Thanks for your question, it's a good one. Many people automatically presume "Voyeurism Poetry" is sexual because the historical context of "voyeurism" is most often viewed in a sexual setting. As a writer, my application of this term is about reflective identity, as in, "Looking Out, Seeing In".

What I mean by "Looking Out, Seeing In" is that the short stories I write are about issues and emotions people experience, either themselves or by way of friends, acquaintances or family members. By observing and experiencing emotional situations either 'first, second or third hand' there is an identity which takes place among and between the people involved. For example, if you have a spouse or significant other who has cheated on you, someone you know or a family member, you are aware of the pain and struggle associated with those actions. The results and the emotional fallout from that act is identifiable to all involved. Writing a short story of poetic prose (short and easy to read, follow, understand) about this kind of situation is "Voyeurism Poetry". One is reading ('viewing or observing'), a real life situation and all that goes with it, while being able to identify personally with the emotions, pain, heartache, distrust, hate, actions etc. which are part of the experience for those involved.

While the above example does involve sex, "Voyeurism Poetry" stories can express significant emotional recognition by the reader in many of life's situations or experiences. Birth, death, love, hate, envy, joy, heartache, heartfelt happiness, sympathy, empathy, etc. The list of possibilities is extensive, but most of us experience a collective of similar emotional situations. This is the symmetry of life. While our paths are uniquely different, our individual life's lessons and the manner or ways they may play out for each of us is uniquely similar. It is in this fashion that we can identify with each other’s' lives and our common purposes and themes of existence.

"Looking Out, Seeing In" is the foundational aspect of my "Voyeurism Poetry". Writing to promote this identification between the reader and the story helps the reader become aware 'they are not alone' in their feelings or experiences. Others have faced, and are facing the same or similar emotional situations and are somehow surviving, growing and living through the experience. 

Voyeurism Poetry's "Looking Out, Seeing In" also encourages the reader to look deeper within themselves. To address if they desire, issues and emotions which may be hidden or masked. My Voyeurism Poetry stories help the reader to discover it's okay, (or not) to look at the inner ramifications of external situations, experienced by self or others. Voyeurism Poetry stories can help to promote growth and/or identification in order that the reader may possibly address areas they may be, or may have been reluctant to look at. This unique "Looking Out, Seeing In" aspect of Voyeurism Poetry is by design, an opportunity for the  reader to grow.

So, Voyeurism Poetry is not "all about sex", but sex is a basic staple of life and relationships, so yes, Voyeurism Poetry also occasionally looks at or explores sexual and erotic themes.

Thanks again for your question. I invite you to get 'a feel for or a taste of' my Voyeurism Poetry in the Reading Room (Open Mic Poems) here at the web site. We post a new and different poem each day, with seven to choose from each week.

All the best,
Branch

 Jeff, Thanks for your question and it’s a good one because your investment in the production of your book can vary depending on whom, and what company you are contracted with, or whether you intend to self-publish, and what your sales goals may be.

First, no matter which direction or path you take, there will be a financial investment on your part above and beyond the time and effort you (have) put into your writing, editing, and preparation. This will be determined initially by what your ultimate objective is when your book is actually ready for publication and sale.

Is your intention to sell your book through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other on-line distributors? At your local bookstore? Out of the trunk of your car? 
 
How many copies would you like to sell? Is this book a ‘hobby’ project, or the first step in what you hope to be a way of life and making a living? Your goals and sales objectives should be taken into account so a realistic budget of expenses can be developed based on your direction of distribution.

As mentioned in the book, there are basically five paths to publication you can take. The least expensive is to do it yourself at every step. Your final product will probably be a soft cover or spiral bound book copied, printed and bound at your local ‘Kinko’s store’. In this case your costs will be determined by the price of the materials and labor involved. Even at this stage you will have some expenses to take your manuscript from paper to finished book. 
 
