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.

Thank you, Savannah and Washington, DC plus sexy shop photos from Lotus Blooms

I'll make this a brief thank you, since I'm heading on a train to New York, then running a few errands, then catching the bus to Atlantic City so I can spend my final night of my thirties at home and wake up on my birthday in the same place as my boyfriend. I've had an amazing trip, in two parts, Savannah and Washington, DC. I got to catch up with two of my closest friends, who I used to see all the time when we all lived in New York, eat wonderful food, explore a new city, and do a fabulous reading and teach a highly engaged workshop. All of that has energized me for the rest of my month, which includes teaching my Litreactor erotica writing class and launching Dirty Dates tomorrow. Many thanks to Nichelle Stephens for organizing Friday's reading and Lotus Blooms for booking last night's workshop.

Here's me at Back in the Day Bakery, which I highly recommend visiting if you're in Savannah.



And here's me outside the newly opened Lotus Blooms in Adams Morgan in Washington, DC, plus some photos inside the store. Great selection, and amazing shoes and corsets and other sexy clothing. And erotica and other sex related books, of course. Had a great meal at Libertine across the street, and my workshop was actually upstairs at The Black Squirrel, which was a wonderful space!




If this isn't erotica writing fodder, I don't know what is!












Last but not least: corsets! If you want a corset and are in the DC area, get yourself to Lotus Blooms.

Save $10 on my Washington, DC erotica writing workshop this Sunday at Lotus Blooms

Exciting news: Use the code BloomsBigO to register at Eventbrite for Sunday's erotica writing workshop at Lotus Blooms in Washington, DC! Their address is 2408 18th Street NW (Adams Morgan neighborhood). That means if you register by Saturday, November 7th, the normally $25 fee will be $15 and if you register on the day of the event, the $30 fee will be $20. Hence, I would recommend signing up by the 7th. We'll be doing writing exercises for two hours, along with learning about the current erotica marketplace and you'll get two handouts. Questions? Email info at lotusblooms.com or call the store at 202-836-4474. See you there!

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.

Learn how to write and sell your erotica in New York, Portland, Maine, Washington, DC and online at LitReactor

I'm gearing up to hit the road and do these final 3 live workshops and one online one of 2015. I'll also be doing a free reading November 6th in Savannah, Georgia at Back in the Day Bakery, from 6 to 8 pm. Thanks to my friend Nichelle Stephens for organizing it. I plan to focus mainly on online writing workshops in 2016, since they can reach more people and international audiences, as my LitReactor classes have, though I'm open to select teaching and readings as opportunities arise. Here's what's coming up soon. If you care to spread the word, I'd greatly appreciate it! Questions about my events? Contact the stores listed below or you can always email me at rachelkramerbussel at gmail.com.

October 15, 7 pm - 8:30 pm
Erotica Writing 101 workshop, New York City 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.
Eve's Garden, 119 West 57th Street, Suite 1201, NYC
www.evesgarden.com



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

November 8, 7-9 pm
Erotica Writing 101 workshop, Washington, DC
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. $25 if you register online by November 7 at Eventbrite.
Lotus Blooms, 2408 18th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009, 202-836-4474, info at lotusblooms.com



November 3 - December 3
Between the Sheets online erotica writing class at LitReactor.com
Online only class limited to 16 people; attend any time, using any username you desire (you can be anonymous) and get critiqued by me and fellow students and receive guidance about publishing your work. You participate at your convenience on your own schedule. You'll learn how to draw on your surroundings, incorporate humor and heartache, approach stories from multiple POVs and heighten the erotic tension in your work. You'll also get access to exactly what editors and publishers are currently looking for based on my research, as well as additional information on publishing short story collections, editing anthologies and self-publishing. Includes exclusive Q&As with over a dozen erotica writing professionals, including publishers, editors and authors such as Tiffany Reisz, Elizabeth SaFleur, Charlotte Stein, Cecilia Tan, Rebekah Weatherspoon and more. Students also get access once class is over to my private online group for alumni, which provides continued access to fellow writers, discussion and resources. Click through for more details about class assignments and goals. Students have access to the classroom materials indefinitely once class is over. I recommend having at least 5 hours a week to devote to this class to get the most out of it. $375/person. The last four classes sold out so I recommend not waiting until the last minute to register. Questions about the class? Email rachelkramerbussel at gmail.com with "LitReactor" in the subject line.

