Email: rachelkramerbussel at gmail.com



 

Lusty Lady

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Watch my first and favorite book trailer for Spanked: Red-Cheeked Erotica. Get Spanked in print and ebook

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Cory Booker's Tweets with a stripper (yes, I'm voting for him)

My latest Medium piece is titled "I Don’t Care That Cory Booker Tweeted With a Stripper, I’m Still Voting for Him" - that pretty much says it all, though there is a bit in there about a job offer for stripper Lynsie Lee I found interesting. If you like it, I once again ask that you click "recommend" at the bottom - I'm a huge fan of the site and want to keep writing for them! You can also leave notes on the piece, whether you agree or disagree with me. Thanks.

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New York City event writeups for The New York Observer's Eight-Day Week

In this week's The New York Observer as well as online, I wrote up events for their Eight-Day week section. Among them are a rock show, a sake tasting, a free charity bike ride and museum hopping. I'll be writing up an event a day through October 30th, so if you are organizing or know of any wonderful events that the Observer audience might be into (think charity, arts, culture, music, books, etc.) email all the details to 8dayweek at observver.com and I will consider them. Thank you!

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Saturday, September 28, 2013

48-hour flash BOGO sale October 1-2 for The Big Book of Orgasms: 69 Sexy Stories

To celebrate The Big Book of Orgasms: 69 Sexy Stories being in stock on Amazon as of October 1st, I'm having a 48-hour flash sale. Not only do you get 69 stories for $12.12 (less than 18 cents a story!) you also get a whole other free autographed book. It's a win win. Why am I doing this? Because I want to start my favorite book I've ever worked on out strong on Amazon and keep it going, and this is one way to help see it off into the world with a bang! Note: This offer only extends to purchases on Amazon.com from October 1 at 12:00 a.m. EST to October 2 at 11:59 p.m. EST. I can only send to U.S. addresses for print copies, but can send Kindle copies to anyone. Just buy The Big Book of Orgasms from Amazon during that 48 hour time period, then forward your receipt by 9 a.m. EST on October 3 to orgasmantho at gmail.com with "BOGO" in the subject line and tell me which of these Cleis Books you'd like. I will send yours by November 1st (or immediately if you request the Kindle version). Your options: Anything for You, Baby Got Back, Best Bondage Erotica 2011, Best Bondage Erotica 2012, Best Bondage Erotica 2013, Best Sex Writing 2008, Best Sex Writing 2009, Best Sex Writing 2010, Best Sex Writing 2012, Bottoms Up, Caught Looking, Cheeky Spanking Stories, Do Not Disturb, Fast Girls, Going Down, Gotta Have It, He's on Top, Hide and Seek, ), Irresistible, The Mile High Club, Obsessed, Only You, Orgasmic, Passion, Peep Show, Please, Ma'am, Please, Sir, Rubber Sex, Serving Him, She's on Top, Smooth, Spanked, Suite Encounters, Surrender, Tasting Her, Tasting Him, Twice the Pleasure, Women in Lust, Yes, Ma'am, Yes, Sir. Thank you so much for helping my quest to make this book my bestselling book ever. It's on its way!

Official description:
What happens when you bring together 69 authors sharing their hottest orgasm stories? If you have top notch erotica editor Rachel Kramer Bussel, you get The Big Book of Orgasms! This climactic collection captures top erotica writers serving up steamy scenarios all focused on The Big O. Whether getting off from exhibitionism, voyeurism, or a very special pair of blue jeans, the characters in The Big Book of Orgasms explore all sorts of ways they can come. Go "Under the Table" with Elizabeth Coldwell and cheer for "The Pink Team" by Kelly Rand. Discover the thrill of hot wax and even hotter sex; these short stories bring the heat on every page! With a foreword by Ecstasy is Necessary author Barbara Carrellas, these are climaxes you'll want to relive again and again.

Dr. Ruth once said about Rachel Kramer Bussel, "she is only satisfied if you come and come again." With this rousing read, The Big Book of Orgasms counts all the wonderful ways women get off. Inspirational as well as aspirational, this book celebrates women's sexuality by reaching new heights of excellence. Each of the 69 stories about "the big O" is a peak experience in and of itself.
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Table of contents:

Foreword: Foreplay: Figments of Erotic Imagination by Barbara Carrellas
Introduction: Orgasm Is Just the Beginning

The Beginning B. D. Swain
How You Christen a Bed Thomas S. Roche
All You Do Is Play Annabeth Leong
Hard Knocks Malin James
The Gallery Exhibit Chris Komodo
White Preston Avery
Matinee Suleikha Snyder
All Talk Jenna Bright
Scarecrow Giselle Renarde
In Her Hands Tenille Brown
Remote Control Logan Zachary
Weathering the Storm Salome Wilde
Hellfire Valerie Alexander
Her Lover Is a Flame Cecilia Tan
Me Vengo! Mistress Kay
Count Out the Strokes Virgie Tovar
Steamy Tess Danesi
Payback Emerald
Come On Raziel Moore
The Pink Team Kelly Rand
Headache Sherry Reid
Pushing Boundaries on Public Transport Victoria Blisse
Runner’s High Sam Angioli
His Three Conditions Medea Mor
The Morning After David Salcido
Look at Yourself Maxine Marsh
Do It Again Sinclair Sexsmith
Under the Table Elizabeth Coldwell
Light Sleeper Mina Murray
The Big Cat Cecilia Duvalle
Opening Doors Thea Landen
Baxter’s Boy Xan West
Suds and a Two-Piece Bathing Suit Brantwijn Serrah
The Jeffrey Factor Stella Harris
Chains of Love Lily K. Cho
By the Beat T. Fox Dunham
Icing on the Cake Lula Lisbon
The Massage Lady Cheeky
Feast for the Senses Riley Shane
Squirt Evoë Thorne
Piano Man A. M. Hartnett
Out of Control Crystal Jordan
Tantric Home Dominic Santi
Queer for Mike Shane Allison
Meeting Cute Vanessa Madison
Cheryl Andreas Amsterdam
Beer and Orgasms Jeremy Edwards
Sullied Innocence Neve Black
The Rub Jon Fulton
The Park Elise Hepner
Coming Together: The Elusive Simultaneous Orgasm Jade Melisande
Meeting Myself Anya Levin
I Am Not Cruel J. Sinclaire
Cooling Agents Marina Saint
Seeing Is Believing Heidi Champa
The Velocity of Roaches Michael A. Gonzales
After the Funeral Jeanette Grey
There Sommer Marsden
Forced Orgasms Shoshanna Evers
Blue Jean Baby Eleanor Proctor
Learning Experience Kathleen Tudor
A Teachable Moment Walter Pratt
The Flogger Jade A. Waters
Book Lover Donna George Storey
Tied by Red Kay Jaybee
After Party Drew Griffiths
I’m on Fire Rachel Kramer Bussel
Should You Ever Be Allowed to Feel This Good? Lillian Ann Slugocki
The Final Challenge Heather Day

