Rachel Kramer Bussel's Blog, page 38
October 20, 2015
Snapshots from Portland, Maine - see you at Nomia Wednesday for my erotica writing workshop!
I've been visiting friends in Portland, Maine the past few days. It's one of my favorite cities, and each time, I discover new things. Last night I had a delicious dinner at Mi Sen Noodle Bar, where I was delighted to see chive cakes on the menu. I had a version of chive cakes from a street vendor in Bangkok this summer, and they were so good I've missed them. Plus I got a bowl of delicious and spicy noodles and admired the noodle art on the wall. I might even go back! I also enjoyed a delicious and somewhat crazy meal at Empire, where I highly recommend the garlic green beens and, if this sounds up your alley, the egg roll with pastrami (yes, really).
Here's a few photos from my trip, and at the end, details about my erotica writing workshop on Wednesday, October 21st. If you can't make it but might know someone in the area, please let them know. Also, as a book lover, I have to say: yes, Portland has wonderful independent bookstores, but the two biggest ones barely stock erotica. They may not even have anything. And that's okay; they have a great range of books but I think it's a shame they don't have sexy ones. So if you want to buy erotica in Portland, Maine, head on over to Nomia. I promise, I'm not just saying that because they stock mine; Nomia has a wide selection of sex and erotica books, along with videos, sex toys and other products, and I think that's so important, for people to have a place to browse for their erotic inspiration in a relaxed, comfortable, welcoming and knowledgeable environment.
How cute are these cat tights?
Taco Escobarr - haven't eaten here yet, but what a name!
I didn't buy this, but I'm pretty bad at housekeeping, although I'm getting much better.
Yes, there's a Prince tribute band named Purple Brainz 3.
This is either my fifth or sixth visit to Portland since November 2011, when I came here and got my heart tattoo. But until this weekend, I hadn't been to the Portland Museum of Art. As a modern art fan, I really enjoyed the variety of exhibits and styles. I saw art by many artists I'd never heard of, and a few classics like Lichtenstein. Plus there were interactive exhibits, like this shell one.
I'm sure I'll be posting more photos on Instagram today and tomorrow. Hope to see you Wednesday night at Nomia!
October 21, 7:30-9 pm
Erotica 101 Writing Workshop, Portland, Maine
Rachel Kramer Bussel, professional erotica author and editor of over 50 erotica anthologies, such as Come Again: Sex Toy Erotica, The Big Book of Orgasms, Best Bondage Erotica 2015 and more, will take you through the ins and outs of modern erotic writing. Learn how to get started, find your voice, and write against type. You'll discover how to incorporate everyday scenarios as well as outlandish fantasies into your writing, and make them fit for particular magazines and anthologies. She'll also talk about submitting your work and keeping up with the thriving erotica market (including anthologies, ebooks, magazines and websites). Whether you're writing to that special someone, penning longtime fantasies, or want to earn cash for your dirty words, this workshop is for you. Please bring paper or writing implements or a laptop to use for in class writing exercises. A bibliography with erotica resources will be provided. $20/person. Call 207-773-4774 or visit Nomia to register. Limited to 20 people.
Nomia, 24 Exchange Street, Suite 215, Portland, Maine 04101
Here's a few photos from my trip, and at the end, details about my erotica writing workshop on Wednesday, October 21st. If you can't make it but might know someone in the area, please let them know. Also, as a book lover, I have to say: yes, Portland has wonderful independent bookstores, but the two biggest ones barely stock erotica. They may not even have anything. And that's okay; they have a great range of books but I think it's a shame they don't have sexy ones. So if you want to buy erotica in Portland, Maine, head on over to Nomia. I promise, I'm not just saying that because they stock mine; Nomia has a wide selection of sex and erotica books, along with videos, sex toys and other products, and I think that's so important, for people to have a place to browse for their erotic inspiration in a relaxed, comfortable, welcoming and knowledgeable environment.
How cute are these cat tights?
Taco Escobarr - haven't eaten here yet, but what a name!
I didn't buy this, but I'm pretty bad at housekeeping, although I'm getting much better.
Yes, there's a Prince tribute band named Purple Brainz 3.
This is either my fifth or sixth visit to Portland since November 2011, when I came here and got my heart tattoo. But until this weekend, I hadn't been to the Portland Museum of Art. As a modern art fan, I really enjoyed the variety of exhibits and styles. I saw art by many artists I'd never heard of, and a few classics like Lichtenstein. Plus there were interactive exhibits, like this shell one.
I'm sure I'll be posting more photos on Instagram today and tomorrow. Hope to see you Wednesday night at Nomia!
