Online Erotica Writing Workshop Sunday, October 24

I'm teaching my next online erotica writing workshop for She Bop on Sunday, October 24, from noon-2 PT/3-5 ET (for those who signed up earlier, I had to change the time). I made this one two hours because last time because there were so many questions from students and I want to make sure I answer them all. Space is limited so it's recommended that you sign up early if you're interested. There's more information at She Bop's site.

In this two hour virtual workshop, Rachel Kramer Bussel, professional erotica author and editor of over 70 anthologies, will take you through the ins and outs of modern erotic writing. Learn how to get started, develop your voice, easily find story ideas, pen sex scenes, and write from a wide range of perspectives. Through the use of writing prompts and examples from published erotica, you'll discover how to incorporate everyday scenarios as well as outlandish fantasies into your writing, and make them fit for particular publications.

Hello from your "erotic fairy grandmother"

A few awesome things converged around my recent Washington, DC erotica writing workshop. One is that I learned just how much a store like Lotus Blooms appreciates its teachers. I got a small bonus for all the promotional posts I did about it, which felt awesome. I've been reading and listening to podcasts all about using your strengths, talents and passions to further your creative career. That's what I do; I'm a sharer—some would obviously say an oversharer. But I don't apologize for it, and to be financially rewarded for it felt like my career and my passions and my life were all in alignment.

I was also thrilled that Lotus Blooms booked the upstairs of the bar across the street, The Black Squirrel. It was a wonderful little area, complete with bartender. We were a relatively small group, I think about 12 or so, but the perfect size for the setting and for those who wanted to share to be able to.

One of the places I did my outreach to was the website Brightest Young Things, and their writer Kaylee did a fabulous review of my erotica writing class. I love that she called me "our erotic fairy godmother for the evening" and you should read her piece to get her take on the workshop. Key words: "A Freddy Vs Jason love story."



Speaking of teaching, I'm just about halfway through my latest LitReactor Between the Sheets class and am looking ahead to 2016. I'll be announcing a new event soon, and will teach both erotica writing and nonfiction sex writing workshops on April 1st for CatalystCon in Chicago (though you don't have to attend CatalystCon to attend my workshops). Beyond that, nothing is finalized, but I am working on launching new events and classes, so stay tuned by reading this blog, @raquelita on Twitter and/or subscribing to my monthly newsletter at rachelkramerbussel.com.

My big November=1 online class, 2 live events, 1 book release and 1 birthday

My November is going to be a busy one, but the good kind of busy, because these are all events and projects I'm excited about--even turning 40! Since these are the last live events I'll probably be doing for a while (though there may be some January events, stay tuned!) I wanted to make sure you knew about them. And if you know anyone who might like to take my LitReactor class (registration ends tomorrow, aka, Monday, November 2) or attend my reading in Savannah Friday or my erotica writing workshop Sunday in Washington, DC, please pass this on to them! Thank you.

November 3-December 3 (Registration closes November 2nd)
My online only Between the Sheets class starts at LitReactor.com!


You'll get weekly lectures, assignments and critiques along with over a dozen exclusive Q&As with erotica publishers and editors on what they're looking for now as well as hear from authors such as Victoria Blisse, Feminista Jones, Sommer Marsden, Tiffany Reisz, Elizabeth SaFleur, Sinclair Sexsmith, Cecilia Tan, Rebekah Weatherspoon and more on how they broke into the genre and why they chose the publishing path they did (self-publishing, traditional publishing, or a mix of the two). You can be anonymous and participate on your schedule (you log in when you have time and comment as much or as little as you'd like). Plus you'll get invited to my secret Facebook group for erotica class alumni to continue the conversations. You retain access to all classroom materials, including lectures, assignments, message boards, etc. indefinitely. Questions? Email me at rachelkb at gmail.com with "LitReactor" in the subject line.

November 6, 7-9 pm
Free reading at Back in the Day Bakery, Savannah, Georgia
Rachel Kramer Bussel is coming to town and just in time for the November Art March she will be reading from one of her many erotica anthologies. Back In The Day Bakery will be selling cupcakes and frosting shots. Facebook event page - RSVP requested but not required. Back In The Day Bakery, 2403 Bull Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401

November 8, 7-9 pm
Erotica 101 writing workshop, Lotus Blooms, Washington, DC

I'm honored to be part of the new Lotus Blooms' grand opening weekend in the Adams Morgan neighborhood of DC! Register by November 7th for $25 at Eventbrite; same day registration is $30.