Orgasm Is Just the Beginning

As Barbara Carrellas writes, there are so many types of orgasms, more than any single book could cover, but within these pages, you will not only find numerous types of orgasms, as well as the varied characters who experience them, you will also discover different motivations for getting off. Some have a tried and true method, some are willing to take a chance on a new sexual practice—or partner. Some of these characters orgasm frequently; some are aching for the chance to share their body with another person. Some let their orgasms be controlled by a lover; some actively take control of their climaxes.

“You amaze me,” the nameless protagonist of B. D. Swain’s opening story “The Beginning” proclaims. You—readers, authors, orgasmers—amaze me with your boundless sexual hunger and creativity. I’ve been writing and editing erotica for over a decade, but part of why it never gets old is because of the richness, diversity and nuance I find in the stories that come (no pun intended) my way. They fuel my own imagination and show me that I can always learn more about orgasm, about desire, about sex.

The format of 1,200 words or less means these are extremely short stories, but I hope you’ll find, like I did, that what they lack in length they make up for in hotness. As with my previous short-short anthology Gotta Have It: 69 Stories of Sudden Sex, all the pieces you hold in your hand, even the shortest ones (“The Park,” by Elise Hepner, clocks in at 249 words; “Her Lover Is a Flame,” by Cecilia Tan, at 308) offer a snapshot of eroticism that draws you completely into its folds. You might consider each one a teaser, an appetizer, the beginning of a fantasy world you can place yourself into and choose your own orgasmic adventure as you consider where the story might go after the last word printed on the page.

Sometimes less is more, and if these stories leave you wanting to see them continued, that’s a good thing. They are, like the narrative in Swain’s opener states, “just the beginning.” Very likely you’ll find a type of orgasm, a sex toy, a scenario, a position or a fantasy you’d like to see represented here that may not be. If so, please write yours and continue the conversation. If your orgasm doesn’t look or feel the way these characters’ climaxes do, that’s perfectly okay. I want to see us expand the possibilities for pleasure, orgasmic and otherwise, not add to the umpteen ways we’re told we “should” orgasm or have sex. Just as a physical orgasm, however you define or experience that sensation, doesn’t define the end of a sexual encounter, a literary orgasm should not mean you are done interacting with the story. I’ve reread these pieces, and the numerous submissions I received for this book, multiple times, and each read offers me something new to consider. I envision The Big Book of Orgasm as one you’ll want to revisit, to pick up and read aloud from your favorites to a lover, to keep next to your bed, to tuck into your travel bag.

I’m especially pleased to be publishing so many authors in this collection for the first time in one of my anthologies. There is a power and depth to these voices that I hope resonates with you.

Rachel Kramer Bussel
New York City

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Thursday, September 26, 2013

Exciting news: San Francisco reading and Publishers Weekly review of The Big Book of Orgasms

I'm very excited to share the news that I'll be heading to San Francisco for a reading from The Big Book of Orgasms: 69 Sexy Stories, featuring me and 8 other contributors (and possibly a few more), many of whom are reading for the first time. If you're not in San Francisco but know someone who is who'd like a night of free orgasmic erotica read to them, please pass this on. The official details are on Facebook as well as below.

November 6, 6:30 pm, free
The Big Book of Orgasms reading 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, 415-345-0400

RKB BBOO Small
I didn't want to look too dorky, but my smile should stretch all the way across my face to encapsulate how excited I am about this book!

I also had a "pinch me" moment when I saw that Publishers Weekly gave The Big Book of Orgasms such a glowing review (I'm cutting and pasting but the authors' names should be Cecilia Tan and Jade A. Waters):
Erotic editor Bussel (Baby Got Back) proves less is more in this collection of nibble-size erotic stories that are just long enough to fuel the imagination. There is something for every mood—funny, kinky, touching, spontaneous, and even vengeful. In Thomas S. Roche’s “How You Christen a Bed,” the surprising delight is in the woman’s postorgasmic statement. Celicia Tan’s “Her Lover Is a Flame” and Bussel’s own “I’m on Fire” give a new meaning to hot sex. Riley Shane’s “Feast for the Senses” entertains with sensory pleasure. Evoë Thorne’s lovely “Squirt” illustrates how longtime partners avoid lesbian bed death. An unused toy comes to life with a proper lover in Jade A. Wata’s “The Flogger.” Everyone will find something to appreciate here, and all the stories are easy to read as they titillate and entertain. (Nov.)
We are off to a brilliant start and any day now the book should be in stock online! Thank you so much - I believe so strongly in this book and am looking into more events, online and off, and am handing out postcards and talking it up everywhere I go. This is not just "the big book" of orgasms but my big book, one I feel good about staking my career on. I think it's also one of the biggest bargains around: at $12.12 from Amazon, that works out to just under 18 cents a story! Follow us @BigBookofOrgasm on Twitter and read excerpts (all of them are coming soon!) on Tumblr.

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Bonus photo from last night. L to R: Nicole Audrey Spector, Kim Triedman, Vica Miller, Rachel Kramer Bussel, Liesl Schillinger. I highly recommend signing up for Vica Miller Literary Salons - they rock and are free!).

