms, but I do think people are quicker to critique something that has been published and is making money, especially if it's popular.  Whereas with fanfic, we know we're all amateurs and are writing for fun, as a hobby, not to make money or the bestseller's list.  We're supportive of each other.

In the real world of published writing, our writing would be more harshly judged because we'd be opening it up to a wider group of people (and asking for money for it), but that doesn't mean it's bad.  Something Beautiful, Hannah, is definitely not bad.  Most people would love it, even if not everyone did.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 15, 2012, 05:06:07 PM
You can't please everyone, so you're better off just doing it to please yourself :)

Is it weird that I loved Twilight but not 50 Shades?

I don't think so.  Even if the characters are similar, the type of "romance" sounds a lot different.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: twofaced on June 24, 2012, 08:44:48 PM
Ok, so I've now made it to the "turning point" where everyone who's read it says it gets good (aka the first sex scene...)

Remember how I mentioned earlier about the "sausage"? Yeah, no, it was worse... "I begin to enjoy my very own Christian Grey flavored popsicle" *bangs head against wall*

There is so much to say, and most of the people I work with have been deterred from reading it thanks to my running commentary on the book. I mean, seriously, we went from a 21 year old virgin who's never even touched herself into a girl that can give a mind-blowing bj without being taught how. Really????

Ugh.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 24, 2012, 08:54:32 PM
OMFG That's a real line in the story??  Christian Grey flavored popsicle??  I just threw up in my mouth a little.   ???
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Sakabelle on June 24, 2012, 09:00:26 PM
LMAO. Wow. That is amazing. I gave up on the book, honestly. I have very little patience and that book was just boring.

But maybe now I'll just have to read all of the terrible sex scenes lol
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 24, 2012, 09:12:07 PM
Can you record yourself reading all of the terrible sex scenes out loud with cheesy porno music playing in the background, please?  That would amuse me greatly.

I wonder if someone on YouTube has already done that...
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 24, 2012, 09:16:05 PM
LMAO I did find Ellen DeGeneres's attempt at a 50 Shades audiobook:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=on3JCwnwHbU

LMFAO and here's the popsicle line, sung karaoke style on Jimmy Fallon!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Imsm9TyI6t0

LMFAO Gilbert Gottfried has one too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5K1RcKJVbHA
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Sakabelle on June 24, 2012, 09:25:13 PM
That Jimmy Fallon video is amazing.

"It's such a versatile liquid."

LMAO. New favourite line from a book ever.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 24, 2012, 09:26:56 PM
LMAO I know, and whatever the line about the inner goddess was.  WTF?  Who thinks that way?!  I mean, I get that it's a Twilight fanfic, and Bella's narration was not exactly "typical teenage girl" either, but wow.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: mare on June 24, 2012, 09:43:01 PM
lmao!
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Pengi on June 25, 2012, 01:36:12 AM
LMFAO and here's the popsicle line, sung karaoke style on Jimmy Fallon!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Imsm9TyI6t0

OMG I'm dyyyyying at the Fallon video. That third guy. I could tell the moment they showed him hewas gonna rock this challenge. lmao
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Carter-Orange on June 25, 2012, 10:11:44 AM
OMG I'm crying with laughter here! Those You Tube videos are so funny.

I wanted to strangle her stupid inner goddess :)

My sister jumped on the bandwagon and ordered all 3 books from Amazon without even reading reviews or the back cover of the book.  I told her exactly what I thought of it (well, the chapters I've read) and she is now regretting buying them as she says she trusts my opinion.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Carter-Orange on June 25, 2012, 10:14:38 AM
That Gilbert guy, oh god, I had to watch again as it was just too funny :)
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Purpura Lipstick on June 25, 2012, 12:53:29 PM
logging into AC forum on my phone so I can watch the videos...

Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 25, 2012, 01:25:36 PM
My sister jumped on the bandwagon and ordered all 3 books from Amazon without even reading reviews or the back cover of the book.  I told her exactly what I thought of it (well, the chapters I've read) and she is now regretting buying them as she says she trusts my opinion.

OMG, I asked my mom the other day if any of her friends were talking about 50 Shades of Grey yet, and she didn't really know anything about it, so I said, "Well, DON'T buy it!"

