Rachel Kramer Bussel's Blog, page 108
December 8, 2012
Say it anyway
I hate giving feedback on other people's writing. It makes me feel pretentious and self-aggrandizing and obnoxious, like who am I to tell someone else how to write? So I don't, generally. If I like a book, you'll know. If I don't, unless it's a political issue I strongly disagree with, you probably won't. But the other day I came across something in a piece someone had asked me to look at and there was one line, a phrase, really, that offended me. It stayed with me, and while I moved on in my reading, since it wasn't a part of the plot and was truly something that happened in passing, when I was set to reply I was faced with this dilemma: do I say something and risk sounding overly picky or possibly rude, or do I not, and wonder how the person would have responded?
I came to the conclusion that I've come to about a lot of situations in my life this year, which was that I had nothing to lose. Worst case, I don't know, the person never speaks to me again and thinks I'm crazy. I live with so much fear of people not liking me for one reason or another that I forget to ever question whether I really want that person to like me in the first place. Not applicable to this situation 100%, but there was still that fear of someone thinking I'm somehow bad or wrong or mean. Not wanting to be those things is not only unrealistic, since I can't control what other people think of me, but hurts me because in trying to nevertheless make everyone like me, I go against my best interests. I do this so often it's ingrained in me. So anyway, I said what I needed to say as politely as possible and not only didn't I get a resounding "You suck," I got a thanks for pointing out what I did. I hope I remember that next time I'm scared or nervous or fearful about speaking up, no matter who I'm talking to.
I came to the conclusion that I've come to about a lot of situations in my life this year, which was that I had nothing to lose. Worst case, I don't know, the person never speaks to me again and thinks I'm crazy. I live with so much fear of people not liking me for one reason or another that I forget to ever question whether I really want that person to like me in the first place. Not applicable to this situation 100%, but there was still that fear of someone thinking I'm somehow bad or wrong or mean. Not wanting to be those things is not only unrealistic, since I can't control what other people think of me, but hurts me because in trying to nevertheless make everyone like me, I go against my best interests. I do this so often it's ingrained in me. So anyway, I said what I needed to say as politely as possible and not only didn't I get a resounding "You suck," I got a thanks for pointing out what I did. I hope I remember that next time I'm scared or nervous or fearful about speaking up, no matter who I'm talking to.
December 3, 2012
Cupcake journalism
I had quite the adventure using the Cupcake ATM at Sprinkles Cupcakes in Chicago last week! First my card was declined but then finally there was victory for me and my chocolate marshmallow cupcake. Click here to watch the video.
December 1, 2012
10 sex toy erotica stories for $4.79 in my new ebook Instruments of Pleasure
I've got a short, sexy new ebook of 10 erotic stories for you called
Instruments of Pleasure: Sex Toy Erotica
and it's for sale for $4.79 for Kindle! If you didn't know, you don't need a Kindle to view Kindle ebooks, you can download it for your laptop or phone. (Yes, if you're a truly dedicated reader and have read every single one of my anthologies, you will have read these before.) My opening story "Like This" is a masturbation exhibitionism and voyeurism story about the only sex toy I own multiples of, the Hitachi Magic Wand! I'll find out if there's a Nook edition planned. If you like my stories/work or the concept of sex toy erotica, I'd love it if you'd check this out and/or click "like" on Amazon (it helps). Here's my introduction: 
And the table of contents:
Like This Rachel Kramer Bussel
The London O Justine Elyot
Princess Elizabeth Coldwell
Strapped KD Grace
The Apiary Megan Butcher
Undercover Kink Louisa Harte
The Inner Vixen Saska Walker
A Girl, Two Guys, and a Sex Toy Kristina Wright
Getting It Right Teresa Noelle Roberts
The Spanking Machine by Rachel Kramer Bussel
I can't think of a better way to add more fun to sex than sex toys—after all, the word "toy" is right there, and today's sex toys come in all sorts of playful designs, from Hello Kitty vibrators to sparkly harnesses, light smackers to heavy paddles. Whatever you can dream of, you can probably find—or make your own!