Rachel Kramer Bussel, professional erotica author and editor of over 50 erotica anthologies, such as Come Again: Sex Toy Erotica, The Big Book of Orgasms, Best Bondage Erotica 2015 and more, will take you through the ins and outs of modern erotic writing. With the popularity of Fifty Shades of Grey, now is a great time to put your own sexy stories onto paper. 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.
Lotus Blooms, 2408 18th St NW, Washington, DC, 20009, 202-836-4474, info at lotusblooms.com

November 10
Happy 40th birthday to me and happy book release to Dirty Dates
I turn 40 (yes, I can hardly believe it myself, but it's very real) and my anthology Dirty Dates: Erotic Fantasies for Couples gets its official release day! It's actually already for sale on Amazon. Read the book and want to wish me a happy birthday/help launch the book into the world? Put me one step closer to reaching my goal of 40 Amazon reviews by my 40th birthday by sharing your thoughts about the book here. Thank you! And even more thanks if you leave it a review on Goodreads.

Snapshots from Portland, Maine - see you at Nomia Wednesday for my erotica writing workshop!

I've been visiting friends in Portland, Maine the past few days. It's one of my favorite cities, and each time, I discover new things. Last night I had a delicious dinner at Mi Sen Noodle Bar, where I was delighted to see chive cakes on the menu. I had a version of chive cakes from a street vendor in Bangkok this summer, and they were so good I've missed them. Plus I got a bowl of delicious and spicy noodles and admired the noodle art on the wall. I might even go back! I also enjoyed a delicious and somewhat crazy meal at Empire, where I highly recommend the garlic green beens and, if this sounds up your alley, the egg roll with pastrami (yes, really).

Here's a few photos from my trip, and at the end, details about my erotica writing workshop on Wednesday, October 21st. If you can't make it but might know someone in the area, please let them know. Also, as a book lover, I have to say: yes, Portland has wonderful independent bookstores, but the two biggest ones barely stock erotica. They may not even have anything. And that's okay; they have a great range of books but I think it's a shame they don't have sexy ones. So if you want to buy erotica in Portland, Maine, head on over to Nomia. I promise, I'm not just saying that because they stock mine; Nomia has a wide selection of sex and erotica books, along with videos, sex toys and other products, and I think that's so important, for people to have a place to browse for their erotic inspiration in a relaxed, comfortable, welcoming and knowledgeable environment.


How cute are these cat tights?


Taco Escobarr - haven't eaten here yet, but what a name!


I didn't buy this, but I'm pretty bad at housekeeping, although I'm getting much better.


Yes, there's a Prince tribute band named Purple Brainz 3.


This is either my fifth or sixth visit to Portland since November 2011, when I came here and got my heart tattoo. But until this weekend, I hadn't been to the Portland Museum of Art. As a modern art fan, I really enjoyed the variety of exhibits and styles. I saw art by many artists I'd never heard of, and a few classics like Lichtenstein. Plus there were interactive exhibits, like this shell one.

I'm sure I'll be posting more photos on Instagram today and tomorrow. Hope to see you Wednesday night at Nomia!

October 21, 7:30-9 pm
Erotica 101 Writing Workshop, Portland, Maine
Rachel Kramer Bussel, professional erotica author and editor of over 50 erotica anthologies, such as Come Again: Sex Toy Erotica, The Big Book of Orgasms, Best Bondage Erotica 2015 and more, 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. Call 207-773-4774 or visit Nomia to register. Limited to 20 people.
Nomia, 24 Exchange Street, Suite 215, Portland, Maine 04101

From buying my first vibrator at Eve's Garden in 1997 to teaching erotica writing there in 2015

Way back around 1997, when I was in, I believe, my first year of law school at NYU, I decided it was high time I got myself a vibrator. Beyond that, I don't recall the specifics, save that I had been reading erotica since high school and was highly curious. I lived in the law school dorms at 240 Mercer Street in Greenwich Village, near some porn stores on 6th Avenue, but didn't feel comfortable buying a sex toy from one of them, so off I went to Eve's Garden on 57th Street. It was, and still is, located in an otherwise innocuous looking office building. You don't have to say "I'm going to the 12th floor" to anyone as you get on the elevator and proceed to a similarly innocuous door that welcomes you into a cozy women friendly sex toy store. This was at least a year, and probably two years, before I ever thought about, let alone tried my hand at, writing erotica.

I know the first vibrator I bought was a rabbit vibe, and that I spent many an hour enjoying it. I truly don't remember that much about that early visit to Eve's Garden, but I can tell you about my recent visit during my trip to New York. I walked in on an otherwise quiet Friday afternoon after taking the bus from Atlantic City. I was there because I'll be teaching an erotica writing workshop at the shop on Thursday, October 15th, and wanted to check in and see what was on sale and get a copy of founder Dell Williams' memoir Revolution in the Garden. Well, lo and behold, not only do they stock my erotica anthologies such as Come Again: Sex Toy Erotica, The Big Book of Orgasms and Anything for You: Erotica for Kinky Couples, they gifted me a copy of the book I'd gone there for. I was overjoyed, and awed at how full circle I'd come, from being a confused, frustrated law student who wasn't sure what her professional future held, to carving out this path for the last fifteen or so years of writing, editing and teaching. I spent a good while browsing, and bought massage oil and a massage candle to use at home, and took some photos. I can't wait to return to Eve's Garden for my workshop and inspire others to get writing! Workshop details:

October 15, 7-8:30 pm
Erotica Writing 101 workshop
Eve's Garden, 119 West 57th Street, Suite 1201, New York, NY
Facebook event page Rachel Kramer Bussel, professional erotica author and editor of over 50 erotica anthologies, such as Come Again: Sex Toy Erotica, The Big Book of Orgasms, Best Bondage Erotica 2015 and more, 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. Limited to 20 people. Register at Eve's Garden or by calling 212-757-8651. Doors at 6:45, class runs from 7-8:30 p.m. and includes a handout with resources.

Here's some photos I took during my recent visit, and I'll take more before my workshop.


Yes, that's an Eiffel Tower dildo!


There's a great books section - I promise I'm not just saying that because they stock my titles!










pretty glass dildos






A fitting display for Revolution in the Garden, a fascinating feminist memoir, which I recommend and will be posting more about soon!

Want to write, get published and make money with erotica and sex essays and journalism?

It's September, which means I'm getting ready to head out to Los Angeles! Next Friday, September 11th, I'll be there teaching 3-hour workshops on erotica and sex writing. The workshops happen just ahead of sexuality conference CatalystCon, which I highly recommend, but I wanted to dedicate a post to them because you don't have to be attending CatalystCon to take part. One of the reasons I love teaching is that it pushes me to learn more about what editors are looking for. It's given me even greater reason to pay attention to the publishing world so I can best align what my students are writing with what publications want to publish.

One of my favorite parts of these classes is updating my handout with even more markets and information than I had last time, which I think is a positive sign in both arenas, fiction and nonfiction; yes, fresh voices are very much wanted and needed. One of the subjects we'll be talking about, how to ethically navigate writing about other people's sex lives, I'll also be asking my panelists about on Sunday, September 13th at 11 a.m. at my CatalystCon Sharing Your Sex Life on the Page and the Stage panel. I can tell you that for me, it's a constantly evolving process in my life, especially now when I'm in the longest relationship of my life (three and a half years) and am constantly asking my partner what's okay and not okay to put in print, and we'll be discussing that among other considerations as you delve into writing about your sex life and/or doing sex journalism.

The full description of the workshops are below. The erotica one takes place in the morning of September 11, from 9:15-12:15 pm, and the nonfiction sex writing one runs from 1:30 pm-4:30 pm. I've had wonderful experiences the 3 previous times I've taught these at CataystCon. You can take either or both (they are very different from each other) and based on past experience I can say this is one of the most supportive, dynamic, creative, smart and fascinating groups you'll find to be your classmates! You can register here for the workshops. Questions? Email me at rachelkb at gmail.com with "Catalyst" in the subject line.

September 11, 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, September 11, 2015 at the CatalystConhost hotel. You must purchase a ticket to this workshop separately from CatalystCon on the registration page. $45/person. Register here.

Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport, 2500 North Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505

September 11, 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 is a sex columnist for Philadelphia City Paper and DAME, and was 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, September 11, 2015 at the CatalystConhost hotel. You must purchase a ticket to this workshop separately from CatalystCon on the registration page. $45/person. Register here.

Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport, 2500 North Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505

See you in Portland, Maine on October 21 for my Erotica Writing 101 workshop

I'm gearing up for next Friday's Los Angeles erotica and sex writing workshops (which is open to anyone, whether you're attending CatalystCon or not, though I also encourage you to check out the programming for CatalystCon), but also looking ahead to October, when I get to return to one of my favorite cities, Portland, Maine, which is where I got my heart tattoo and a city I always feel at home in. I'll be visiting my childhood best friend and her new baby and teaching at one of my favorite sex toy stores, Nomia! Yes, they will also have Come Again: Sex Toy Erotica in stock. I'll update this when there's an official Facebook event page, but you can register now and since the space is small, the class is limited to 20 people.


image via Nomia on Facebook

October 21, 7:30-9 pm
Erotica 101 Writing Workshop
Nomia, 24 Exchange Street, Suite 215, Portland, Maine
Rachel Kramer Bussel, professional erotica author and editor of over 50 erotica anthologies, such as Come Again: Sex Toy Erotica, The Big Book of Orgasms, Best Bondage Erotica 2015 and more, 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. Call 207-773-4774 or visit Nomia to register. Limited to 20 people.

If you've attended my previous Nomia workshops, you should feel free to come back. There will be new exercises and new people!