October 21, 7:30-9 pm
Erotica 101 Writing Workshop, Portland, Maine
Rachel Kramer Bussel, professional erotica author and editor of over 50 erotica anthologies, such as Come Again: Sex Toy Erotica, The Big Book of Orgasms, Best Bondage Erotica 2015 and more, will take you through the ins and outs of modern erotic writing. Learn how to get started, find your voice, and write against type. You'll discover how to incorporate everyday scenarios as well as outlandish fantasies into your writing, and make them fit for particular magazines and anthologies. She'll also talk about submitting your work and keeping up with the thriving erotica market (including anthologies, ebooks, magazines and websites). Whether you're writing to that special someone, penning longtime fantasies, or want to earn cash for your dirty words, this workshop is for you. Please bring paper or writing implements or a laptop to use for in class writing exercises. A bibliography with erotica resources will be provided. $20/person. Call 207-773-4774 or visit Nomia to register. Limited to 20 people.
Nomia, 24 Exchange Street, Suite 215, Portland, Maine 04101
October 19, 2015
So Sweet by Rebekah Weatherspoon is a sexy sugar baby read
In my Amazon review of the new sugar baby novella
So Sweet
by Rebekah Weatherspoon, I called it "a new twist on the billionaire romance," which I think is a valid description. I don't tend to read a lot of billionaire stories because the very word, "billionaire" can feel off-putting to me. But this one's different. Why? Here's what I wrote after I read this novella:
Official description:
I was intrigued by So Sweet because it looks at love, lust and money in a way that's different from other billionaire books. Kayla isn't an wide-eyed ingenue; she's a cute, chubby single black woman who's on the broke side, and reluctantly agrees to try sugar baby/sugar daddy site Arrangements. She's still skeptical when she goes to her first party, but quickly becomes intrigued by a hot billionaire, Michael, who doesn't quite fit the stereotype she has of sugar daddies. He's sexy, although pushing 50, and he's refreshingly candid about his money and his motives. Watching their romance unfold, as well as drama with her roommate and family as they adjust to this new twist in Kayla's life, is fun. Kayla is a realistic character, and Weatherspoon has her be a voice of reason, rather than simply getting swept away by the mere prospect of a cute guy with money. She knows the value of money, but falls for Michael for who he is inside, not what he can provide for her. This is a sexy twist on the modern billionaire romance, and I look forward to the next installment in February.I'm a fan of Rebekah Weatherspoon, who spoke on my panel last year at CatalystCon on erotica, and who's one of the authors I interview in my LitReactor writing class. This novella captures a world I know very little about, sugar baby dating, and brings it to life. It also treats money realistically, especially from Kayla's perspective. If you've ever dated while broke, I think you'll especially appreciate it. You can get the ebook on Amazon, Kobo, Inktera or Nook.
Official description:
Desperate times call for desperate measures…
And desperate is the only way to describe Kayla Davis’s current situation. Out of work and almost out of money to cover her bills, Kayla finally caves to her roommate’s nagging and follows her to Arrangements, an online dating site that matches pretty young women with older men of a certain tax bracket.
Convinced this “make-rent-quick” scheme will surely fail—or saddle her with an 80 year old boyfriend—Kayla is shocked when Michael Bradbury, Internet billionaire and stone-cold salt and pepper fox, offers her a solution to all her financial troubles. It’s hard enough for Kayla to accept his generosity, but what’s a girl to do when the wealthiest man she’s ever met is a dream in and outside of the bedroom?
My next LitReactor online erotica writing class is filling up - sign up by November 2!
I'm gearing up for my next LitReactor Between the Sheets online erotica writing workshop, which runs November 3-December 3. You have until November 2 or until it sells out to sign up. The class is limited to 16 people and there are 11 slots left as of this posting.
I wanted to share some more information about the class, in addition to what's on their site, because it can be confusing and I want anyone who signs up to be ready to devote their time and energy to it in order to get the most for their money. Also, you choose your username upon joining LitReactor and can be anonymous. You can take the class from anywhere in the world on your schedule; I've had students from various countries take my four previous sold out classes.
How it works is that there's a weekly written lecture, which you can read at your leisure. I also post a weekly writing assignment and you have 4-5 days to complete it, then 2-3 days to critique 3 of your fellow students' work and get critiques from them. I critique everyone's work as well. I estimate that the writing and critiques will take about 5 hours per week; if you don't have 5 hours a week to devote to this class, I would advise waiting until a time when you do.
Additionally, I post almost every day with further information that's optional reading, including Q&As with over a dozen erotica writing professionals, including authors Victoria Blisse, Rose Caraway, Emerald, Feminista Jones, Selena Kitt, Sommer Marsden, Tiffany Reisz, Elizabeth SaFleur, Charlotte Stein, Cecilia Tan, Rebekah Weatherspoon and others. I also provide exclusive details from publishers and editors on what they're looking for. All of the classroom materials, including all postings, will be available to you forever.
