Welcome to the new monthly blog post from author T.J. Masters. I hope to cover a wide range of topics related to my writing but not always directly about it. I write m/m stories full of masculinity and romance. I am also a very experienced BDSM Dom. It should be no surprise, then, that some of my tales portray characters with BDSM interests. I firmly believe however, that my characters should be ‘real’ people who are as comfortable with passion and love as they are with pain and restraints.

All too often I read stories where the ‘Doms’ and the ‘subs’ resort to transitory, or even anonymous encounters to get their kicks. There is little evidence in the story that the encounter is ever going to develop into anything meaningful or long lasting.

Sadly, this is often the case in real life too, and many of my fellow practitioners seek out brief encounters, one-night-stands or even anonymous partners in clubs or off the internet. This may satisfy some short term need for gratification, but in reality how shallow and soulless is it?

I have always preferred to seek out something more meaningful and long lasting, where trust can be built and fantasies can be safely explored and developed. Indeed, I believe it is possible for love to grow between the players no matter what fetishes they share. In writing romantic fiction this means that I can explore BDSM themes where pain does not rule out passion, nor do ropes prevent romance.

True BDSM play is not about mindless abuse. It is not about the reckless domination of one person over another. The very best BDSM play is a jointly satisfying, consensual interaction built on mutual respect and understanding.

I am often asked by other Doms how I manage to gather around me a following of devoted subs who stay loyal for years or even in some cases for decades. Many of them don’t like the answer, but for me it is very simple: I care about them. Yes, I am a Dom and they are subs, but we respect each other equally. If anything I admire the immense courage that they show in submitting to another man. The sub allows me to have control over him. I am allowed to use my power over him but as always, with power, comes responsibility too. It is my job to look after them and keep them safe. They may choose to be ‘used’ or even ‘owned’, but as with any precious item that I own, I need to keep it safe, secure and in the best working order!

Forty years’ experience has taught me that when care is shown, it is returned in the form of trust and devotion which can never be achieved with an anonymous partner.

One sub recently messaged me with these words:-

“It sometimes feels like an unfair balancing act that I wish a Dom to do: respect me and cherish me, but at the same time exude ‘solid’ dominance and do what on the surface might look like cold BDSM. I think ‘brutal romance’ is the best way of putting it. BDSM can be one of the most romantic and masculine expressions of tender care.” (Gymharry – 6.11.14)

This is why, when I am writing a story which includes BDSM scenes, they are not intended to be gratuitous in any way, but rather to act as facets of true passion between masculine guys for whom knots and kisses or hogties and hugs are not mutually exclusive.

When I wrote my rugby player story Hands of Power, I chose to describe two very masculine characters who were not exclusively gay. These guys were not into any particular fetishes, only the naturally assumed roles of Dominance and of submission. I hope it shows the beginnings of discovery and exploration between two very strong confident men. Beyond the powerful sex the guys are passionate for each other and we are left feeling that there is a lot of horny fun and deep emotion to be uncovered as they go.

If you have read this far then I thank you for your attention and I wish to end with a little heads-up regarding next month’s blog on here. As my next spot occurs on Christmas Day I felt that I should have a gift for you, so for all those lovely readers who begged for a sequel to Hands of Power, Santa has heard you. I am writing a sequel to give Rich and Alan their Happy Ever After ending and it will be released exclusively here as a free download on 25^th December.

In the meantime you can find out more about me at www.tjmasters.com and also at www.mastertim.co.uk. I look forward to reading any questions or comments that you might have for me.

Have fun and stay safe,