So what did she do?  She bought it for her ereader!  She was like, "Well, you mentioned it; I thought I should see what all the hype was about!"

Um, NO!  I mentioned it when I told you NOT to buy it!  She hadn't started reading it, so I told her everything I knew about it - the Red Room of Pain, the Twilight fanfic origins - and effectively horrified her, I hope!  If she'd just listened to me the first time, she would have saved her money!
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Carter-Orange on June 25, 2012, 01:29:07 PM
I think a lot of people are just buying it because of all the talk.  I'm sure there'll be charity shops flooded with these books before long, lol.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 25, 2012, 01:29:32 PM
^ True!
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 27, 2012, 11:59:07 AM
Oh god, now my teaching partner (who teaches next door to me) is gushing about this book!  Noooo!!!  It kills me to see smart, self-respecting women talking about how good it is.  Twilight was bad enough, but like I said, I get the  Twilight thing.  Maybe it's just because I haven't given this book a real chance and am judging based on everything I've ever seen and heard about it, but I do NOT get this!
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: mare on June 27, 2012, 12:38:44 PM
I don't get the Twilight thing either. I don't see how anyone thinks it's any good and never ever will and I did read that book! lol

I sometimes think it's the 'jump on the bandwagon' syndrome. I mean how often do we see that? When the majority of people are enjoying something people tend to go into it with that kind of attitude as well. It's so much easier to say "Did you read Fifty Shades of Gray? Wow that was great wasn't it? I wish Christian or whatever the hell his name is, would spank me like that!" And know that they would probably come off as sounding like they have something in common with the rest of the population instead of saying "50 shades of Gray, You liked that crap fest?"

It's the only way my mind can rationalize it without exploding. Although, I have to say besides a very very few people I know, no one is reading the book or if they have they haven't said a thing about it and the people I know reading it are also all consumed in pop culture. Love American Idol, The Bachelor, Rhianna, loves any sports team that is winning at the moment etc...

Friday will be the test. My book club gals are getting together so we'll see if they say anything about it and if they do i'll have to have an intervention of some kind! LMAO
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 27, 2012, 02:24:21 PM
You're probably right.  It's just funny - workplace friends are all gushing about this book, and my fanfic friends are all dissing it.  I like both groups, but it shows whom I've got more in common with. :P
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Pengi on June 28, 2012, 02:21:47 PM
Everywhere I go they're gushing about it - at Books a Million, at coffee shops, at the grocery store, at Target... Literally it seems like I keep running into people while they're standing around and discussing that stupid book. The only place I hadn't heard about it until recently was at my own work, and when it came up last week between two women sifting through our fiction shelves, one woman asked if we had it and I was like "Uumm..." and before I could even think to respond about how it's basically porn and would never ,ever be in our store, this random other woman leaped in and was gushing about how Satanic it is... I work at a Christian bookstore though so really it's not that big of a surprise. LOL. We get these crazy customers that talk about how Satanic everything is. This particular woman that was expounding on it that day was one that's complained about our contemporary Christian CDs because some of the "young men" performing have guitars in the background.  Cos apparently Jesus hates guitars. LOL ...  :crazy:  ...But I couldn't help but chuckle to myself in this case because it's the first place I've heard mention of it off these posts that didn't gush of it.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 28, 2012, 03:50:18 PM
LOL You can always count on those psycho-Christians!

I was at a purse party last night with some of my teacher friends who I thought were more on the same page as me with taste level, and even THEY are all reading this book!  I was literally the only person at the party who hadn't read it, besides the hostess's husband LOL.  I had to bite my tongue to prevent myself from asking if they knew it started out as Twilight fanfic - I'd already had three glasses of wine and was worried I might say too much if we got on the topic of fanfic LOL.  I don't think most people even know what that is, although as word gets around about this book, I guess they're finding out!
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Carter-Orange on June 28, 2012, 04:32:03 PM
Ugh, my stepmum phoned me today and after asking how me and the kids were, the next thing she said was "Are you reading that book?"  I told her no, and then went on to tell her exactly what I thought of it, and ended up having to explain what fanfic was (I left out the part about me writing it).  She admitted that she bought it because everyone was talking about it, she even said she found it a bit boring and the sex scenes clinical and not at all realistic. 
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 28, 2012, 08:39:32 PM
Everyone last night was saying the first three chapters are slow and boring, and they were about to give up on it until they got to Chapter 4, or wherever the first sex scene is... and then they were hooked.  I don't see the appeal of creepy S&M sex scenes, though, unless that's the appeal - that they're creepy and weird LOL.  I read enough horror to get that.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Pengi on June 28, 2012, 09:51:53 PM
The stupid thing is the first sex scene isn't even all that sexy? And it's definitely not S&M the first time. The writer writes like she's never had sex before. It's really weird and awkward feeling. lol  ???
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Carter-Orange on June 29, 2012, 02:01:01 AM
Yup, creepy clinical s&m sex with a control freak stalker doesn't appeal to me either!  If I want to read something a bit naughty, I would read a Jackie Collins or Jilly Cooper book, they leave it to the reader's imagination without getting too graphic too :)

Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Purpura Lipstick on June 29, 2012, 09:37:53 AM
I actually hadn't had anyone ask me if I'd read the book until yesterday.  My old manager will sometimes e-mail me asking if I've read books.  If I have she will ask my opinion on them and if I recommend them.  She asked if I read it and I told her that I had no desire to read it.  I'm a little sad she didn't question me further so I could get into why I didn't want to but at least she didn't give me crap about not wanting to read it. HEH
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: julilly on June 29, 2012, 02:22:22 PM
Everyone last night was saying the first three chapters are slow and boring, and they were about to give up on it until they got to Chapter 4, or wherever the first sex scene is... and then they were hooked.  I don't see the appeal of creepy S&M sex scenes, though, unless that's the appeal - that they're creepy and weird LOL.  I read enough horror to get that.

Honestly, Stephen King writes better erotica lol

I read the whole series for the sake of forming an opinion and I kept texting my roommate and saying "Seriously... nothing has happened yet. I'm like 80 pages in and nothing." Then when I finally got to the "BIG SEX SCENE" I laughed at the ridiculousness of it. It was so uncomfortable and awkward and totally laughable mainly because Bella...I mean... Anna(?) goes from virgin to Jenna Jameson in 2.8 seconds.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Pengi on June 29, 2012, 03:42:40 PM
Hey, don't discredit her for being faster than a Porsche to learn to Jenna Jameson it up... Maybe she's a natural born submissive.  ??? lmao... I kid, of course.  :P
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: mare on June 29, 2012, 03:54:15 PM
Tonight is my book club night. I really hope no one brings this book up for my own sanity lol
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: julilly on June 29, 2012, 03:56:32 PM
Hey, don't discredit her for being faster than a Porsche to learn to Jenna Jameson it up... Maybe she's a natural born submissive.  ??? lmao... I kid, of course.  :P

But she is hardly a submissive at all. Even after she agrees to it she flips out the first time he really does anything to her! What pisses me off the most is that she accepts emotionall/psychological abuse through the whole thing but when she AGREES to physical abuse she flips.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Pengi on June 29, 2012, 08:35:24 PM
But she is hardly a submissive at all. Even after she agrees to it she flips out the first time he really does anything to her! What pisses me off the most is that she accepts emotionall/psychological abuse through the whole thing but when she AGREES to physical abuse she flips.

LOL I don't think I made it far enough to witness any of these scenes but I definitely can see that happening from what I did read.

It makes me kinda wonder what the author's been through or done that she came up with this story actually. I mean I know I tend to put things into my writing that I've encountered. Does she do the same?

My sister was talking about 50 Shades earlier, she said everyone in her office is reading it too and was like "I don't know what it is?" and I was like "its pretty much porn." and she was like "No way would the ladies I'm talking about read pron..." LOL I was like one step away from getting my copy and letting her look at it to prove it was really that bad. LOL
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: mare on June 29, 2012, 11:07:01 PM
I am very happy to report no one even mentioned 50 Shades at my book club! :) I knew there was a reason I loved these ladies! lol
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on June 29, 2012, 11:18:48 PM
Woot!  You must have classier friends than the rest of us! LOL
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: mare on June 29, 2012, 11:24:26 PM
Apparently lol :p
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Carter-Orange on June 30, 2012, 02:53:24 AM
Glad you weren't subjected to hearing all about it at your book club Mare :)

I'm pleased to say that one of my friends who jumped on the bandwagon and bought the books has actually admitted she doesn't like it! Yay!
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: myconfession on July 04, 2012, 12:56:31 PM
Writers actually have to pay Amazon to have their books put on Kindle and I just don't have the money to do that. Maybe I can borrow some from this chick. Lol yeah, I'm jealous. I admit it. Especially if she sucks as an author as badly as most people say she does.

