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

3 bylines, including my first in Marie Claire

I'm heading to Maine today, to visit an old friend, and will be there for most of next week to teach erotica writing Wednesday in Portland at Nomia. Therefore, I'm going to quickly link to and mention my latest writings. First and most exciting: I have two short pieces in the new November issue of Marie Claire, with Lea Michele on the cover. It's part of a porn package with articles by Amanda de Cadenet and Cindy Gallop (founder of Make Love Not Porn), and there's a piece I tore out by Carrie Brownstein about fun things to do in Portland. See pages 236 and 237 for my interview with feminist porn director Erika Lust and my porn picks. After you read my interview, if you're in Chicago, you can hear Erika Lust speak at the Chicago International Film Festival. I don't know if my pieces will run on their website, but if they do, I'll share them.





In the online world, this week I wrote about Playboy's decision to stop publishing nude photos for Salon, with musings by a Playboy contributor, the former executive editor of Penthouse and others.

Lastly, I got personal at Lady Smut, musing about my "vanilla" sex life and my very much not vanilla, kinky book of BDSM erotica, Dirty Dates: Erotic Fantasies for Couples, which pubs on my 40th birthday, November 10th. Yes, I love dropping that tidbit because over 50 books in, I've never had one come out on my birthday!

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.

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.

3 upcoming in person erotica writing workshops: State College, Philadelphia and Portland, Maine

In addition to my online erotica writing class I'm teaching for LitReactor May 5-June 2 (as of this posting, there is 1 spot left), which you can participate from anywhere in the world, I'm teaching 3 upcoming in person erotica writing workshops in State College and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, respectively, and Portland, Maine, one of my favorite cities, and after that I'm switching my teaching mainly over to online, save for CatalystCon. My website has my upcoming calendar listings and I'll be updating it as I confirm any other events. Click through on the dates/titles for registration, except for Nomia, who you can call to register. I'm especially excited about the Philadelphia workshop since I write a weekly sex column for Philadelphia City Paper, and will be previewing the conference in my May 7th column. Each workshop attendee will get a handout with market information and erotica writing resources.

April 27, 7 pm - 9 pm (rescheduled from February)
State College, Pennsylvania
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.

May 8, 3:15-5:15 pm
SEXx Interactive conference, Philadelphia

I'm teaching this 90-minute workshop as part of the weekend of programming for SEXx Interactive. Find out more and register here (you can register for individual sessions or an entire day or weekend).

June 2, 7:30 pm - 9 pm
Nomia, Portland, Maine
Seating is limited and we expect this workshop to fill up FAST! Please call the shop at 207-773-4774 to reserve your spot. $20 per person. More info on Facebook.

My Portland, Maine erotica writing workshop June 2nd at Nomia

I'm going back to Portland, Maine for this erotica writing workshop June 2nd at sex toy store Nomia and an erotica reading June 3rd, time and location to be announced very soon, for Come Again: Sex Toy Erotica and Best Bondage Erotica 2015. I had originally envisioned a tour for Come Again and had several sex toy stores interested but between the cost of travel and my authors being spread all around the world, I've narrowed it down to a few events, and this will be the first! I love meeting the authors in my books in person and look forward to the opportunity to do so. Stay tuned for details on the June 3rd event, which I will post on this blog and my website and @comeagainbook on Twitter and comeagainbook.com as soon as they're finalized.

June 2, 7:30 pm - 9 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, Come Again: Sex Toy Erotica, 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 to 20 people 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.

See you in Portland, Maine September 23 and 24

My Tuesday September 23rd 7:30-9 pm erotica writing workshop at Nomia in Portland, Maine is on its way to selling out, so get your tickets now by calling 207-773-4774 ($25/person, limit of 20 people). And for Banned Books Week, I'll be discussing erotica, porn and Fifty Shades of Grey with Nomia owner Gina Rourke at Portland Public Library on the 24th. I'm looking forward to both events and if you know anyone in or near Portland, Maine, please let them know. See also my interview in Maine Today about erotica writing and the genre as a whole (yes, you can write erotica about anything, and I'll be showing you how).

