Rachel Kramer Bussel's Blog, page 52
March 25, 2015
Snapshot at Sugar and a moment of self-indulgence
I bought this new blue dress yesterday (at Anthropologie, if you're wondering, and there's some cute designs at the bottom you can't see in this photo), something I very rarely do these days; I can't actually recall the last time I did.
I got it partly because I didn't feel like I had anything exactly right for Friday night, when I'm part of the keynote opening panel at CatalystCon, and partly because I wanted to treat myself. The current me, not some future me, to celebrate my recent successes and, to honor my current body. I don't weigh myself so I don't know the exact numbers, but I can see in my face and other body parts that I've gained weight since moving to New Jersey. Many of my clothes still fit, because based on the way I tend to dress, I am not wearing too much that's super tight. But still, it can be frustrating when I go to put something on and it either doesn't fit at all, or hangs differently than I remember.
As for buying myself a present, that too felt like a way of saying: you're working hard, you deserve to look your best. I sometimes think if I'm not stressed all the time or plotting my next pitches/books/essays in my head every moment of the day, or getting up crazy early to work, then I'm not being a "good enough" freelancer. Of course that's ridiculous, but I have my moments of ridiculousness. Body image is an ongoing problem/process for me. I wrote about it in 2010 in "Loving My Body—Kinda, Sorta ,Sometimes" and I'm sure I will again.
Wearing something that made me feel at the top of my game lets me take the ups and downs of life in stride. I had a small but great group at Sugar in Baltimore for my writing workshop last night. Would I have preferred more people? Yes, but there was nothing I could do that late in the game. I also know one of my CatalystCon writing workshops is almost sold out and I'm planning the next steps for more online teaching. I want to be able to handle the moments when things don't go my way, and yes, it helps to be wearing something I adore and that feels soft and cozy inside.
It also meant that because I felt great, when I got to Blue Pit BBQ, which my friend co-owns and which was truly delicious, I could fully enjoy my pulled pork, brisket, mac and cheese and collard greens. It turned out that even though I thought I was ravenous, I ate about half of what was given to me (though I ate all my pickles) and took the rest home. Since I'm a leftover fan, I now have breakfast! Win/win. So that was my evening in a nutshell. Oh, and just because I said that, doesn't mean I'm not nervous as hell about being on this keynote panel. I love talking to small groups, but a big one? That makes me want to freeze up preemptively. But I'm going to practice over the next two days, and if I get nervous, stroke my new dress and remind myself I can do it. I do some variation of that countless times each week, and for me, it helps. Whatever works, right? Now, I'm not advocating that I or anyone else go into debt to be a clotheshorse to boost their self-confidence. But in this case, yesterday, I felt justified. Now I just have to find the perfect tights to go with it.
I got it partly because I didn't feel like I had anything exactly right for Friday night, when I'm part of the keynote opening panel at CatalystCon, and partly because I wanted to treat myself. The current me, not some future me, to celebrate my recent successes and, to honor my current body. I don't weigh myself so I don't know the exact numbers, but I can see in my face and other body parts that I've gained weight since moving to New Jersey. Many of my clothes still fit, because based on the way I tend to dress, I am not wearing too much that's super tight. But still, it can be frustrating when I go to put something on and it either doesn't fit at all, or hangs differently than I remember.
As for buying myself a present, that too felt like a way of saying: you're working hard, you deserve to look your best. I sometimes think if I'm not stressed all the time or plotting my next pitches/books/essays in my head every moment of the day, or getting up crazy early to work, then I'm not being a "good enough" freelancer. Of course that's ridiculous, but I have my moments of ridiculousness. Body image is an ongoing problem/process for me. I wrote about it in 2010 in "Loving My Body—Kinda, Sorta ,Sometimes" and I'm sure I will again.
Wearing something that made me feel at the top of my game lets me take the ups and downs of life in stride. I had a small but great group at Sugar in Baltimore for my writing workshop last night. Would I have preferred more people? Yes, but there was nothing I could do that late in the game. I also know one of my CatalystCon writing workshops is almost sold out and I'm planning the next steps for more online teaching. I want to be able to handle the moments when things don't go my way, and yes, it helps to be wearing something I adore and that feels soft and cozy inside.
It also meant that because I felt great, when I got to Blue Pit BBQ, which my friend co-owns and which was truly delicious, I could fully enjoy my pulled pork, brisket, mac and cheese and collard greens. It turned out that even though I thought I was ravenous, I ate about half of what was given to me (though I ate all my pickles) and took the rest home. Since I'm a leftover fan, I now have breakfast! Win/win. So that was my evening in a nutshell. Oh, and just because I said that, doesn't mean I'm not nervous as hell about being on this keynote panel. I love talking to small groups, but a big one? That makes me want to freeze up preemptively. But I'm going to practice over the next two days, and if I get nervous, stroke my new dress and remind myself I can do it. I do some variation of that countless times each week, and for me, it helps. Whatever works, right? Now, I'm not advocating that I or anyone else go into debt to be a clotheshorse to boost their self-confidence. But in this case, yesterday, I felt justified. Now I just have to find the perfect tights to go with it.
March 24, 2015
See you tonight in Baltimore for my erotica writing class!
I will do a proper recap of my fun visit to Charlottesville, partly with Festival of the Book events, partly with exploring the city and, most importantly, with making new writer friends. But I have an 8 a.m. train to catch and I'm not sure if it'll offer wifi so wanted to remind you that tonight I'm teaching my erotica writing workshop at the wonderful sex toy store Sugar in Baltimore from 6:30-8 p.m. You can register at the store, by calling them at 410-467-2632 or online at Brown Paper Tickets. It's $25 and includes a handout listing resources, with numerous publishers currently looking for submissions.
Here's two snapshots from this weekend: me with the wonderful romance novelist Kieran Kramer, who I met a few years ago in Brooklyn, and the cute animals greeting me outside a toy store. A gigantic thank you to Madeline Iva, whose group blog Lady Smut you should bookmark, for inviting me to be part of the festival.
Here's two snapshots from this weekend: me with the wonderful romance novelist Kieran Kramer, who I met a few years ago in Brooklyn, and the cute animals greeting me outside a toy store. A gigantic thank you to Madeline Iva, whose group blog Lady Smut you should bookmark, for inviting me to be part of the festival.
March 21, 2015
Hotel sex in Germany with Zimmerservice inklusive: Erotische Hotel-Storys!
