Erotica 201 Writing and Publishing Online Workshop April 30, 2-5 pm PT

My three previous online erotica writing workshops for She Bop were two hours long and we found that there were still lots of questions at the end I didn't have time to answer. So now I'm teaching a new three-hour Erotica 201 class, with both writing prompts and exercises and readings and lots of publishing information. Those who've attended previous workshops will get plenty of new information, with a little overlap, and beginners are welcome, especially for those interested in getting their erotica published. Includes a writing tips handout and bibliography/publisher listings handout. Registrants will have access to the live class Sunday, April 30, 2-5 pm PT/5-8 pm ET and a recording of the class accessible for a week afterward. Registration and details at She Bop. If you have any questions about the workshop, please contact She Bop.

Online Erotica Writing Workshop Sunday, October 24

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

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

Virtual Erotica Writing 101 workshop March 28

I'm so happy to share that on Sunday, March 28, from 5:30-7 pm PT/8:30-10 pm ET I'll be teaching my Erotica Writing 101 workshop virtually via the wonderful Portland, Oregon sex toy store She Bop. It's $15-$25 (sliding scale) and all the details are at the link above. It's my first time teaching this particular workshop virtually and I'm really looking forward to it.

5 spots left in my June 12 Berlin, Germany erotica writing workshop (in English)

Heads up that if you've been wanting to take my June 12th Berlin, Germany erotica writing workshop at feminist sex toy store Other Nature, there are five spots left! The workshop runs from 18:30-20:30 and while it doesn't require any prior writing experience, it does require pen or pencil and paper or a laptop so you can write during the exercises. And I'll be giving out a timely handout on where to submit your writing. Plus selected erotica anthologies of mine will be available for sale in English and German. See you soon, Berlin!

May madness

In a few short weeks I fly to Berlin for my erotica writing workshop at feminist sex toy store Other Nature. I'm excited to teach there and meet Berlin readers and see my books in two languages (I do have a few copies of some of my German translations, but have never seen them in a store before).



When looking at flight options, I had to decide if I was finally going to make this trip, or let all my fears about money overwhelm me. Clearly, I chose the trip, and I'm still not sure if it was the "smart" thing to do given that I am paying off debt and have an unpredictable income. But I made the decision partly because I knew having an impending international trip would force me to finish projects that I've lingered over.

This week, unless I get so frustrated I give up, my self-published anthology Candy Lovers will be published. I'll post the buy link the second it's ready, I promise; this book has been more time-consuming and expensive than I could ever have imagined, which is probably a good thing or I wouldn't have tried to put it out myself. I've almost got my Word document finalized with all the authors' edits; then I will need to convert it to be read by Kindle and whatever other steps (probably many of them) need to happen so you can click and buy it on Amazon.

I've been quiet here because I'm trying to get that ready, finish writing deadlines, revise Best Women's Erotica of the Year, Volume 4, out November 19 (ebook, which will be reflected at retailers soon), book BWE4 readings, work with private clients, take swimming lessons and a bunch of other tasks. I've got a lot of travel coming up this year; several months, I'll be away every or almost every weekend. So I'm just reminding myself that I love what I do, I'm very lucky to get to do it and make a real living at it, and that my job now is to learn how to do things differently.

I've also booked my first big advertising campaign that will launch in January ("big" in my world). I'm excited about that; there's a sweepstakes involved. It's all thrilling, but just as easily overwhelming, so I try to balance those two out. Then when I'm back from Berlin I plan to finally tackle the other big project, my online writing classes. So stay tuned. I'm honored and humbled that I've already had so much interest, but that also makes me want to make these classes as amazing as they can be.

My next erotica writing workshop is in Berlin, Germany in June

Updated May 6 with new registration URL While I'm in the process of launching my online erotica writing workshops (and some others around various aspects of writing), I'm still teaching the occasional live workshop. The next one will take place June 12, 2018 at Berlin, Germany feminist sex toy store Other Nature. I'm very excited about this for a few reasons, namely that Other Nature sounds amazing and I can't wait to shop there, I've never been to Berlin and German is the only language my books have been translated into. This is how the store describes itself on their site: "Other Nature is a feminist, queer-oriented, eco-friendly, vegan sex shop in Berlin Kreuzberg. We’re not your average sex shop. Bring your mum." Need I say more? I am leaving room in my suitcase for my shopping finds (and will be sharing photos and stories on my Instagram and the Best Women's Erotica Instagram so make sure you're following both!).

