Writing About Writing
I am not a self-proclaimed expert on writing erotica. I do have a second life as a creative writing tutor which means I know a bit about the writing process. These articles give some insight as to what works for me. All writers are different, adapt my ideas, ignore them or do the opposite, as long as it works for you.
Most of these articles are free to read. Occasionally you may hit a technique one that is still behind a paywall.
Probably the first question I ask myself is
These three articles cover some of the basics of story writing: Exposition, Where When and Who; Pulling the Trigger; Does Length Matter?
More importantly, what do your readers Want?
Sex isn’t a theme, it’s a way to express a theme. A writer’s mind is an odd place. This article could be writing advice or reading advice.
Are Your Stories Disposable?
There is so much written about promoting your work, so many self-proclaimed experts and so much bull-shit that you could spend the rest of your life reading it and never write another word.
More on the basics
Are Writers Stepping Away From Reality?
Story writers create fiction, which by definition is made up, a creative work the content of which is imaginary and not based on fact or, to extend that definition, a lie that you pretend is true.
Why Is No One Reviewing Your Book?
Wearing one of my other hats I have just finished writing reviews on Trip Advisor of places, mostly restaurants, I visited on holiday.
Is Writing Erotica Worth It?
I am writing this article in two parts. The first looks at what the reader wants balanced against what the writer wants to say. The second will cover the battles erotica authors are having with the self-appointed and AI powered censors.
Is Writing Erotica Worth It? Part 2
In my Part 1 I looked at the themes in D. H. Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover and the 1960 obscenity trial that followed its publication. The case was won by Penguin Books largely due to Lawrence’s work being regarded as having literary merit.
Write A Book A Month - Please Don't
This article was first published on Medium but has been re-written and expanded here.
Writing Serials
The serial novel has a distinguished history — Charles Dickens and Alexandre Dumas were serial novelists.
Writing Erotica
Looking For Inspiration as a Writer
I recently did an interview for Ari on My Pen Her Whip and one of the questions was Where do you find the inspiration for your stories? That set me thinking, so here’s an expanded article on Looking For Inspiration and where I find it.
Sex, Horror and My Demons
Erotica With Style
I like erotica that is slow burn, that slowly builds up to a climax. I also want to be told a story, I want to be turning the pages (or scrolling) with anticipation - wondering what is going to happen next. And when it does, I want to think - Oh, I didn’t expect that.
Recommended Reads - Serial Stories
I recently wrote and article How to Write (And Read) A Serial Story Following on from that here are some short reviews of serials by writers who have mastered the art of slow burn romance and erotica. Pour yourself a glass of wine and settle down for a good read.
Recommended Reads
Following on from my last Recommended Reads here’s a couple more by writers who manage to weave kinky sex and erotic style together. This weeks theme has coalesced into spanking so bare your bum or pick up your flogger and prepare for a good… read.