Comic panel showing husband and wife kissing ~ MarriageHeat

Webcomics, Maybe?

Hi, MHers!

A contributing author, DefiantArtist, wrote in recently to ask about the possibility of creating webcomics based on some of the stories submitted to MH over the years. Here’s an excerpt explaining his vision:

“I have been toying with the idea of creating webcomic versions of some of the stories I read here, or at least based on them. They would be my own interpretation of the tales y’all have posted, but still basically the same stories…. There is a great shortage of erotic art that is based in Christianity these days; most of what you find out there is smut and trash at best. My goal with this project would be to try to present erotic art as it exists [poetically] in the Bible: pure, lovely, holy, and hot! And strictly within the bounds of marital relationships, of course. 🙂 There is no shame in the glory of married sex, and there should be no shame in the portrayal of the same, I believe.”

Calvin and I thought this could be a great way to introduce the vision for hot Biblical monogamy to a younger generation who might never search for a site like ours. We’d ask that DA remain as true to the story as possible in a graphic art format, that he not charge for the comics he creates (he thinks he’d use a free service like ComicFury), and that he link to the original story on MH (which he already had in mind). We would reciprocate by linking to the comic from the story.

We’d like to hear from our authors. If you are reading this and you’ve contributed even one erotic story to MarriageHeat that we’ve scheduled or published, please give us your opinion below on MH exploring this additional media and voice any concerns you might have. We’ve asked DA to respond in comments if you have further questions about his vision. He also made it clear that this project is in the idea stage and that he would only be able to work on it in his spare time, if at all—so no promises!

 

May your marriages burn hot and bright,

Missy

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38 replies
  1. Fearless Lunk says:

    Can you indulge me for two quick responses?
    1. Erotic graphic art isn’t for me. No interest in drawn or animated erotica. But if someone else enjoys it, that’s cool. Not saying “no” overall, just not something I would check out personally. And it’s just about my preferences, not a moral/ethical objection.
    2. Posts like this are a bit maddening, knowing that there is an almost 2.5 month backup of new posts at MH. Is this really the “post of the day”? I am only one vote, and I am advocating that MH should begin 2 posts a day. If the well starts to run dry, go back to 1 per day. But some writers (like me) don’t submit as much *because* of the 2.5 month waiting period. I know the admins think it will ebb and flow. But I actually think the well might not ever run dry, and at least let’s catch up. Or at the VERY minimum, please do a 2nd post (story) on the same day as discussion/Q&A posts. Just my 2 cents.

    • MarriageHeat says:

      Thanks, FL, for the feedback.

      This post is "fresh," as in I wrote it last night, but it filled the slot that DefiantArtist's original contact on the subject had held. We actually aren't backed up too far on discussion posts, just stories. Unfortunately, they are the ones that take the most of my time as the primary editor. I have been having "Twofer" Tuesdays, and we could probably go back to story + discussion on Mondays, but many stories take a lot of effort to get ready for publication. Not everyone cares about grammatical errors, paragraph breaks, etc. in their reading material, but since I want to do everything—especially this—as unto the Lord, it matters to me.

      Unfortunately, I sometimes end up spending hours on a single post, and with my other duties and responsibilities, that limits how many I can handle in a day or week. And with readership and contributions growing, that has resulted in longer waits. I could just reject posts that need the most work; that would certainly lessen the backlog. But then we'd lose so many great stories—ones that illustrates the joys and struggles and freedom and beauty of a vibrant, passionate marital love life.

      My plan is to create guidance for writers that could shorten the time it takes us to edit; in all honesty, it should be my highest priority, but I'm struggling (sometimes failing) to get the next day's story edited before midnight, much less write a "how to pre-edit before submission" doc. Not making excuses, though. I will get it done. I would welcome more help as well, but we are a "mom and pop plus a couple of volunteers" operation. Most folks come to MH to enjoy themselves, not to work for free, so… yeah, we are backed up.