The very special stories in Instruments of Pleasure highlight the many ways we use sex toys to make our fantasies come true. Sometimes, there's a lesson involved, such as "Like This," where a woman uses what many consider the "Cadillac of vibrators," the ultra-powerful plug-in vibe Hitachi Magic Wand (or "electric miracle," in the story), to show her lover exactly what she does when she's alone. For others, toys are part of BDSM play, especially spanking, and you can read about the intense strokes of a cane in "Getting It Right" and the power of "The Spanking Machine." The dildo in "A Girl, Two Guys, and a Sex Toy" almost makes it a foursome, while in "The London O," using a pair of remote controlled panties with a built-in vibrator in public brings new heights to the thrill of sightseeing. In "Strapped" and "The Inner Vixen," women take charge, using a strap-on dildo and harness and a whip, respectively, exulting in the power they hold, and the delight their partner gets in being on the receiving end. Other times, rather than adding sensation, we take away a sense, such as the use of a blindfold in "Princess." Without being able to see, the heroine can simply feel. In "The Apiary," there are multiple toys, including a collar and chains, but the main "toy" is a chair, a piece of furniture that can be surprisingly erotic, if you use your imagination.
I hope these stories serve as their own kind of sex toy for you, and inspire you to break out your favorite toy, or perhaps discover a new one. You can never have too many sex toys, or have too much fun with them!
And the table of contents:
Like This Rachel Kramer Bussel
The London O Justine Elyot
Princess Elizabeth Coldwell
Strapped KD Grace
The Apiary Megan Butcher
Undercover Kink Louisa Harte
The Inner Vixen Saska Walker
A Girl, Two Guys, and a Sex Toy Kristina Wright
Getting It Right Teresa Noelle Roberts
The Spanking Machine by Rachel Kramer Bussel
November 30, 2012
Audiobook version of Crossdressing: Erotic Stories now available from Audible!
Very excited that my anthology
Crossdressing: Erotic Stories
, with a foreword by Veronica Vera, is now available as an audiobook from Audible, read by Lucy Malone and Sean Crisden - click here for a free sample listen! It's also available as an ebook for Kindle or Nook and I am extremely remiss in my search for a new cover photo to get it back into print but it's on my to do list! This is one of the books I'm most proud of and one I think goes beyond erotica to at least a hint of social commentary and it would make me very happy to see it back in print, but I hope the audiobook will reach some new readers too. Click here to see all my other audiobooks.
Table of Contents
Foreword by Veronica Vera
Introduction by Rachel Kramer Bussel
Temporary by Tulsa Brown
Just Like a Boy by Debra Hyde
Halloween by Helen Boyd
More Than Meets the Eye by Stephen Albrow
Tough Enough to Wear a Dress by Teresa Noelle Roberts
The Sweetheart of Sigma Queer by Simon Sheppard
Tori’s Secret by Andrea Miller
Like a Girl by Alison Tyler
Michelle, Ma Belle by Marcy Sheiner
Beefeater by Lisabet Sarai
Phone Fatale by Stan Kent
I Need a Man by Andrea Dale
A Cute Idea by Rachel Kramer Bussel
Higher and Higher by T. Hitman
Birthday Girl by Jason Rubis
The Princess on the Rock by Elspeth Potter
Down the Basement by Ryan Field
Some Things Never Change by Melinda Johnson
From femmes who channel Marlene Dietrich in the sexiest of suits to men who love nothing more than the feel silky panties stretched tight against their skin, these characters boldly indulge their fantasies of being a girl — or a guy — for a night. Drag queens get dolled up for a night on the town, a dyke packs a special surprise beneath her dress, and a devoted husband puts his dress-up skills to the ultimate test in this seductive new collection.
“Crossdressing presents a catalogue of kinky fiction from some of the industry’s most respected names. Each author has tackled the subject with an eye for the unusual, a sense for what works, and a finger on the pulse of what is erotic. But, beneath the fiction, there is a message that shows we can all enjoy a range of erotic stories, regardless of whether the characters are dressed as men or women and regardless of whether they want to be a perfect woman, or whether they want to simply take it like a man.”
—Erotica Readers and Writers Association (lick through to read entire review)
“The stories about men who dress in feminine frills range from light and sunny (Rachel Kramer Bussel’s A Cute Idea, in which a young man agrees to wear his girlfriend’s silky underwear) to poignant (Higher and Higher by T. Hitman, in which a frustrated man in a dead-end job and similar marriage finds the “dudette” of his dreams) to tragic (The Sweetheart of Sigma Queer by Simon Sheppard, in which a crossdressing young gay man is sexually used by a succession of men who regard him as a joke).
The theme of sneaking into forbidden places wearing “inappropriate” garb continues in stories about men, since “women’s” clothing is generally more taboo for men than vice versa. In More Than Meets the Eye by Stephen Albrow, a businessman loves wearing women’s lingerie under a suit. After defeating his corporate rival in a ruthless takeover bid, the character shows his alter ego, “Suzy,” by taking off his masculine business armor in the men’s lavatory, where the rival is allowed to “win” sexually.” —Erotica Revealed (click through and scroll down to read entire review)
“The perverts in Crossdressing bring fascinating sexual fluidity to their kink.”
