Minneapolis, here I come

I'm going to Minneapolis this weekend to see friends, eat cupcakes, and do 2 events at Smitten Kitten. If you know anyone there or you yourself live there, please pass this on/come say hello. As if Smitten Kitten weren't beyond awesome already (they are also mentioned in Tristan Taormino's "Dangerous Dildos" columns which I reprinted in Best Sex Writing 2008), they've ordered 2 dozen cupcakes from Cupcake for tomorrow's workshop! Erotica tips and cupcakes - where else are you gonna get that?

I also recommend checking out my awesome friend Courtney McLean in Rock Star Storytellers tonight. I'll be there. I'm also looking forward to meeting sex columnist Alexis McKinnis and blogger/fellow cupcake enthusiast Aaron Landry.

Also, the local press has been kind enough to do two interviews with me (these are the online versions, both print versions are also running stories):

Vita.mn interview (by the aforementioned Alexis McKinnis)

And I'm staying at this awesome sounding (and NYT-endorsed) hotel The Chambers (Allison will be thrilled it has a 24 hour gym - I vow to use it at least once!). Here's a photo of its balcony by Flickr user Chuckumentary: (also a blogger, because who isn't?)



City Pages by Jeff Shaw (in which I give a shoutout to my memoirist, and Lusty Lady reader, grandfather)



May 3, 7 pm - 8:30 pm

Erotica 101 Workshop
Professional erotica author and editor Rachel Kramer Bussel will take you through the ins and outs of modern erotic writing, from getting started, finding your voice, writing against type, erotic love and lust letters, to submitting your work keeping up with the thriving erotica market. You'll learn how to incorporate everyday scenarios as well as outlandish fantasies into your writing, and make them fit for particular magazines and anthologies. Whether you're writing to that special someone, penning longtime fantasies, or want to earn cash for your dirty words, this workshop, taught by the editor of over a dozen erotic anthologies, is for you. Paper and writing implements will be provided.
Cost: $15, limited sliding scale tickets available upon request
Location: Smitten Kitten, 3010 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55408
RSVP: Pre-registration required as space is limited. Call (612)721-6088

May 4, 6 pm - 7:30 pm

Best Sex Writing 2008 and BDSM Erotica Reading
Hear acclaimed erotic author, editor, and sex journalist Rachel Kramer Bussel (Best Sex Writing 2008, Yes, Sir, Yes, Ma'am) read from her latest sexy story collections, including the nonfiction Best Sex Writing 2008 and BDSM-themed Yes, Sir and Yes, Ma'am. Q&A period to follow.
Cost: Free
Location: Smitten Kitten, 3010 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55408
No RSVP required