Nomia has been wonderful to me; they have a large selection of erotica and sex books, which I appreciate as a reader and journalist. Nomia is, I'm pretty sure, where I first came across and purchased Amy Reiley's aphrodisiac cookbooks, including Romancing the Stove, which I wrote about in my sexy food column. As someone who tries to keep up with sex publishing to stay informed, I am so grateful that Nomia stocks such a wide variety of books, in addition to sex toys and erotic DVDs.

Plus, Portland has been so welcoming. I've taught two classes at Nomia and been so impressed with each of them. In 2013, I was even on the cover of the local alt weekly, the Portland Phoenix, something that had been on my vanity bucket list, for this profile of my writing workshop. It's also where I go to speak at their local library, something else I'd wanted to do. So lots of firsts for me there! Here's some photos from last year's visit and can't wait to return.

Plus, Portland has amazing food. Yes, they're the location where the diner owner screamed at a toddler and it went viral. But they're also home to so many wonderful restaurants. I try to get to Bintliff's every time I visit, and have pretty much not had a bad meal in Portland. It's somewhere I'd consider moving, if I could handle the winter cold. So I am greatly looking forward to my workshop and getting another chance to explore. I'm also planning to take driving lessons this fall so hopefully next time I go I can drive around and see a little more of Maine, but that's for 2016.

Postponed: Learn how to write erotica this Monday, February 9th at my writing workshop in State College, PA

Update: postponed due to bad weather conditions. Will announce new date ASAP!
Weather permitting, I will be in State College, Pennsylvania on Monday, February 9th teaching my Erotica 101 writing workshop from 7-9 pm at Hotel State College, 100 W. College Avenue. I've never been to State College and am looking forward to teaching this workshop! It's $20/person and you can register in advance via Eventbrite and walk-ins are welcome - I'd say get there by 6:45 p.m. at the latest to register. Bring pen and paper or a laptop. Here's what Onward State had to say:

Kramer Bussel will host an erotic writing workshop on Monday, Feb. 9 at Hotel State College, where for just $20 you can spend a couple hours learning about crafting your wildest fantasies into books for all to enjoy.

The event will take you through all the necessary steps to transform your “outlandish fantasies” into a literary chef d’oeuvre, “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.”

Portland, Oregon erotica writing workshop tonight (9/18)!

Tonight the final stop on the West Coast leg of my month of events is at Q Center, 4115 N. Mississippi Avenue in Portland, Oregon from 6 yo 8 p.m.; more details below, but you can register online or at the door using cash or credit card. After that, I'll be heading home to New Jersey followed by events in Portland, Maine, Chicago, Milwaukee, New York and my first online only erotica writing class with LitReactor starting October 16th. A few other events are in the works. Get my calendar information on my website and sign up for my monthly newsletter on the left hand side of my site's main page. I greatly appreciate you telling people in the above cities about my events if tehy might be interested.

Usually I teach at a store or conference or college, where some organization or entity has booked me. Tonight's event comes through meeting Annamarie of Kinky Sexy Geeky at CatalystCon East in March (speaking of which, the next one is March 27-29 in Arlington, Virginia and the call for panel submissions is open!). She was kind enough to help me set up this event, and she runs a series of Portland, Oregon events that I encourage you to check out, such as Talking Kink and Portland Queer Munch.




taken before I got third place in the high scores!

I got my tiger lily tattoo on my right arm at New Rose Tattoo in Portland, Oregon (since I am also going to Portland, Maine next week, I feel I keep having to clarify which one, so may just use PDX as shorthand). I have some wonderful friends in Portland, and have had wonderful readings here, including last week's at She Bop (photo below). Tuesday, while deciding to walk about a mile to Union Station, I discovered that my route would take me by the famed Ground Kontrol arcade. I've wanted to go there for years and am even on their mailing list. I got to play my favorite game, Q*bert, for a little while, and may stop back again today on my way to Q Center. My point is, I have an affinity for Portland, and am very much looking forward to tonight's class.

I've been teaching erotica writing for at least 4 years, possibly a bit longer, and the more I do it, the more I learn about the opportunities available for writers, the many ways to draw inspiration, and the possibilities for connection and creativity. I teach because I don't want to hoard the information I've acquired about the genre, and because I love to see people who may start out tentative or nervous or unsure for various reasons about what knowledge of erotic writing and inspiration they possess being to own their own unique vision and bring it to life on the page. Right up there with someone reading a beloved book I've recommended in life highs is someone telling me my classes inspired them to write. Not publish per se, though that is wonderful and I hope happens as well if someone wants it, but to write. Writing is always there, always accessible, as long as you have a pen and paper. It's been such a wonderful outlet for me, and I hope I can pass that on to others. Erotic writing especially is a way for many people to explore sexuality, their own and/or their characters', in a safe way where they control the action, no matter how outrageous the story. Portland, folks, I hope to see you tonight. As I said, you can register at the door between 5:30 and 6 p.m. sharp with cash or a credit card.

