Background: I (22M) am writing my Debut Story. It is a MxM Adult Romance. One of my main guys is hyper-sexual, and the story starts off with a graphic sex scene. My story is supposed to be about gangs and sex.

My idea for the intro was partly out of boredom and the fear of it being too “cookie cutter”. I thought it was good, as I intend for my story to cater to readers who enjoy smut with their story. I figured if some movies and shows can start with sex scenes, why can’t I?

However, my writer friend (his main genre is fantasy, if it matters), told me I should cut it completely and pick up the story AFTER the sex scene and that he’s “never read a successful or good book that starts with something so explicit”. I offered to write a paragraph explaining the MC’s view point of sex (being that it can be fun casually, beautiful with the right one, and can be a tool to get what you want)

I’ll admit that I got a bit too defensive and told him “well it’s a good thing I’m writing for those who enjoy smut in their stories.”

So should I keep it in the story, or should I write another version where it picks up after the sex scene?