You don't pay to publish to Kindle on Amazon or any other ebook seller. You can get up to 70% commission on sales. And selling a book for .99 cents or $2.99 adds up after a while.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: myconfession on July 04, 2012, 01:04:52 PM
Okay, so having not read the "Twilight" books because I couldn't get past the first chapter of the first book (but have seen the movies), I freakin' loved all three "50 Shades" books. It kind of had that "this is gonna end badly but I want to keep reading anyway" feel to it. Ana's character annoyed the shit out of me, but Christian Grey was so messed up that it just made me want to keep reading.

From what I read, she did start out with publishing the book herself in e-book form. Then a company wanted to publish it for her.

I honestly can't wait to see how they adapt it to a movie. I'm hoping Ian Somendlanblahb lah (can never remember his last name) plays Christian.

I also want Nick to play Elliott (Christian's brother) LOL
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Carter-Orange on July 04, 2012, 01:22:31 PM
I've seen all over the place that Ian Somerhalder will play Christian in the movie.  He is gorgeous, but I'm not sure anyone could make me part with money to see that film, lol.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: myconfession on July 04, 2012, 01:25:43 PM
According to the author, they haven't even picked a writer yet, so no one has been casted yet. I know Ian wants to play Christian. Apparently everybody wants Ryan Gosling to play him too and that would just be horrible.

I just hope to God Kristen Stewart doesn't play Ana. She annoys the crap out of me.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Carter-Orange on July 04, 2012, 01:28:29 PM
She annoys me too, she never smiles!

Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Pengi on July 04, 2012, 08:00:42 PM
She annoys me too, she never smiles!

The lip biting thing. FOR THE LOVE OF GOD... the LIP BITING. lol I wanna smack her sometimes! OY VEYY!!! lol
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on July 04, 2012, 10:31:05 PM
I've probably posted this somewhere on the forum before, but if you haven't seen it before... dead-on impression of K-Stew LOL.

Speak Like Kristen Stewart: http://youtu.be/zKKAVYI7vdU
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Sakabelle on July 04, 2012, 10:40:30 PM
That was fantastic LMAO. Thanks for posting, Julie!
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Pengi on July 04, 2012, 10:41:22 PM
I've probably posted this somewhere on the forum before, but if you haven't seen it before... dead-on impression of K-Stew LOL.

Speak Like Kristen Stewart: http://youtu.be/zKKAVYI7vdU

LMFAO Unbelievable. That's great!
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: julilly on July 05, 2012, 08:09:24 AM
It kind of had that "this is gonna end badly but I want to keep reading anyway" feel to it.

That was sort of like me. Once I had invested a few chapters I was like "I am GOING to see how this monstrosity ends!" It's sort of like watching Centre Stage. It's terrible, but you still feel compelled to finish watching LOL
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: myconfession on July 05, 2012, 12:08:58 PM
That was sort of like me. Once I had invested a few chapters I was like "I am GOING to see how this monstrosity ends!" It's sort of like watching Centre Stage. It's terrible, but you still feel compelled to finish watching LOL

That's exactly how I was. I never get into books that are "popular" like Harry Potter, Hunger Games, Twilight, I don't know why, so I felt like the same thing was going to happen to his.

I really did hate the ending of the third book. I felt like it was WAY too rushed and it honestly reminded me of a fan fic that someone just got tired of writing and decided to rush the ending.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Carter-Orange on July 05, 2012, 03:01:32 PM
I've probably posted this somewhere on the forum before, but if you haven't seen it before... dead-on impression of K-Stew LOL.

Speak Like Kristen Stewart: http://youtu.be/zKKAVYI7vdU

That was great, so her, lol
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: julilly on July 06, 2012, 02:36:29 PM
That's exactly how I was. I never get into books that are "popular" like Harry Potter, Hunger Games, Twilight, I don't know why, so I felt like the same thing was going to happen to his.