Actually, I've never been in Germany, but I am in a hotel room right now and just discovered that my anthology
Suite Encounters: Hotel Sex Stories
has now been translated into German. I still love hotels as much as I ever did, which is good because I'm staying in hotels for the next week as I make my way on my little tour, moving on from Charlottesville to Baltimore and then Arlington. Here's the German and U.S. covers. Fittingly, every one of my German book covers has been so much sexier than the U.S. version! See Fast Girls and Please, Sir in German (although the original U.S. bold magenta cleavage baring Please, Sir cover is one of my all-time favorites of mine).
It takes a while for me to get a copy of the print edition, but I just bought the Kindle edition because seeing my books and words in another language was a longtime dream of mine, and now it's come true several times and I couldn't be happier. As you can see, my story "Special Request," about a woman whose job is being a unique kind of hotel clerk and planning an orgy, has become "Sonderwünsche" in the German version. If you want to buy Zimmerservice inklusive: Erotische Hotel-Storys, you can do so for American Kindle or Kindle Germany. Fun fact: so far, Germany is the only country that has reprinted my erotica anthologies, though I know other Cleis Press books have been translated into French, Spanish, Turkish and other languages. My goal for a long time was to sell foreign rights; my new goal is to sell them in a language besides German (hint hint, universe!). Below are some screen shots I took using my phone plus the table of contents.
Suite Encounters: Hotel Sex Stories
Introduction: Sex Magic (read it free and here)
Two-Way Ariel Graham
Selfish Donna George Storey
Air- Conditioning. Color TV. Live Mermaids. Anna Meadows
Proof of Desire Remittance Girl
Soundproof Emily Moreton
An Inspector Comes Suzanne Fox
Surrender with a Twist Suleikha Snyder
Unbound at the Holiday Inn Lily K. Cho
Travelodge Tess Justine Elyot
Business Expenses Elizabeth Silver
Return to the Nonchalant Inn Erobintica
The Deacon Tahira Iqbal
Love, Loud as a Bomb Steve Isaak
Night School Valerie Alexander
Feel So Dirty Andrea Dale
Please Come Again Tenille Brown
Dirty White Envelope Ellie Vokes
Tailgating at the Cedar Inn Delilah Devlin
Stiletto’s Big Score Michael A. Gonzales
Special Request Rachel Kramer Bussel
It takes a while for me to get a copy of the print edition, but I just bought the Kindle edition because seeing my books and words in another language was a longtime dream of mine, and now it's come true several times and I couldn't be happier. As you can see, my story "Special Request," about a woman whose job is being a unique kind of hotel clerk and planning an orgy, has become "Sonderwünsche" in the German version. If you want to buy Zimmerservice inklusive: Erotische Hotel-Storys, you can do so for American Kindle or Kindle Germany. Fun fact: so far, Germany is the only country that has reprinted my erotica anthologies, though I know other Cleis Press books have been translated into French, Spanish, Turkish and other languages. My goal for a long time was to sell foreign rights; my new goal is to sell them in a language besides German (hint hint, universe!). Below are some screen shots I took using my phone plus the table of contents.
Suite Encounters: Hotel Sex Stories
Introduction: Sex Magic (read it free and here)
Two-Way Ariel Graham
Selfish Donna George Storey
Air- Conditioning. Color TV. Live Mermaids. Anna Meadows
Proof of Desire Remittance Girl
Soundproof Emily Moreton
An Inspector Comes Suzanne Fox
Surrender with a Twist Suleikha Snyder
Unbound at the Holiday Inn Lily K. Cho
Travelodge Tess Justine Elyot
Business Expenses Elizabeth Silver
Return to the Nonchalant Inn Erobintica
The Deacon Tahira Iqbal
Love, Loud as a Bomb Steve Isaak
Night School Valerie Alexander
Feel So Dirty Andrea Dale
Please Come Again Tenille Brown
Dirty White Envelope Ellie Vokes
Tailgating at the Cedar Inn Delilah Devlin
Stiletto’s Big Score Michael A. Gonzales
Special Request Rachel Kramer Bussel
March 20, 2015
A little morning magic
It's 7:44 a.m., which at home is usually when I've already eaten breakfast, drank one cup of coffee and commotion is happening in my home. This morning, after a week where I was pretty much knocked out by a cold, moving and thinking extremely slowly, not leaving the house and not even craving a drop of coffee, I'm recovered and awoke at my friend's house in Richmond. The curtains are pulled so I actually was surprised at the time; I would have guessed a few hours earlier. The room is lit only by a string of colored lights hung on the wall, the only noise what I think is the humidifier she kindly left for me.
I can't emphasize enough how glorious it felt to let myself sleep as long as I wanted, to have traveled on two airplanes (I took one from Newark to Boston, then one from Boston to Richmond, because JetBlue has some amazingly cheap fares on from BOS to RVA), and to be able to take a big breath through my nose. That is my gratitude for the day, as I embark on nine days of travel and events and what, if I think too hard about it, feels like chaos. I haven't even turned the lights on yet because the dark and quiet feel cozy and welcoming.
In my bedroom at home, the sun starts to creep in pretty early, and I appreciate that since it makes the room seem bigger and brighter. Lately I've taken to sitting on the floor in our hallway upstairs to edit pieces, absorbing the sun via our skylight. Some would say that's ridiculous given that I have an office to use, but I like to mix it up. Most weekdays will find me working in an array of spots in our home, because I need the motion after I get restless.
But sometimes what I need is, literally, to rest. That's what I needed this week, when I gave my mind a break. Even though it went against all my instincts, I forced myself not to start any new pieces, but to catch up on old ones until I felt fully capable of tackling anything new. So often, way too often, I get sucked into my to do list immediately upon waking up. I will emerge from sleep in a near panic, or even a full on panic, worried that I am "behind" on urgent tasks. It's an unsettling way to live that I'm trying to curb, because it's just not feasible in the long term, or even, really, the short term.
I am working on working smarter and saner. On being more present in my personal life and relationship. On putting all of myself into my writing and editing and teaching when I'm doing it, but then letting it go and coming back to it refreshed. It's challenging, both because I worry about money, and because so much of my writing work stems from my life. That doesn't always mean I'm cribbing from my foibles and actions, but that those inform the ideas I pitch, whether it's an element of pop culture I'm interested in or something I do that troubles or intrigues me that I want to flesh out on the page. So yes, I'm a work in progress, forever. I'm also the kind of person who often needs big signs to lead the way, and this week, my cold was that sign. It's already changed my approach to 2015; I once had grand plans for all kinds of events, and now I'm pulling back from those and focusing on a smaller number of total events that will have more of a positive impact but won't leave me utterly drained of energy and excitement. I worry sometimes that I will burn out, especially in a month like this last one. I don't think I will if I figure out the best practices for me, and am willing to change course when the ones I was trying stop working.