Anyone can start a discussion or ask a question publicly on the message boards, or privately to me, about anything related to erotica writing or publishing. Additionally, after class ends on December 3rd, if you are interested, I will invite you to join a private online group for my erotica writing class alumni to continue the discussions and questions and chat in a similar way with other erotica writers. I put a major emphasis on submitting your work if you are interested in doing so, and provide resources and support to get you knowledgeable about the erotica marketplace and ready to send out completed writing.
Read what past LitReactor students have said about the class and "6 reasons I encourage my erotica writing students to submit their work."
Questions? Email rachelkb at gmail.com with "LitReactor" in the subject.
I wanted to share some more information about the class, in addition to what's on their site, because it can be confusing and I want anyone who signs up to be ready to devote their time and energy to it in order to get the most for their money. Also, you choose your username upon joining LitReactor and can be anonymous. You can take the class from anywhere in the world on your schedule; I've had students from various countries take my four previous sold out classes.
How it works is that there's a weekly written lecture, which you can read at your leisure. I also post a weekly writing assignment and you have 4-5 days to complete it, then 2-3 days to critique 3 of your fellow students' work and get critiques from them. I critique everyone's work as well. I estimate that the writing and critiques will take about 5 hours per week; if you don't have 5 hours a week to devote to this class, I would advise waiting until a time when you do.
Additionally, I post almost every day with further information that's optional reading, including Q&As with over a dozen erotica writing professionals, including authors Victoria Blisse, Rose Caraway, Emerald, Feminista Jones, Selena Kitt, Sommer Marsden, Tiffany Reisz, Elizabeth SaFleur, Charlotte Stein, Cecilia Tan, Rebekah Weatherspoon and others. I also provide exclusive details from publishers and editors on what they're looking for. All of the classroom materials, including all postings, will be available to you forever.
Anyone can start a discussion or ask a question publicly on the message boards, or privately to me, about anything related to erotica writing or publishing. Additionally, after class ends on December 3rd, if you are interested, I will invite you to join a private online group for my erotica writing class alumni to continue the discussions and questions and chat in a similar way with other erotica writers. I put a major emphasis on submitting your work if you are interested in doing so, and provide resources and support to get you knowledgeable about the erotica marketplace and ready to send out completed writing.
Read what past LitReactor students have said about the class and "6 reasons I encourage my erotica writing students to submit their work."
Questions? Email rachelkb at gmail.com with "LitReactor" in the subject.
October 16, 2015
3 bylines, including my first in Marie Claire
I'm heading to Maine today, to visit an old friend, and will be there for most of next week to teach erotica writing Wednesday in Portland at Nomia. Therefore, I'm going to quickly link to and mention my latest writings. First and most exciting: I have two short pieces in the new November issue of
Marie Claire
, with Lea Michele on the cover. It's part of a porn package with articles by Amanda de Cadenet and Cindy Gallop (founder of Make Love Not Porn), and there's a piece I tore out by Carrie Brownstein about fun things to do in Portland. See pages 236 and 237 for my interview with feminist porn director Erika Lust and my porn picks. After you read my interview, if you're in Chicago, you can hear Erika Lust speak at the Chicago International Film Festival. I don't know if my pieces will run on their website, but if they do, I'll share them.
In the online world, this week I wrote about Playboy's decision to stop publishing nude photos for Salon, with musings by a Playboy contributor, the former executive editor of Penthouse and others.
Lastly, I got personal at Lady Smut, musing about my "vanilla" sex life and my very much not vanilla, kinky book of BDSM erotica, Dirty Dates: Erotic Fantasies for Couples, which pubs on my 40th birthday, November 10th. Yes, I love dropping that tidbit because over 50 books in, I've never had one come out on my birthday!
In the online world, this week I wrote about Playboy's decision to stop publishing nude photos for Salon, with musings by a Playboy contributor, the former executive editor of Penthouse and others.
Lastly, I got personal at Lady Smut, musing about my "vanilla" sex life and my very much not vanilla, kinky book of BDSM erotica, Dirty Dates: Erotic Fantasies for Couples, which pubs on my 40th birthday, November 10th. Yes, I love dropping that tidbit because over 50 books in, I've never had one come out on my birthday!
October 14, 2015
Two words: You matter
The other day, I got a very short but incredibly powerful (to me) email. It was 35 words, to be exact, because I am dorky enough to do a word count. In a nutshell, it said thank you. For a Tweet I wrote. But why it was powerful was that someone took the time out of their busy day, someone I respect and admire, to say that.
I got another one a few days later, for something else I'd done online. I really don't have the words to express how moving that was for me. Online life, or at least, mine, can move at what feels like lightning speed. I sometimes have to make lists of people to email, things to post and Tweet and Instagram and schedule on Google Calendar. It's exciting and exhausting and sometimes makes me want to give up on all of electronic communication.