      I know it's frustrating. But to put it in perspective, it can take a freelance writer three to six months just to get a rejection letter from an online magazine with a full staff. We do the best we can with the resources the Lord has provided and pray for His provenance and guidance to "enlarge our territory," if it's His will.

      My apologies,

      Missy

    • LovingMan says:

      I like the idea of two posts a day. It IS maddening to write a true story that happened on a holiday and for it not to be published for over 2 months.

    • Fearless Lunk says:

      Thanks for the thoughtful response to my 2nd Q, and glad it wasn’t “cut.” I think I’d be willing to help with 1 or 2 edits per month. If a few more join in, it might significantly lighten the load… or clear out the bottleneck.

    • MiSWRAPP says:

      Just to echo @Fearless Lunk, I too, would be willing to edit a couple of stories of month. We all benefit from the stories posted on here and if possible (and able), we should help lighten the load too.

  2. tman27 says:

    Personally, I would feel honored to have visual representations of my stories. And it would be a hot addition to our relationship, too, to see those actual events come to life in artistic way.

    • DefiantArtist says:

      Exactly! That is something the world has a definitive shortage of, art that celebrates the intimacy that God created for marriage.

  3. 1blessedman says:

    I am not opposed but I don’t have a deep thought of where explicit sharing ends and pornography begins. As for the #2 above, that seems to be far off of the original post intent and it takes up precious space. That could have been directed specifically to admin another way. Had I been admin, I would have cropped that out…..??‍♂️

    • MarriageHeat says:

      Thought about emailing, but having already lost a member over the issue of the long wait, I thought to address it here until I have time to create a post to the effect.

    • DefiantArtist says:

      As concerns porn, I believe that the difference is in the content, as in, porn portrays immoral sexual activity, the mildest of which is merely extra-marital sex; but erotic art can, and should, focus on the sexual activity that is within the law of our Lord, and since all the artworks that I (might) create are entirely original, there is no danger of sharing something that should not be exposed except to a spouse.

      If that makes sense?

    • SecondMarge says:

      Not certain I understand. Are we talking about cartoons of sex acts? To me, the difference between pornography and erotica is if the reader enjoys it and is aroused it is erotica. If the reader is turned on but disgusted, or feel they should be, it’s pornography. The author can not anticipate how any particular reader will react. Seems at MH the author’s motivation is to arouse the reader, usually into a sexual act that remains with in the prime directive that all sexual activity in the story is between husband and wife only. A line must be drawn somewhere. Seems a bit ironic to publish stories for others to masturbate to, but reject stories that contain people masturbating while watching others. But when using faith, belief, and religion as a guide, logic and facts seem to go out the window. So drawing the line might as well be arbitrary. No matter what choices admin/editors make. it’s likely to please some and disappoint others. Maybe a third category added to stories and discussions? Unrated? Where unedited stories are published as received. Readers know they may see things they object to if they read those stories and can avoid them. It would certainly save editor time and clear up the back log. Then again many that object to stories not only don’t want to read them, but feel it’s their duty to prevent others from reading them. Can’t win scenario.

    • MarriageHeat says:

      We feel there are plenty of places on the internet to read uncurrated, unedited erotica. Part of the purpose of our existence is to curate, in a sense, content that we feel honors and uphold's God's guidance for sex.

    • SecondMarge says:

      Understandable but there still have been differences of opinion leading to labels. I just wanted to offer an alternative to the labels and logjams. But I understand your position.

    • DefiantArtist says:

      I know right?
      That's one of the joys of the artistic world, to see something come to life in a way that words seldom manage on their own. You know the old adage, a picture's worth a thousand words…

  4. CreamyPatty says:

    I appreciate your sharing Missy, and I can tell you as a former 14-year copy editor for a local magazine that most amateur story writers just need to read their own submissions before hitting send. I think some are not aware of the fact they can save their copy as a draft before committing to the final.
    I used to advise contributors of local content to read their copy again before sending – and just before sending read it over again!
    ps: I'm guilty myself, I was just looking over three of my submissions and noticed LOTS of errors. So, I'll try to do better and I'll advise Jim the same.
    Keep up the hard work Missy!

