Chapter 2 of Controversy recalls Brad's first time with a young boy. I like those passages more than the "experienced" guys who go after it. There is something pure and innocent and real about two males figuring things out — and trying things out — for the first time.
First times can be awkward and clumsy and full of mistakes, but its the exploring of two bodies that so often sparks pure magic. Whenever a first time happens, the two boys (or men) feel a sense of connection they were longing for. Even if the sex isn't perfect, just like that first kiss, there is a sense of "wow." Sure, some first encounters are traumatic owing to a bullying or controlling participant, but for the most part, two boyfriends acting on what they are feeling inside is so impactful.
In contrast to erotica featuring perfect male specimens with ridiculous anatomy, real men are much more interesting than fantasy figures — at least in my opinion. I try to make a wide range of body types in my stories. Any reader can find themselves there, right in the romantic mix.
The drawback is I only have my own personal experiences and the handful of friends that are open enough to talk about sexual "stuff." The bulk is my imagination. My dream would be to interview gay men about their experiences (good and bad) to really give a sheen of authenticity to my writing. When I wrote about the older men sharing at the meetings in Heart and Soul, I was thrilled that so many of those were from readers who shared with me their own tales of coming out later in life.
Wouldn't it be fascinating to hear how other people's first times went?