I really did hate the ending of the third book. I felt like it was WAY too rushed and it honestly reminded me of a fan fic that someone just got tired of writing and decided to rush the ending.

The third book jumped the shark big time, I agree. I remember sitting there thinking "Wow this got really dull." it just became the same thing over and over. I never got the fanfic vibe as much as I did from the third book.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: myconfession on July 06, 2012, 11:33:03 PM
The third book jumped the shark big time, I agree. I remember sitting there thinking "Wow this got really dull." it just became the same thing over and over. I never got the fanfic vibe as much as I did from the third book.

See, me either! I hated how she found out she was pregnant and then BAM, they're in a field with a kid and she's pregnant again. Plus, he changed WAY too quickly. That was so fan fiction LOL
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: kevmylove on July 07, 2012, 06:44:29 AM
So I finally got to the sex part of this book. LOL!!
Uh...I'm annoyed by Ana and how quickly she gives into this guy without questioning anything out loud. She just goes with whatever he says and I find that so dumb. I think when he showed her that room she should have ran out, especially being the sweet virgin girl that it makes her out to be. I would have...F#$# that! Also just the fact that he wants her to sign something and she doesn't even read it.
Even with all that said I'm still reading on...lol.  
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Nijntje on July 09, 2012, 05:36:42 PM
I haven't read it, and now I certainly won't, lol. You've convinced me ladies!

Now what about the "Fallen"-books, are they worth the read? (Not the right thread, I know, but still..)
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Alexsgirl_ritz on July 10, 2012, 04:13:24 AM
Ok, this book becomes so popular that the biggest publication house in my country are going to translate it into our language. I'm just a bit worried, though, cause some people say that this story has explicit words, and lots of sex scenes. I am not sure how they are going to translate that. Because English words are fine but when you literally translate it into our language, it sounds really off.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: julilly on July 11, 2012, 10:01:41 AM
I made some comment about how people who actually liked Magic Mike without a smidge of irony involved are likely the same people who like 50 Shades and my mother was like "I liked 50 Shades of Grey! Can you help me get it off my Playbook to give to my friend?" Absolutely not. I will have no part in this.

Also, I will never look at her the same just because I'm weirded out knowing my MUM liked that book.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: mare on July 11, 2012, 10:33:53 AM
That's another thing I don't get. I mean I do get it because the guys are hot but Channing Tatum's horrible acting far outwieghs me wanting to pay money to see that movie. LOL
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: julilly on July 11, 2012, 10:45:12 AM
That's another thing I don't get. I mean I do get it because the guys are hot but Channing Tatum's horrible acting far outwieghs me wanting to pay money to see that movie. LOL

I loved it but only because I thought it was hilarious and of course because of all the hotties lol But I wasn't like "Oh wow the plot was so deep and meaningful" because there WASN'T ONE! haha But I went into it expecting as much.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: mare on July 11, 2012, 10:50:55 AM
I won't pay to see total crap lol
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: myconfession on July 11, 2012, 11:08:29 AM
I guess I'm one of the few, but I have no desire to see Magic Mike LOL I'd rather go see Ted.

The women at work in advertising were acting like horny old cougars over the movie the day before it came out. I was ready to go buy them all vibrators.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on July 11, 2012, 11:14:21 AM
I made some comment about how people who actually liked Magic Mike without a smidge of irony involved are likely the same people who like 50 Shades and my mother was like "I liked 50 Shades of Grey! Can you help me get it off my Playbook to give to my friend?" Absolutely not. I will have no part in this.

Also, I will never look at her the same just because I'm weirded out knowing my MUM liked that book.

I think you're right with that!

My mom texted me last week and said "Can we go see Magic Mike at the movies lol?"  I couldn't tell if she was kidding or not, but apparently she was - thank god LOL.  I have no interest in seeing it.  She bought 50 Shades for her tablet specifically because I told her not to, but she said she couldn't get into it.  I told her how we all rip it apart on here.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Purpura Lipstick on July 11, 2012, 11:52:07 AM
I want to see Magic Mike only for the eye candy, is there supposed to be a plot??? LOL  However, I don't think I will actually make it.  I go in the AM before noon the tickets are 5 bucks here so that is when we typically go to movies anyway. 
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: myconfession on July 11, 2012, 11:54:44 AM
I want to see Magic Mike only for the eye candy, is there supposed to be a plot??? LOL  However, I don't think I will actually make it.  I go in the AM before noon the tickets are 5 bucks here so that is when we typically go to movies anyway. 