And now, I'm off to finish a column before I head to Fountain Bookstore to sign books (Richmond folks, I'll be there from 12:30-2:30 and if you can't make it, I'll be leaving them with autographed copies of my titles). There are few places I love more than bookstores!
I can't emphasize enough how glorious it felt to let myself sleep as long as I wanted, to have traveled on two airplanes (I took one from Newark to Boston, then one from Boston to Richmond, because JetBlue has some amazingly cheap fares on from BOS to RVA), and to be able to take a big breath through my nose. That is my gratitude for the day, as I embark on nine days of travel and events and what, if I think too hard about it, feels like chaos. I haven't even turned the lights on yet because the dark and quiet feel cozy and welcoming.
In my bedroom at home, the sun starts to creep in pretty early, and I appreciate that since it makes the room seem bigger and brighter. Lately I've taken to sitting on the floor in our hallway upstairs to edit pieces, absorbing the sun via our skylight. Some would say that's ridiculous given that I have an office to use, but I like to mix it up. Most weekdays will find me working in an array of spots in our home, because I need the motion after I get restless.
But sometimes what I need is, literally, to rest. That's what I needed this week, when I gave my mind a break. Even though it went against all my instincts, I forced myself not to start any new pieces, but to catch up on old ones until I felt fully capable of tackling anything new. So often, way too often, I get sucked into my to do list immediately upon waking up. I will emerge from sleep in a near panic, or even a full on panic, worried that I am "behind" on urgent tasks. It's an unsettling way to live that I'm trying to curb, because it's just not feasible in the long term, or even, really, the short term.
I am working on working smarter and saner. On being more present in my personal life and relationship. On putting all of myself into my writing and editing and teaching when I'm doing it, but then letting it go and coming back to it refreshed. It's challenging, both because I worry about money, and because so much of my writing work stems from my life. That doesn't always mean I'm cribbing from my foibles and actions, but that those inform the ideas I pitch, whether it's an element of pop culture I'm interested in or something I do that troubles or intrigues me that I want to flesh out on the page. So yes, I'm a work in progress, forever. I'm also the kind of person who often needs big signs to lead the way, and this week, my cold was that sign. It's already changed my approach to 2015; I once had grand plans for all kinds of events, and now I'm pulling back from those and focusing on a smaller number of total events that will have more of a positive impact but won't leave me utterly drained of energy and excitement. I worry sometimes that I will burn out, especially in a month like this last one. I don't think I will if I figure out the best practices for me, and am willing to change course when the ones I was trying stop working.
And now, I'm off to finish a column before I head to Fountain Bookstore to sign books (Richmond folks, I'll be there from 12:30-2:30 and if you can't make it, I'll be leaving them with autographed copies of my titles). There are few places I love more than bookstores!
March 19, 2015
My sex column on threesomes
This week's Philadelphia City Paper sex column is on threesomes: the good, the bad and the fantasy. It features quotes by Hunter Riley and Three of Hearts editor Kristina Wright, whose new anthology (which I have a story in) inspired the idea. Have suggestions for future column topics? Email me at rachelkb at gmail dot com with "City Paper" in the subject line. I'll be conducting several interviews for upcoming columns while at CatalysCon and am always on the lookout for sex in the news ideas.
March 17, 2015
Call for submissions: Best Women's Erotica 2016
Please direct any questions about this call to bwe2016 at gmail dot com and please make sure to read the entire thing before asking in case your questions is answered below - thank you! I don't know the exact publication date, though I suspect it will be in January or February 2016, and if I find out more precisely, I will update this post. Also, as I especially welcome submissions from authors who've never been published in the series, and those who've never published erotica before, please do share this widely.
Call for Submissions
Best Women’s Erotica 2016
Edited by Rachel Kramer Bussel
To be published by Cleis Press in 2016
For my first year as editor of the Best Women’s Erotica series, I want your best, hottest, most creative and diverse erotica stories, written by and starring a wide range of women, from single to coupled, living in big cities and small towns anywhere in the world, of various ages (18+), races, sexualities, fetishes, jobs, interests, life experiences. Stories in the final book will range from humorous and playful to intense and soulful.
I don’t want to limit your creativity, because I want these approximately 25 stories to be as dazzling, varied and sexy as possible. I want your very best work, the kind that will make readers want to savor your story over and over again. Some things I’m looking to include: stories by authors who’ve never been published in the Best Women’s Erotica series, stories by and about women of color, stories featuring women 40+, romantic erotica (doesn’t necessarily need to have a happy ending, but happy endings are wonderful too), stories involving more than two people, stories in unusual settings, erotica touching on current events (though the story should be one readers ten or twenty years from now will also appreciate), BDSM stories (especially ones with creative motivations and femdom stories, though I also want submissive women who aren’t pushovers), stories that blow my mind. I gravitate toward unique, creative characters, settings, and scenarios. I will consider sci fi, fantasy and paranormal stories, but they will not be the focus of this anthology. For an idea of the types of stories I like, see my women’s erotica anthologies Fast Girls or Orgasmic.
Rights: non-exclusive right to publish the story in this anthology in print, ebook and audiobook form. Authors will retain copyright to their stories. Standard Cleis Press contributor contract.
Guidelines: Submit only original, unpublished stories of 1,500-3,500 words that are not being considered elsewhere. I want only original work that has never been published online or in print. All characters must be 18 or over. No poetry. No incest or scat. US grammar (double quotation marks around dialogue, etc.) required. Maximum two submissions per author. Submit to bwe2016 at gmail dot com by attaching a Word .doc or .docx file, double spaced, Times New Roman black font with legal name, pseudonym (if applicable), mailing address, and 50-word-or-under third person bio on the front page. All stories must have title and byline included with the submission. Indent half an inch at start of each paragraph. Do not add extra lines between paragraphs or use any other irregular spacing; the entire file should be double spaced. If you cannot use Word, please submit as both an RTF AND include the story’s title and text, 50-word-or-under third person bio and legal name, pseudonym (if applicable) and mailing address in the body of an email. DO NOT submit alternate versions of the same story twice; only the first submission will be considered. Submissions that don’t conform to my guidelines will not be considered.
I will confirm that I have received your submission within 72 hours. I will respond to all submissions by September 30, 2015. If you have not heard back from me by October 1, 2015, feel free to follow up.