The workshop details and registration are on Other Nature's website. Class size is limited to 18 people so if you'd like to take it, please register sooner than later. If you know anyone in Berlin who might be interested, please pass this on. Thanks! And if you want an individual consultation on your erotic short story, novella or novel, you can work with me via my site EroticaWriting101.com - I'll be available to work with new clients starting April 1, 2018.

Just announced: my next LitReactor erotica writing class starts February 11; register by December 31 to save $25

Want to learn how to write erotica, and how to market your work and get it published? You're in luck!



My next LitReactor 4-week online erotica writing class will start February 11th. And for the first time, they're offering an early bird discount! Register by December 31st and pay $350; register January 1 or later and the price will be $375. This will be my sixth time teaching the class, and each time I refine and learn more about how to best serve my students.

You can take the class from anywhere in the world, in any time zone, on your own schedule. You read the weekly lectures and assignments when you want to, and can participate in weekly homework assignments. I would say the people who will get the most out of the class will be able to dedicate at least 5 hours a week to it. I also encourage questions and enjoy researching the answers for my students. You will also be invited after class ends to join my secret Facebook group for my erotica writing alumni to continue to the conversation.

On the LitReactor site, you'll see a breakdown of the weekly lectures and assignments, plus quotes from former students. In addition to what's listed there, I also offer extra material, including over a dozen Q&As exclusive to the class with erotica professionals such as publishers, editors, agents as well as authors, including Tiffany Reisz, Elizabeth SaFleur, Charlotte Stein, Cecilia Tan, Rebekah Weatherspoon and others.

Have a question about the class? Email me at rachelkb at gmail dot com with "LitReactor" in the subject line and I'll get right back to you!

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.

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

My next LitReactor online erotica writing class is filling up - sign up by November 2!

I'm gearing up for my next LitReactor Between the Sheets online erotica writing workshop, which runs November 3-December 3. You have until November 2 or until it sells out to sign up. The class is limited to 16 people and there are 11 slots left as of this posting.



I wanted to share some more information about the class, in addition to what's on their site, because it can be confusing and I want anyone who signs up to be ready to devote their time and energy to it in order to get the most for their money. Also, you choose your username upon joining LitReactor and can be anonymous. You can take the class from anywhere in the world on your schedule; I've had students from various countries take my four previous sold out classes.

How it works is that there's a weekly written lecture, which you can read at your leisure. I also post a weekly writing assignment and you have 4-5 days to complete it, then 2-3 days to critique 3 of your fellow students' work and get critiques from them. I critique everyone's work as well. I estimate that the writing and critiques will take about 5 hours per week; if you don't have 5 hours a week to devote to this class, I would advise waiting until a time when you do.

Additionally, I post almost every day with further information that's optional reading, including Q&As with over a dozen erotica writing professionals, including authors Victoria Blisse, Rose Caraway, Emerald, Feminista Jones, Selena Kitt, Sommer Marsden, Tiffany Reisz, Elizabeth SaFleur, Charlotte Stein, Cecilia Tan, Rebekah Weatherspoon and others. I also provide exclusive details from publishers and editors on what they're looking for. All of the classroom materials, including all postings, will be available to you forever.

Anyone can start a discussion or ask a question publicly on the message boards, or privately to me, about anything related to erotica writing or publishing. Additionally, after class ends on December 3rd, if you are interested, I will invite you to join a private online group for my erotica writing class alumni to continue the discussions and questions and chat in a similar way with other erotica writers. I put a major emphasis on submitting your work if you are interested in doing so, and provide resources and support to get you knowledgeable about the erotica marketplace and ready to send out completed writing.