In another town? Hope you can attend one of my upcoming events! Want me to teach erotica writing in your town? Email me at rachelkramerbussel at gmail.com with "Workshop" in the subject line. More information on my workshops is on my website.

September 18, 6-8pm
Erotica 101 writing workshop, Portland, Oregon
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. The workshop is tailored to help get you published and highlight timely calls for submissions.

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 at Brown Paper Tickets.
Q Center, 4115 N. Mississippi Avenue, Portland, Oregon

Upcoming events in NYC, Seattle, Portland (Oregon), Los Angeles, San Francisco, Maine, Chicago, Milwaukee and online

I'm posting this as much for myself as for all of you - I have more events this September than possibly any other month ever, and there may be 1-2 more added in New England, which I hope to know for sure about this coming week. Needless to say, this will probably be my last extensive tour for a good long while, since they are pricey and I hope to be digging in to new writing projects this winter. So please come out if you can and whether you can or can't, I greatly appreciate you spreading the word. I try to canvas at my events and see where people have heard about them from, and it's always a mix: from a store, via Twitter or Fetlife or Yelp or any number of random places. So I'll be working hard this August to get the word out, since events only work if there's an audience. You'll find the official link beneath the date and time for each event in bold.

I'm honored to be doing my first event at She Bop in Portland, Oregon with erotic romance superstar Tiffany Reisz, and to get to read with the wonderful Rose Caraway, whose crazy hot The Sexy Librarian's Big Book of Erotica just came out (it's shipping now from Amazon, and will be on bookstore shelves and, of course, Audible, narrated by Rose, very soon). So here are the details, and if I do book that New England event, I will update this post and my RSS calendar (which only showcases the upcoming 30 days). Attending a workshop and have a specific question? Email rachelkramerbussel at gmail.com with "Workshop" in the subject and your question and which workshop you're attending. Can't make the workshops but want your erotica (or nonfiction sex writing) critiqued? See my website for my rates, and contact me for longer projects. I'm excited to visit all these cities and see old friends and meet new people. I also am so grateful to be home most of August to spend time in my backyard and with my guy and to prepare for a whirlwind of planes, trains and sexy stories!

August 22, 11 am
BDSM Writers Con publishers panel
Publishers panel on Selling Your BDSM Fiction and Nonfiction. Join us for a panel discussion with various publishers, editors and literary agents on how to market your BDSM short stories, novellas and novels, as well as memoirs and how-to books to the growing erotica market. Discover what editors and publishers are buying as well as predictions for the future and how to make your manuscript worthy of publication. Self-published authors will benefit from this workshop as well as discover ways to expand their market and improve their manuscripts to enable them to complete with other small press and the bigger houses.

This workshop is being facilitated by Lori Perkins, Publisher of Riverdale Avenue Books and Samhain Publishing.

Presenters include: Lori Perkins of Riverdale Avenue Books; Christina Brashear, Samhain Publishing; Latoya C.Smith, editor at Grand Central Publishing; Treva Harte from Loose Id; Rachel Kramer Bussel; and Louise Fury of the Bent Agency.
The Roosevelt Hotel, 45 East 45th Street, NYC

September 6, 3:30-4 pm
Free erotica reading in Seattle
Readings from The Big Book of Submission, The Big Book of Orgasms and Hungry for More with me and local contributors.
Center for Sex Positive Culture Annex, 1608 15th Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119

September 9, 7-9 pm
Erotica 101 writing workshop, Seattle
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. 18+ with ID. $30 at the door/$23 in advance. Get tickets at Stranger Tickets.
Center for Sex Positive Culture Annex, 1608 15th Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119

September 10, 7:30-9 pm
Free erotica reading, Portland, Oregon
Come listen to erotica author and editor Rachel Kramer Bussel reading from her latest anthologies, Hungry for More: Romantic Fantasies for Women and The Big Book of Submission: 69 Kinky Tales. Joining her will be local contributors Tiffany Reisz, Stella Harris, Emily Bingham, Laurel Isaac and Marievie. Attendance is free, but it's requested that if you're attending you RSVP on Facebook.
She Bop, 909 N. Beech Street, Portland, Oregon, 503-473-8018

September 12, 9:15 am-12:15 pm
Erotica 101 writing workshop, Los Angeles before 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. $45 (or $79 with pre-CataystCon Sex Writing 101, see below).
The Westin Los Angeles Airport, 5400 West Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045

September 12, 1:30-4:30 pm
Sex Writing 101 workshop, Los Angeles before CatalystCon
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. $45 (or $79 with pre-CatalystCon Erotica 101, see above)

**Attendees who would like the opportunity to get feedback from Rachel on one piece of their own writing (3,000 words or less), to be submitted prior to the workshop can purchase this as an add on to either of the above workshops. Fee: $20
The Westin Los Angeles Airport, 5400 West Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045