Payment: $100 and 2 copies of the book within 90 days of publication
Deadline: June 1, 2015 (earlier submissions strongly encouraged)
Questions: Email bwe2016 at gmail dot com
Call for Submissions
Best Women’s Erotica 2016
Edited by Rachel Kramer Bussel
To be published by Cleis Press in 2016
For my first year as editor of the Best Women’s Erotica series, I want your best, hottest, most creative and diverse erotica stories, written by and starring a wide range of women, from single to coupled, living in big cities and small towns anywhere in the world, of various ages (18+), races, sexualities, fetishes, jobs, interests, life experiences. Stories in the final book will range from humorous and playful to intense and soulful.
I don’t want to limit your creativity, because I want these approximately 25 stories to be as dazzling, varied and sexy as possible. I want your very best work, the kind that will make readers want to savor your story over and over again. Some things I’m looking to include: stories by authors who’ve never been published in the Best Women’s Erotica series, stories by and about women of color, stories featuring women 40+, romantic erotica (doesn’t necessarily need to have a happy ending, but happy endings are wonderful too), stories involving more than two people, stories in unusual settings, erotica touching on current events (though the story should be one readers ten or twenty years from now will also appreciate), BDSM stories (especially ones with creative motivations and femdom stories, though I also want submissive women who aren’t pushovers), stories that blow my mind. I gravitate toward unique, creative characters, settings, and scenarios. I will consider sci fi, fantasy and paranormal stories, but they will not be the focus of this anthology. For an idea of the types of stories I like, see my women’s erotica anthologies Fast Girls or Orgasmic.
Rights: non-exclusive right to publish the story in this anthology in print, ebook and audiobook form. Authors will retain copyright to their stories. Standard Cleis Press contributor contract.
Guidelines: Submit only original, unpublished stories of 1,500-3,500 words that are not being considered elsewhere. I want only original work that has never been published online or in print. All characters must be 18 or over. No poetry. No incest or scat. US grammar (double quotation marks around dialogue, etc.) required. Maximum two submissions per author. Submit to bwe2016 at gmail dot com by attaching a Word .doc or .docx file, double spaced, Times New Roman black font with legal name, pseudonym (if applicable), mailing address, and 50-word-or-under third person bio on the front page. All stories must have title and byline included with the submission. Indent half an inch at start of each paragraph. Do not add extra lines between paragraphs or use any other irregular spacing; the entire file should be double spaced. If you cannot use Word, please submit as both an RTF AND include the story’s title and text, 50-word-or-under third person bio and legal name, pseudonym (if applicable) and mailing address in the body of an email. DO NOT submit alternate versions of the same story twice; only the first submission will be considered. Submissions that don’t conform to my guidelines will not be considered.
I will confirm that I have received your submission within 72 hours. I will respond to all submissions by September 30, 2015. If you have not heard back from me by October 1, 2015, feel free to follow up.
Payment: $100 and 2 copies of the book within 90 days of publication
Deadline: June 1, 2015 (earlier submissions strongly encouraged)
Questions: Email bwe2016 at gmail dot com
I'm teaching erotica writing in Philadelphia May 8 at SEXx Interactive
I don't think I've ever done an event in Philadelphia, so I leapt at the chance to submit to SEXx Interactive and am happy to report I'll be teaching my Erotica Writing 101 workshop there on Friday, May 8th, from 3:45-5:15 p.m. I'll also be writing about the conference for my Philadelphia City Paper sex column. Definitely check out the whole lineup; I'm especially excited to hear Feminista Jones, author of self-published erotic novel
Push The Button
, among other accomplishments, speak. Click here for the full schedule and you can also follow them on Facebook for the latest news.
Official blurb (in case it's hard to read in the image above):
Official blurb (in case it's hard to read in the image above):
SEXx Interactive: a journey for the mind, heart and body taking place in Philadelphia, May 7-9th, 2015 (in In honor of May being National Masturbation Month). This interactive forum will engage over 200 participants with more than 40 informational presentations, sexuality-based performances, “how-to” workshops, and sexually-themed art exhibitions between Thursday and Sunday. SEXx is the region's first event of its kind that will: connect the complexities of the intellectual, spiritual, and physical dimensions of sexuality; create spaces for interaction and conversation across gender and sexual orientation; and support the empowerment of the curious and seasoned alike.
Supporting myself and supporting my fellow authors and editors
I haven't publicly posted about this yet, in part because I haven't known what to say, and in part because I've been busy with deadlines and teaching. Now that I'm between LitReactor classes, and actually getting over a cold as I prepare to hit the road for my Virginia and Maryland events and post my first call for submissions in a while, it seemed appropriate.
This year, in marked contrast to last year when I had to move because I wasn't bringing in enough income, I'm approaching work from a steadier place, but still one that is lived freelance check to freelance check. I'm working on doing everything I can to best bolster my business, including making smarter choices than I have in the past. I used to flit off to every event that asked me to speak, paying no mind to the cost either because I had a full-time job then or I thought it would be "good for my career" to always say yes. This year, I am soundly focused on minimizing my costs while also making sure I meet the deadlines for my steady writing gigs at Thought Catalog, Philadelphia City Paper and DAME and pushing myself to write for new venues. This means that I will be drastically cutting back on travel and events, even those in New York City, in order to protect my time for my work and my personal time. I'm learning that in order to have the energy, interest and focus to do what needs to be done, I have to say no almost as often as I say yes professionally, and think hard about the things I do say yes to.
It also means that I have to make the best choices for my career, including when I sign on to edit more anthologies, which I've held off on as I catch up on previous ones (which I am wrapping up this month). My approach is not the same as it once was, when I was crazily editing 6-8 anthologies a year, which meant a heavy workload for me, less enjoyment of the process, and what I see as my book sales cannibalizing each other. Now, I am being more choosy and doing fewer books per year, but putting my heart and soul into the creation and promotion of them. For instance, this year, I see Come Again: Sex Toy Erotica as my strongest release because it's likely to have the most widespread appeal, it's very fun, and it's one I'm incredibly excited about (my copies are shipping to me from the printer today!). Therefore, I'm putting a lot of my own time, effort and money behind promoting it. I couldn't do that if I had another book coming out right behind it. (That's all me and my particular personal situation; plenty of authors, especially romance and erotica authors, can and do successfully put out and promote numerous books per year. I strive to learn from them but also know my limits.)
So for every new book or writing project, I very carefully consider and decide how they best fit into my overall goals for my work and my business. Part of why I now strongly prefer teaching writing online is because the only cost to me is time. I approach any new business decisions the same way, which is why I hired a lawyer for the first time in my life to help negotiate the contract I just signed. Trust me, as a former law student who still feels tremendous guilt about dropping out, even 15 years on, this was not an easy step, but it was a necessary one that had an immediate result. It reminded me that I have to always work to protect myself first and foremost. I've made the choices that work for me, and will evaluate any future decisions on a case by case basis.
