This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
You only have to check your Facebook or have a quick gander on Twitter to see that the whole world is going gaga over Mr.Grey. I decided to do a little investigation into what they’re calling the Grey Effect… Selling 397,889 copies in its first week, ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ by E L James has over taken Dan Brown’s ‘The Da Vinci Code’ as the fastest selling paperback of all time (with a significantly racier plot!) and is causing controversy amongst men and women alike. Described as ‘Mummy porn’ and even ‘Vom Rom’ I sat on the fence listening to other people’s conversations about Christian Grey and how they had been overwhelmed by the trilogy that had been keeping them awake into the early hours of the morning and causing such a stir. I sat in front of my computer staring at the Amazon books page for half an hour, my finger hovering over the mouse knowing that with one click and 5 seconds it could be on my kindle in front of me…my hand “slipped” and the deed was done…
Now, for the record, I hated ‘Twilight’. Seriously. I actually hated it – I never bought into the whole vampire thing and I didn’t care how much in love Bella and Edward were or about the fact that he sparkled in the sunlight, so the comparisons to fan fiction did put me off. But underneath all of the sexual exploits (and there are A LOT of blushing opportunities!) I found myself addicted to Christian Grey, a haunted man I longed to understand. I wanted to know why this sexy, brooding, carnal character is the way he is and I admit it… I did feel the ‘Grey Effect’.
I have been surprised by men’s opinions on the whole thing: Within 20 minutes of me posting a Facebook status about reading the book a male friend had written underneath it “We all know you’re reading porn.” – Woah! Hang on! Ten minutes later there were numerous other angry opinions from my male friends voicing their thoughts that there is no story, it is just an excuse for us girls to read glorified porn, even going as far as to suggest that we shouldn’t be reading it in public because everyone will know what we’re reading about. Now hold on a minute there boys…are we not allowed to read something that could dare to push the boundaries of sexual exploration in writing?….have we gone back to the Victorian era? Where is my corset and chastity belt?! I must have forgotten them! Doh!
Having been sucked into the world of ‘Fifty Shades’ the power of word of mouth overtook me, and three of my friends had also bought the book within two days of each other. Their opinions differ wildly; one of them hated the character of Christian but was still drawn to reading the book anyway, the other friends felt the 
same way as me, transfixed with this weirdly hypnotic and naïve love story.
Sex plays a big part in the book, there’s no way to avoid it and if you are easily offended or shocked you should definitely avoid it. But however you view it ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ has, for more than a handful of women, empowered them sexually.
Controversial?…..Maybe, but there’s no doubt that ‘Fifty Shades’ has opened the door on the world of erotic love stories and 397, 889 copies isn’t something that can be argued with. So whilst men remain mystified about it and women remain talking about it I’m off to sleep on it…*buries head in book two*
Have you read Fifty Shades yet? Do you agree that it’s just a bit of harmless fun that can empower woman? Or do you think it’s overhyped and sends a dangerous message? Let’s natter…