Blog and Video Preview -- Seme on Seme Plots(攻めをテーマにした攻め)

I've postponed uploading the next Cook Like a Uke video due to the holiday weekend. That will go up next Friday. I'll also have a new blog on why I think Seme on Seme works and is really hot. How can that be possible with two strong willed men? Wouldn't that mean way more fighting than there is loving? It does! In that same blog, I'll discuss the topic of possessiveness. I write characters that could be criminally possessive. How is that in keeping with my views on non-consensual pairings?  It does work. I detail my contentions in the blog with examples from anime and manga.

Mata ne!

Non-Con Again, Scary Semes and Twisted Views

I thought this blog would be about the next Cook Like a Uke Video. The last few days have been spent doing strange research like finding lingerie – specifically teddys – that fit muscular guys. My Hubs looked over my shoulder, exclaimed 'whatever you're planning, count me out!' Then, he fled to the study. Silly Billy! It's nearly time for a new video shoot on Cook Like a Uke. Meanwhile, the latest edited video will go up by Friday. It's a real like Misaki from Junjou Romantica. However, I didn't get as far in my planning as I had hope. Instead, I'll talk about something that keeps coming up in reader e-mails.

Despite previous blogs like the one on Power Exchange, I've had some emails from those kind souls who've taken the time to read the sample chapters of Ensnared and some of my blogs. They raise some interesting points – even the ones that kind of called me a hypocrite. I have blogged against and have often spoken out against the continuing use of non-consensual relationships in yaoi (I hope to have an even bigger panel on this subject at upcoming conventions this year). It paints a picture to the outside world that all yaoi is about rape and torture. These opinions have become really important of late as companies like Amazon and Apple have banned yaoi. And, for a short time, Smashwords was going to ban erotica with such themes. It could be argued that it wasn't non-con that got those books banned, but why give anyone that ammunition when it isn't necessary? These perceptions can impact where we can buy yaoi or even if we can buy yaoi. I am a publisher as well as a writer who doesn't want a tired trope impacting my bottom line. I'm not trying to be provocative in saying it's a tired trope. I think times have changed in the decades since Yaoi was young. The general public know a lot more about gay men and their relationships. It isn't looked upon as something to be ashamed of. Thus, there is no need to have these pairings begin with an act of force or blackmail or any kind of coercion.

And as I mentioned in the Power Exchange blog, I think there is often a fundamental misunderstanding of how dominant/submissive relationships work. I plan on revamping my Primer on Writing BDSM and offering it for free as an e-book later this summer. I love D/s fiction! I adore strong, even overbearing Semes. Who doesn't love Usagi-san in Junjou Romantica or Al from Ikoku Irokoi Romantan? They are a tad pushier than I like, but overall, they are loving and protective and devoted to their exasperated ukes. They are irresistible in their arrogance. I'm with you all with regard to this type of Seme. I want yaoi to remain as sizzling hot and sexy as always!

The gentle readers who wrote were asking how the scenario I set up between Lord Darius Galatea and underworld gang leader, Andreas Hesper was not a non-con relationship. I admit that it looks like a duck and even quacks like a duck. But it isn't a duck. It's more like a platypus. Part of my point in creating that couple was that I wanted to prove that there could be all the tension and drama between the Seme and Uke that there is in a non-consensual pair while being a consensual relationship.

But readers of the excerpts point out that it seems that Andreas is being pressured to stop hanging out with his childhood friend and second in command, Viktor. This situation is not at all what it seems. I'm glad that the sample chapters intrigued readers enough to write me with these observations. I will respond to them as best I can; however, the best way to see that this story is not the usual trope but one that turns that trope on its ear is to read the entire story over the two volumes. I will answer what I can without revealing too much if only for the sake of not having readers think I am being a hypocrite. I must first give a little background.