The second and third ways are contracting with a publishing house; be it a small or private press, a university press, or a major publisher. These options represent investments with particular potential returns, because there will be agents, lawyers, company representatives, accountants, etc. at each step of the process. As with any dealings at a corporate level, you and your interests need to be protected and this costs money.

The fourth and fifth methods are, contracting with a Print On Demand (POD) or Vanity Press and self-publishing. The POD/VP ways can be expensive (usually $500-3000) but can be worth it, again depending on your goals and skill sets.

The self-publishing path is going to be similar in price but you will have complete control and discretion as to your overall plans. The long and short of these two paths is; if you have only one or two books in your hopper, then the POD/VP methods are invaluable. If you have a series or multiple books to be published, self-publishing can become cost effective over the long run.

If you get further in my book Pathways To Publishing,  you’ll see the cost broken down for you. Most important, be realistic in your goals, budget, direction and what you want to accomplish.

Hope this (briefly) helps. If you have more questions, send them along, I’ll give them my best shot.

All the best,
Branch

As mentioned previously, my intent and purpose for this blog is to aid and help others who have questions, or answers, regarding our topical areas. As an author in these genres I do have and sell materials (books, eBooks, greeting cards and inspirational gift mats) related to our discussion subject matters. This blog is not designed to sell these items, but they are available should anyone desire to explore more deeply my beliefs, philosophies and presentations which
form the foundational bases of our discussion topics.

Let's open our potential discussions with a one sentence description for each topic.

Poetry 
How to write better poetry?

Spirituality 
(As I believe Jesus the Christ is the way to eternal life, I can be labeled a "Christian", however,
it starts and stops there). Our discussion focus is on spirituality, not religion.

Erotica 
Sexual relations are an integral, essential and important part of life, in every sense.
Erotica can give sexuality its intensity; before, during, and after the Sex (cont)Act.

(Self) Publishing 
How to take your manuscript from paper to paperback, or eBook.


Have a question in regard to one of these topics?

Use the Add Comment to be part of the discussion, or email me.


 

Welcome. 

After a dozen years of activity on the Internet; reading, writing, commenting and publishing, the time has come to share publicly some thoughts, ideas and opinions.

Long standing advice to aspiring writers has usually been, "Write what you know about."
That fundamental statement will form the foundation of this blog. However, the focus and format is intended to be shaped as a Q&A discussion, whereby substantive posts will hopefully guide and aid those who may follow or contribute.

Our initial scope and range will be limited to Poetry, Spirituality, Erotica, and Self-Publishing. These are the genre areas with which I am most familiar as a professional writer and author (one who sells books to make a living.) Hopefully these discussions will cover enough ground and open the flood gates to insure participation, and readers alike may experience stimulation with each other’s awareness and edification.

While this Q&A format will be censorship free, aimed at and for adults, it is expected that postings by contributors remain civil and polite. Please stay on topic and refrain from disparaging personal attacks or remarks to and of others. There are plenty of places to act in such a manner; this is not one of them.

With all that in mind, please allow me to present some background which motivates my intentions to assist and serve those who wish to learn, share and explore more about our topics. Prior to my efforts as a storyteller and author, I experienced thirty years of teaching, sales, and administrative opportunities. 

I have owned or been partners in three entrepreneurial cottage industry businesses and have authored twenty four self-published books and eBooks, available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Books A Million, the Apple store, and other retailers.

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Texas State University, completed post graduate work in educational administration at the University of Houston, and hold a Master of Arts degree in Theology from Trinity Bible College and Seminary.

Enough about me, because this blog is about the 'Questions and Answers' our readers have concerning Poetry, Spirituality, Erotica as part of life, and Publishing their works.

If you would like to ask a question or participate in this blog's discussions, please feel free to use the Add Comment link below. Our hope is that those who have questions may find answers, to aid and guide them on their journey and path. 

I would also like to invite you to start or end your day, by subscribing to our Thought for Today.