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, 7 pm - 9 pm
The Guilty Pleasure of Erotic Literature, Portland, Maine
Join local sexuality educator and owner of Nomia’s Portland’s first women owned and operated sensuality boutique, Gina Rourke and editor Rachel Kramer Bussel in a conversation about the role that erotica plays in literature, in the lives of readers, and in society. Bring your questions, your book recommendations, your opinions about Fifty Shades of Grey and join a Banned Books Week discussion about “The Guilty Pleasure of Erotic Literature.” This discussion will be held on Wednesday, September 24th a 7:00pm in the Rines Auditorium.

This program is sponsored by the Portland Public Library’s City of Readers Team and Choose Civility chapter who work to create meaningful conversations and dialogue at the library. Interest in erotica spiked after the publication of Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James in 2011. Fifty Shades of Grey has spent over 100 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and has brought patrons into the Library looking for similar titles, a genre libraries are not known to specialize in. City of Readers leader Jim Charette is curious to learn what it is that patrons most enjoy about 50 Shades, and what else to recommend, while also wondering what critiques might be offered of the book. This event explores the larger genre of erotic literature from the perspective of both reader and writer.
Portland Public Library, Rines Auditorium, 5 Monument Way, Portland, Maine

Portland Public Library discussion for Banned Books Week September 24th in Portland, Maine

I'm honored to be part of this discussion taking place September 24th at the Portland Public Library in one of my favorite cities, Portland, Maine during Banned Books Week. If you know anyone in the Portland, Maine area, please let them know! I will also be teaching my Erotica 101 writing workshop the previous night, September 23 from 7:30-9 pm at Nomia, 24 Exchange Street, Suite 215 and you can get more information on Facebook and sign up by calling Nomia at 207-773-4774 ($25/person).

September 24, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
(not updated time) 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

5 things I love about Portland, Maine, where I'll be speaking September 23 and 24!

Updated: I've been waiting to announce this until everything was finalized, and now it is! My September 23 7:30 pm erotica writing workshop at Nomia is confirmed, as is my talk on erotica for Banned Books Week September 24th from 6:30-8:30 pm at Portland Public Library, so now seems like a good time to share 5 things I love about Portland, Maine. I first visited to celebrate my birthday in 2011 and get my heart tattoo on my arm, and have been back twice and loved it every time. I got the chance to visit in June and go to a street festival and just walk around and explore. It reminds me very much of my former home in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, but with a Maine twist.

1. The Holy Donut - these donuts made with mashed potatoes are some of the best I've ever had. This is a small local business with two Portland, Maine locations, and they are delicious, innovative and welcoming. They have interesting flavors like mojito, though my favorite is old-fashioned. They also have something that's so good I'm glad I don't live closer: it's like a donut pocket filled with bacon and cheese. I also love that it's so close I can bring these home to my boyfriend in New Jersey and they are still fresh and delicious.





2. Nomia - this feminist sex toy store is the reason I'm going back to Portland this fall (stay tuned for one more event, which I'll post about as soon as it's confirmed). I was walking down Exchange Street the first time I visited and stumbled across Nomia and was so delighted. For a sex toy store, they also have a huge selection of books, both erotica and nonfiction. They are a wonderful resource, have a wide range of products and have arranged them in a way that's easy to browse. See you there on September 23rd! The erotica writing workshop starts at 7:30 and is $25 and you can sign up by calling 207-773-4774. You can also friend them on Facebook.

3. Any town with not just one but multiple independent bookstores is good in my book (ha ha)! I visit Longfellow Books and the newer Sherman's Books and Stationery, which does this with their shelving:



4. Bard Coffee - this is where I'd hang out and work if I lived in Portland, Maine. Great coffee, plus pastries as well as real food, including soup, free wifi and they are one of several locations that are part of the Portland Public Library's Portable Library where you can grab a free book if you like. I got into the Kate Collins flower shop mystery series that way and am going to finish this novel I got last visit, The Partner Track by Helen Wan, and return it:



5. Last but never least, I got my second tattoo, the one that says heart on my left arm, at Sanctuary Tattoo. I picked them because I liked the look of their site and am honored to have this permanent attachment to this city and a reminder of what matters to me the most.



