Erotic writers at Knysna fest
WITH a dash of nice and a good helping of naughty, two authors will at next week's Knysna Literary Festival explore what women really want – from romance and love to steamy encounters.
Author of erotic novels Folly and Switch, Jassy Mackenzie will join former radio and television personality and author of An Appetite for Peas, Casey B Dolan, for a risqué discussion titled A Lighter Shade of Grey.
Over a glass or three of bubbly and many laughs Mackenzie and Dolan will delve into the Christian Grey fantasy and how the reality falls way short of what women need and are willing to live with.
"As far as the talk goes, who knows where it will take us? It will definitely be entertaining and I promise it will include quite a few laughs and no doubt some naughty stuff as well," Mackenzie said.
Mackenzie's latest novels look into the life of 40-something Emma Cain, who starts a sex dungeon to get back on her feet after her world starts crumbling around her when her husband sustains serious brain damage.
And although her latest two novels take a peek into the slightly darker side of sexual domination following the Fifty Shades of Grey craze, the story's hero, Simon Nel, is not an abusive man with no regard for his partner's needs, but someone with a good heart.
"Women might fantasise about life with Christian Grey [from Fifty Shades of Grey] but when they realise it means living with a narcissistic and abusive man, they soon change their mind.
"Although Simon is wickedly handsome, wealthy and just a little bit dangerous in the bedroom, he is kind, generous and humble enough to put his woman's needs first, before his own ego."
Now in its fifth year the festival (March 18-23) aims to promote South Africa's rich literary heritage and expose locals and visitors to the country's literary talent. Authors from across the country descend on Knysna for everything from book signings to discussions on current affairs, politics and cuisine.
Mackenzie has proved her mettle with a range of novels over the past seven years.
"My first thriller, Random Violence, was published seven years ago and I've written a book a year since. Five have been thrillers and then I decided to try something different and wrote Folly, a humorous erotic romance. The sequel, Switch, has just been published," she said.
Festivals like these create a surge of interest in books, reading, and South African authors, she said. "As a reader, I know what fun it is to go and hear my favourite authors speak – it is a special and memorable social experience that gives me more of an insight into them and their work."
Mackenzie and Nolan's discussion will be at Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa on Thesen Island on March 22 from 11.30am to 1pm. It costs R100 per person.
For more information and a full programme and details of the 12 events by 18 tops authors visit www.KnysnaLiteraryFestival.co.za -Yolande Stander Garden Route Media
