One of the many things I love about being a writer is research. I’m new to the adult romance genre and this book was my first foray into that genre and I have to say that I procrastinated. A lot. In the form of research. But for me, it was worth it because there are so many ways to go about getting the info you need: Internet, face to face interviews, phone interviews, reading books, etc. I did a little of all four. So, let me break it down for you.
As you know by now, my hero, Remy, is a male exotic dancer (aka stripper). For my stripper research, I wanted to get an idea of the life (why someone would do it, how much they can make in one night, etc.) as well as the dance routines (groups, solo and the music). So I:
~ Watched a documentary directed by Joe Manganiello (yes, that Joe) called La Bare. It’s an insider’s look at the history, lives and culture of the most popular male strip club in the world, La Bare Dallas. Highly entertaining (and not for the obvious reasons). My girl Rhonda and I enjoyed watching it and I came away with ideas to steal: amateur night once a month (for newbie guys that The Goddess Club may consider hiring), the “team” concept, having a “team captain” of sorts that provides workout programs and diet plans to the dancers, having one of the guys do an aerial act.
~ In Feb 2014, I attended my very first Chippendales show. I’ve always wanted to see them, but never had the chance until then. When I bought my tickets, I had no idea how close I would be to the stage. Until I got to my seat. 4th row, people. I went with the intention of taking notes during the show, but once it started, that was pretty hard to do. Because shit got real, real fast. LMAO. Can we say “scandalized,” boys and girls? Yes, I was scandalized. Because compared to the local male revue I used to attend in my early 20s, uh, these guys were A LOT more risqué. And by risqué, I mean they stripped down to towels. Nothing. But. TOWELS, people! Yow-za! Despite my perpetually red face during that two-hour show, LOL, I came out with a few ideas to steal: stripping down to towels, musical interlude where a shirtless dancer sings, but doesn’t strip (just kind of gets the crowd worked up).
~ In 2015, my niece and I went to our very first Thunder From Down Under show when they rolled through my hometown <waving to Dylan, the hottie MC>. After seeing Chippendales, I wanted to see how this show was different. Chippendales was better, even though Dylan and his commentary—in that sexy as fuck accent–in between routines made it worthwhile.
~ While at work, I listened to my iPod and wrote down some songs that made good “stripping” songs and ones that would fit Remy’s persona.
Overall, I understand that these shows are about, well, putting on a show.
The premise is drop dead gorgeous guys stripping on stage.
Women pay money to see these guys strip.
But I realize now that you get what you pay for. The tickets for these shows were pretty cheap, cheaper than I thought they would be: $25. Maybe they’re more in Vegas, but here in Arizona, they were cheap. And what I got was cheesy dance moves, some guys that were obviously new (maybe?) and weren’t familiar with the group routines, some guys that didn’t really have the dance skills and stripped as quickly as they could to get through their solos, some guys who weren’t drop dead gorgeous and just merely handsome, some guys who were leanly muscled, some guys who were too muscled and that kinda hampered their dance skills, and some guys who were just “phoning in” the group dance routines.
I don’t know about ya’ll, but I like a man that can move. I love Justin Timberlake because the man is fine and he can move.
I love Channing Tatum because the man is hot as fuck and can move.
I was looking at these shows from a dance skills POV and after seeing the Magic Mike movies, I couldn’t help but wonder “Why can’t these shows look more like that?” Well, ask and ye shall receive, ladies. Apparently, there’s going to be a Magic Mike Show in Vegas next year (YAY!! Another book research opp) and I’m really hoping that Channing will at least be part of the opening.
But I digress.
The fun aspect of writing fiction is that you can take a real idea and make it better. The women at The Goddess Club P-A-Y to see a show (more than one show, to be exact, but that’s a whole ‘nother blog post), so they’re going to get their money’s worth.
Sex-On-A-Stick gorgeous men.
No cheesy dance moves.
You’re welcome.
Peace, lurve, and wet panties,
Evolet
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