Why I love teaching erotica and sex writing

I used to be of the "those who can't do, teach" mindset, at least, regarding myself: who was I to teach erotica when I hadn't written a novel like almost everyone else in the field? But I realized recently that I've been teaching erotica for quite a while now, and have done it everywhere from the 92Y Tribeca to colleges like University of Pennsylvania and Northwest and SUNY Purchase to conferences like CatalystCon. Plus, I've managed to teach at sex toy stores I ardently support such as Babeland, Early to Bed, Nomia, Secret Pleasures, Self Serve, The Tool Shed and others (with one coming up October 15th at Eve's Garden in New York, where I bought my first vibrator, my third at Nomia in Portland, Maine October 21st and one November 8 at the brand new Lotus Blooms in Washington, DC). When I have a whole month to teach at LitReactor (next one is November 3-December 3), we can really dig into the topic and I get to research students' questions, which has led me to find agents seeking erotica, analyze threesome scenes and much more.

It was really teaching two three-hour workshops in one day at CatalystCon, which I did twice in 2014 and twice this year, and will again on April 1 in Chicago, that showed me, Yes, you know what you're doing. You're good at this. You can't lead people for six hours if you're talking out of your ass, so to speak.

Conversely, even when given a short amount of time, to know that I've moved people, that I've inspired them, that I've gotten them writing and encouraged them to think about doing more writing and maybe sending their work out into the world, means so much to me. It's also made me realize that teaching is a different skill set entirely. I've had to go back through my own writing, writing I've published and writing I've enjoyed reading and break down exactly what makes it work in order to explain it to students. I truly enjoy knowing what students want to know and doing my best to help them with answers. I would say the vast majority of what I do is encourage; it's not a step by step, you type this and write this and voila, you have erotica. It's more about unlocking their minds to the possibilities of what they can conceptualize, what they can use as fodder, where their stories can go, and then coaxing them through the process.

On Sunday at Sexual Health Expo (aka, SHE), I only had half an hour to teach, which is much shorter than I'd normally talk for, but I was thrilled and impressed with the way students dove right in at 11 a.m., asked questions, and told me they found it useful. While I still would prefer a longer time slot, knowing I could make an impact and impart information that got people writing made me so thrilled. During one writing exercise, I whispered to my friend F. Leonora Solomon, asking if I could mention her by name as the editor of two upcoming Riverdale Avenue Books anthologies on femdom erotica (January 31 deadline) and Victorian era erotica. She said yes, and I did, and then she asked a question I was so happy I could answer. And look what happened:





So yes, it's part of my business and how I earn a living, but alongside that, teaching has given me new insights into how erotica and sex writing work, and why I do them and want to encourage others to.

Sex toy stores selling The Big Book of Submission

Here are the sex toy stores I know of so far selling The Big Book of Submission: 69 Kinky Tales (click on the title to read 69 excerpts) - if your favorite one doesn't have it in stock, ask! I'm hoping to add more names to this list very soon. I've been to all of these stores save for She Bop, and can't wait to read there in September.

Early to Bed (Chicago) - and I teach Erotica Writing 101 there September 28 at 6:30 p.m.

Lotus Blooms (Alexandria, Virginia)

Secret Pleasures (Washington, DC) - it's not in their online store yet, but it's in their brick and mortar store

She Bop (Portland, Oregon) - coming very soon, as am I (September 10th, to be exact)

Sugar (Baltimore, Maryland) - I'm not seeing it in their online store, but it's in their brick and mortar store

The Tool Shed (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) - and I teach Erotica Writing 101 there September 30 at 8:30 p.m.

Sex toy store mini tour photos

I've had a wonderful time at all my events in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC! Here are a few photos, and I hope to return to the area in the next year. Thank you to Sugar, Lotus Blooms and Secret Pleasures for having me! These stores are the first places aside from Barnes & Noble where I've seen The Big Book of Submission in the flesh and the first time I got to sign copies for people buying them. All three stores were wonderful and I'm honored I got the chance to work with them and explore new neighborhoods. Plus, I generally have no idea how my books are doing and am biting my nails waiting to find out, so getting to talk to store owners about it is wonderful and helps guide what I will work on next, since it only makes sense to work on books that readers are interested in reading.