But I don't, because I believe in the social power of "social media." I believe in connecting with people, even when you don't hear from them directly, even when we are all being pulled in umpteen different directions.
The message I got from those emails was: You matter. And that's a message I want to parlay back to you. I have lots of other posts I want to write, about honing your creativity in erotica and things I've written and publisher newsletters and traveling, but right now, from a Manhattan Starbucks, that's what I want to say. Life is not, ultimately, about amassing "followers," which sounds like some sort of cult creepiness, but about reaching real live people, or even just one person.
Those emails made me want to pay that sentiment forward, to tell more people how much their caring, their actions, their words, their art, means to me. Which is what I plan to do. Starting with this.
I got another one a few days later, for something else I'd done online. I really don't have the words to express how moving that was for me. Online life, or at least, mine, can move at what feels like lightning speed. I sometimes have to make lists of people to email, things to post and Tweet and Instagram and schedule on Google Calendar. It's exciting and exhausting and sometimes makes me want to give up on all of electronic communication.
But I don't, because I believe in the social power of "social media." I believe in connecting with people, even when you don't hear from them directly, even when we are all being pulled in umpteen different directions.
The message I got from those emails was: You matter. And that's a message I want to parlay back to you. I have lots of other posts I want to write, about honing your creativity in erotica and things I've written and publisher newsletters and traveling, but right now, from a Manhattan Starbucks, that's what I want to say. Life is not, ultimately, about amassing "followers," which sounds like some sort of cult creepiness, but about reaching real live people, or even just one person.
Those emails made me want to pay that sentiment forward, to tell more people how much their caring, their actions, their words, their art, means to me. Which is what I plan to do. Starting with this.
October 11, 2015
Bloggers, wish me and Dirty Dates a happy birthday on November 10th and get a free book of erotica
I'm enjoying my final month in my thirties, and preparing for the release of my new anthology
Dirty Dates: Erotic Fantasies for Couples
.
I came up with the idea of doing something special since the publication date, November 10th, is also my 40th birthday. Instead of a blog tour, with bloggers posting for a few weeks about the book's release, I'm asking bloggers to post on November 10th about Dirty Dates. What can you write about? Anything, as long as you post the special book birthday image and two links about the book. You can review Dirty Dates, interview Rachel or one of the other 20 contributing authors, riff on BDSM or kinky couples. What you post is up to you, as long as it happens on November 10th! You get a free copy of the book and I will share your post on Dirty Dates social media accounts (all @dirtydatesbook) on Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr. Want to join the celebration? Register here by October 20th (all fields are required). Questions? Email dirtydatesbook at gmail.com and I'll get right back to you!
I came up with the idea of doing something special since the publication date, November 10th, is also my 40th birthday. Instead of a blog tour, with bloggers posting for a few weeks about the book's release, I'm asking bloggers to post on November 10th about Dirty Dates. What can you write about? Anything, as long as you post the special book birthday image and two links about the book. You can review Dirty Dates, interview Rachel or one of the other 20 contributing authors, riff on BDSM or kinky couples. What you post is up to you, as long as it happens on November 10th! You get a free copy of the book and I will share your post on Dirty Dates social media accounts (all @dirtydatesbook) on Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr. Want to join the celebration? Register here by October 20th (all fields are required). Questions? Email dirtydatesbook at gmail.com and I'll get right back to you!
October 8, 2015
My new book has bigger cleavage than I do!
My new BDSM erotica anthology,
Dirty Dates: Erotic Fantasies for Couples
, will officially be published on my 40th birthday, November 10, 2015. Buying links below; alas, the ebook doesn't publish until November 16th. But today my doorbell rang and there was an early birthday present, the first I've received: the copies I ordered of my new book, which has bigger cleavage than I do! My arms are short, so my selfie is not to scale, but I like it anyway and am so excited that this book of extremely hot stories by very talented authors, many of whom I'm publishing for the first time, will be in readers' hands very soon. Some of the retailers below still have an old version of the cover, but as you can see from me holding the book in my hand, the sexier cover is the final one! You can also follow the book @dirtydatesbook on Twitter and on Facebook for news and excerpts, and if you want to show your support ahead of the book's publication, why not add Dirty Dates to your Goodreads want to read list? I've also got free postcards that I'm giving out at my upcoming events and to my newsletter subscribers - sign up for the newsletter at rachelkramerbussel.com and stay tuned for November's!
