What Surprises Me Most About Peckers: The Pact

With the writing phase behind me and feedback slowly creeping in, there are three things that I find to be the most surprising about Peckers: The Pact.

Peckers: The Pact Is Not Smut

At concept, The Pact was intended to be a spicy romantic comedy…but Jenny, Leo, Si-Si, Roxie, and Auntie M just weren’t having it.

I don’t usually outline my novels from the outset because — the truth is — I don’t always know what they’re going to do, and oftentimes, they surprise me.

Sure, there’s a tad bit of raunchy humor and there’s definitely some sexual tension, but these characters weren’t interested in anything shallow or gratuitous.

They love passionately and feel deeply, and it would feel wrong to try to fit them into the molds I started with.

Ultimately, I got to know my ragtag crew on a deeper level than I expected…and I hope you will, too.

Martha’s Popularity

I pour love into each of the characters I write, but I was surprised by Martha’s early popularity with beta readers.

I guess because I thought this would be a smutty rom-com, I didn’t expect the sage, mature woman to stand out.

But much like the story itself, Martha refused to be pigeonholed as the “wise elder.”

She felt more.

Said more.

And because of that, she ended up meaning more — to me and to the readers.

Some might suggest that reader demographics had something to do with this, and this is very possibly the case.

But ultimately, “Auntie M,” as we lovingly call her, seems to be striking a chord…and I couldn’t be prouder of her.

The Reactions to the “Peckers” Title

In case you haven’t heard the Peckers origin story, the name and concept came to me upon my very first visit to a Hooters sports bar.

As I waited for my order to be brought up, my thoughts spiraled.

What would Hooters be like if it was developed with women in mind?

Now, if you’ve never been into a Hooters establishment, allow me to paint a picture: wood everywhere, beautiful scantily clad waitresses, blazing televisions with sports entertainment, and beer amidst the fragrant aroma of fried chicken wings.

It’s what you might say a stereotypical man might want to enjoy.

Don’t let the wise owl mascot fool you — “Hooters” is a euphemism for breasts, and rightfully so given the vibe and aesthetic.

For the ladies, I wanted the opposite.

Luxe seating.

An exclusive, VIP club feel.

Elegance, class, and upscale comfort while still being intimate.

The all-male wait staff would be discreetly dressed with fantasy in mind.

And what would I call this spin-off?

This was my one playful nod to where it all began — a woodpecker mascot proudly representing the name Peckers.

Yes, I was aware of the double entendre but, as double entendres go, it felt relatively harmless to me.

The kind of word children may toss around on the playground for dramatic effect.

I’m surprised and worried to find many people do not have the same views, as some have told me it would turn them off of the book altogether.

As a new indie author, it’s difficult to navigate reader psychology and marketing, so I can only hope I haven’t made a major faux pas.

What do you think?

Is the term Peckers too vulgar for a contemporary romantic comedy?