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Monday, September 23, 2013

I care about all my books, even if only one is my favorite

A little addendum to this post, because the truth is, much as I don't have the soul of a businesswoman and am too often ruled by my heart over my head, every single book of mine someone buys helps pay my rent, helps keep RKB Enterprises, Inc. in business, helps ensure I get to spend my days writing, editing and creating. If some other book of mine suddenly took off and sold like mad, I'd be wowed and awed and humbled and grateful. I wouldn't be like, "You're not The Big Book of Orgasms, so I don't care how popular you are."

But I'm well aware that since I don't have the magic BDSM touch, topics like submission or anal sex or bondage are probably not going to sell as well as orgasms, nor would I expect them to. They're niche, though there are plenty of readers who like those niches. But in terms of my time and focus, I have to look at both what I'm passionate about and what has a shot at doing well in the marketplace, because I hate when books bomb. Sometimes, when a book doesn't do as well as you'd hoped, it gets a fancy shmancy makeover and a second chance. That's awesome. But part of me trying to be both me, as well as President of RKB Enterprises, Inc., aka, a creative businesswoman, is about not having books that need makeovers in the first place. Books that start strong and stay strong. Books that people can enjoy whether they're kinky or not, whether they ever read erotica or not, whether they're conservative or liberal. Sure, anyone can enjoy my more kinky books, but logic and instinct and hope tell me that The Big Book of Orgasms is the one to bet it all on. Sometimes I step back and realize, wow, I've edited 55 anthologies, that's amazing for someone who used to want to be a lawyer. And it is.

I'm incredibly lucky and grateful that publishers and editors took a chance on me. But I don't want to keep on editing books just for the sake of vanity, because I like opening up a case of them and seeing my name on the cover. That was exciting at first, when I co-edited Up All Night (for Alyson, which, like so many publishers, went belly up) for a flat fee of $1,000, no royalties. I was young and naive and would never take a deal like that again, and would never recommend anyone else do so. My point being, I may have a lot of books to my name, but as an adult and a businesswoman and someone who hopes someday to raise a child, I need to only focus on books that can hold their weight in the marketplace. Of course nobody knows how any given book will do until it's out in the world. I'm not a psychic. But the reason I'll be tracking this book so closely is because my future does, on some level, hang in the balance of its balance sheet. That may sound gross and cold and calculating, and perhaps it is, but that's reality. I will be thrilled if where my heart's professional passion lies is where my business's core beats as well. That's been my goal since I realized I didn't have the heart or stamina or smarts to be a lawyer. I won't know for a while exactly how my experiment in book promotion has fared, which is good, in a way, because it will allow me to try anything and everything I can think of to make sure these 69 stories reach the widest possible audience they can. After that, who knows? I'm not thinking about after just yet. I'm just savoring the joy of being madly in love with my new book, and hoping the world is too. If readers are even a tiny fraction as enamored of The Big Book of Orgasms as I am, it'll exceed my goals for it. The book is just making its way into readers' hands, so soon I will have many other people's opinions to share with you.

So you're not just taking my word for it, because of course the editor is going to blab on and on about how awesome her book is...The very first review is from author A.C. James, and features something I adore: hearing what readers' favorite stories are. With 69 to choose from, I can't wait to see what resonates with everyone:
It would be impossible for me to pick a favorite story from this collection because so many of them resonated with orgasms past or piqued my curiosity to explore ones I’ve yet to discover…

The Gallery Exhibit by Chris Komodo took exhibitionism and made orgasm into art. Matinee by Suleikha Snyder reminded me that eroticism doesn’t mean sex. It doesn’t mean sex at all. A look, a touch, a brushing of arms can be just as hot or hotter than the most passionate kiss or embrace. At the same time Meeting Myself by Anya Levin reminds us that sex is timeless, ageless, and does not end.

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The best book I've ever edited is here: The Big Book of Orgasms

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I've edited my share of book with "Best" in the title, and of course, any adjective is always subjective, including "best." But I can tell you that in my opinion, my best book is not any of them with "best" in the title, though I poured a lot of blood, sweat and tears into those. No, my best book, the one I will forever recommend when people are asking which of my books to check out, the one that I believe in so much I've invested more than $1,000 (more than portion of the advance after paying authors) into buying copies to send out to Amazon reviewers, is The Big Book of Orgasms: 69 Sexy Stories. Maybe it's crazy, but I never said I wasn't crazy. I just want to, for the first time in longer than I can remember, throw myself wholeheartedly, fiercely, passionately into loving one of my books, into being so proud of it I will tell anyone and everyone, rather than slinking around assuming that because it's erotica somehow "real" readers won't be interested (yes, there's a teeny part of me that thinks that). I've been so thrilled with the massive response this book has gotten from eager readers all across the country (and a few outside the U.S.) so far. I love that I'm publishing so many authors for the first time in one of my books, and some for the first time in print ever. That is an amazing feeling, but I want this to be about more than feelings: I want this to be about a book that can appeal to such a wide range of readers actually appealing to them. I know it's not really a catfight amongst my books, but yes, I want this book to do better than the others, even its cousin, Gotta Have It. I know super short stories (these are all 1,200 words or less) are not everyone's cup of tea, but on the other hand, everyone has time to read a story that's only 1,200 words. And I would think anyone interested in erotica would be interested in orgasms. And this book has heterosexual, bisexual, lesbian, gay, transgender, multi-partner, vanilla and kinky stories. There's spanking and dirty talk and blue jeans and hot wax. There are couples and couplings, fashion and nudity, technology and sex toys. All my energy from now til the end of the year will be focused on making it a success, because I feel that my future as an erotica editor hangs in the balance.