My Mom only wants to see it for Alicide from True Blood. I was like he's not even a main character...
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Pengi on July 11, 2012, 12:44:02 PM
I saw Magic Mike just because everyone was talking about it and the trailer looked like it had a plot. I thought the guys were hot and stuff, but I agree there wasn't much of a plot. What's sad is it really wouldn't have taken much to GET a plot going in there if they'd cut some of the first two hours of the movie and developed more from when the non-Channing guy ODs on to Mike questioning himself as a stripper and discovering love with the chick that looked like Julia Stiles but wasn't.... lol I could almost see it being one of the fan fics we'd write where it's like Brian questioning if he wants to be in BSB anymore lmfao... Is that crazy? I think it is.

But that was the other thing about Magic Mike. LMAO A lot of it reminded me of the sets at a BSB concert and the girls in the crowd reminded me of the fans at the shows when Nick like grabs his crotch or whatever. I was like holy crap they're one g-string from being these guys. LMFAO.... I had all I could do not to laugh out loud in the theater after I thought of that.

Particularly when I started putting AJ in the big hairy guys' place in my mind.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Carter-Orange on July 11, 2012, 03:35:56 PM
I want to see Magic Mike for the eye candy!  It just came out today here, but was sold out when I went, I was gutted :(  I admit I only want to see it for Channing Tatum and Alcide off True Blood getting their clothes off, lol.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: kevmylove on July 11, 2012, 04:42:59 PM
My Mom only wants to see it for Alicide from True Blood. I was like he's not even a main character...
That was my favorite one too!! I love Alcide ;)

I agree with Julilly ...it was hilarious and there were some hotties in it. I didn't like the whole thing with the other guys dister...it was pointless.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on July 23, 2012, 11:52:25 PM
Karin tweeted this review of 50 Shades of Grey, and I had to repost it here.  It was entertaining!  Thanks, Karin!

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/340987215
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Purpura Lipstick on July 24, 2012, 09:40:34 AM
I read all of the reviews that person had for all three... the first review is definitely the funniest.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Carter-Orange on July 26, 2012, 08:44:34 AM
I just read it, such a great review!
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Carter-Orange on July 29, 2012, 04:40:36 PM
OMG there's this TV show on right now all about 50 Shades.  They've got real BDSM - or whatever you call it - people on there saying that Christian would be considered a stalker!  There's loads of people on there slagging the book off, reading it out and laughing, lol.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: RokofAges75 on July 29, 2012, 06:05:08 PM
I don't know much about BDSM, but I have heard that 50 Shades does not represent that lifestyle accurately AT ALL and that real BDSM people are offended by it.  That is funny!
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: cabybakes on August 30, 2012, 11:12:29 PM
Have you guys read Bared to You by Sylvia Day?  Love it, way more than 50 Shades...
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: Alexsgirl_ritz on September 10, 2012, 05:07:53 AM
My friend sent me e-book of this series. At first, I was debating if I should read the story or not. I've read so many negative comments about the book. Then I've decided to give it a try, it was given to me free anyway.

I can't imagine the scenes playing like a movie in my head as I read it. It seems like there was a whining teenager in front of me telling me her story. I couldn't get past page 20. I stopped reading.

Maybe when I am really, really, really, really, really bored, I might remember I have fifty shades of grey e-book sitting in my inbox.
Title: Re: 50 Shades of Grey - kinda curious on everyone's thoughts
Post by: shark_carter on September 10, 2012, 02:01:42 PM
Uh oh! I feel like I'm going to get in trouble when I say I sorta liked this book! haha

I definitely didn't think that it was anything special and not worth the hype it's getting but I found it to be such an easy read I got through it really quickly. The whole time I was thinking "I just want to know what could possibly happen next!" which kept me going through the whole series.

I agree with some of the comments that the sex scenes weren't as "scandalous" as they were portrayed to be by the media but I thought it was just a fun summer book like any other paperback romance novel. :)