My feminist sex toy store and bookstore tour: Northampton, San Francisco, Albuquerque, Austin and Portland, Maine

I wanted to put all my upcoming events in one post, and highlight the feminist sex toy stores who are community forces and who help keep people like me in business by providing spaces for events such as erotica writing workshops and lots of others. I had a fabulous time teaching at The Tool Shed in Milwaukee, where the only reason I resisted buying a toy was because I didn't want to subject it to the TSA in my carry-on luggage. I did buy this card though to send to my boyfriend, who told me it was the best card ever, so that worked out well:



So here's what's coming up (the workshop description is the same for all Erotica 101 workshops), with a few assorted other events like Bedpost Confessions and Literary Mischief in NYC thrown in, and I am looking into online classes, but first am focused on making these a success. If you know anyone in these cities who might like my events, please let them know.

November 3, 6-8 pm
Erotica 101 in Northampton, MA
Oh My Sensuality Shop, 122 Main Street, Northampton, MA, 413-584-9669
official Facebook page
Rachel Kramer Bussel, professional erotica author and editor of over 50 erotica anthologies, such as The Big Book of Orgasms, Women in Lust, Please, Sir and Please, Ma'am, 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, please call 413-584-9669 to reserve a seat.

November 6, 6:30 pm
Free reading from The Big Book of Orgasms in San Francisco
The Big Book of Orgasms: 69 Sexy Stories (Cleis Press) is editor Rachel Kramer Bussel's latest and greatest erotica anthology. This climactic collection of pansexual short shorts are perfect for bedtime reading to a lover or on your own. Whether getting off from exhibitionism, voyeurism, hot wax, dirty talk or a very special pair of blue jeans, the characters in The Big Book of Orgasms go all out for the Big O. From vanilla to kinky, and everything in between, there's something for all erotic readers here. At this special reading, Bussel will be joined by contributors Lily K. Cho, Malin James, Crystal Jordan, Sinclair Sexsmith, Donna George Storey, B.D. Swain, Virgie Tovar, Jade A. Waters and Xan West for an evening of steamy stories that's sure to leave you hot and bothered.
Good Vibrations, 1620 Polk Street (at Sacramento Street), San Francisco, CA 94109, 415-345-0400

November 12, 7:30 pm
Erotica 101 in Albuquerque
$20/person, $35/pair. Register at link below.
Self Serve Toys, 3904B Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108, 505-265-5815, info at selfservetoys.com

November 19, 7-8:30 pm
Erotica 101 in Austin
official Facebook page
$15 per person. Call 512-472-2785 to register.
Bookwoman, 5501 N Lamar Blvd A-105 Austin, Texas 78751

November 21, 8 pm
Bedpost Confessions
I will be sharing a sex story at this three-years-running sex and storytelling night! $10 at the door.
The North Door, 501 N I-35, Austin, Texas

November 26, 6-8 pm
Literary Mischief with Slash Coleman. $10 admission.
Loft 227, 227 W. 29th Street, New York

December 3, 7:30-9 pm
Erotica 101 writing workshop
Nomia, 24 Exchange Street, Suite 215, Portland, Maine
Seating is limited and we expect this workshop to fill up FAST!
Please call the shop at 207.773.4774 to reserve your spot! $20 per person.