That being said, yes, I've been troubled reading the recent accounts by Violet Blue, Alison Tyler, and Kristina Wright about their treatment in publishing, by the press we share in common, all of whom I consider friends and colleagues and all of whom have published my writing in previous, current or future anthologies. I care on both levels; as a friend/colleague and as an author.
Here's the part where I don't really know what to say, so what I'm going to say is: support their work and buy their books. How have I done that? In addition to purchasing their books, by doing things like interviewing Violet Blue about her must-read The Smart Girl's Guide to Privacy , which genuinely changed how I approach so many aspects of my life; it's also being re-issued this July by No Starch Press and I strongly urge you to read it and take the necessary steps to protect yourself (see the book's Tumblr for more information). By mentioning their books, like Morning, Noon and Night in a column about sex at various times of the day. Stay tuned for Thursday's sex column about threesomes quoting Kristina Wright.
Here are covers and links to their recent or upcoming books. I hope you'll support my fellow authors' work and my work. I don't see this as an either/or situation. How can you support them? Buy their books, read their books, blog and Tweet and post on other social media about their books. Review them on Goodreads and Amazon. Spread the word. Follow them @violetblue @AlisonTyler @kristinawright on Twitter. Sharing book news counts for so much in an age when many of us, me included, find out about what we want to read next online. As someone who lives in a town without a bookstore, I do support brick and mortar stores when I'm in them, but most of my book purchases are made online because that's what I can access on a daily basis.
I'm proud of the stories I have in their books, and hope we all have incredible success whatever publishing path we choose because I believe the market has room for great sexy smut of all kinds. I'm linking to Amazon, as I often do, because they have an affiliate program and I think Kindle is one of the most common ways of accessing ebooks, but I encourage you to support your local independent bookstores and publishers. For Violet Blue's ebook titles, including erotica anthologies Filthy Housewives and Holiday Kink, get them from Digita Pub. Now, a reading list for you:
Bisexual Husbands edited by Violet Blue, out this Thursday, March 20th (read the introduction)
Official blurb:
Official blurb:
Official blurb:
This year, in marked contrast to last year when I had to move because I wasn't bringing in enough income, I'm approaching work from a steadier place, but still one that is lived freelance check to freelance check. I'm working on doing everything I can to best bolster my business, including making smarter choices than I have in the past. I used to flit off to every event that asked me to speak, paying no mind to the cost either because I had a full-time job then or I thought it would be "good for my career" to always say yes. This year, I am soundly focused on minimizing my costs while also making sure I meet the deadlines for my steady writing gigs at Thought Catalog, Philadelphia City Paper and DAME and pushing myself to write for new venues. This means that I will be drastically cutting back on travel and events, even those in New York City, in order to protect my time for my work and my personal time. I'm learning that in order to have the energy, interest and focus to do what needs to be done, I have to say no almost as often as I say yes professionally, and think hard about the things I do say yes to.
It also means that I have to make the best choices for my career, including when I sign on to edit more anthologies, which I've held off on as I catch up on previous ones (which I am wrapping up this month). My approach is not the same as it once was, when I was crazily editing 6-8 anthologies a year, which meant a heavy workload for me, less enjoyment of the process, and what I see as my book sales cannibalizing each other. Now, I am being more choosy and doing fewer books per year, but putting my heart and soul into the creation and promotion of them. For instance, this year, I see Come Again: Sex Toy Erotica as my strongest release because it's likely to have the most widespread appeal, it's very fun, and it's one I'm incredibly excited about (my copies are shipping to me from the printer today!). Therefore, I'm putting a lot of my own time, effort and money behind promoting it. I couldn't do that if I had another book coming out right behind it. (That's all me and my particular personal situation; plenty of authors, especially romance and erotica authors, can and do successfully put out and promote numerous books per year. I strive to learn from them but also know my limits.)
So for every new book or writing project, I very carefully consider and decide how they best fit into my overall goals for my work and my business. Part of why I now strongly prefer teaching writing online is because the only cost to me is time. I approach any new business decisions the same way, which is why I hired a lawyer for the first time in my life to help negotiate the contract I just signed. Trust me, as a former law student who still feels tremendous guilt about dropping out, even 15 years on, this was not an easy step, but it was a necessary one that had an immediate result. It reminded me that I have to always work to protect myself first and foremost. I've made the choices that work for me, and will evaluate any future decisions on a case by case basis.
That being said, yes, I've been troubled reading the recent accounts by Violet Blue, Alison Tyler, and Kristina Wright about their treatment in publishing, by the press we share in common, all of whom I consider friends and colleagues and all of whom have published my writing in previous, current or future anthologies. I care on both levels; as a friend/colleague and as an author.
Here's the part where I don't really know what to say, so what I'm going to say is: support their work and buy their books. How have I done that? In addition to purchasing their books, by doing things like interviewing Violet Blue about her must-read The Smart Girl's Guide to Privacy , which genuinely changed how I approach so many aspects of my life; it's also being re-issued this July by No Starch Press and I strongly urge you to read it and take the necessary steps to protect yourself (see the book's Tumblr for more information). By mentioning their books, like Morning, Noon and Night in a column about sex at various times of the day. Stay tuned for Thursday's sex column about threesomes quoting Kristina Wright.
Here are covers and links to their recent or upcoming books. I hope you'll support my fellow authors' work and my work. I don't see this as an either/or situation. How can you support them? Buy their books, read their books, blog and Tweet and post on other social media about their books. Review them on Goodreads and Amazon. Spread the word. Follow them @violetblue @AlisonTyler @kristinawright on Twitter. Sharing book news counts for so much in an age when many of us, me included, find out about what we want to read next online. As someone who lives in a town without a bookstore, I do support brick and mortar stores when I'm in them, but most of my book purchases are made online because that's what I can access on a daily basis.