September 13, 9:30-10:40 am
Shameless Self-Promotion: Marketing 101 for Activists panel, CatalystCon
With Charlie Glickman, Cunning Minx, Reid Mihalko and me (follow along with the hashtag #cconself on Twitter)
Got a sex-positive cause you want to promote but remain unsure how to market yourself, your group or your organization effectively? Got the passion and drive but missing the marketing degree and the communication plan? Join this panel of expert sex-positive educators and activists as they share marketing tips designed to help you gain credibility, generate content and promote your ideas effectively. Attendees will learn how to use basic marketing tools such as speaking, blogging, social media and ebooks to build a following and promote themselves effectively.
The Westin Los Angeles Airport, 5400 West Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045

September 14, 12:30-1:40 pm
Moderating Envelope-Pushing Erotica panel, CatalystCon
Envelope-Pushing Erotica: How Sexy Stories Can Change The World (follow along with the hasthag #cconerotica on Twitter)
Erotica can be more than just entertainment and titillation; it can help redefine what’s considered sexy, give readers an expanded way of looking at sexuality and reach readers in ways nonfiction may not. Each of the authors on this panel approaches the topic from a different angle: Shawna Kenney, as editor of Book Lovers: Sexy Stories from Under the Covers, explores the depths of literary erotica, senior sex expert Joan Price, as editor of Ageless Erotica, demystifies sex over 50, and Rebekah Weatherspoon, whose tagline is “Where The Happily Ever Afters are Always In Color,” as author of BDSM-themed erotic novels such as At Her Feet and Blacker Than Blue. We will discuss what it means to push the boundaries of erotic fiction, the marketplace for erotic books, incorporating diverse types of stories and characters and the meaning of erotica in readers’ lives. Moderated by Rachel Kramer Bussel, editor of over 50 anthologies including The Big Book of Orgasms and the Best Bondage Erotica series.
The Westin Los Angeles Airport, 5400 West Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045

September 15, 7 pm
Free erotica reading with Rose Caraway
Join Rose Caraway, editor of The Sexy Librarian's Big Book of Erotica, and contributor Rachel Kramer Bussel (The Big Book of Submission, Hungry for More) for a reading, discussion and book signing.
The Booksmith, 1644 Haight Street, San Francisco, 415-863-8688

September 18, 6-8pm
Erotica 101 writing workshop, Portland, Oregon
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. The workshop is tailored to help get you published and highlight timely calls for submissions.

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 at Brown Paper Tickets.
Q Center, 4115 N. Mississippi Avenue, Portland, Oregon

September 23, 7:30 pm
Erotica 101 Writing Workshop, Portland, Maine
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. $25/person. Seating is limited and we expect this workshop to fill up FAST! Call Nomia at 207-773-4774 or visit store to register.
Nomia, 24 Exchange Street, Suite 215, Portland, Maine, 207-773-4774.

September 24, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
The Guilty Pleasure of Erotic Literature, Portland, Maine
Join Gina O'Rourke, owner of Nomia, and Rachel Kramer Bussel, editor of several erotica anthologies for a conversation about 50 Shades and other titles; the lines between romance, erotica and pornography; and recommended reads. #bannedbookweek
Portland Public Library, Rines Auditorium, 5 Monument Way, Portland, Maine

September 28, 6:30-8 pm
Erotica 101 writing workshop, Chicago
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. $20/person or $35/two people. Register online.
Early to Bed, 5044 North Clark Street, Chicago, 773-271-1219

September 30, 8:30 pm
Erotica 101 writing workshop, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Professional erotica author and editor Rachel Kramer Bussel 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 learn 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. Paper and writing implements will be provided or you can use your own laptop. $20/person; register online. Doors open at 8:15 pm.
The Tool Shed, 2427 N. Murray Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 414-906-5304

October 24, 7:30-9 pm
Writing Erotica for Pleasure and Money, New York City (for New York Academy of Sex Education)
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. $25/person. Advance registration required.
The Pleasure Chest, 1150 Second Avenue, New York City (Upper East Side, accessible by 4/5/6/N/R/F trains), 646-470-5129

Can't make any of these but want to learn more about erotica writing and start submitting stories?


I'm teaching this online erotica writing class with LitReactor for four weeks starting October 16. The great thing about it is that you can take it from anywhere in the world, on your schedule (it's not live), get feedback from me and other attendees, use any name you like as your username, letting you remain anonymous, and dive in-depth into the world of erotica. This is great for fiction writers who want to amp up their sex scenes, those who have an idea of what kind of erotica or erotic romance or sexy fiction they want to write but don't know where to submit it, and those just started out who want guidance as to how to make erotica come alive on the page. I've been asked often if I'm going to teach my erotica writing workshops in various cities, and since I can't travel everywhere, this class is a way that I can do so virtually.