-Books to Watch Out For
“With a good-natured, light-hearted approach and plenty of steamy erotic action, Crossdressing celebrates the sexual thrill of gender play while having plenty of erotic fun.” -Eros Zine
Table of Contents
Foreword by Veronica Vera
Introduction by Rachel Kramer Bussel
Temporary by Tulsa Brown
Just Like a Boy by Debra Hyde
Halloween by Helen Boyd
More Than Meets the Eye by Stephen Albrow
Tough Enough to Wear a Dress by Teresa Noelle Roberts
The Sweetheart of Sigma Queer by Simon Sheppard
Tori’s Secret by Andrea Miller
Like a Girl by Alison Tyler
Michelle, Ma Belle by Marcy Sheiner
Beefeater by Lisabet Sarai
Phone Fatale by Stan Kent
I Need a Man by Andrea Dale
A Cute Idea by Rachel Kramer Bussel
Higher and Higher by T. Hitman
Birthday Girl by Jason Rubis
The Princess on the Rock by Elspeth Potter
Down the Basement by Ryan Field
Some Things Never Change by Melinda Johnson
From femmes who channel Marlene Dietrich in the sexiest of suits to men who love nothing more than the feel silky panties stretched tight against their skin, these characters boldly indulge their fantasies of being a girl — or a guy — for a night. Drag queens get dolled up for a night on the town, a dyke packs a special surprise beneath her dress, and a devoted husband puts his dress-up skills to the ultimate test in this seductive new collection.
“Crossdressing presents a catalogue of kinky fiction from some of the industry’s most respected names. Each author has tackled the subject with an eye for the unusual, a sense for what works, and a finger on the pulse of what is erotic. But, beneath the fiction, there is a message that shows we can all enjoy a range of erotic stories, regardless of whether the characters are dressed as men or women and regardless of whether they want to be a perfect woman, or whether they want to simply take it like a man.”
—Erotica Readers and Writers Association (lick through to read entire review)
“The stories about men who dress in feminine frills range from light and sunny (Rachel Kramer Bussel’s A Cute Idea, in which a young man agrees to wear his girlfriend’s silky underwear) to poignant (Higher and Higher by T. Hitman, in which a frustrated man in a dead-end job and similar marriage finds the “dudette” of his dreams) to tragic (The Sweetheart of Sigma Queer by Simon Sheppard, in which a crossdressing young gay man is sexually used by a succession of men who regard him as a joke).
The theme of sneaking into forbidden places wearing “inappropriate” garb continues in stories about men, since “women’s” clothing is generally more taboo for men than vice versa. In More Than Meets the Eye by Stephen Albrow, a businessman loves wearing women’s lingerie under a suit. After defeating his corporate rival in a ruthless takeover bid, the character shows his alter ego, “Suzy,” by taking off his masculine business armor in the men’s lavatory, where the rival is allowed to “win” sexually.” —Erotica Revealed (click through and scroll down to read entire review)
“The perverts in Crossdressing bring fascinating sexual fluidity to their kink.”
-Books to Watch Out For
“With a good-natured, light-hearted approach and plenty of steamy erotic action, Crossdressing celebrates the sexual thrill of gender play while having plenty of erotic fun.” -Eros Zine
November 29, 2012
Death and cliches
I'm off for 2 days in Chicago. Found out last night via Facebook, which I guess I have been remiss in checking, that a friend's partner passed away. They have two extremely sweet little kids and my heart breaks for everyone. I had this thought last night that death is so final and then mocked myself for such a pithy thought, but you know what? There's really not much else I have to offer on the subject of death. I haven't known many people my age who've died, which I know makes me very fortunate. I talk to my grandparents and I know they can't say the same. It's heartbreaking, and I am sending my love to all of them. I was heartened to see that all the slots at Take Them a Meal were filled in, which showed me how much love is being shared.
I usually change the subject when death or wills or anything associated comes up, but last night I was talking to my boyfriend and I said something about not having life insurance, and he said that he arranged it for me through the health insurance I'm getting via his job. It didn't make me less sad, but it was exactly the kind of caretaking he excels at and that I've never had in a relationship before, the kind that isn't about just the moment, but forever.
