This is not necessarily the fault of writers, rather, opportunistic publishers - after all, it's the publishers who dictate what the public can buy/read.
And isn't that a Mobius strip?
As I see it, absolutely any subject, when crafted with care and ability, can be written so that it's interesting, thought-provoking, and enriching. One of my absolute favorite books of all-time is appalling in its subject matter and point-of-view, but it's a masterpiece by its craftsmanship and the amount of thought and talent that went into it.
Same with food. And sometimes I just have to have my Cheetos. Now who draws the line at what's cuisine and what's junkfood? There are some obvious examples that could illustrate the poles, but many edibles are going to fall somewhere in the middle.
And whatever my cravings, I still don't mind being reminded to eat my veggies (Hey! Vegetables can
be erotic. Do not ask me to elaborate.) The better quality of the food I ingest, the better off I'll be.
It's always been this way, the wrangling about what's good and what's bad. I think it is constructive, ultimately, to stand back and look at what's out there, in general and in specific, because it keeps us at the top of our game. Defending art where we find it, or where we don't find it, has always been part of the dialogue in these circles.
I think Ms. Pelling, as Romantic Heretic pointed out upthread, does sound burned out on sexy books. If the percentage of poorly written dreck is as high there as it is elsewhere, it's forgiveable.
Of course, this is only speaking to that part of the article, not the general commentary on 'loose' women.