Pre-order Dirty Dates from:
Pre-order to get it when it pubs in November:
Amazon
Kindle
Barnes & Noble
Nook
Books-a-Million (paperback)
Books-a-Million (ebook)
Powells
IndieBound (find it at your local bookstore)
Cleis Press
Amazon UK
Kindle UK
Table of contents and introduction:
Introduction: Kinky Is as Kinky Does (click to read the introduction)
The Corset Dorothy Freed
The Swap Jade A. Waters
Slow Burn Morgan Sierra
The World in My Pants Valerie Alexander
Lying Down Kathleen Delaney-Adams
The Rabbit Trap Nik Havert
Closing Time Elise Hepner
A Thousand Miles Apart Tilly Hunter
Switch Mina Murray
The Birds and the Bees Giselle Renarde
Potluck Alva Rose
Magic Words Emily Bingham
Polka-Dot Dress Erzabet Bishop
Baby Steps Justine Elyot
On Location D. L. King
Well Lit Sara Taylor Woods
A Soundproof Room with a View Leigh Edward Gray
Recipe for Punishment Jacqueline Brocker
Cry to Me Skylar Kade
Needles Kathleen Tudor
Admitting It Is the First Step Rachel Kramer Bussel
Pre-order Dirty Dates from:
Pre-order to get it when it pubs in November:
Amazon
Kindle
Barnes & Noble
Nook
Books-a-Million (paperback)
Books-a-Million (ebook)
Powells
IndieBound (find it at your local bookstore)
Cleis Press
Amazon UK
Kindle UK
Table of contents and introduction:
Introduction: Kinky Is as Kinky Does (click to read the introduction)
The Corset Dorothy Freed
The Swap Jade A. Waters
Slow Burn Morgan Sierra
The World in My Pants Valerie Alexander
Lying Down Kathleen Delaney-Adams
The Rabbit Trap Nik Havert
Closing Time Elise Hepner
A Thousand Miles Apart Tilly Hunter
Switch Mina Murray
The Birds and the Bees Giselle Renarde
Potluck Alva Rose
Magic Words Emily Bingham
Polka-Dot Dress Erzabet Bishop
Baby Steps Justine Elyot
On Location D. L. King
Well Lit Sara Taylor Woods
A Soundproof Room with a View Leigh Edward Gray
Recipe for Punishment Jacqueline Brocker
Cry to Me Skylar Kade
Needles Kathleen Tudor
Admitting It Is the First Step Rachel Kramer Bussel
69 hot erotica stories for under $4? You've gotta have Gotta Have It! With book trailer
I'm a huge fan of short stories in all forms, which is good because I wrote and edit lots of them. But the short short stories in my books with 69 tales each are among my favorites. Why? Because the authors pack so much into a very short word count: 1,200 words or less. The book of mine that got me started on this path is Gotta Have It: 69 Stories of Sudden Sex, and right now, it's on sale on Amazon: only $3.30 for the paperback and $3.14 for the Kindle edition!
And no, you don't have to have a Kindle to read the Kindle edition! There's Kindle for Mac, Kindle for PC and Kindle for Android. There's also Kindle Cloud reader, which allows you to read in your browser. For an overview, check out How-To Geek walking you through "Read Kindle Books On Your Computer with Kindle for PC."
I don't know how long this sale will last, and prices could change any second, so if you are interested and haven't read this book, I would check it out.
But I'm not asking you to buy it without trying some of the stories free! You can listen to many of them narrated by Rose Caraway, who narrated the audiobook version. You can listen on this blog to 5 stories, which are: "Laugh" by Sommer Marsden, "Police Dogging" by Elizabeth Coldwell, "Remembering the Wrinkles" by Penelope Friday, "Not Just a Myth" by Heidi Champa, and "The Dirty Things She Says" by Sinclair Sexsmith. You can also hear Rose read what might be my favorite story in the book: the gender swapping "Remote Control" by Logan Zachary. Like BDSM? Listen and watch me read my face slapping story "Manners" at Coco de Mer in Los Angeles, shot by photographer Dave Naz.
Want more? 17 authors participated in the book trailer:
Here's the official blurb and my introduction - now go read it on Kindle or in print!
Rachel Kramer Bussel has collected a wide and wild variety of original erotica stories that are deliciously short — just one orgasmic bite at a time. In 1,200 words or less, these authors explore every which way you can “get it on,” including threesomes, sex toys, public sex, BDSM, fetishes, and much more. Get “Anal-yzed,” learn “The Advantage of Working from Home” and spy some risqué “Vacation Pictures.” There are pecan rolls dripping in caramel and meals where lovers feast on nothing but each other. From crossword puzzles to Godzilla, these tales are perfect for reading aloud before you live out your own frisky fantasy. For those who like their sex quick and naughty, Gotta Have It has a host of erotic offerings to get you going.
Introduction: Short, Sweet and Totally Sexy
Everyone needs a break from his or her everyday life sometimes, and what better way to escape than with a short story that gets right to the point? The authors of the sixty-nine stories you hold in your hand understand exactly how to pique your interest and get you off , and they do it all in 1,200 words or less. You don’t need long to get drawn into the drama, tension and lust.