Read what past LitReactor students have said about the class and "6 reasons I encourage my erotica writing students to submit their work."

Questions? Email rachelkb at gmail.com with "LitReactor" in the subject.

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.

2 New York erotica writing workshops: September 20 and October 15 and one October 21 in Portland, Maine

I'll be doing two erotica writing workshops soon in New York, and then won't be doing any for the foreseeable future since it's pretty far from where I live, so I hope you can make these. If you can't, I'd love it if you can spread the word about them, and I'm also teaching another online erotica writing class at LitReactor.com November 3-December 3 that you can take from anywhere in the world, on your own schedule, anonymously or not. That one is limited to 16 people and is already starting to fill up, so check out the link above if you're interested. I also offer personal consulting on erotica and nonfiction sex writing; rates are on my website (scroll down). Want updates on all my events? Sign up for my newsletter on the left-hand side of my site, rachelkramerbussel.com

If you're in New York and want to hear some hot readings, I recommend tonight's Between the Covers reading at People Lounge, 163 Allen Street, at 8 pm with Laura Antoniou, D.L. King and, all the way from the UK, Lucy Felthouse!

Here's the details on my workshops:

September 20, 11 am - 11:30 am Erotica 101 writing workshop at SHE (Sexual Health Expo), NYC
I'll be teaching my erotica writing workshop followed by a book signing. Admission to SHE, which runs September 19-20, is $25. See sexualhealthexpo.com for schedule and details.
Millennium Broadway Hotel, 145 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036



October 15, 7-8:30 pm
Erotica Writing 101 workshop
Eve's Garden, 119 West 57th Street, Suite 1201, New York, NY
Facebook event page Rachel Kramer Bussel, professional erotica author and editor of over 50 erotica anthologies, such as Come Again: Sex Toy Erotica, The Big Book of Orgasms, Best Bondage Erotica 2015 and more, will take you through the ins and outs of modern erotic writing. Learn how to get started, find your voice, and write against type. You'll discover how to incorporate everyday scenarios as well as outlandish fantasies into your writing, and make them fit for particular magazines and anthologies. She'll also talk about submitting your work and keeping up with the thriving erotica market (including anthologies, ebooks, magazines and websites). Whether you're writing to that special someone, penning longtime fantasies, or want to earn cash for your dirty words, this workshop is for you. Please bring paper or writing implements or a laptop to use for in class writing exercises. A bibliography with erotica resources will be provided. $20/person. Limited to 20 people. Register at Eve's Garden or by calling 212-757-8651. Doors at 6:45, class runs from 7-8:30 p.m. and includes a handout with resources.



October 21, 7:30-9 pm
Erotica Writing 101 workshop
Nomia, 24 Exchange Street, Suite 215, Portland, Maine
Facebook event page Rachel Kramer Bussel, professional erotica author and editor of over 50 erotica anthologies, such as Come Again: Sex Toy Erotica, The Big Book of Orgasms, Best Bondage Erotica 2015 and more, will take you through the ins and outs of modern erotic writing. Learn how to get started, find your voice, and write against type. You'll discover how to incorporate everyday scenarios as well as outlandish fantasies into your writing, and make them fit for particular magazines and anthologies. She'll also talk about submitting your work and keeping up with the thriving erotica market (including anthologies, ebooks, magazines and websites). Whether you're writing to that special someone, penning longtime fantasies, or want to earn cash for your dirty words, this workshop is for you. Please bring paper or writing implements or a laptop to use for in class writing exercises. A bibliography with erotica resources will be provided. $20/person. Call 207-773-4774 or visit Nomia to register. Limited to 20 people.