Not that I wouldn't be given chances to keep editing, but if this book misses the mark, I will take that as my exit line (though I have books lined up into 2014). To me it's a test: can a book that I love so fiercely, that has 3 times more than the usual number of stories, that I go all out, no reservations, with, make it? Can it be my breakout star, my best seller, my little book that could? That is the dream I am putting my all into this fall. If you'd like to be part of the November online book tour, have me on your radio show or in person event, interview any of the authors in the book, or anything else, email me at orgasmantho at gmail.com and I will make sure you get what you need. just want to do a little mitzvah and pass along the book's Facebook page, @BigBookofOrgasm Twitter feed or Tumblr blog with excerpts, I'd so appreciate it. Of course I am glad that my other books are being read and enjoyed and reviewed, but this is the one I am devoted to, the one I am brainstorming like mad on how to get it on the radar of people who like dirty, sexy, sweet stories, ones they can read aloud to a lover, ones that take only a few minutes to read, but can be enjoyed repeatedly. I named my story after a Bruce Springsteen song, "I'm on Fire," and I am, indeed, on fire for this book. It's like my book baby, and like what I've heard from actual mothers, it's hard to think about anything else except this beautiful, shiny book that I've been eagerly anticipating, waiting to hold in my hands, savor, know it's real. It arrived just in time, both for my upcoming trip to Milwaukee, and in time to renew my faith in my genre, renew my excitement about this field I stumbled into as a lost, lonely law student. I've felt a little burnt out and uncertain lately, and still am, but I know that I am fiercely devoted to this book. I am so excited to be sending it out into the world. Now, dear, beloved, sexy, beautiful book, I hope you show me a little love back. I don't want this to be an unrequited romance. I want you to be on fire for me too. And I'm so excited for this book to be in stores very soon.

My new erotica anthology The Big Book of Orgasms: 69 Sexy Stories has arrived!

The Big Book of Orgasms will be for sale very soon from:

Amazon

Bn.com

Powell’s

Books-a-Million

IndieBound (find your nearest local independent bookstore)

Cleis Press


Since it's Monday, and you have been so patient as to indulge my book lust, here's the beginning of my story "I'm on Fire" - the other 1,042 words are available in the links above. Yes, you can get 69 stories for only $12.12 (Amazon's price), which my calculator tells me is less than 18 cents a story. So the book's a bargain to boot!
From "I'm on Fire" by Rachel Kramer Bussel:

Who doesn’t like a little hot wax drizzled on them? Okay, I know plenty of people don’t, but I say, more candles for me. I’m lucky to have a girlfriend with a perfectly complementary kinky mind. Ciara’s an artist, so it makes sense she’d love to decorate my body. We’ve even been photographed for a local art gallery, me coated in swirls of color, painted by her with the special candles we buy just for wax play.

Last Friday night, she surprised me. Monday is usually our date night, a way of reclaiming a normally mundane weeknight. But it had been a long week for both of us, and she knew I needed something special. In our house, that meant she texted me on her way home telling me to shower, get naked, spread the tarp out on the bed and wait for her. I did all that, although I couldn’t resist making myself come in the shower in anticipation.

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Sunday, September 22, 2013

My interview with Julie Maroh, author of graphic novel Blue Is the Warmest Color

Blue Is the Warmest Color is a graphic novel, originally published in French and out this month from Arsenal Pulp Press, about two women who fall in love, and the movie version is getting a lot of buzz. I interviewed author and artist Julie Maroh at Salon about her artistic process, the sex scenes in the book, feminism, her message for queer youth and more. If you like the interview, I'd love it if you'd spread the word and like it on Facebook. I hope to have more author Q&As coming up soon too, because I'm reading lots of fascinating books.

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Tuesday, September 17, 2013

10 things you'll learn in my erotic writing workshops in New York, Milwaukee and Albuquerque

I'm gearing up for 3 erotic writing workshops (hopefully others will be booked soon) and wanted to share some of the things you'll learn in my workshop (which will differ slightly in each city). Those upcoming events (sign up at the links below to secure a spot) are being held:

Friday, September 20, 7:30-8:45 pm, NYC, $25
New York Academy of Sex Education, 81 White Street, Tribeca
All ticket holders are automatically part of the night raffle which includes sex toys, lube and erotic books! Prizes compliments of… The Pleasure Chest, Tantus and Sliquid.

Friday, September 27, 8-9:30 pm, Milwaukee, $20
The Tool Shed, 2427 N. Murray Ave

Tuesday, November 12, Albuquerque, 7:30-9 p.m., $20/person; $35/pair
Self Serve Toys, 3904b Central Ave SE

1. What an erotic story is

2. How much sex you need in an erotic story

3. How much money you can make writing erotica

4. How to incorporate everyday objects into your erotica

5. How to turn your own sexual experiences into erotica

6. How to write about sexual activities you haven't done

7. How to write about characters who are different from you

8. How to incorporate pop culture into your erotica

9. How to extend the life of an erotica story into multiple stories

10. How to widen the number of writing markets where you can sell your work

Want to learn more about erotica writing right now? Read my "5 Ways to Use Technology To Write Erotica" at Medium.

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My Dubai stalker and why I moved to New Jersey at TueNight

I'm a Tuesday late in letting you know that I've written some essays at the new site TueNight, which updates, yes, every Tuesday. The first was for their bravery issue: "What I Learned From My Stalker" about last year's trip to Dubai, and the second is for this week's Escape issue: "Why FOMO Made Me Move to New Jersey." They're a new site and have some amazing content, so check them out. They're aimed at women 38+, which I will be in less than two months.

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Using real life to inspire erotica stories

I recently wrote an erotica story that, if I'm lucky, will be published in an anthology next year (I'll keep you posted). I wrote it inspired by a flight I took from London to New York earlier this year. The best part is, I plan to use that flight as inspiration for another story. I don't want to spill all the details and give away the story, but I bet that in the course of every day, at least once, something happens, or you overhear or see something, that could inspire an erotica story. Want to hear more? Come to my class (and/or tell someone who want to write erotica or get their erotica published) that's happening this Friday night in Tribeca at the New York Academy of Sex Education (sign up at that link), 81 White Street, NYC. I wrote a guest post for them giving a little taste of what I teach in my classes (which also applies to my September 27th class at The Tool Shed in Milwaukee and my November 12th class at Self Serve Toys in Albuquerque).