I'm proud of the stories I have in their books, and hope we all have incredible success whatever publishing path we choose because I believe the market has room for great sexy smut of all kinds. I'm linking to Amazon, as I often do, because they have an affiliate program and I think Kindle is one of the most common ways of accessing ebooks, but I encourage you to support your local independent bookstores and publishers. For Violet Blue's ebook titles, including erotica anthologies Filthy Housewives and Holiday Kink, get them from Digita Pub. Now, a reading list for you:
Bisexual Husbands edited by Violet Blue, out this Thursday, March 20th (read the introduction)
Official blurb:
Seven stories skillfully depict seven different bisexual husbands whose cravings for a same-sex tryst have reached the point of no return, and their wives can't wait to watch -- or join in, sometimes controlling the action. Layered characters and vivid, clever fantasies drive this compendium of bisexual men in loving couples who want to get dirty -- sometimes taking turns as the center of a three-way where there's truly no limits.Alison After Dark: Sultry Stories to Keep You Up All Night by Alison Tyler
In "Your Turn" an unsuspecting husband is turned into a plaything by his wife and her dominant executive boss; in "Pick Up The Interest" a woman orchestrates payback for a secret same-sex favor her husband received in college. "Roger's Fault" watches a husband find out his wife wants to be "one of the boys" in a same-sex threesome; "Sparks Will Fly" finds a wife picking up a total stranger in an exclusive hotel for a surprise encounter her husband will never forget.
In editor Violet Blue's award-winning style, this collection takes graphic erotica, casts each story with complex and relatable characters, puts them in the hands of exciting writers, and blends literary erotica with hardcore. Bisexual Husbands delivers a rich erotic anthology, artfully spiked with charming cocktail recipes and playful tips for trying out bisexual fantasies in real life. Blue's introduction to the book "Bisexual and Voracious" features steamy story excerpts within an essay that looks at perceptions of male bisexuality and takes apart what everyone gets wrong about bi men -- namely, that they don't really exist. This book shows exactly (and graphically) just how hot bisexual men can be.
This book contains adult situations, including domestic discipline, backdoor and oral play, power exchange, role-play, bisexual men, and explicit scenes. The book also depicts non-monogamous relationships and sexual activity (and penetration) involving more than two individuals.
Official blurb:
Alison After Dark features nine naughty stories by Alison Tyler. "Insomnia" is Ms. Tyler's middle name—in fact, if you're up, she's probably up—and these tales explore many of the different illicit events that occur in the middle of the night. Themes include watching a girlfriend with another man, to cheating, to anal, to figging.Three of Hearts: Erotic Romance for Women edited by Kristina Wright, out now in print and ebook, including Kindle (contains my story "An Extra Pair of Eyes")
The sultry stories in the collection are a mix of brand-new, never before published pieces (The Keymaster, The Key, The Keyhole, All Things to All Women), as well as several hard-to-find stories (Too Dirty to Clean, The Prince and the Upholsterer, Cherry Slushie, and Seeing Stars). Finishing the collection is: Planes, Trains, and Banana-Seat Bicycles (originally published in The Mile-High Club).
Violet Blue says, "Alison Tyler is a prolific, sharp editor and a hell of a writer."
Publishers Weekly says, "Readers tired of sensationalistic portrayals of BDSM will appreciate Tyler’s nuanced and realistic approach..."
City Book review says, "Alison Tyler shines as a literary voice in erotic fiction."
This book contains erotic content and is intended for adult audiences only.
Official blurb:
Three’s company? No, three’s a charm! Three of Hearts features sexy trios who are not just falling into bed, but are also falling in love. These stories fearlessly explore the emotional and sexual dynamics of three hearts romantically intertwined. Voyeurs and exhibitionists alike get what they want in Rachel Kramer Bussel’s “An Extra Pair of Eyes.” “What Happens in Denver” leaves indelible memories when three co-workers get snowed in during Cheyenne Blue’s romp. Editor extraordinaire Kristina Wright outdoes Kerouac in her wildly romantic “Three for the Road.” From a couple introducing a third person to their relationship for just one night of fun, to a woman torn between two lovers—who decides not to choose—and long-term triads who collaborate on all their desires, Three of Hearts focuses on joy in triplicate and female pleasure.
March 16, 2015
See you in Richmond, Charlottesville, Baltimore and Arlington!
I'm gearing up for my upcoming events in Virginia and Maryland, specifically Richmond (Marh 20), Charlottesville (March 22), Baltimore (March 24) and Arlington (March 27 and 28 at CatalystCon). All the details are below. I'm also very excited to check out my friend's restaurant Blue Pit BBQ in Baltimore. You can expect a full report on it!
March 20, 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Book signing and meet and greet, Richmond, Virginia
I'll be signing my latest titles at independent bookstore Fountain Bookstore - get one for you or as a gift!
Fountain Bookstore, 1312 E. Cary Street, Shockoe Slip, Richmond, Virginia, 804-788-1594
LoveFest Workshop: “Screaming To Be Ignored” — Capturing the Reader’s Attention
Sun. March 22, 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Barnes & Noble
1035 Emmet Street North, Barracks Road Shopping Center, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Hosted by: Barnes & Noble
“Every day hundreds of stories cross my desk, each one screaming to be ignored.” — Gordon Lish. How do you make your story capture a reader’s attention instantly? In this free workshop, anonymous would-be authors may submit short works: a one page query or the first ten pages of a novel. Published authors and savvy editors will use these submissions as a launching point to discuss their favorite writing craft tips.
Want to submit your work? The first 30 submissions received the day of the event will be considered on a first come/first serve basis. Look for the submissions box at the Barnes & Noble Information Desk. The store opens at 9 AM.
Participating authors and editors: Joanna Bourne, Mary Burton, Rachel Kramer Bussel, Melissa Marr, Mary Jo Putney. Moderator: Kimberly Kincaid.
LoveFest Book Signing: Meet & Greet Romance Authors
Sun. March 22, 2:45 pm - 4:30 pm
Barnes & Noble
1035 Emmet Street North, Barracks Road Shopping Center, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Hosted by: Barnes & Noble
Come join thirteen romance authors for one-on-one book chat in a friendly setting. Authors are available for book signing and photographs.
Participating authors: Joanna Bourne, Mollie Cox Bryan, Mary Burton, Rachel Kramer Bussel, Avery Flynn, Sabrina Jeffries, Kimberly Kincaid, Kieran Kramer, Sue London, Melissa Marr, Pam Morsi, Mary Jo Putney.
March 24, 6:30-8 pm
Erotica 101 Writing Workshop, Baltimore
Professional erotica author and editor Rachel Kramer Bussel, editor of over 50 anthologies such as The Big Book of Orgasms, Flying High and Best Bondage Erotica 2014, will take you through the ins and outs of modern erotic writing, from getting started, finding your voice, and incorporating your surroundings, pop culture, and personal experiences into your stories to crafting a range of characters and settings and submitting your work.