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

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

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

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

September 11, 9:15 am - 12:15 pm
Erotica 101 workshop, CatalystCon

In this three hour workshop Rachel Kramer Bussel, professional erotica author and editor of over 50 erotica anthologies, such as The Big Book of Orgasms, Cheeky Spanking Stories and Serving Him: Sexy Stories of Submission, will take you through the ins and outs of modern erotic writing. Learn how to get started, find your voice, and write against type. You’ll discover how to incorporate everyday scenarios as well as outlandish fantasies into your writing, and make them fit for particular magazines and anthologies. The class will also cover branding yourself as a writer, using and selecting a good pseudonym, and using social media to promote your work and do outreach. She’ll also talk about submitting your work and keeping up with the thriving erotica market, including anthologies, ebooks, magazines and websites. Please bring paper and writing implements or a laptop to use for in class writing exercises. A bibliography with erotica resources will be provided.

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

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

September 11, 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Sex Writing 101 (Nonfiction)

In this three hour workshop, writer and editor Rachel Kramer Bussel will cover all you need to know about writing about sex, including blogging, first-person essays and journalism. You’ll learn how to ethically write about your love life, what editors are looking for, where to find experts on sexuality topics, and how to stay abreast of current sex news. Whether you’re looking to write a sex blog, column, articles or books, you’ll find out how to pitch, how much money you can expect to make, and how to maximize your editorial opportunities. The class will also cover branding yourself as a writer, using and selecting a good pseudonym, using social media to promote your work and do outreach, and how to pitch stories. Rachel is a sex columnist for Philadelphia City Paper and DAME, and was a sex columnist for The Village Voice, Penthouse and The Frisky, and has written about sexuality for Cosmopolitan, The Daily Beast, Glamour, Inked, Salon, xoJane and many other publications. A resource list covering markets for sex-related pieces will be provided.

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

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

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

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


image via Nomia on Facebook

October 21, 7:30-9 pm
Erotica 101 Writing Workshop
Nomia, 24 Exchange Street, Suite 215, Portland, Maine
Rachel Kramer Bussel, professional erotica author and editor of over 50 erotica anthologies, such as Come Again: Sex Toy Erotica, The Big Book of Orgasms, Best Bondage Erotica 2015 and more, will take you through the ins and outs of modern erotic writing. Learn how to get started, find your voice, and write against type. You'll discover how to incorporate everyday scenarios as well as outlandish fantasies into your writing, and make them fit for particular magazines and anthologies. She'll also talk about submitting your work and keeping up with the thriving erotica market (including anthologies, ebooks, magazines and websites). Whether you're writing to that special someone, penning longtime fantasies, or want to earn cash for your dirty words, this workshop is for you. Please bring paper or writing implements or a laptop to use for in class writing exercises. A bibliography with erotica resources will be provided. $20/person. Call 207-773-4774 or visit Nomia to register. Limited to 20 people.

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

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

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

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

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.

My May-June LitReactor erotica class is has 9 spots left

Just a heads up that my next 4-week Between the Sheets erotica writing class at LitReactor, which has a maximum of 16 spots, has 9 spots left.



I wanted to give you some notice even though it's a few weeks away, because once it sells out, which it's expected to (the previous two did), then the class will be full. They cap their classes in order for students to get the maximum learning out of them, and that makes perfect sense to me. The class becomes its own little group, part of which I facilitate, part of which happens spontaneously. The full details about the class are here and if you have any questions about what will be covered or if you'd benefit from it, feel free to email me at rachelkb at gmail.com with "LitReactor" in the subject line.

My personal two cents is: you don't need any prior writing, including erotica writing experience. What you do need is time. I'd estimate 5 hours a week, but probably 8-10 hours is better. After all, if you are paying $350 a week, you ideally want to get the most of out it. That being said, you also have the option to just read along and not do the weekly assignments, but they are designed to get you writing and sharing with your fellow classmates and getting/giving feedback, all of which I think is extremely useful in seeing what works and what doesn't in your own writing, and that of your peers. The way I teach is largely to encourage people to submit their work, not because that's the only thing you can do with erotica, but because I think it gives you a concrete goal to aim for, and if you are looking to get published, that's the only way it's going to happen (sorry, no one is going to magically find your writing on your laptop, because how would they know it's there?). You won't be required to submit your work or do anything else, but I will be giving an extensive overview of the current erotica market, including Q&As with authors (traditionally published and self-published), editors and publishers and sharing what I've been told about what publishers are looking for right now.