For me, the moment when I convert the real-life event, sexual or otherwise, into a story idea, and then when I follow through and write the story, is my favorite part. It can involve taking the best or worst things that have happened to you and turning them into something that will entertain or inspire or resonate with readers. I've eroticized everything from dishwashing to bukkake to the most horrific play party experience I've ever had in my life (definitely wasn't consensual because I didn't know it was going to be happening!) into erotica stories, and so can you! Links to all my upcoming events on my calendar page, and if you're interested in booking me, email me at rachelkb at gmail.com with "Erotica workshop" in the subject line. I've taught my class at colleges (University of Pennsylvania, Northwestern University, SUNY Purchase), conferences and sex toy stores.

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Monday, September 16, 2013

Anal sex erotica on your Kindle or Nook: Happy publication day, Baby Got Back ebook!

As someone who reads print books as well as ebooks on Nook and Kindle (and Kindle for Mac), I'm thrilled that almost all my books are available in ebook form. Today is the official publication date for Baby Got Back: Anal Erotica for Kindle and Nook.

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(note: I can't grab this image without the "look inside" part - go to Amazon to actually look inside it!)

I'll take this opportunity to share a review that was just posted on Amazon, especially the praise for mega bestselling author Tiffany Reisz, because to me it highlights the importance of erotica to many people. First and foremost, I see erotica as entertainment, on par with any other art form. But because it's about sex, it touches many people very deeply, which is why readers are often very picky about what they do and don't like in their smut. Whether they're masturbating as they read, or mentally masturbating, or looking for new ideas to try or simply looking for escape, arousal and/or a good story, they bring their own backgrounds and interests into it. I'm thrilled with this review by eagelebeaky, and you can read 23 others on Amazon.
This is a terrific collection of short stories, from beginning to... uhhh... end. (No pun intended. Well, maybe a little.) I found the first story -- "Brenda's Booty" -- to have quite a few downright funny moments [which honestly wasn't at all what I was expecting, considering the "taboo" nature of the subject matter]; I pretty much couldn't put the book down after that. (But that's OK, since it's a really fun read.) I especially appreciated the story "Rectified" due to the fact that the main character has a disabling/chronic medical condition; however, she is portrayed as an actual human being with needs and desires just like anyone else. (Kudos to the story's author and also to the book's editor for including a story like that, that dares to portray believable characters who sometimes have hang-ups and fears and obstacles to overcome.) "Lights Out" is an amazing little story of role-reversal. "Seat Belts" is just ridiculously hot. And "Plugged In" just seemed so relatable that it could've been about any couple in a relationship [one minute the characters are browsing in a store, and... well... then the story really heats up]. If you're a fan of any of editor Rachel Kramer Bussel's other anthologies, it goes without saying that you are certainly going to want to read this one as well. And if you're not yet familiar with any of her previous collections, I'm pretty sure you will be a fan after giving this one a try.

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My erotica audiobook Gotta Have It: 69 Stories of Sudden Sex is 8 times more popular than the print version

April 2014 update: Until April 30, 2014, you can get the audiobook for just $3.99 with the purchase of the Kindle edition for $1.99, a huge savings from the regular price of $19.95. Purchase the ebook first at Amazon.com. Look under Whispersnyc for Voice for this text: "Add the professional narration of Gotta Have It: 69 Stories of Sudden Sex for a reduced price of $3.99 after you buy this Kindle book."

When you have a world class, genius narrator and promoter like Rose Caraway, it's not that surprising that, if I'm reading my last royalty statement correctly, the Audible audiobook version of Gotta Have It: 69 Stories of Sudden Sex sold over 8 times the number of copies as the print and ebook versions in the first second quarter of 2013.

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When I first saw this, I was actually kindof bummed: does that mean the print version sucked? Is it worth editing 69-story collections? What did I do wrong? It's depressing when a book you've devoted your time and attention and passion to bombs, even if it's a temporary nosedive. For me, and I'm sure I take it way too personally, but that's how I roll, when it happens repeatedly it makes me question whether I should find a new way to make a living, whether my books have simply run their course and readers are looking elsewhere for their smut. It was a shock to me since the sales dropped drastically from the first quarter of the year. But then I started looking at it a little differently, concluding instead that the audiobook kept the print book alive. That audiobook, which I believe has been my bestselling audiobook, has been in the Audible erotica and sexuality bestseller list for quite a while. It's garnered many reviews and I'm pretty sure has brought new listeners to my work, listeners who just might seek out my other stories and books. Those sales, in fact, made Gotta Have It my second bestselling book that quarter, after Suite Encounters: Hotel Sex Stories (click through to read the introduction and more about it).

That is amazing, and awe inspiring, and makes incredibly grateful to Rose Caraway for being so good at her job that she helped pave the way for my future books. I'm seeing as I browse my Audible listings as well as those of other authors that the narrator pretty much makes or breaks the audiobook. The reviewers there can be pretty scathing. What I love about it too is that there is no way on earth I could produce an audiobook myself, but thanks to Cleis Press and Audible and Rose, this book has been given a new life, one I'm incredibly proud of. So thank you for listening, and thank you Rose for working your magic on my big little book (which is what I'm calling these 69-story collections, since they look and feel differently in my hands that my usual proper paperback sized ones).

For those who haven't heard Rose's narration, here's some samples. And a bonus for those who read this far: if you've enjoyed any of my Audible audiobooks, leave a new 5-star review today or tomorrow and send me the link at rachelkb at gmail.com with "Audible" in the subject line and which of my audiobooks you'd like and I'll send it to you free! Offer expires September 17 at 11:59 p.m. EST and applies to reviews dates September 16 and 17.