In this supportive, welcoming workshop environment, you'll learn how to write vividly about everyday scenarios as well as outlandish fantasies, and make them fit for particular publications in the thriving erotica market. This workshop will address the recent boom in erotica inspired by Fifty Shades of Grey, provide examples of well written erotica, and will include multiple writing exercises. You'll be given a handout listing major markets and further reading suggestions.
No previous writing experience required. Please bring laptop or pen and paper. $25/person. Register in store, by calling 410-467-2632 or online at Brown Paper Tickets.
Sugar, 1001 West 36th Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 410-467-2632
March 27, 9:15 am – 12:15 pm
Erotica 101 workshop, CatalystCon
In this three hour workshop Rachel Kramer Bussel, professional erotica author and editor of over 50 erotica anthologies, such as The Big Book of Orgasms, Cheeky Spanking Stories and Serving Him: Sexy Stories of Submission, 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. The class will also cover branding yourself as a writer, using and selecting a good pseudonym, and using social media to promote your work and do outreach. She’ll also talk about submitting your work and keeping up with the thriving erotica market, including anthologies, ebooks, magazines and websites. Please bring paper and writing implements or a laptop to use for in class writing exercises. A bibliography with erotica resources will be provided.
This class will take place on Friday, March 27, 2015 at the CatalystCon host hotel. You must purchase a ticket to this workshop separately from CatalystCon on the registration page. $45/person. Register here.
Hilton Crystal City, 2399 Jefferson Davis Way, Arlington, Virginia
March 27, 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Sex Writing 101 (Nonfiction)
In this three hour workshop, writer and editor Rachel Kramer Bussel will cover all you need to know about writing about sex, including blogging, first-person essays and journalism. You’ll learn how to ethically write about your love life, what editors are looking for, where to find experts on sexuality topics, and how to stay abreast of current sex news. Whether you’re looking to write a sex blog, column, articles or books, you’ll find out how to pitch, how much money you can expect to make, and how to maximize your editorial opportunities. The class will also cover branding yourself as a writer, using and selecting a good pseudonym, using social media to promote your work and do outreach, and how to pitch stories. Rachel has been a sex columnist for The Village Voice, Penthouse and The Frisky, and has written about sexuality for Cosmopolitan, The Daily Beast, Glamour, Inked, Salon, xoJane and many other publications. A resource list covering markets for sex-related pieces will be provided.
This class will take place on Friday, March 27, 2015 at the CatalystCon host hotel. You must purchase a ticket to this workshop separately from CatalystCon on the registration page. $45/person. Register here.
Hilton Crystal City, 2399 Jefferson Davis Way, Arlington, Virginia
March 27, 8:30 pm
CatalystCon Opening Keynote Plenary Address
I'll be joining the esteemed Francisco Ramirez, Kristin Beck and Melanie Davis for this opening panel moderated by Lynn Comella to kick off CatalystCon.
CatalystCon, Hilton Crystal City, 2399 Jefferson Davis Way, Arlington, Virginia
March 28, 9:30 am - 10:30 am
CatalystCon panel, “Sharing Sex Stories from the Page to the Stage”
Whether on the page, stage or podcast, sharing personal sex stories means making public what’s often deemed private and inviting audiences to read, hear—and judge. What are the biggest challenges and rewards of airing our “dirty” laundry? How do we decide which sex stories are worth telling? Is there such a thing as TMI? How can we be deeply honest while honoring others’ boundaries (and having ours respected)? How can we tie our lives into what’s happening in the larger world and further social and political change? Is writing about your sex life different than sharing it live or via podcast? This panel will explore what it’s like to invite readers, listeners and audiences inside our bedrooms, and beyond. Featuring Cooper Beckett, blogger and founder of podcast Life on the Swingset, Twanna A. Hines, blogger, Metro sex columnist and creator/performer of one-woman Capital Fringe show I Füçkèd Your Country, and Jillian Keenan, who’s written about BDSM and sexuality for The New York Times, Slate and elsewhere, and is at work on a book on Shakespeare and sexuality. Moderated by Rachel Kramer Bussel, Philadelphia City Paper sex columnist and author of the personal essay collection Sex & Cupcakes.
CatalystCon, Hilton Crystal City, 2399 Jefferson Davis Way, Arlington, Virginia
March 20, 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Book signing and meet and greet, Richmond, Virginia
I'll be signing my latest titles at independent bookstore Fountain Bookstore - get one for you or as a gift!
Fountain Bookstore, 1312 E. Cary Street, Shockoe Slip, Richmond, Virginia, 804-788-1594
LoveFest Workshop: “Screaming To Be Ignored” — Capturing the Reader’s Attention
Sun. March 22, 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Barnes & Noble
1035 Emmet Street North, Barracks Road Shopping Center, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Hosted by: Barnes & Noble
“Every day hundreds of stories cross my desk, each one screaming to be ignored.” — Gordon Lish. How do you make your story capture a reader’s attention instantly? In this free workshop, anonymous would-be authors may submit short works: a one page query or the first ten pages of a novel. Published authors and savvy editors will use these submissions as a launching point to discuss their favorite writing craft tips.
Want to submit your work? The first 30 submissions received the day of the event will be considered on a first come/first serve basis. Look for the submissions box at the Barnes & Noble Information Desk. The store opens at 9 AM.
Participating authors and editors: Joanna Bourne, Mary Burton, Rachel Kramer Bussel, Melissa Marr, Mary Jo Putney. Moderator: Kimberly Kincaid.
LoveFest Book Signing: Meet & Greet Romance Authors
Sun. March 22, 2:45 pm - 4:30 pm
Barnes & Noble
1035 Emmet Street North, Barracks Road Shopping Center, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Hosted by: Barnes & Noble
Come join thirteen romance authors for one-on-one book chat in a friendly setting. Authors are available for book signing and photographs.
Participating authors: Joanna Bourne, Mollie Cox Bryan, Mary Burton, Rachel Kramer Bussel, Avery Flynn, Sabrina Jeffries, Kimberly Kincaid, Kieran Kramer, Sue London, Melissa Marr, Pam Morsi, Mary Jo Putney.
March 24, 6:30-8 pm
Erotica 101 Writing Workshop, Baltimore
Professional erotica author and editor Rachel Kramer Bussel, editor of over 50 anthologies such as The Big Book of Orgasms, Flying High and Best Bondage Erotica 2014, will take you through the ins and outs of modern erotic writing, from getting started, finding your voice, and incorporating your surroundings, pop culture, and personal experiences into your stories to crafting a range of characters and settings and submitting your work.