Baltimore erotica writing workshop July 23rd at Sugar

I'm teaching my Erotica 101 writing workshop on Wednesday, July 23rd at 6:30 p.m. at sex toy store Sugar in Baltimore (1001 West 36th Street). It's $25, and you can register in the store, by calling 410-467-2632 or online at Brown Paper Tickets. I've been to Sugar but have never taught there so am looking forward to it!

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.

Washington, DC Erotica 101 writing workshop July 26 at 7 pm

I know it's a ways away but I wanted to share that I'll be teaching my Erotica 101 writing workshop on Saturday, July 26 at 7 p.m. at sex toy store Secret Pleasures in Washington, DC (1510 U Street NW). The cost is $20/person and you can sign up here. I've yet to visit Secret Pleasures so am looking forward to it; they've been a great supporter of my books and I'm working on a few more events this summer and fall and will post the dates as I have them.

Here's a little snippet from their review of The Big Book of Orgasms:

The fantastic thing about this book, like so many of Bussel’s other anthologies, is the wide range of sexual expression that can be found. So often, erotica focuses only on one gender or one type of sex – not so here. One of my favorite stories, “Hard Knocks” by Malin James, revolves around a challenge to make someone orgasm just by spanking them (hint: he succeeds)! “Squirt” by Evoe Thorne is a gorgeous story about an older butch / femme couple that take a vacation to their mountain cabin to reconnect with each other and they make it their goal to get each other to squirt for the first time. Their relationship is portrayed so beautifully and it was great to read erotica with an older couple at the forefront.

What you'll learn in my erotic writing workshops and other interview questions answered

A journalist contacted me about doing an interview that wound up not running, so I thought I'd share it with you. My upcoming erotic writing classes are December 3rd at Nomia in Portland, Maine and January 17th at the New York Academy of Sex Education in New York and erotica and nonfiction sex writing workshops March 14th pre-CatalystCon; if you're interested in booking me for 2014, email me at rachelkramerbussel at gmail.com with "Workshop" in the subject line about details, timing and budget. Thank you to everyone who came out tonight to Bookwoman in Austin for one of the best workshops I've ever taught!

How did you get started in the world of erotic writing?

I was in law school and reading a lot of erotica, and when I saw a call for an anthology called Starf*cker about celebrities, I knew I wanted to try it myself. This was 1999, so the celebrity I chose was Monica Lewinsky. That first story, “Monica and Me,” got published in Starf*cker and Best Lesbian Erotica 2001, and I’ve been writing erotic stories ever since.

Was there a movie or specific story you remember reading that piqued your initial interest?

Susie Bright’s Best American Erotica series was the first erotica I read. The breadth of stories wowed me. I haven’t read it in a long time, but there’s a story in Best American Erotica 1999 by Tsaurah Litzky, an author whose work I’ve since published in my books, called “The Balm That Heals,” that I still remember. It was about something that I’d have thought would turn me off but was so exquisitely written I was completely entranced by it.

As an editor, what makes a good erotic story?

The story should grab the reader from the first sentence and keep a steady pace. You want to tease the reader and give them a sense of who the characters are before you dive into the sex scene, so they’re more invested in what happens. When I’m editing an anthology, I look for diverse stories in terms of characters and settings and scenarios and sexualities, so if you have a hobby or interest that could be fashioned into an erotic story, that can make it stand out. I’ve published stories set at the opera and in chemistry labs; as long as the characters are believable and can convey their particular fetishes and desires in a way that sounds authentic, I’m going to want to read it.

What are some challenges you face when writing?

By now I’ve probably written over 150 erotica stories, so sometimes I get stuck when trying to create a fresh plot. I do my best to challenge myself and write about characters who aren’t like me. I’ve written gay male erotica, straight erotica, bisexual erotica, lesbian erotica, but I’m always looking to push myself and my work into places it’s never gone before. Sometimes that means trying the second person voice or researching something I’ve never done to incorporate it into a story.

What are your goals when you hold these workshops?

I hope people will walk away realizing that they can write erotica involving their everyday surroundings and lives and get inspiration from unlikely sources. I think sometimes people think erotica has to be all about orgies and sex clubs and hardcore BDSM and while it totally can involve those things, it can also be about couples having hot sex in their own home. So much of erotica is about making the characters’ passions come alive on the page. I also hope people are inspired to send out their work and start getting published!

What advice do you have for people interested in writing erotica?

Don’t try to sound “porny” or add extra sex scenes because you think that’s what editors want. Write in your own voice and use the language for body parts and sex acts you’d normally use, unless they would sound weird in the voices of your characters. Even if you’re writing about something that actually happened, feel free to embellish and change things to make the story flow. Good erotica can feel true even when it’s entirely made up. You can get inspiration from all sorts of online resources, from Pinterest to Google to the news.