Early in the existence of Zed Crew, a couple of members who held powerful positions were either booted from the Crew or, in one case, killed over love affairs that went very badly (in that, a jealous lover killed the Crew Member). These unfortunate events caused Andreas to issue a decree that none of Zed Crew was to be involved in high drama relationships. Further, there were restrictions on how much drinking and partying was allowed. The new rule suited Viktor as he was secretly in love with Andreas and didn't want anyone else closer to him than he was. This rule also coincided with the opening of Club Zero, a nightspot popular with almost all strata of that society and their Crew's base of operation. Thus, no one who frequented that club, including those who lusted after Andreas, ever saw him party hard or show a romantic interest in anyone. Viktor had spent years at Andreas' side and never saw him show an interest in another man or woman.

To Viktor and the others who wanted Andreas, Darius seemed to be able to waltz into the building and take what they all wanted. Despite everything they witnessed with their own eyes to the contrary, they couldn't accept that Andreas was the one who initiated the first encounter between him and Darius. So there is jealousy from those who want Andreas. Coupled with those intense and dangerous feelings, there is a plot to remove Darius from power by forcing him to take an outrageous action against those who want to trespass into his relationship with Andreas. This is the backdrop to what appears to be irrational possessiveness on the part of Darius. The only danger for Andreas and his freedom is the very real possibility that Darius will deem it unsafe for Andreas to live his life as he has. There are real physical dangers to this uke as those who lust after him grow more and more frustrated that their feelings are not returned. It is Darius' prerogative to determine how best to keep Andreas safe. Under the terms of their contract, Andreas must obey – even if that means being locked away or chained to Darius' bed. This is not a non-con relationship, because Andreas agreed to accept the terms of their contract without hesitation and without coercion. The fun of reading the book is finding out whether or not Andreas can find a way to stand up to such a powerful being and keep his freedom while keeping his Owner happy. And, if this is possible, how he manages to pull it off without triggering Darius' world famous temper.

To get the answers, you will have to start reading!

NEW Cook Like a Uke - Featuring 'Again Tomorrow's' Hot Seme!

 

Yuusei isn't exactly a Uke. And he is up to something! But what?

Nabako Kamo's Again Tomorrow is available on Kindle, Nook and Emanga :

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007FN03L6/ref=tsm_1_fb_lk

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/again-tomorrow-nabako-kamo/1109212837

http://www.emanga.com/books/Again_Tomorrow

(Again Tomorrow - Ashita Kara Mouichido © Nabako Kamo. All rights reserved. Original Japanese edition published in 2010 by Taiyoh Tosho Publishing Co., Ltd.)

For the behind the scenes story -- read this blog tomorrow! 

Yaoi Thought for the Day - Udon Bear

The next Cook Like a Uke is almost through with editing. Meanwhile, a thought for the day:

Power Exchange Between Seme and Uke

In the real word of Dominant/submissive relationships, there is an exchange of power between the Dom and sub. The exchange is done without coercion and with full knowledge of what to expect. To put an even finer point on it, the sub is also legally and mentally able to surrender power to the Dom. The phrase that covers this practice is no one unwilling, underaged or unbalanced. Unbalanced covers such conditions as being too drunk or stoned to give consent as well as the mentally unbalanced. Smart Doms – and I am a very smart practicing lifestyle Dominatrix http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominatrix – do this to avoid arrest or lawsuits. Smart subs adhere to these rules to avoid hospitalization, permanent injury or death. One of the most bothersome thing about how these relationships are portrayed in popular media is that the danger for either party is recklessly underplayed. This includes a lot of yaoi I've read that depict this kind of relationship. Sorry guys.

Now, I get that there is a deeply satisfying thrill in seeing a uke conquered by a big, dangerous Seme. But when you think about it, how much conquering is there? These Semes are usually twice or even three times bigger than the uke. They are physically and psychologically terrifying. Where is the seduction? Where is the prowess as a lover? Who wants to see Superman fight a human mugger? Where is that buildup of tension and desire in the uke until he can do nothing else but surrender – no matter what the cost? Where is the continuous seduction that gets the uke to the point that he can't be in the same room with the Seme without getting rock hard? Oh my! I've given myself palpitations.