I received close to three hundred submissions for this collection, more than I ever have before, and I think that’s because no one, writer or reader alike, can resist a short story that seduces instantaneously. These stories aren’t all about quickie sex, though there’s plenty of that. There are strangers who meet and know right away they must have each other, neighbors, travel mates, coworkers and long-term couples such as those in “After Ten Years” and “Remembering the Wrinkles” who are looking for ways to hold on to that spark. There are stories of sex in libraries, vacation sex and lots of outdoor sex—in the rain, in the street, all over. There are lovers with pecan rolls dripping in caramel, and meals where lovers feast on nothing but each other. There are even a few stories with no actual sex in them at all—you’ll have to hunt those down and see why anticipation can be the sexiest act of all.
There’s humor, kink, flirtation, Godzilla, missed connections, sex toys, and one very bold census taker. But I don’t want to take up too much of your time that could be better spent getting intimately acquainted with these short but incredibly sexy stories. I hope you will savor them, read them aloud and return to your favorites again and again. Because all of us have a few minutes set aside for a quickie, don’t we?
Rachel Kramer Bussel
New York City
And no, you don't have to have a Kindle to read the Kindle edition! There's Kindle for Mac, Kindle for PC and Kindle for Android. There's also Kindle Cloud reader, which allows you to read in your browser. For an overview, check out How-To Geek walking you through "Read Kindle Books On Your Computer with Kindle for PC."
I don't know how long this sale will last, and prices could change any second, so if you are interested and haven't read this book, I would check it out.
But I'm not asking you to buy it without trying some of the stories free! You can listen to many of them narrated by Rose Caraway, who narrated the audiobook version. You can listen on this blog to 5 stories, which are: "Laugh" by Sommer Marsden, "Police Dogging" by Elizabeth Coldwell, "Remembering the Wrinkles" by Penelope Friday, "Not Just a Myth" by Heidi Champa, and "The Dirty Things She Says" by Sinclair Sexsmith. You can also hear Rose read what might be my favorite story in the book: the gender swapping "Remote Control" by Logan Zachary. Like BDSM? Listen and watch me read my face slapping story "Manners" at Coco de Mer in Los Angeles, shot by photographer Dave Naz.
Want more? 17 authors participated in the book trailer:
Here's the official blurb and my introduction - now go read it on Kindle or in print!
Rachel Kramer Bussel has collected a wide and wild variety of original erotica stories that are deliciously short — just one orgasmic bite at a time. In 1,200 words or less, these authors explore every which way you can “get it on,” including threesomes, sex toys, public sex, BDSM, fetishes, and much more. Get “Anal-yzed,” learn “The Advantage of Working from Home” and spy some risqué “Vacation Pictures.” There are pecan rolls dripping in caramel and meals where lovers feast on nothing but each other. From crossword puzzles to Godzilla, these tales are perfect for reading aloud before you live out your own frisky fantasy. For those who like their sex quick and naughty, Gotta Have It has a host of erotic offerings to get you going.
Introduction: Short, Sweet and Totally Sexy
Everyone needs a break from his or her everyday life sometimes, and what better way to escape than with a short story that gets right to the point? The authors of the sixty-nine stories you hold in your hand understand exactly how to pique your interest and get you off , and they do it all in 1,200 words or less. You don’t need long to get drawn into the drama, tension and lust.
I received close to three hundred submissions for this collection, more than I ever have before, and I think that’s because no one, writer or reader alike, can resist a short story that seduces instantaneously. These stories aren’t all about quickie sex, though there’s plenty of that. There are strangers who meet and know right away they must have each other, neighbors, travel mates, coworkers and long-term couples such as those in “After Ten Years” and “Remembering the Wrinkles” who are looking for ways to hold on to that spark. There are stories of sex in libraries, vacation sex and lots of outdoor sex—in the rain, in the street, all over. There are lovers with pecan rolls dripping in caramel, and meals where lovers feast on nothing but each other. There are even a few stories with no actual sex in them at all—you’ll have to hunt those down and see why anticipation can be the sexiest act of all.
There’s humor, kink, flirtation, Godzilla, missed connections, sex toys, and one very bold census taker. But I don’t want to take up too much of your time that could be better spent getting intimately acquainted with these short but incredibly sexy stories. I hope you will savor them, read them aloud and return to your favorites again and again. Because all of us have a few minutes set aside for a quickie, don’t we?
Rachel Kramer Bussel
New York City
October 7, 2015
My Washington Post essay on why I don't want to get married
My essay "I love my boyfriend, but I never want to get married" is up today at The Washington Post's Solo-ish section. The title pretty much tells you what it's about. Whether you agree with me or not, I hope you'll check it out. Yes, I'm pushing myself to pitch new markets and kick my own ass in light of the end of my weekly column, and so far, it's working.