In this supportive, welcoming workshop environment, you'll learn how to write vividly about everyday scenarios as well as outlandish fantasies, and make them fit for particular publications in the thriving erotica market. This workshop will address the recent boom in erotica inspired by Fifty Shades of Grey, provide examples of well written erotica, and will include multiple writing exercises. You'll be given a handout listing major markets and further reading suggestions.
No previous writing experience required. Please bring laptop or pen and paper. $25/person. Register in store, by calling 410-467-2632 or online at Brown Paper Tickets.
Sugar, 1001 West 36th Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 410-467-2632
March 27, 9:15 am – 12:15 pm
Erotica 101 workshop, CatalystCon
In this three hour workshop Rachel Kramer Bussel, professional erotica author and editor of over 50 erotica anthologies, such as The Big Book of Orgasms, Cheeky Spanking Stories and Serving Him: Sexy Stories of Submission, 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. The class will also cover branding yourself as a writer, using and selecting a good pseudonym, and using social media to promote your work and do outreach. She’ll also talk about submitting your work and keeping up with the thriving erotica market, including anthologies, ebooks, magazines and websites. Please bring paper and writing implements or a laptop to use for in class writing exercises. A bibliography with erotica resources will be provided.
This class will take place on Friday, March 27, 2015 at the CatalystCon host hotel. You must purchase a ticket to this workshop separately from CatalystCon on the registration page. $45/person. Register here.
Hilton Crystal City, 2399 Jefferson Davis Way, Arlington, Virginia
March 27, 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Sex Writing 101 (Nonfiction)
In this three hour workshop, writer and editor Rachel Kramer Bussel will cover all you need to know about writing about sex, including blogging, first-person essays and journalism. You’ll learn how to ethically write about your love life, what editors are looking for, where to find experts on sexuality topics, and how to stay abreast of current sex news. Whether you’re looking to write a sex blog, column, articles or books, you’ll find out how to pitch, how much money you can expect to make, and how to maximize your editorial opportunities. The class will also cover branding yourself as a writer, using and selecting a good pseudonym, using social media to promote your work and do outreach, and how to pitch stories. Rachel has been a sex columnist for The Village Voice, Penthouse and The Frisky, and has written about sexuality for Cosmopolitan, The Daily Beast, Glamour, Inked, Salon, xoJane and many other publications. A resource list covering markets for sex-related pieces will be provided.
This class will take place on Friday, March 27, 2015 at the CatalystCon host hotel. You must purchase a ticket to this workshop separately from CatalystCon on the registration page. $45/person. Register here.
Hilton Crystal City, 2399 Jefferson Davis Way, Arlington, Virginia
March 27, 8:30 pm
CatalystCon Opening Keynote Plenary Address
I'll be joining the esteemed Francisco Ramirez, Kristin Beck and Melanie Davis for this opening panel moderated by Lynn Comella to kick off CatalystCon.
CatalystCon, Hilton Crystal City, 2399 Jefferson Davis Way, Arlington, Virginia
March 28, 9:30 am - 10:30 am
CatalystCon panel, “Sharing Sex Stories from the Page to the Stage”
Whether on the page, stage or podcast, sharing personal sex stories means making public what’s often deemed private and inviting audiences to read, hear—and judge. What are the biggest challenges and rewards of airing our “dirty” laundry? How do we decide which sex stories are worth telling? Is there such a thing as TMI? How can we be deeply honest while honoring others’ boundaries (and having ours respected)? How can we tie our lives into what’s happening in the larger world and further social and political change? Is writing about your sex life different than sharing it live or via podcast? This panel will explore what it’s like to invite readers, listeners and audiences inside our bedrooms, and beyond. Featuring Cooper Beckett, blogger and founder of podcast Life on the Swingset, Twanna A. Hines, blogger, Metro sex columnist and creator/performer of one-woman Capital Fringe show I Füçkèd Your Country, and Jillian Keenan, who’s written about BDSM and sexuality for The New York Times, Slate and elsewhere, and is at work on a book on Shakespeare and sexuality. Moderated by Rachel Kramer Bussel, Philadelphia City Paper sex columnist and author of the personal essay collection Sex & Cupcakes.
CatalystCon, Hilton Crystal City, 2399 Jefferson Davis Way, Arlington, Virginia
Goodbye wonderful second LitReactor class, hello upcoming third LitReactor class
My second 4-week LitReactor online erotica writing class just ended last week, and the next one runs May 5-June 2. I offer weekly written lectures, weekly writing assignments plus critiques from me and your fellow students (you are expected to give feedback as well, though participation in homework is optional) and exclusive Q&As with editors, publishers and writers, as well as extensive market listings with current information about what editors and publishers are looking for. I will say that this class works best and gives you the most value for your money if you truly have the time to dedicate to it. I would estimate that's around 5 hours per week for writing, reading/giving feedback and partaking in class discussions. That is up to you, of course, but for $350, I want students to feel the class was worthwhile. You also have access to the classroom forever.
Based on the last two, I expect it to sell out in advance, so if you are interested, I would sign up now. Class is limited to 16 people. There's more information on each week's work above, and here's a glowing blurb from a recent student, Jessica Taylor, whose story "Bison Grass," developed in class, was just published at Wordhaus.
Based on the last two, I expect it to sell out in advance, so if you are interested, I would sign up now. Class is limited to 16 people. There's more information on each week's work above, and here's a glowing blurb from a recent student, Jessica Taylor, whose story "Bison Grass," developed in class, was just published at Wordhaus.
"Rachel Kramer Bussel provides excellent instruction in the art of writing erotica. Her class, Between the Sheets, is hands on and invites you to widen your senses, emotions, and your perceptions of the erotica genre. You will produce at the very least 4000 words of erotica in this class, and if you work hard you could even write the basis for four complete stories in this one month class. Excellent lectures that included story excerpts are provided to help you with each of your writing assignments. Rachel provides thoughtful line-by-line feedback on each of the stories or scenes that you write. The class appropriately ends with the production of a story directed toward a current call-for-submission.
In addition to the writing that I did, my favorite part of the class was the question & answer sessions that Rachel coordinated between students and published authors. Many of the questions that I had regarding publishing in the erotica field (traditional vs. self-publishing, agent vs. no agent, etc) were addressed through this mechanism of interaction with successful authors.
I don't think you could have a more experienced, better connected, or more successful author for an erotica writing class than Rachel Kramer Bussel. If you're interested in this genre in any way, I highly encourage you to continue your journey under the tutelage of this talented and friendly teacher. Her instruction has guided me towards two erotica publications so far. Her methods work!" -- Jessica Taylor, former LitReactor student