Laugh by Sommer Marsden

Click here to listen to the free mp3





Police Dogging by Elizabeth Coldwell

Click here to listen to the free mp3





Remembering the Wrinkles by Penelope Friday

Click here to listen to the free mp3





Not Just a Myth by Heidi Champa

Click here to listen to the free mp3





The Dirty Things She Says by Sinclair Sexsmith

Click here to listen to the free mp3





And for a little more aural pleasure, the official book trailer, featuring 17 of the 69 contributors:

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Tuesday, September 10, 2013

On sexy selfies, slut shaming, teenagers and respect

My latest for the Boinkology sex and tech collection at Medium is "Dear Mrs. Hall: Boys and Men Can See Sexy Selfies and Still Respect Women" (and I meant "still respect girls" too), subtitled "Why Kim Hall’s viral FYI selfie letter is as insulting to teenage boys as it is to teenage girls," about the infamous blog post going around. If you like it, please click "recommend" at the bottom, which helps more people see it and helps keep me writing for Medium, which is a site I highly recommend checking out (there are posts about pretty much everything). Here's part of the piece:
Taking this idea that one image can sear itself indelibly into a boy’s mind one step further into the real world—does this mean that if a girl wears a skimpy outfit to school, by extension her sons will never be able to respect her as a person? What if in high school or college or beyond she flashes her breasts, or makes out with him, or even sleeps with him? Will he never be able to be friends or colleagues with her?
Read the whole thing

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Sunday, September 08, 2013

Help me fulfill my birthday goal of 100 reviews for The Big Book of Orgasms

Update: I've received well over 100 requests, so am not offering any more free copies, but if this book does well, there will be more free books in the future (the best place to find me giving them away is @raquelita on Twitter), so please help make that happen and check out the table of contents and introduction and show it some love on Goodreads and Amazon. Free excerpts on Tumblr. Thank you for fulfilling my birthday dream!

I'm turning 38 on November 10th. I'll be in Albuquerque, ahead of my workshop on November 12th at Self Serve Toys, and I've decided what I want for my birthday is 100 reviews on Amazon.com for my new, gorgeous anthology The Big Book of Orgasms. Follow along on the Tumblr, @BigBookofOrgasm on Twitter and Facebook for excerpts from all 69 stories.

So, how can you help? You must have a U.S. mailing address (sorry, I can't afford to send books overseas), an Amazon.com account you've made a purchase from and be willing to post your review by November 10th; I'll be sending books by media mail as soon as I get them, by the end of September. Reviews can be short - Amazon recommends 75 to 300 words, and the stories are all 1,200 words or less so you can read several in an hour. You get a free, autographed book and my thanks, and the knowledge that you helped me celebrate my birthday and helped my book succeed. Email orgasmantho at gmail.com with "Amazon" in the subject line and your name and U.S. address in the body and I will send it to you very soon. Please only sign up if you can commit to posting your review by November 10th!

I'm putting everything I have into making this book a raving success, the bestseller of my 54 anthologies, and if it does as well as I'm hoping, I will hop on board to edit many more. I'm considering this a sort of test case/Ouija board to help direct me in my next career choices, and I love erotica so I want to keep doing it, but it only makes sense to do so if there's a wide audience for my books, so anything you can do to spread the word is wonderful. I have such a good feeling about this book and think it truly is a book of erotica that offers something for any reader.

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Wednesday, September 04, 2013

Lena Dunham fans, rejoice: The Unofficial Girls Guide to New York is coming in November, plus the official wall calendar is out now

Updated

On November 19, Smart Pop Books will publish The Unofficial Girls Guide to New York by Judy Gelman and Peter Zheutlin.

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Here's the official blurb:
HBO’s Girls, created by and co-written by its star Lena Dunham, is the most talked about new show of the last few years. Its original voice, refreshingly frank treatment of friendship and sex, and snapshot of its particular subculture in present-day New York, have made it don’t-miss television for millions across demographic lines.

Now, hang out in Hannah, Marnie, Jessa, and Shoshanna’s favorite spots with The Unofficial Girls Guide to New York. Judy Gelman and Peter Zheutlin, authors of The Unofficial Mad Men Cookbook, provide an insightful guided tour of Girls’ physical and cultural landscape, from Brooklyn bars and Bushwick warehouse parties to the Foundry (where Jessa tied the knot) and Coney Island Beach (where Hannah had leftover wedding cake the morning after).

Visit Café Grumpy and learn how to make a French press coffee the way Ray and Hannah would. Go behind the scenes at Greenhouse, the hot Manhattan club where Hannah and Elijah go to see AndrewAndrew. Choose your own add-ons for an Oberlin burrito, get authentic cupcake recipes from prominent NYC bakeries (eating them in the bathtub with friends is optional), and discover what makes Peanut Butter & Co.’s Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Hannah and Adam’s favorite.

It’s the best way to visit Girls’ New York (and beyond) without paying for a plane ticket—or a perfect complement to a sightseeing trip.

The Unofficial Girls Guide to New York is full color and photo illustrated.


The blad the publisher is sending out for review includes part of the book. This is from the introduction:
We wanted to provide an authentic experience for readers, so we interviewed locals, establishment owners, bartenders, website editors, DJs, bakers, chefs, and staff at various New York attractions. It gave us the opportunity to revisit famous spots such as Staten Island and Washington Square Park, and to discover lesser-known places such as Spoonbill & Sugartown, Booksellers in Williams- burg, where Hannah and Sandy frolic, and the Little Cupcake Bakeshop in the Nolita section of Manhattan. Sometimes, where it wasn’t obvious, we did some digging to figure out where scenes were shot, such as Bamonte’s, an Italian restaurant in Williams- burg that served as a stand-in for Peter Luger Steak House, where Jessa and Thomas-John have dinner with his parents.

...Many Girls fans asked us to include the White Russian recipe from Tom & Jerry’s, the Manhattan bar where Jessa stops for a drink before her scheduled abortion, and the owner was happy to provide it.

