2 spots left in online erotica writing class, in person class Friday, October 24th in NYC

There are 2 spots (of 16 maximum) left in my LitReactor erotica writing class that starts this Thursday, October 16th; I'm excited about my first (written) lecture and teaching this small group of online students and giving them the best advice I've got about getting published. You can find out more about the goals, assignments and plans for the class.

Next Friday October 24th at 7:30 p.m. I teach erotica writing in New York on the Upper East Side for New York Academy of Sex Education. It's $25/person in advance and you can sign up here.

More soon about my debut essay collection ebook Sex and Cupcakes and more!

See you soon in Chicago, Milwaukee, New York and at my first online only erotica writing class

I've got a lot going on and am doing my best to make sure each event is as wonderful as it can be. I've been so inspired by the classes I've been teaching and the writing that's come out of them. I'll also be sending out my newsletter closer to the beginning of each month and am giving away free books to subscribers, so if you want in on the free book action and to get my monthly musings and updates in one email, subscribe on the left-hand side of rachelkramerbussel.com. I'm home very briefly in between travels and on deadline, so I will share more as soon as I can about my very first library talk. It was an honor and I think Portland Public Library for having me and Gina Rourke to speak.

I'm gearing up for my erotica writing workshops in Chicago (September 28, save if you bring a friend, tickets online at link below or at the door), Milwaukee (September 30), New York (October 24) and my first online only class which runs for 4 weeks for LitReactor, in which we'll be digging very deep into the world of erotic writing and how to write and get published. I'll be getting the scoop directly from some top editors and sharing it with LitReactor students in this small group (capped at 16). The best part is you can be totally anonymous and take the class at your leisure, at 3 in the morning or 3 in the afternoon, anywhere in the world. More information on all the events are below and if you have any questions, email me at rachelkramerbussel at gmail.com with "Workshop" in the subject line.

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 or at the door.
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 or at the door (call to confirm door sales if it's the day of, they will be available unless class is sold out). Doors open at 8:15 pm.
The Tool Shed, 2427 N. Murray Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 414-906-5304

October 16-November 13 4-week online LitReactor erotica writing class



Online only class limited to 16 people; attend any time and get critiqued by me and fellow students and receive guidance about publishing your work. Click through for more details about what each weekly class will cover, assignments and goals for the class. $325/person.

Let's talk about sex.

Specifically, writing about it.

First, it ain't easy to write. Sex itself can be awkward enough, but describing it? Without sounding like a goofball? That can be tough.

Second, there's this whole big genre totally devoted to sex called erotica, which has turned into a dirty word among writers—especially those who think Fifty Shades of Grey is all it has to offer.

But you can write sex with a deft hand, with skill and grace, in a way that reveals character and emotion. And you'll learn to do that in Between the Sheets with Rachel Kramer Bussel.

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

Sign up for my may 30 erotica writing workshop in NYC (during BEA)

I'm excited about next month's NYC workshop on May 30 at 7:30 p.m., Writing Erotica for Pleasure and Money, at the extremely well stocked sex toy store The Pleasure Chest on the Upper East Side, 1150 Second Avenue, where I'll be giving you plenty of exercises to get you writing and sharing how and where to sell your erotica. Click here to register ($25/person). And here's what Ducky Doolittle of New York Academy for Sex Education, who's organizing the workshop, has to say about my workshops:

"Rachel Kramer Bussel's love of erotic creativity, the craft of writing and her desire to support fellow erotic writers is joyful to experience. In her workshop she will send you to the depth of your erotic imagination and leave you feeling inspired to explore, write and share like you never have before."

What people are saying about my erotica writing workshops

I'm gearing up to book some fall workshops (if you're interested, email me at rachelkramerbussel at gmail.com) in places like Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon, and hopefully Chicago, Milwaukee and Portland, Maine too, but I am revved up about teaching and want to visit more schools, stores, conferences, groups, etc. First up is New York City again on May 30 from 7:30-9 p.m. for New York Academy of Sex Education on the Upper East Side ($25/person, you must sign up in advance). Also sign up for the Academy's latest newsletter has details on all their upcoming workshops on things like embracing your inner sex geek, navigating non-monogamy and claiming beauty with the wonderful Jo Weldon, sexuality and disability, talking to your kids about sex and more (hint: some of them may be used as erotica fodder!).