Bonus: pretty sights like this:

Portland, Maine was one of my favorite places I visited this year

Portland, Maine was far and away one of my favorite places I visited this year, and where I had one of my most successful, sold out erotic writing workshops at sex toy store Nomia, which is currently having a 20% off sale on everything in the store through December 31st; see their Facebook page (you may have to friend them to access it) for details. Not only did the Portland Phoenix put me on their cover and interview me, but I also got to visit with someone I've been friends with since I was 6, see art at the Maine Jewish Museum, bought the reality TV novel Raw by Mark Haskell Smith at Longfellow Books, which I loved so much I'm rushing to read the rest of his work, enjoy mashed potato and bacon pizza at Otto Pizza, have breakfast that also served as a second breakfast and a way to make friends with a dog, via leftovers, from Bintliff's, eat yummy soup, write and drink delicious coffee at Bard Coffee, which has a free bookshelf (I plan to add to it when I return) and enjoy and bring home potato donuts from The Holy Donut. I'm planning to return when the weather is nicer for another workshop and more fun and feasting. Next time I'll get some photos of me in Maine!


getting the star treatment in The Portland Phoenix

From Nomia, a delightful and very well stocked feminist sex toy store:

The Bedhead Redhead's Superhero Sex Shop Tour

I love that blogger The Redhead Bedhead, whose tagline is "On a mission to save the world from mediocre sex," has visited so many wonderful sex toy stores as part of her Superhero Sex Shop Tour, including Good Vibrations, where we held the recent reading for The Big Book of Orgasms, Self Serve in Albuquerque, where I just did an erotica writing workshop, and Nomia in Portland, Maine, where I'm doing one on Tuesday, December 3rd, from 7:30-9, which, hint hint, is about to sell out, so call the store at 207.773.4774 to register. Check out all her posts and recommendations.

6 spots left in December 3rd erotica writing workshop in Portland, Maine

There are 6 spots left in my December 3rd Portland, Maine erotica writing workshop at Nomia. Wanted to give you a heads up because there will be an article about the workshop in the upcoming Portland Phoenix and we expect it to sell out. Call 207.773.4774 to reserve a spot. Details:

December 3, 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 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 at 207.773.4774 to reserve your spot! $20 per person.

Getting hyperlocal in New Jersey and Maine

I love the direction that blogging is going with hyperlocal blogs. I live in Red Bank, New Jersey, and we have the wonderful redbankgreen.com to stay informed about all sorts of events and news about our town. I was thrilled that Asbury Pulp wrote this headline about me and The Big Book of Orgasms: "Rachel’s ‘Orgasms’ shake the Jersey Shore – and much of the nation." How could I not be?



More local love from The Portland Buzz about my December 3 Erotica 101 writing workshop at Nomia in Portland, Maine. At least half the 18 seats are spoken for so if you're interested, I strongly encourage you to call Nomia at 207-773-4774 and register soon ($20/person). I can't wait to return to Maine!

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

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



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

November 3, 6-8 pm
Erotica 101 in Northampton, MA
Oh My Sensuality Shop, 122 Main Street, Northampton, MA, 413-584-9669
official Facebook page
Rachel Kramer Bussel, professional erotica author and editor of over 50 erotica anthologies, such as The Big Book of Orgasms, Women in Lust, Please, Sir and Please, Ma'am, will take you through the ins and outs of modern erotic writing. Learn how to get started, find your voice, and write against type. You'll discover how to incorporate everyday scenarios as well as outlandish fantasies into your writing, and make them fit for particular magazines and anthologies. She'll also talk about submitting your work and keeping up with the thriving erotica market (including anthologies, ebooks, magazines and websites). Whether you're writing to that special someone, penning longtime fantasies, or want to earn cash for your dirty words, this workshop is for you. Please bring paper or writing implements or a laptop to use for in class writing exercises. A bibliography with erotica resources will be provided.
$20/person, please call 413-584-9669 to reserve a seat.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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