I usually change the subject when death or wills or anything associated comes up, but last night I was talking to my boyfriend and I said something about not having life insurance, and he said that he arranged it for me through the health insurance I'm getting via his job. It didn't make me less sad, but it was exactly the kind of caretaking he excels at and that I've never had in a relationship before, the kind that isn't about just the moment, but forever.
November 28, 2012
Reading tonight at Posman Books at Grand Central Station
I changed my Chicago trip to tomorrow (a mini vacation) so I could read tonight at 6 at Posman Books at Grand Central Station (9 Grand Central Terminal) with an amazing lineup of readers from the new BenBella Books anthology
Fifty Writers on Fifty Shades of Grey
. I'm dressed appropriately!
I'm doing very few readings these days, because I sortof feel like a wasteful fraud to take time away from writing and income-generating work to do something that feels frivolous, which is pretty much how I feel a lot of the time, so this will be the last one for a while. The more I see comedy and theater, the more I know that I am not a natural performer, I don't enjoy it, I don't excel at it and it gives me the kind of nerves I'm trying to banish from my life. I've done it since 2011, and will continue to do it on occasion, but it's not something I plan to seek out any longer unless it's a special occasion.
But I am nothing if not vain, and the chance to read in such a special location and have my own books stocked there won me over. I'm also talking to a few colleges about going to teach classes, which I do enjoy, because newcomers to erotica bring a zeal that I am always trying to recapture when I write a new story. Lately I've felt like I'm kindof watching myself from afar and even things that should excite me feel more like chores than anything else. On the plus side, I am sending out fun holiday cards and have a few possibilities dangling in the air that would be dreams come true. In the meantime, one word at a time. They're coming, slowly but surely, and I'm doing my best to write and pitch and hope and dream and journal my way out of this slump.
I'm doing very few readings these days, because I sortof feel like a wasteful fraud to take time away from writing and income-generating work to do something that feels frivolous, which is pretty much how I feel a lot of the time, so this will be the last one for a while. The more I see comedy and theater, the more I know that I am not a natural performer, I don't enjoy it, I don't excel at it and it gives me the kind of nerves I'm trying to banish from my life. I've done it since 2011, and will continue to do it on occasion, but it's not something I plan to seek out any longer unless it's a special occasion.
But I am nothing if not vain, and the chance to read in such a special location and have my own books stocked there won me over. I'm also talking to a few colleges about going to teach classes, which I do enjoy, because newcomers to erotica bring a zeal that I am always trying to recapture when I write a new story. Lately I've felt like I'm kindof watching myself from afar and even things that should excite me feel more like chores than anything else. On the plus side, I am sending out fun holiday cards and have a few possibilities dangling in the air that would be dreams come true. In the meantime, one word at a time. They're coming, slowly but surely, and I'm doing my best to write and pitch and hope and dream and journal my way out of this slump.
November 26, 2012
Cyber Monday erotica book BOGO sale
I'm offering a sale through midnight EST today, Cyber Monday, November 26th for U.S. addresses only (my sincere apologies - were I a rich girl I would love to extend this internationally, but I can't afford overseas postage). Buy any of my 29 current Cleis Press books in print, ebook or audiobook form, from a bookstore (remember to show your local bookstores some love this holiday season!) or online and send me the receipt and I will send you any of them autographed (except for
Crossdressing
, which is very sadly out of print, but it's on my to do list to finally get it back in print!). Here's the list of books you can purchase to qualify. To recap: buy any of my Cleis Press books in any format, and I will send you a signed paperback free! Just email your receipt by 8 am Tuesday to rachelkramerbussel at gmail.com with "Cyber Monday" in the subject and your name and address and which book you want. Please allow 3 weeks for it to arrive as I may have to get copies of the requested book in. Limit 3 free books per person.
THANK YOU for your support! I'm making some major decisions about how to spend my time and creative energy, but no matter what, I'm so proud of these books, honored to have gotten to work with hundreds of authors and to have some amazing ones coming out in 2013. I'm a very lucky girl indeed and I so appreciate everyone who's ever bought my books, especially now that I work for myself full-time. Also, I know some of these say "for women" but I hope that doesn't deter anyone who's not a woman from reading them.