Here's what people are saying about my workshops:

"Rachel Kramer Bussel's love of erotic creativity, the craft of writing and her desire to support fellow erotic writers is joyful to experience. In her workshop she will send you to the depth of your erotic imagination and leave you feeling inspired to explore, write and share like you never have before."
Ducky Doolittle

"Rachel's workshop at Self Serve provided a really excellent opportunity for writers interested in erotica to talk to and ask questions of a leader in the industry, who is incredibly friendly and accessible. Rachel shared with participants tips and tricks to find ways to keep erotica topics and writing interesting and new, which is a very valuable skill for writers."
Hunter Riley, Store Manager, Self Serve (Albuquerque)

Rachel Kramer Bussel brought her enthusiasm, sharp skills and years of experience to the class. The format allowed for plenty of writing time, sharing time and a good amount of Q and A. I think even professional writers would learn a lot from Rachel. She's definitely welcome back to teach in our store any time!"
Lucky Tomaszek, Education Coordinator, The Tool Shed (Milwaukee)

"I loved attending Rachel's Erotica Writing workshop. Whether you're a professional erotica writer or a hobbyist, her class has something for you. She's an excellent facilitator and gives valuable suggestions and feedback for making your writing sexier and more compelling."
Kate McCombs, sex educator at katemccombs.com

"When Rachel gave a workshop at the University of Pennsylvania last year, she offered both her encouragement and her experience with erotic writing, with provocative writing prompts and plenty of erotica books for reference. Never before have Penn students been so keen to learn about writing as when Rachel was coaxing erotic stories out of them."
Arielle Pardes, UPenn student

May 30 erotica writing workshop in New York, Upper East Side, for New York Academy of Sex

I'm back on the Upper East Side May 30th from 7:30 pm-9 pm, for New Yorkers and those who'll be in town for Book Expo America (where I will also be doing a signing) teaching Writing Erotica for Pleasure and Money for the New York Academy of Sex, held at sex toy store The Pleasure Chest, 1150 Second Avenue. It's $25 and the official description is below. If you know anyone looking to break into erotica writing, I'd appreciate you letting them know. I'm also hoping to teach my new nonfiction sex writing workshop there but don't have a date yet. You must sign up in advance.

Official description:

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.

French fries, fire eating, lap dances, boxing, Monica Lewinsky and bukkake - a few of my favorite things to write about

I've written and sold erotica about a wide variety of topics in the last 14 years, starting with Monica Lewinsky all the way through lap dances, French fries, Joe's Pub, sexy emails in the air, a paid hotel job organizing an orgy, boxing, chess, jigsaw puzzles, fishnet stockings, a spanking machine, Monica Lewinsky, hot wax, fire eating, a belt beating, erotic choking...the list goes on. Ducky Doolittle was inspired in my last class to write about a mitten fetish. Want to learn how to find inspiration anywhere and everywhere for erotica that sells? Take my erotica writing workshop. this Friday, January 17th, from 7:30-9 p.m. at The Pleasure Chest, 1150 Second Avenue on the Upper East Side of Manhattan (note new address). We'll go through numerous writing exercises and I'll share tips and advice, answer questions, and point you in the direction of where to send your work. Sign up for the class here ($25/person).

Official description:

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.

January in NYC: Erotica writing workshop at The Pleasure Chest UES

The January 3rd reading has been cancelled but I am still teaching an erotica writing workshop for New York Academy of Sex at the newly revamped Upper East Side Pleasure Chest! And I'm always open to doing workshops in new locations - email me at rachelkramerbussel at gmail.com about rates and dates.

January 17, 7:30 p.m. (doors at 7:15)
Writing Erotica for Pleasure & Money
The Pleasure Chest, 1150 2nd Avenue, NYC (nearest trains: Lexington Ave./59 St. (N, Q, R)/59 St. (4, 5, 6, 6X)/Lexington Ave./63 St. (F))
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 Nneeded: Please bring a laptop or paper and pen.
$25/person; space is limited. Register here.

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

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

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

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

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

1. What an erotic story is

2. How much sex you need in an erotic story

3. How much money you can make writing erotica

4. How to incorporate everyday objects into your erotica

5. How to turn your own sexual experiences into erotica

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

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

8. How to incorporate pop culture into your erotica

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

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

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

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

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

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.