Many cultural references in the show are intertwined with the locations, and they intrigued us, too. When we realized the Galactic Safe Sex Ball at Oberlin was based on a real event at the college, we connected with the students at Oberlin who run it to find out more. We spoke with the deputy editor of xoJane, the online news magazine parodied as JazzHate in Girls. We talked to AndrewAndrew, the “iPad DJs” that make an appearance at Greenhouse, the West Village nightclub where Hannah and Elijah have a wild night.
The book includes, among other recipes, one for CHristina's Polish Restaurant's potato and cheese perogies. The book has Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

This is fitting, given the popularity of WNYC's Girls hotpots map, covered in The New York Times and many other venues. In June Lena Dunham posted a photo on Instagram of a sign touting an unofficial Girls tour, though many, including Brokelyn, said it probably wasn't real. But many have done their own personal version of such a tour: Crushable, Time Out New York, Brooklyn Exposed and others have offered up their own guides. The newyork.com details The Williamsburg Edge, Peter Luger Steak House, the Bedford Avenue L station, Royal Oak, Fada, Coney Island, the Jane Hotel, and even Queens, location of The Foundry in Long Island City, where Tessa and Thomas John got married. In February, Rebecca Nicholson traveled to Brooklyn for The Guardian, staying at Williamsburg's Wythe Hotel, and wrote about Brooklyn's appeal as she hit Café Grumpy, Beacon's Closet, Bushwick restaurant Roberta's, Bushwick Country Club, Brooklyn Bowl and other locales, concluding:
Girls' New York doesn't suit a bus tour, to be honest – looking at facades and coffee shops makes a strange pilgrimage – but the spirit of it is entirely within reach, and neon string vests are, thankfully, optional.
Vulture visited some of the sites and offers up a video, in which a Café Grumpy barista says a guy came from Canada because he'd seen it on the show:



Deadline reports that the Season 2 Girls finale drew 632,000 viewers, "down from the 1 million who watched the show’s Season 1 finale June 17," but buzz is already building for Season 3.

HBO is also courting Girls fans with a range of official products, from Deborah Lippman nail polish to t-shirts with sayings like "Deflowered not Devalued" and "I Am Unfit for Any & All Paying Jobs" to an iPhone and iPad case and a 2014 Girls wall calendar. "Girls 2014 features photos from the first two seasons of the HBO show." What else? 11X17 posters of characters and resolutions: Hannah ("I Resolve To Not Let Guys Treat My Heart Like Monkey Meat"), Jessa ("I Resolve To Not Flirt With My Boss"), Marnie ("I Resolve To Be Less Uptight") Shoshanna ("I Resolve To Meet A Young Financial Planner"), Adam ("I Resolve To Wear A Shirt") and Ray ("I Resolve To Stop Dating Younger Women").

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Tuesday, September 03, 2013

69 orgasms, 69 stories - how to get a free copy of The Big Book of Orgasms!

I'll be revealing excerpts from The Big Book of Orgasms: 69 Sexy Stories soon, and am putting all my focus and energy into making it my bestselling book ever (it's my 54th, for the numbers nerds like me). That may sound like a lot, and it's a number I'm proud of, but I want to make sure if I'm going to keep editing books, that they are worthwhile ones that find their audiences, not just sit waiting for someone to pick them up. I want to do whatever I can to make sure that readers who like very short stories (all the ones in this book are 1,200 words or less) hear about this book, so anything you can do to help spread the word is much appreciated. What's in it for you? How about a free copy before it hits stores? The catch is you agree to review it within 6 weeks of receipt on Amazon.com, so please don't request it if you can't meet this deadline. I've got around 30 copies left of the 100 I'm sending out later this month; see info below to request your copy! (I will update this post once I hit 100 requests.) Want a free postcard (U.S. only)? Email orgasmantho at gmail.com with "Postcard" in the subject line and your name and mailing address in the body and I'll send one to you. Know of a bookstore, sex toy shop, conference or other location that would put out postcards? Email their address to orgasmantho at gmail.com - thank you so much! Everyone who spreads the word with a retweet, a review, a recommendation, is helping send this big little book off into the world in a big way!

You can also follow the book on Tumblr, where you can read the table of contents and author bios, as well as @BigBookofOrgasm on Twitter and on Facebook, and show your love by rating it on Goodreads. I'm working on compiling a list of sex toys used in the book!

For me, one of the most gratifying parts of editing 69-story collections is the opportunity to publish so many new writers! Many are making their print erotica debut in this anthology, and I'm sure will be publishing many more stories. That is a thrill and an honor and I'd love to see lots of new readers taking a chance on these very short but very sexy stories.

The usual details: You MUST have an Amazon.com account you've made a purchase from previously (Amazon's requirement for reviews). Print books will only be mailed to U.S. addresses. Your review must be posted within 6 weeks of receipt of the book. Reviews can be short (Amazon suggests 75-300 words); for examples, see the Amazon reviews for Gotta Have It: 69 Stories of Sudden Sex. Email orgasmantho at gmail.com with "Amazon" in the subject line for print copies and your U.S. snail mail address or "Kindle" in the subject line with your email address to send the Kindle edition (I cannot sent to @kindle.com addresses). The first 100 people will get their copies in September or October, along with my gratitude! I'll update this post once the 100 books have been claimed. You are free to review it elsewhere too, like Goodreads or your blog, but this promotion is specifically focused on Amazon.com so if you don't have an Amazon account or can't commit to reviewing it on Amazon within 6 weeks of receipt, please do not request a copy.

Official description:
What happens when you bring together 69 authors sharing their hottest orgasm stories? If you have top notch erotica editor Rachel Kramer Bussel, you get The Big Book of Orgasms! This climactic collection captures top erotica writers serving up steamy scenarios all focused on The Big O. Whether getting off from exhibitionism, voyeurism, or a very special pair of blue jeans, the characters in The Big Book of Orgasms explore all sorts of ways they can come. Go "Under the Table" with Elizabeth Coldwell and cheer for "The Pink Team" by Kelly Rand. Discover the thrill of hot wax and even hotter sex; these short stories bring the heat on every page! With a foreword by Ecstasy is Necessary author Barbara Carrellas, these are climaxes you'll want to relive again and again.