Now, you're looking at the banner image for this page and saying, but there is the huge man looming over a smaller, more vulnerable man who is wearing a big collar. What about that? That is clearly a D/s relationship. But I always write fiction that upends what is typical in a genre.

That bigger man is Darius, Lord Galatea from Ensnared, Volumes 1&2. [Note, there are very mild spoilers ahead – nothing that would spoil the twists in the plot.] He is a full half a foot taller than his uke and 60 pounds of muscle heavier as well. Beyond being much more powerful physically, Darius is much more powerful in wealth and political power. He is, in fact, the most powerful being in a whole planetary system. He is one typical, scary Seme. His reputation is so fearsome, it's rumored that he eats babies. But there is a difference in Darius. He would never force himself on someone he desired. His pride demands an absolute surrender to his lusts. Darius rightfully believes that he has the looks, magnetism and sexual prowess to make him impossible to resist when he turns his focus on someone he wants. Darius has such an intense regard that he has had to take measures in her personal life to make sure that no one who works closely with him is even remotely attracted to men. There had been problems in the past with underlings attempting to cross the line with him. In his love life, Darius wants a love to not only surrender, he wants him to beg permission to surrender.

Andreas Hesper is younger and much slighter than Darius and his social status is far lower when they meet. However, Andreas has power in his own right. His underworld crew, Zed Crew, is respected for their skillful, efficient, non-violent work. He has enough money for his needs. He is happy with his crew mates and content with his lot in life. His incredible looks and cheeky, playful personality made Andreas very popular in his world. Andreas isn't a brawler, but he can be physically imposing when he needs to be. Andreas has never shown interest in any of the highborn citizens that frequent Club Zero, Zed Crew's lair. The frequent inquiries were met with a polite but firm rebuff. To all that knew him, Andreas would never bow to someone merely because that someone was powerful. Nor did he want any riches they had to offer. Andreas was just the sort of man that Darius desired – beautiful, smart, confident, cheeky. What none who knew Andreas realized was that he met his match in Darius the moment their glaze locked, and that it had nothing to do with wealth or social status.

As Andreas dances with Darius the first time, no one but Darius knows that the younger man is fighting being overwhelmed. They see Andreas calmly return to his mates when the song ends. Darius leaves Club Zero shortly afterward. In less than forty-eight hours, however, Andreas has pledged himself as a pleasure slave to Darius for at least a year. Andreas does beg for the collar and tag. Admittedly, Darius does knock the breath out of his uke as well as take his breath away with kisses. Darius does use his size to hold Andreas down during sex. He even chains him to the bed. Never once, however, does Darius cause Andreas pain. Everyone believes that Andreas was blinded by Lord Galatea's wealth and power or he was brutally compelled to yield. Neither is true. It was a skillful though brief seduction by Darius that caused Andreas to trust him enough to give in to the powerful pull when his life literally depended upon it. Later, Andreas begs for that collar and all that comes with it. Yet he is never weak, and he never loses who he is. Darius cherishes that in his exquisite one, despite a carefully honed image for coldness.

In Ensnared, vol 2, Viktor Stamos, Second in command of Zed Crew finally asks about what happened between them. (Very minor spoilers)

Viktor was gazing intently at Andreas as the servant left.

“Can I ask you something without making you mad?” He asked quietly.

“Probably,” Andreas replied. “What is it?”

“Is everything that is said about Lord Galatea wrong?” He asked. “Is he a lot nicer than everyone thinks?”

“No, Darius is the evil bastard that everyone says he is,” Andreas replied with a wry smile. “As scary as the average person believes he is, the truth is many, many times worse. He is cold, arrogant and brutal. That temper is for real. None of that has ever been aimed at me, Viktor. He has never even raised his voice to me.”

“But he took advantage of your situation to claim you, didn’t he?”

