Chicago recap and see you at The Tool Shed in Milwaukee tonight!

I've had a wonderful, whirlwind time in Chicago and lucked out with gorgeous weather. I got to meet up with cousins of my cousin when I arrived, heard about an arcade I want to visit next time, taught a wonderful workshop at Early to Bed, met up with a contributor to The Big Book of Submission, explored the splendor of downtown Chicago (next time I want to visit the art museum), got a head start on holiday shopping for my hard to shop for boyfriend and now am off to Milwaukee. Here's the details on that and I'll be sharing some exciting writing news for October soon - I have a new sex column starting next week and I can't wait! Here's what's happening tonight in Milwaukee:

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

Here's a photo from the window of Ikram, a store I visited last Chicago trip because I know Michelle Obama shops there. Whether you like fashion or not, it's worth seeing just for how striking the building is. The clothes are basically only affordable if you're rich but there's also a restaurant there that's lovely. I had kale chips last time. This time I just looked at pretty dresses like this one.




pumpkin patches along the Magnificent Mile

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

Erotica 101 writing workshop in Milwaukee February 9th

February 9th is around the corner - if you could do me a big favor and let anyone you know who might be interested in this writing workshop in Milwaukee at Tool Shed Toys , I'd really appreciate it. You can register online. I'm a little afraid I will freeze, but I'm excited about trying something new. And I look forward to writing workshops as a chance to find new authors for my anthologies. Hopefully by then I'll have some new calls up! And if you're in Milwaukee, check out all their events, including a Naughty Needles knitting event! (I wrote a column about that, "Kinky Knitknacks," once for The Village Voice.)



CLASS: Erotica 101 Writing Workshop

With Rachel Kramer Bussel

February 9, 8:00pm - 9:30 pm

Professional erotica author and editor Rachel Kramer Bussel, editor of over 40 anthologies, including Gotta Have It, Women in Lust, Irresistible: Erotic Romance for Couples, Orgasmic, and The Mile High Club, will take you through the ins and outs of modern erotic writing, from getting started, finding your voice, writing against type, erotic love and lust letters, to submitting your work keeping up with the thriving erotica market. 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. Whether you're writing to that special someone, penning longtime fantasies, or want to earn cash for your dirty words, this workshop, taught by the editor of over a dozen erotic anthologies, is for you. Paper and writing implements will be provided or you can use your own laptop.

$15 per person.

When you purchase a ticket online your name will be added to the guest list for the event. Please arrive about 10 minutes early to check in at the desk and grab a seat.

PLEASE NOTE: You may see a charge for tax when you purchase a ticket online-- this amount will be removed from your final charge.