Sugar, Baltimore, Maryland


I loved this display and am glad I took this selfie because I forgot to take another photo later


My favorite book of mine, The Big Book of Orgasms, gets a fitting display next to some vibrators

snapped near Sugar:



Lotus Blooms, Alexandria, Virginia- I hadn't done a reading in a very long time and it was wonderful to meet and reconnect with these authors.


Front row: Me, Tess Danesi, Michelle Augello-Page; second row: Emerald and Kristina Wright







Secret Pleasures, Washington, DC


I was intrigued by these gold accented toys




Secret Pleasures put me on their wall next to Buck Angel and Partners in Passion authors Mark A. Michaels and Patricia Johnson

Happy Kindle and Nook ebook release day, The Big Book of Submission!

With some of my books, it's like two parties release date celebrations, with print and ebook. The Big Book of Submission: 69 Kinky Tales, my third anthology of erotic flash fiction stories of 1,200 words or less, following Gotta Have It and The Big Book of Orgasms, starting shipping in print recently and is out today for Kindle and Nook. It's a huge bargain: 69 stories for just $9.99 (Kindle) or $10.99 (Nook).



And I get to do the very first live reading from it this Thursday at sex toy story Lotus Blooms in Alexandria, Virginia. It's absolutely free, you just have to register online. You can also get copies at the stores where I'm teaching erotica writing workshops this week: Sugar in Baltimore (July 23 workshop details) and Secret Pleasures in Washington, DC (July 26 workshop registration details). And August 1st kicks off the book's virtual book tour, which will take you behind the scenes with authors as well as offer up reviews and more. You can also follow @submissionbook on Twitter for news from me and the contributors.

For those who want a print copy, if you're a Barnes & Noble shopper, they don't have an erotica section but they do have a Fiction Anthologies section, where you can find The Big Book of Submission, as I did last week at their Union Square store on 17th Street in Manhattan:

Big new book, big smile: The Big Book of Submission is here with 69 BDSM erotica stories

I've got a new book, The Big Book of Submission: 69 Kinky Tales out any day now (ebook on sale July 21st) and I've got a big smile because I'm so excited to share it with you. As I've posted about before, my books could use some extra support as the marketplace has been very tough of late and I'm trying to make this year's books succeed in as big a way as I can. You can hear me read from the book free along with contributor Kristina Wright, who's also got new books Bedded Bliss and A Princess Bound out, and contributors to The Big Book of Orgasms, on July 24th at 7 pm at Lotus Blooms in Alexandria, Virginia. All you have to do to get in is RSVP. To give you a taste of what to expect, I've posted excerpts from all 69 stories.



I did something new with this one and published a few authors twice because their stories stood out, and I believe all those dually published authors are appearing in my books for the first time, which always thrills me as an editor. Without authors and people having faith in my books enough to send me stories, I wouldn't have any anthologies. It's an honor and also takes me back to my first published story, "Monica and Me." Below are links to buy the book and even if you can't buy it now, if you add it to your Amazon wishlist, it helps the book by letting them know there's an audience, which encourages them to recommend it to browsers. Yes, even seemingly tiny things like that count, especially when you're with an independent publisher and most bookstores don't have an erotica section.

Some great news: the July issue of Self gave The Big Book of Submission a shoutout!

Purchase from:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kindle ebook edition

Nook ebook edition

Kobo

Books-a-Million

Powell’s

IndieBound (find it at your local independent bookstore)

Cleis Press

Table of contents:

The Big Book of Submission: 69 Kinky Tales

Edited by Rachel Kramer Bussel

Introduction: The Many Meanings of Submission

I Want to Feel You Joy Faolán

Naughty Prof Louisa Bacio

Strip Medea Mor

Training My Dom Tilly Hunter

Dear Sir Kay Jaybee

Put Your Hands Up Sommer Marsden

Crunches Annabeth Leong

Butch Unbound Salome Wilde

The Prodigy Valerie Alexander

Beautiful Teresa Noelle Roberts

Lariat Michelle Augello-Page

Toasted Marshmallows Tilly Hunter

The Shoot D.L. King

Sunday in the Art Gallery with George Elizabeth Coldwell

The Third Plug Nick Mamatas

Others Jade A. Waters

Without Question Lucy Felthouse

In the Darkness Regina Lafayette

The Test Kristina Wright

Patiently Waiting Alyssa Morris

Brunch L.C. Spoering

Love and Salt Erzabet Bishop

Brazen Kathleen Delaney-Adams

Story Time Inara Serene

Princess Amelia June

Contact Shenoa Carroll-Bradd

For Her Art Elise Hepner

Working It Out Roger Markson

Control Cate Ellink

Unanchored Corrine Arundo

Fucktoy Lady Lucretia

Caramel Kathleen Tudor

The Bulldog Breed Lisette Ashton

Mistress Raven Olivia Archer

Following Orders Jade Melisande

Writer’s Block Kitten Boheme

Help! My Wife’s a Former Dominatrix! Angela R. Sargenti

That Moment When Martha Davis

The Dinner Erzabet Bishop

Room with a View Rose de Fer

Fitting Assignment Marie Rebelle

Spider Valerie Alexander

The Chrome Plated Connection Ginger F.

How to Fail Laurel Isaac

Crush Giselle Renarde

Housebroken Laila Blake

Stronger Than Steel Alva Rose

Student Becomes Master Rob Rosen

Where the Sun Don’t Shine Corvidae

Object Regina Kammer

The Control Tower Olivia Summersweet

Long Skirt Gigi Frost

Breathless Obedience Cèsar Sanchez Zapata

Mine Roxanna Cross

Second Date Alice Gauntley

Table Manners M. Marie

Teddy, Bare Jere Haken

The Problem is, I’m a Bitch Corrine Arundo

The Lost Suitcase Tamsin Flowers

The Rhino C. Margery Kempe

Marni’s Working Area Dominic Santi

Lost in the Feeling Nicole Gestalt

Choker Sean Finn

Reverse Psychology Rachel Kramer Bussel

Aftermath Michael in Texas

Take Down Marievie

Hard Things Joy Faolán

Breathless Dorla Moorehouse

Perfect Gentleman Donna George Storey

See you at sex toy stores in Baltimore, Alexandria and Washington, DC in July

I'm doing my first ever events at sex toy stores in Baltimore, Maryland, Alexandria, Virginia and Washington, DC in July, and hope you can make it and/or let people nearby who may be interested know. All the details are below. Excited about all of these events and the very first The Big Book of Submission reading! I don't get the opportunity to do readings too often these days so they are extra special for me, and I welcome the chance to meet new readers and get to share these stories (and yes, that reading and my other upcoming ones, September 6th at the Foundation for Sex Positive Culture in Seattle and September 10th at She Bop in Portland, Oregon, to be added to their site soon, are all free!)

July 23, 6:30 pm
Erotica 101 writing workshop, Sugar, Baltimore, Maryland

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.

$25/person; register in store, by calling 410-467-2632 or online at Brown Paper Tickets
Sugar, 1001 West 36th Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 410-467-2632

July 24, 8-9:30 pm
Free reading from The Big Book of Orgasms and The Big Book of Submission, Lotus Blooms, Alexandria, Virginia
(free but registration is required)
Join me along with The Big Book of Orgasms contributors Emerald ("Payback") and Tess Danesi ("Steamy") and Bedded Bliss author and The Big Book of Submission contributor Kristina Wright ("The Test")! Calling all literary geeks! Join us on July 24th at Lotus Blooms in Old Town, Alexandria to welcome one of the biggest names in erotic fiction, Rachel Kramer Bussel. Boasting an impressive portfolio, Bussel is editor of over 50 anthologies, including The Big Book of Orgasms, Cheeky Spanking Stories, Best Bondage Erotica 2014, Flying High: Sexy Stories from the Mile High Club and more. In this 90 minute meet-and-greet, Rachel Kramer Bussel and three guest authors* will share excerpts from her highly anticipated new book, The Big Book of Submission: 69 Kinky Tales and one of her most popular compilations, The Big Book of Orgasms. There will be time at the end for a book signing and a short Q&A.

If you are not familiar with Bussel’s books, come see why Publishers Weekly says that Bussel “proves less is more in this collection of nibble-size erotic stories that are just long enough to fuel the imagination” and get to know the stories that will be on your nightstand for many late nights to come.
Lotus Blooms, 1017 King Street, Alexandria, Virginia, 703-535-8225, free as long as you register online

July 26, 7-8:30 pm
Erotica 101 writing workshop, Secret Pleasures, Washington, DC
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.

$21.69 (includes service charge), register at Brown Paper Tickets
Secret Pleasures Boutique, 1510 U Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-664-1476