  5. MiSWRAPP says:

    Just going to voice my support for this along with the others because I like the idea of exploring another media and embracing webcomics. I haven't been with MH from the beginning but I do believe MH's success has been influenced by Calvin & Missy's openness to trying new things (and MH contributors/readers being receptive)!

  6. ThePassionatePastor says:

    I'd love to see some of our (my wife and I) stories turned into comics. I sometimes create comics style illustrations of her to enjoy myself.

    • DefiantArtist says:

      Y'all's stories are definitely some that have gotten the artistic flame in me burning brightly…very inspiring!

  7. QueenandHubbie says:

    Hubbie here, afternoon all. Some thoughts …

    1. This post may have gone off the O.P. topic, but Missy blessed it with her reply, so it’s all good!

    2. This is great ministry, and we’re blessed by it, so thank you!

    3. Missy, please don’t let the weight of this ministry impact the marriage passion of you and Calvin. If you’re spending too much time editing and not enough time ripping it up in every room in your house, the ministry is taking an inordinate (and ironic) share of your life.

    4. I prefer one story each day. I think that should be the lead. Whenever I open up MH, I should see the new story of the day. Period. One new story every day. One. New. Story.

    5. I don’t think you should publish two stories a day. If you have two stories edited, save one for the next day and get ahead on the story editing count. Or on your passion.

    6. I’ll make some enemies here, but I am not a fan of the advice posts. Some of you may like them, but I don’t think this is the place for them, especially on the opening page. I am always bummed when I open MH, and see “What should I do …?” instead of “We did it on the beach!”

    7. Regarding illustrations, please don’t let them replace stories. I’m all for trying the cartoons, but I don’t want to open up MH and see a drawing taking the place of a story.

    8. Instead of editing stories in the order received, try “Triage Editing”. If a story is holiday related, bring that to the front of the pack and get it posted near the holiday.

    If a story needs lite editing, bring that to the front of the pack. If a story needs a lot of work, that goes later (incentive for the author to get it more right the first time). And if the story is really bad, send it back, make the author do their work!

    9. I would be happy to help with some editing, and writing “Standard Work” advice/tips, etc., like …

    “For crying out loud, people, learn to use paragraphs!” Just saying.

    Or, “We went out, met some strangers, and then had sex.” versus “We went out, met some strangers and then had sex!” Don’t be sinning; use commas and practice Safe Sentences!!

    Keep up the good work, and thanks for all you do!

  8. RockyGapMan says:

    I’ve only contributed two stories thus far to MH, but would be honored if DefiantArtist wanted to turn my wife & I into “Wonder Woman” and “Superman!” ?

    Re: Needing help with editing upcumming ? (sic) stories…

    As a retired guy with time/energy to invest in a worthy cause I’m passionate about… Count me in Calvin & Missy. Just let me know how I can help stoke/fan the flames of hot married sex here on MH.

  9. Shrek4fun says:

    I am all for it. Animation takes some of the identification of a person out of the image making it less likely to be as focused on as a recognizable actor and actress giving some buffer to the lust factor. Also, I know some men and women don't want to watch something where their body may be compared to actors' bodies and the animation can create some buffer there as well. Also, some would find an animation less offensive than real actors, feeling it is less like porn, especially if the animations don't exagerate body parts. If I sent a woman an animation showing something I want to discuss with her, she would be less likely to think I am into porn or be jealous of me seeing the images than if it were a real person, and it would also be less likely to incite lust (compared to porn) in her or anyone else.

    • DefiantArtist says:

      Just to clarify, I am not making any kind of animation, just pics. Great insights though.

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