Austin, Texas Erotica 101 writing workshop

Yes, I'm coming to Austin in November for this November 19th erotica writing workshop at feminist bookstore Bookwoman, and then to tell a story on November 21st at Bedpost Confessions. If you know anyone in Austin looking to try their hand at erotica, please let them know. Thanks!

Erotica 101 writing workshop
November 19, 7:30-9 pm.

Professional erotica author and editor Rachel Kramer Bussel, editor of over 50 anthologies, including The Big Book of Orgasms 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 learn 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. Paper and writing implements will be provided or you can use your own laptop. $15 per person. Call 512-472-2785 to register.
Bookwoman, 5501 N Lamar Blvd A-105 Austin, Texas 78751

Northampton, Massachusetts Erotica 101 writing workshop November 3, 6-8 p.m.

I'm posting about each workshop individually so people in town can see it. This Erotica 101 workshop is November 3rd from 6-8 p.m. at Oh My Sensuality Shop. Details:

November 3, 6-8 p.m. Oh My Sensuality Shop, 122 Main Street, Northampton, MA 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

Friday night radio: Sex Out Loud hosted by Tristan Taormino

I'm thrilled to be returning to Tristan Taormino's Sex Out Loud radio show this Friday night, October 11th, at 8 pm EST, and that Matie Fricker of Self Serve Toys in Albuquerque will also be on, because I'm teaching Erotica 101 there on November 12th. Follow @SexOutLoudRadio on Twitter for the latest news and guests, and listen and call in (if you can't make it Friday, you can listen afterward, click link below for full details). Oh, and I added a new sentence to my bio: "She’s written erotica about Monica Lewinsky, washing dishes, boxing, an oral sex restaurant, French fries, fisting, bukkake, face slapping, snow, ice, hot wax, a spanking machine and many other topics." From the site:

This week’s show is live, so find out all the ways to listen here so you can call in with questions at 1-866-472-5788, join the discussion on Facebook or Twitter, or e-mail me via tristan(at)puckerup.com and I’ll read them live on the air!

Portland, Maine Erotica 101 writing workshop December 3, 7:30 p.m.

I'm very excited about returning to Portland, Maine, where I got my heart tattoo, to teach erotica. I stumbled upon Nomia when I was in town and loved the store, full of tons of erotic books and sex toys. If you're not near Portland, Maine, but know someone who is, please spread the word. Thank you!

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

Albuquerque Erotica 101 class November 12th at Self Serve Toys!

I'm writing about all sorts of things and getting ready for the hotness that is The Big Book of Orgasms, which hits stores at the end of September, but I wanted to let you know that I'll be teaching Erotica 101 on Tuesday night, November 12th, in Albuquerque, New Mexico at Self Serve Toys. If you know anyone in the area who might be interested, please let them know! Details will be up on the site shortly. I'm thrilled to be visiting Albuquerque for the first time, so if you have recommendations on what I should check out there, let me know at rachelkb at gmail.com - on my list of places to visit is the George O'Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe while I'm in town!



I'll be posting more about it soon, and am working on a little video about my erotica classes and tips for Swellcon, a collection of videos for The Smitten Kitten in Minneapolis, which just celebrated its 10 year anniversary. Yay sex toys!

New date for Milwaukee Erotica 101 workshop: September 27th at The Tool Shed

I moved my Milwaukee Erotica 101 workshop at The Tool Shed (2427 N. Murray Ave.) to Friday, September 27th so taht I can be part of a special event in New Jersey, which I will have more detials about soon. You can sign up for this workshop on the Tool Shed website and if you're so inclined you can spread the word and RSVP on Facebook and FetLife. My last trip to Milwaukee was last February and there was a snowstorm so I'm hoping the weather is a bit nicer to me this time around! I've been editing and writing lots of erotica and realizing once again what makes a good erotica story, and am looking forward to hearing what students cook up! I love teaching workshops in sex toy stores because there's so much inspiration right at our fingertips.

Erotica 101 workshop official description:

Professional erotica author and editor Rachel Kramer Bussel 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 learn 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. Paper and writing implements will be provided or you can use your own laptop.

3 upcoming events: online, Milwaukee and NYC

A quick heads up about 3 upcoming events, one online, one in Milwaukee, and one in Manhattan.

July 27, 7 pm EST - Google Hangout with readings by Serving Him and Twice the Pleasure contributors. Join us online for a chat and sexy stories!

September 13, 8 pm - Erotica 101 workshop at The Tool Shed, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, $20

Professional erotica author and editor Rachel Kramer Bussel 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 learn 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. Paper and writing implements will be provided or you can use your own laptop.

September 25, NYC - Vica Miller Literary Salons, Erotica theme, with Liesl Schillinger, Kim Triedman, Nicole Audrey Spector . Sign up for their mailing list for details (Michael Cunningham is reading November 14th).