smoothy proposal: 'Fifty Shades Of Grey' Author Goes YA

E L James' next two books include another erotica tale and a YA paranormal novel.
By Fallon Prinzivalli

"Fifty Shades of Grey" book cover
Photo: The Writer's Coffee Shop

America's new favorite erotica author is making the switch to the young adult genre. "Fifty Shades of Grey" — originally penned as "Twilight" fan fiction — follows the sadomasochistic affair of a handsome, business tycoon named Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele, the college graduate he seduces. But with a whole trilogy under her belt telling the couple's erotic tales — the sequels entitled "Fifty Shades Darker" and "Fifty Shades Freed" — author E L James is setting her sights on new stories.

The author told USA Today that she has two more novels stashed up her sleeve. One is another sensual tale in the vein of "Fifty Shades" and the second is a young adult paranormal novel.

"I've got several more good ideas, but how do you follow this?" she told USA Today of "Fifty Shades." "I've set the bar quite high in terms of storytelling."

The rights to the book were optioned by Universal Pictures and Focus Features, sparking a frenzy surrounding what daring actors would take on the titillating characters. Ian Somerhalder and Alexander Skarsgård both expressed interest in the film adaptation, and when Kristen Stewart was asked if she would read the book, she exclaimed, "Hell yeah!" But right now the big question is whether it's possible for the movie to be granted an R rating when it's clearly NC-17-level material.

"Making this movie will absolutely be a challenge. It is going to take a devoted director who admittedly likes the books and understands that, first and foremost, this is a love story," Lisa Parker from FiftyShadesFilm.com told MTV News. "If telling the love story is the main focus, then we do believe the steamy sex scenes can be shot and edited in a way to get us an R-rated movie rather than NC-17...[the fans] are confident that Ms. James will protect the integrity of her story regardless of the ultimate rating."

Will you read E L James' young adult novel? Leave your comment below!

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