Romantasy star Stacey McEwan recently sat down for an interview where she shared hilarious and candid stories about love, writing, and BookTok culture. From hollowing out a bread loaf to impress a crush to discussing the worst words used in sex scenes, McEwan offers a refreshingly honest look into her life and career.
The Weirdest Thing She Did for Love
McEwan recalls working at a bakery on the Gold Coast near a Go Sushi, where she had a crush on a boy. She would close up and throw away unsold bread, while he tossed leftover sushi. One evening, she decided to impress him by hollowing out a cob loaf, putting it on her head, stacking loaves up her arms, and even placing Vienna loaves on her shoes. She called herself Bread Girl and skated around the floor. He laughed—then asked for her sister's phone number. This humorous anecdote captures the awkwardness of young love and the lengths people go to for attention.
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Words That Should Never Be in a Sex Scene
When asked about cringe-worthy words, McEwan quickly listed 'cream' and 'seed' as top offenders. She also strongly dislikes 'engorgement'. According to her, these words pull readers out of the moment and can ruin an otherwise passionate scene. Below is a quick comparison of words to avoid versus better alternatives:
| Avoid | Better Alternatives |
|---|---|
| Cream | Warmth, desire |
| Seed | Passion, essence |
| Engorgement | Heightened sensitivity |
Converting Men to Romantasy
McEwan addresses the recent trend of men invading BookTok to leave mean comments on fantasy romance content. She believes many of these critics are brave behind a keyboard but become timid in person. Her strategy? Start with her own book, A Forbidden Alchemy, to confront them directly. She has successfully converted several straight men to the romantasy genre. For deeper immersion, she recommends The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones for its horror-fantasy blend, then moving to female-authored works like Shadow Reaper where romance takes center stage.
Key Takeaways
- Romantasy blends romance and fantasy, appealing to a wide audience.
- Authentic, awkward love stories resonate more than clichéd tropes.
- Avoid certain words in intimate scenes to maintain reader immersion.
- Direct engagement with skeptics can change perceptions of the genre.
- BookTok remains a powerful platform for authors to connect with readers.
FAQ
What is romantasy?
Romantasy is a genre that combines romance and fantasy, often featuring magical worlds, epic conflicts, and central love stories. It has grown rapidly on platforms like BookTok.
Why does Stacey McEwan dislike the word 'engorgement'?
McEwan finds 'engorgement' clinical and distracting. She prefers words that evoke emotion and sensuality rather than medical terminology.
How can I get a straight man to read romantasy?
Start with a fast-paced, plot-driven fantasy romance like McEwan's A Forbidden Alchemy, then transition to romance-centric works by female authors. Personal recommendations often help break down prejudices.
This interview reminds us that love and storytelling are universal. Whether you're a seasoned romantasy fan or a curious newcomer, Stacey McEwan's honesty and humor offer something for everyone. Check out her books and join the BookTok conversation today.