“Yes, he did,” Andreas admitted. “But he didn’t want to claim me that way. That first meeting...allowing me to call him by his first name...was all about seducing me. He wanted me to walk in to being his Dami without any pressure. He was actually very annoyed that he didn’t get to seduce me the way he wanted.”

“He was that sure he could get you to do that?” Viktor asked quietly.

Andreas looked at him levelly. “He wasn’t wrong, Viktor.”

His Second nodded.

“Okay, this makes more sense to me,” Viktor murmured. “I couldn’t see you wanting to stay with someone who had used your situation to take you.”

That awkward moment passes between the two long time friends, but a misunderstanding remains that reflects another belief about Dominant/submissive relationships. If a man enjoys submitting to one powerful lover, he is willing to be that way with any powerful person. All the interested Seme would have to do is use the right amount of force on him. This belief causes a series of tragedies that effects everyone Andreas holds dear. Alas, any more would be a major spoiler. To find out how Darius seduces Andreas into absolute submission and what the impact of their relationship is, read Ensnared Volumes 1&2!

 Ensnared Volume One, the Paperback is now  on Amazon.com HERE

 Ensnared Volume Two is LIVE on Kindle HERE
The paperback is available HERE
Ebooks for all types of players available on Smashwords HERE  
Ensnared Volume One Kindle Ebook Available HERE 
Check out full chapter excerpts for Volume One and Volume Two under Hot Links in the Menu on the right side of this page!

Cook Like A Uke Preview!

At last, the first Cook Like a Uke shoot is a wrap! We shot two segments that will go live on Youtube over the next few weeks. The first, Beef Curry and Beer features handsome and aloof Yuusei from Nabako Kamo's Again Tomorrow (Again Tomorrow - Ashita Kara Mouichido © Nabako Kamo. All rights reserved. Original Japanese edition published in 2010 by Taiyoh Tosho Publishing Co., Ltd.). He is showing his gratitude toward Shunya, who seems to be a cute stranger that kindly rescued him from the streets. In reality, Shunya is actually Yuusei underling at the firm where he is not only the Vice President but heir to the entire conglomerate. Yuusei claims to have no memory of his past life, yet he remembers how to make tasty beef curry. He seems to understand far more about Shunya than a stranger would. Shunya must know who he is, but why hasn't he said anything? You can find out the answers to these questions and be in on the fun of this cooking video by reading Again Tomorrow. It's available for Kindle HERE, for Nook HERE and other formats HERE.

The other segment features a live action version of Mikasi Takahashi from Junjou Romantica earnestly making Tonjiru to bring to the man who will be his tutor. This Misaki is a bit beefier than the anime version, but he is as adorable, and he can really cook. I take a few liberties with the anime plot, but it is very funny. The cast and crew ate all of the results of this segment. The curry went pretty quickly as well. Junjou Romantica can be seen on Nozomient'sYoutube channel HERE.

Stay tuned for the videos here or subscribe to Draggontv's Youtube Channel here!

Cook Like a Uke - Updating Updates

Life interfered with the shoot last week. But, as always, there was a silver lining. I was able to meet and cast yet another gorgeous uke. Meet Kevin Chambers, an actor/dancer/stuntman who is intense in the kitchen. Like my other talented actors, he can portray most any type of uke or even a seme who cooks.

The new shoot is scheduled for Thursday. I'll post the behind the scenes here and set a date for the premier here on April 13. I've had some inquiries about doing recipes from different manga and anime. I think I have a pool of actors that can pull off those types of characters from the requests. I'm always open for more ideas! I can be reached via the comments section below. For you shy readers, the comments can be made anonymously.

Ensnared Volume One, the Paperback is now  on Amazon.com HERE

 Ensnared Volume Two is LIVE on Kindle HERE
The paperback is available HERE
Ebooks for all types of players available on Smashwords HERE  
Ensnared Volume One Kindle Ebook Available HERE 
Check out full chapter excerpts for Volume One and Volume Two under Hot Links in the Menu on the right side of this page!