October 6, 2015
Learn how to write and sell your erotica in New York, Portland, Maine, Washington, DC and online at LitReactor
I'm gearing up to hit the road and do these final 3 live workshops and one online one of 2015. I'll also be doing a free reading November 6th in Savannah, Georgia at Back in the Day Bakery, from 6 to 8 pm. Thanks to my friend Nichelle Stephens for organizing it. I plan to focus mainly on online writing workshops in 2016, since they can reach more people and international audiences, as my LitReactor classes have, though I'm open to select teaching and readings as opportunities arise. Here's what's coming up soon. If you care to spread the word, I'd greatly appreciate it! Questions about my events? Contact the stores listed below or you can always email me at rachelkramerbussel at gmail.com.
October 15, 7 pm - 8:30 pm
Erotica Writing 101 workshop, New York CityRachel Kramer Bussel, professional erotica author and editor of over 50 erotica anthologies, such as Come Again: Sex Toy Erotica, The Big Book of Orgasms, Best Bondage Erotica 2015 and more, will take you through the ins and outs of modern erotic writing. Learn how to get started, find your voice, and write against type. You'll discover how to incorporate everyday scenarios as well as outlandish fantasies into your writing, and make them fit for particular magazines and anthologies. She'll also talk about submitting your work and keeping up with the thriving erotica market (including anthologies, ebooks, magazines and websites). Whether you're writing to that special someone, penning longtime fantasies, or want to earn cash for your dirty words, this workshop is for you. Please bring paper or writing implements or a laptop to use for in class writing exercises. A bibliography with erotica resources will be provided. $20/person. Limited to 20 people. Register at Eve's Garden or by calling 212-757-8651. Doors at 6:45, class runs from 7-8:30 p.m. and includes a handout with resources.
Eve's Garden, 119 West 57th Street, Suite 1201, NYC
www.evesgarden.com
October 21, 7:30-9 pm
Erotica 101 Writing Workshop, Portland, MaineRachel Kramer Bussel, professional erotica author and editor of over 50 erotica anthologies, such as Come Again: Sex Toy Erotica, The Big Book of Orgasms, Best Bondage Erotica 2015 and more, will take you through the ins and outs of modern erotic writing. Learn how to get started, find your voice, and write against type. You'll discover how to incorporate everyday scenarios as well as outlandish fantasies into your writing, and make them fit for particular magazines and anthologies. She'll also talk about submitting your work and keeping up with the thriving erotica market (including anthologies, ebooks, magazines and websites). Whether you're writing to that special someone, penning longtime fantasies, or want to earn cash for your dirty words, this workshop is for you. Please bring paper or writing implements or a laptop to use for in class writing exercises. A bibliography with erotica resources will be provided. $20/person. Call 207-773-4774 or visit Nomia to register. Limited to 20 people.
Nomia, 24 Exchange Street, Suite 215, Portland, Maine 04101
November 8, 7-9 pm
Erotica Writing 101 workshop, Washington, DC
Rachel Kramer Bussel, professional erotica author and editor of over 50 erotica anthologies, such as Come Again: Sex Toy Erotica, The Big Book of Orgasms, Best Bondage Erotica 2015 and more, will take you through the ins and outs of modern erotic writing. With the popularity of Fifty Shades of Grey, now is a great time to put your own sexy stories onto paper. Learn how to get started, find your voice, and write against type. You'll discover how to incorporate everyday scenarios as well as outlandish fantasies into your writing, and make them fit for particular magazines and anthologies. She'll also talk about submitting your work and keeping up with the thriving erotica market (including anthologies, ebooks, magazines and websites). Whether you're writing to that special someone, penning longtime fantasies, or want to earn cash for your dirty words, this workshop is for you. Please bring paper or writing implements or a laptop to use for in class writing exercises. A bibliography with erotica resources will be provided. $25 if you register online by November 7 at Eventbrite.
Lotus Blooms, 2408 18th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009, 202-836-4474, info at lotusblooms.com
November 3 - December 3
Between the Sheets online erotica writing class at LitReactor.com
Online only class limited to 16 people; attend any time, using any username you desire (you can be anonymous) and get critiqued by me and fellow students and receive guidance about publishing your work. You participate at your convenience on your own schedule. You'll learn how to draw on your surroundings, incorporate humor and heartache, approach stories from multiple POVs and heighten the erotic tension in your work. You'll also get access to exactly what editors and publishers are currently looking for based on my research, as well as additional information on publishing short story collections, editing anthologies and self-publishing. Includes exclusive Q&As with over a dozen erotica writing professionals, including publishers, editors and authors such as Tiffany Reisz, Elizabeth SaFleur, Charlotte Stein, Cecilia Tan, Rebekah Weatherspoon and more. Students also get access once class is over to my private online group for alumni, which provides continued access to fellow writers, discussion and resources. Click through for more details about class assignments and goals. Students have access to the classroom materials indefinitely once class is over. I recommend having at least 5 hours a week to devote to this class to get the most out of it. $375/person. The last four classes sold out so I recommend not waiting until the last minute to register. Questions about the class? Email rachelkramerbussel at gmail.com with "LitReactor" in the subject line.