Dr. Ruth once said about Rachel Kramer Bussel, "she is only satisfied if you come and come again." With this rousing read, The Big Book of Orgasms counts all the wonderful ways women get off. Inspirational as well as aspirational, this book celebrates women's sexuality by reaching new heights of excellence. Each of the 69 stories about "the big O" is a peak experience in and of itself.
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Table of contents:

Foreword: Foreplay: Figments of Erotic Imagination by Barbara Carrellas
Introduction: Orgasm Is Just the Beginning

The Beginning B. D. Swain
How You Christen a Bed Thomas S. Roche
All You Do Is Play Annabeth Leong
Hard Knocks Malin James
The Gallery Exhibit Chris Komodo
White Preston Avery
Matinee Suleikha Snyder
All Talk Jenna Bright
Scarecrow Giselle Renarde
In Her Hands Tenille Brown
Remote Control Logan Zachary
Weathering the Storm Salome Wilde
Hellfire Valerie Alexander
Her Lover Is a Flame Cecilia Tan
Me Vengo! Mistress Kay
Count Out the Strokes Virgie Tovar
Steamy Tess Danesi
Payback Emerald
Come On Raziel Moore
The Pink Team Kelly Rand
Headache Sherry Reid
Pushing Boundaries on Public Transport Victoria Blisse
Runner’s High Sam Angioli
His Three Conditions Medea Mor
The Morning After David Salcido
Look at Yourself Maxine Marsh
Do It Again Sinclair Sexsmith
Under the Table Elizabeth Coldwell
Light Sleeper Mina Murray
The Big Cat Cecilia Duvalle
Opening Doors Thea Landen
Baxter’s Boy Xan West
Suds and a Two-Piece Bathing Suit Brantwijn Serrah
The Jeffrey Factor Stella Harris
Chains of Love Lily K. Cho
By the Beat T. Fox Dunham
Icing on the Cake Lula Lisbon
The Massage Lady Cheeky
Feast for the Senses Riley Shane
Squirt Evoë Thorne
Piano Man A. M. Hartnett
Out of Control Crystal Jordan
Tantric Home Dominic Santi
Queer for Mike Shane Allison
Meeting Cute Vanessa Madison
Cheryl Andreas Amsterdam
Beer and Orgasms Jeremy Edwards
Sullied Innocence Neve Black
The Rub Jon Fulton
The Park Elise Hepner
Coming Together: The Elusive Simultaneous Orgasm Jade Melisande
Meeting Myself Anya Levin
I Am Not Cruel J. Sinclaire
Cooling Agents Marina Saint
Seeing Is Believing Heidi Champa
The Velocity of Roaches Michael A. Gonzales
After the Funeral Jeanette Grey
There Sommer Marsden
Forced Orgasms Shoshanna Evers
Blue Jean Baby Eleanor Proctor
Learning Experience Kathleen Tudor
A Teachable Moment Walter Pratt
The Flogger Jade A. Waters
Book Lover Donna George Storey
Tied by Red Kay Jaybee
After Party Drew Griffiths
I’m on Fire Rachel Kramer Bussel
Should You Ever Be Allowed to Feel This Good? Lillian Ann Slugocki
The Final Challenge Heather Day

Orgasm Is Just the Beginning

As Barbara Carrellas writes, there are so many types of orgasms, more than any single book could cover, but within these pages, you will not only find numerous types of orgasms, as well as the varied characters who experience them, you will also discover different motivations for getting off. Some have a tried and true method, some are willing to take a chance on a new sexual practice—or partner. Some of these characters orgasm frequently; some are aching for the chance to share their body with another person. Some let their orgasms be controlled by a lover; some actively take control of their climaxes.

“You amaze me,” the nameless protagonist of B. D. Swain’s opening story “The Beginning” proclaims. You—readers, authors, orgasmers—amaze me with your boundless sexual hunger and creativity. I’ve been writing and editing erotica for over a decade, but part of why it never gets old is because of the richness, diversity and nuance I find in the stories that come (no pun intended) my way. They fuel my own imagination and show me that I can always learn more about orgasm, about desire, about sex.

The format of 1,200 words or less means these are extremely short stories, but I hope you’ll find, like I did, that what they lack in length they make up for in hotness. As with my previous short-short anthology Gotta Have It: 69 Stories of Sudden Sex, all the pieces you hold in your hand, even the shortest ones (“The Park,” by Elise Hepner, clocks in at 249 words; “Her Lover Is a Flame,” by Cecilia Tan, at 308) offer a snapshot of eroticism that draws you completely into its folds. You might consider each one a teaser, an appetizer, the beginning of a fantasy world you can place yourself into and choose your own orgasmic adventure as you consider where the story might go after the last word printed on the page.

Sometimes less is more, and if these stories leave you wanting to see them continued, that’s a good thing. They are, like the narrative in Swain’s opener states, “just the beginning.” Very likely you’ll find a type of orgasm, a sex toy, a scenario, a position or a fantasy you’d like to see represented here that may not be. If so, please write yours and continue the conversation. If your orgasm doesn’t look or feel the way these characters’ climaxes do, that’s perfectly okay. I want to see us expand the possibilities for pleasure, orgasmic and otherwise, not add to the umpteen ways we’re told we “should” orgasm or have sex. Just as a physical orgasm, however you define or experience that sensation, doesn’t define the end of a sexual encounter, a literary orgasm should not mean you are done interacting with the story. I’ve reread these pieces, and the numerous submissions I received for this book, multiple times, and each read offers me something new to consider. I envision The Big Book of Orgasm as one you’ll want to revisit, to pick up and read aloud from your favorites to a lover, to keep next to your bed, to tuck into your travel bag.

I’m especially pleased to be publishing so many authors in this collection for the first time in one of my anthologies. There is a power and depth to these voices that I hope resonates with you.

Rachel Kramer Bussel
New York City

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Sunday, September 01, 2013

NYC workshop September 20th: Writing Erotica for Pleasure and Money

I'm adding a fourth event to my schedule - a New York City class on Friday, September 20th from 7:30-8:45 p.m. at the New York Academy of Sex Education at 81 White Street in Manhattan on Writing Erotica for Pleasure and Money. It's $25/person and space is limited. If you know anyone who might be interested, I'd love it if you'd pass it on.

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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. You are sure to find growth with the very prolific, award winning erotica author and editor Rachel Kramer Bussel. She will take you through the ins and outs of modern erotic writing. Learn how to get started, find your voice, and write against type. She will talk about incorporating everyday scenarios as well as outlandish fantasies into your writing. Rachel will teach you how to groom your writing to fit particular magazines and anthologies. And how to submit your work and keeping up with the thriving erotica market (including anthologies, ebooks, magazines and websites). Materials needed: Please bring a laptop or paper and pen.

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