Pollygraph (interviews with erotica authors): Taryn Taylor

Why erotica?
It might sound strange, but I’ve been interested in sex even before I understood what it really was. I was raised in a strong sex-positive household (mother has sold sex toys all my life, and both of my parents were never shy about the birds and the bees) and it was just one of those things of growing up. I’ve also been strongly into writing since I was a small child. It was a perfect storm, really. I was writing really embarrassing sexy stories when I was barely in middle school. Even my non-erotica has a strong focus on sexual relationships, because sex is such a large part of my life. So while I also write fantasy and literary fiction, I definitely need erotica to keep my imagination in check – otherwise you’d be finding my fantasy and litfic in the erotica category!

What kinds of erotica do you write?
I suppose the obvious answer is “lesbian erotica,” but that’s still a broad definition. Women indulge in all sorts of kinks with each other as well. Personally, I enjoy writing erotica that celebrates female sexuality and empowerment. Even when I write heterosexual scenes in my other genres, I still like to have female characters who know what they’re about. I write a plethora of kinks and fantasies – such as food fetishism, BDSM, and of course good ol’ vanilla sex – but they all center around women feeling good and not giving a shit about it.

Apart from the obvious (...!) how does lesbian erotica differ from other types? Are there differences in the way you tell the story, or in the way you handle kinks, for instance?
Well, the obvious is the biggest difference, of course. But it’s kind of hard for me to answer otherwise, because I’m merely writing from my own feelings and experiences. My experiences tell me that women aren’t really that different from men in their kinks and general desires. A lesbian couple is just as likely to be into BDSM as a heterosexual couple. But there is one thing that may be different: one woman can connect with another emotionally and sexually that may not be the same as with men. We know what we go through in a patriarchal society and how it shapes our views of our sexualities, self-confidence, and goals in life. And let’s not forget that we know what makes a vagina tick, inside and out! =)

Who is your audience?
When I write, I mostly envision my reader as a (queer) woman, who may either be solidified in her sexuality or at least questioning it. Of course, they aren’t the only ones who can enjoy my stories! I’m just as happy to have others enjoy them as well! Anyone who wants to read about confident (and blossoming) women enjoying each other’s sexual company is welcomed into my world.

Tell us about your experiences as an erotica author. What have the big challenges and successes been?
The biggest challenge is keeping up with my publishing schedule. I do this for a living, so I have to keep on top of it, so to speak. I try to release a new story every week (or at least that’s the general goal I follow) and it can be challenge. This is only this pen name, too. I write longer works under other names and genres that I try to release regularly as well. But because of all of my hard work, I’m already able to say “I do this for a living,” which is the biggest success I can ask for.

Do you write in other genres, too?
I write erotic romance and fantasy (and occasionally literary fiction) under my real name. I’ll always be an erotic-whatever and fantasy author at heart. I grew up on the classic fantasy (and sci-fi) authors like Anne McCaffrey and Patricia A. McKillip. I don’t see myself delving into other genres any time soon, but I don’t discount anything.

Do the people around you know what you write? How have they reacted, or how would they react?
My parents know. I’ve been upfront since the beginning. As I mentioned before, we’re a very sex positive household that makes careers off people having sex, so it’s no big deal. Sometimes they have…odd…suggestions, though. And my mother has a habit of telling extended family (whom I am not out to as either a lesbian or as an erotica writer) what I’m doing which means I don’t talk to some people anymore…but for the most part, I am lucky that most of my family is supportive of my perverted brain.

Tell us about your most recent titles.
I’m currently plowing through some continuing serials while also launching a new solo series. I recently finished up my first serial, “Claire & Nicole,” which is from the SapphiConnection online hookup series. The series is loosely set around women who meet up through a lesbian dating site for sex, romantic relationships, or to indulge in their deepest desires. Each story, regardless of kink, is named after the two main characters if it’s a serial, or the POV character if it’s a standalone. “Claire & Nicole” is so far my most popular series. It’s a “vanilla” (including toys) series about a woman who hasn’t gotten laid in five years meeting up with a woman she will later come to discover is an escort. It’s probably my most dramatic erotica serial, but I think people are drawn to their chemistry.

Do you have a favourite, or favourites, among your stories?
Aside from “Claire & Nicole,” I’m really excited about my launch title, “The Mechanic,” from my new series Sapphic Service which is about random encounters in the service industry. In it I got to have a lot of fun with two big personalities who weren’t taking any shit from each other. Their banter was great to write and the words just flew by.

How do you normally go about writing an erotic story? Is there much, ahem, research involved...?
I usually write about a thousand words of erotica a day. When a story is finished, I let it sit before calling in the editor. As for research, funny you should ask. For a while there I felt like I was running out of ideas, and then a friend invited me to a local swinger’s/sex club. Not only was it hilarious to see some situations I thought were pure fantasy come to life in front of my eyes, but I definitely got some ideas!

And finally, what can we expect to see from you soon?
More ladies, of course! I’ll be branching in different kinks soon with my SapphiConnection series. Coming up will be some BDSM pairings, body painting, gender play, BBW, and all sorts of other goodies. This summer is going to be the Summer of Lesbians.

More from Taryn Taylor:

Website: http://taryn-taylor.blogspot.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/taryntaylor69Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Taryn-Taylor/e/B00BEMYX74/ref=as_li_tf_tl?tag=pollyjadams-20Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Taryn-Taylor/e/B00BEMYX74/ref=nosim?tag=pollyjadams-21Tumblr (my main site): http://taryn-taylor.tumblr.com