October 15, 7 pm - 8:30 pm
Erotica Writing 101 workshop, New York CityRachel Kramer Bussel, professional erotica author and editor of over 50 erotica anthologies, such as Come Again: Sex Toy Erotica, The Big Book of Orgasms, Best Bondage Erotica 2015 and more, will take you through the ins and outs of modern erotic writing. Learn how to get started, find your voice, and write against type. You'll discover how to incorporate everyday scenarios as well as outlandish fantasies into your writing, and make them fit for particular magazines and anthologies. She'll also talk about submitting your work and keeping up with the thriving erotica market (including anthologies, ebooks, magazines and websites). Whether you're writing to that special someone, penning longtime fantasies, or want to earn cash for your dirty words, this workshop is for you. Please bring paper or writing implements or a laptop to use for in class writing exercises. A bibliography with erotica resources will be provided. $20/person. Limited to 20 people. Register at Eve's Garden or by calling 212-757-8651. Doors at 6:45, class runs from 7-8:30 p.m. and includes a handout with resources.
Eve's Garden, 119 West 57th Street, Suite 1201, NYC
www.evesgarden.com
October 21, 7:30-9 pm
Erotica 101 Writing Workshop, Portland, MaineRachel Kramer Bussel, professional erotica author and editor of over 50 erotica anthologies, such as Come Again: Sex Toy Erotica, The Big Book of Orgasms, Best Bondage Erotica 2015 and more, will take you through the ins and outs of modern erotic writing. Learn how to get started, find your voice, and write against type. You'll discover how to incorporate everyday scenarios as well as outlandish fantasies into your writing, and make them fit for particular magazines and anthologies. She'll also talk about submitting your work and keeping up with the thriving erotica market (including anthologies, ebooks, magazines and websites). Whether you're writing to that special someone, penning longtime fantasies, or want to earn cash for your dirty words, this workshop is for you. Please bring paper or writing implements or a laptop to use for in class writing exercises. A bibliography with erotica resources will be provided. $20/person. Call 207-773-4774 or visit Nomia to register. Limited to 20 people.
Nomia, 24 Exchange Street, Suite 215, Portland, Maine 04101
November 8, 7-9 pm
Erotica Writing 101 workshop, Washington, DC
Rachel Kramer Bussel, professional erotica author and editor of over 50 erotica anthologies, such as Come Again: Sex Toy Erotica, The Big Book of Orgasms, Best Bondage Erotica 2015 and more, will take you through the ins and outs of modern erotic writing. With the popularity of Fifty Shades of Grey, now is a great time to put your own sexy stories onto paper. Learn how to get started, find your voice, and write against type. You'll discover how to incorporate everyday scenarios as well as outlandish fantasies into your writing, and make them fit for particular magazines and anthologies. She'll also talk about submitting your work and keeping up with the thriving erotica market (including anthologies, ebooks, magazines and websites). Whether you're writing to that special someone, penning longtime fantasies, or want to earn cash for your dirty words, this workshop is for you. Please bring paper or writing implements or a laptop to use for in class writing exercises. A bibliography with erotica resources will be provided. $25 if you register online by November 7 at Eventbrite.
Lotus Blooms, 2408 18th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009, 202-836-4474, info at lotusblooms.com
November 3 - December 3
Between the Sheets online erotica writing class at LitReactor.com
Online only class limited to 16 people; attend any time, using any username you desire (you can be anonymous) and get critiqued by me and fellow students and receive guidance about publishing your work. You participate at your convenience on your own schedule. You'll learn how to draw on your surroundings, incorporate humor and heartache, approach stories from multiple POVs and heighten the erotic tension in your work. You'll also get access to exactly what editors and publishers are currently looking for based on my research, as well as additional information on publishing short story collections, editing anthologies and self-publishing. Includes exclusive Q&As with over a dozen erotica writing professionals, including publishers, editors and authors such as Tiffany Reisz, Elizabeth SaFleur, Charlotte Stein, Cecilia Tan, Rebekah Weatherspoon and more. Students also get access once class is over to my private online group for alumni, which provides continued access to fellow writers, discussion and resources. Click through for more details about class assignments and goals. Students have access to the classroom materials indefinitely once class is over. I recommend having at least 5 hours a week to devote to this class to get the most out of it. $375/person. The last four classes sold out so I recommend not waiting until the last minute to register. Questions about the class? Email rachelkramerbussel at gmail.com with "LitReactor" in the subject line.