Anything for You: Erotica for Kinky Couples, Best Bondage Erotica 2011, Best Bondage Erotica 2012, Best Bondage Erotica 2013, Best Sex Writing 2008, Best Sex Writing 2009, Best Sex Writing 2010, Best Sex Writing 2012, Bottoms Up, Caught Looking: Erotic Tales of Voyeurs and Exhibitionists, Cheeky Spanking Stories, Crossdressing, Do Not Disturb: Hotel Sex Stories, Fast Girls, Going Down: Oral Sex Stories, Gotta Have It: 69 Stories of Sudden Sex, He's on Top: Erotic Stories of Male Dominance and Female Submission, Hide and Seek: Erotic Tales of Voyeurs and Exhibitionists, Irresistible: Erotic Romance for Couples, The Mile High Club: Plane Sex Stories, Obsessed: Erotic Romance for Women, Orgasmic, Passion, Peep Show: Erotic Tales of Voyeurs and Exhibitionists, Please, Ma'am: Erotic Stories of Male Submission, Please, Sir: Erotic Stories of Female Submission, Rubber Sex, She's on Top: Erotic Stories of Female Dominance and Male Submission, Smooth: Erotic Stories for Women, Spanked: Red-Cheeked Erotica, Suite Encounters: Hotel Sex Stories, Surrender: Erotic Tales of Female Pleasure and Submission, Tasting Her: Oral Sex Stories, Tasting Him: Oral Sex Stories, Women in Lust, Yes, Ma'am: Erotic Stories of Male Submission, Yes, Sir: Erotic Stories of Female Submission.[image error]
THANK YOU for your support! I'm making some major decisions about how to spend my time and creative energy, but no matter what, I'm so proud of these books, honored to have gotten to work with hundreds of authors and to have some amazing ones coming out in 2013. I'm a very lucky girl indeed and I so appreciate everyone who's ever bought my books, especially now that I work for myself full-time. Also, I know some of these say "for women" but I hope that doesn't deter anyone who's not a woman from reading them.
Anything for You: Erotica for Kinky Couples, Best Bondage Erotica 2011, Best Bondage Erotica 2012, Best Bondage Erotica 2013, Best Sex Writing 2008, Best Sex Writing 2009, Best Sex Writing 2010, Best Sex Writing 2012, Bottoms Up, Caught Looking: Erotic Tales of Voyeurs and Exhibitionists, Cheeky Spanking Stories, Crossdressing, Do Not Disturb: Hotel Sex Stories, Fast Girls, Going Down: Oral Sex Stories, Gotta Have It: 69 Stories of Sudden Sex, He's on Top: Erotic Stories of Male Dominance and Female Submission, Hide and Seek: Erotic Tales of Voyeurs and Exhibitionists, Irresistible: Erotic Romance for Couples, The Mile High Club: Plane Sex Stories, Obsessed: Erotic Romance for Women, Orgasmic, Passion, Peep Show: Erotic Tales of Voyeurs and Exhibitionists, Please, Ma'am: Erotic Stories of Male Submission, Please, Sir: Erotic Stories of Female Submission, Rubber Sex, She's on Top: Erotic Stories of Female Dominance and Male Submission, Smooth: Erotic Stories for Women, Spanked: Red-Cheeked Erotica, Suite Encounters: Hotel Sex Stories, Surrender: Erotic Tales of Female Pleasure and Submission, Tasting Her: Oral Sex Stories, Tasting Him: Oral Sex Stories, Women in Lust, Yes, Ma'am: Erotic Stories of Male Submission, Yes, Sir: Erotic Stories of Female Submission.[image error]
November 20, 2012
I'm officially excited about sending holiday cards this year
I'm officially excited about sending out holiday cards now that a bunch of mine just arrived that I bought from my friend Jessie Oleson, aka Cakespy. If you are looking for cards or holiday gifts, check out her online store AND you can win a set of Cakespy holiday gift cards at Cupcakes Take the Cake!. Enter by November 27th. Good luck!
[image error]
[image error]
Free audiobook from Audible - try my erotica anthologies!
Click here to use your Amazon.com account to get a free Audible audiobook. Below are some suggestions of my erotica and Best Sex Writing series you can listen to, and more audiobook erotica is on the way! Here's
I cooked bacon bound chicken wings from parody cookbook Fifty Shades of Chicken and have the recipe for you
I cooked bacon bound chicken wings, white-wine steamed chicken with sesame oil and scallions, and insanely delicious Yukon Gold potatoes (with my favorite recipe name in the book: Taters, Baby) from the new parody cookbook
Fifty Shades of Chicken
by FL Fowler and have the recipe for the bacon bound wings, which are great hot or cold, and a great party food. This parody cookbook is one of the best Fifty Shades of Grey parodies I've read, and trust me (or, ahem, truss me), I've read a lot! Check it out at Buzzfeed Shift.
[image error]
[image error]
