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 101 workshop Sunday, January 30

I'm late in posting this but wanted to let you know that Sunday, January 3, 2022, from 5-7 pm PT.8-10 ET, I'm teaching my online Erotica Writing 101 workshop for She Bop! All the details are over on the She Bop site and you can contact them if you have any questions. All registrants will get access to the live event, access to the video recording for one week, and two handouts, a bibliography and a list of five tips for writing sex scenes. If you're curious about how to write erotica, want to enjoy a fun and sexy pre-Valentine's Day date, or are looking to start an erotica writing career, this is a great workshop for you!

Early bird discount for my February-March 2017 LitReactor online erotica writing class

I'm thrilled to share the news that I'm teaching my next LitReactor online Between the Sheets erotica writing class from February 7-March 7, 2017. I had to bow out of teaching this fall to focus on other work and I've missed having a class of students and the close attention we all share for a month as they focus on making their words as sexy and polished as they can be. Registration is open now for $350; the price goes up to $375 on December 2. The class is limited to 16 people in order to make sure everyone gets the attention they deserve and thorough and prompt critiques.



What happens during the class? I provide weekly written lectures and writing assignments; when you complete each homework assignment, provided you do so by the deadline, I offer a thorough line by line written critique and content and marketing suggestions, and your fellow students also offer feedback. Additionally, I have conducted over a dozen interviews with erotica publishing professionals, including literary agents, editors and successful authors, both traditionally published and self-published, such as Sommer Marsden, Tiffany Reisz, Cecilia Tan and others, that I share exclusively in the class. While no one is obligated to submit their work for publication, this class is definitely geared toward those interested in having their work published, as we focus on both writing and what publishers are looking for and how to optimize your chances of having your work accepted. Many of my former students have gone on to be published. Here are two examples of student publication success stories.

I update these with each class to keep it current and add new information. At the end of class, I also invite you to my private online group to continue the conversations, camaraderie and support of the class; that group is a great place to keep current on what's happening in the erotica world, find beta readers and generally ask questions of me and your peers. I know the class is a big commitment, and I would only suggest taking it if you have at least five hours per week to devote to it in order to get the most out of it. That being said, you will have access to the classroom materials, including all lectures, assignments and additional interviews and postings, forever (well, as long as LitReactor is online, which I don't see changing anytime in the near future). This means that if there's one week you can't keep up with all the items I post, since I add daily information on everything from pseudonyms to branding and marketing to agents and more, you can always go back to it later.

Here's what some of my previous students have said (click on the LitReactor image above for more student quotes):

"I will apply what I learned in 'Between the Sheets' to create stories that arouse and connect. With Rachel’s detailed ‘how to’ writing instructions, I completed six stories. My final product is tailored to a specific call for submission and ready to go. Rachel eased this newbie erotic writer into her world providing a comfortable environment to explore sexual ideas creatively. She gave me what I wanted even when I did not know what that was. I’m headed down a new path. Take her, it’s worth it." Donna Jennings

and

"I gained the confidence to just be fearless on the page." Z

and

"Rachel has been incredibly generous in giving us students insights into the world of erotica writing with tons of useful information and helping us hone our writing abilities through her homework assignments and on point corrections for them." Ruby McLovelin

Prefer an in person class? I'm teaching a two-hour erotica writing workshop on Sunday, January 29 from 4-6 pm at The Ripped Bodice in Culver City, California (Los Angeles area). This live class is limited to 20 people.

3 spots left in my LitReactor online eerotica writing class - no prior writing experience necessary!

So tomorrow, May 17th, is the start of my final LitReactor online Between the Sheets erotica writing class of 2016. I love teaching for LitReactor but my workload will be too heavy in the second half of the year to devote to it, so this is the last one for the year. There are 3 spots (of 16) left right now, and I can't wait to dive in again. (And no, we can't add any extra people if it sells out; one of the great things about LitReacdor is that the classes are small enough that everyone gets attention and can get answers to their questions, and you can truly get to know your fellow classmates.) I wanted to let you know in case you were thinking about taking the class, and if you have any questions about it, email me at rachelkramerbussel at gmail dot com with "LitReactor" in the subject line.



I can tell you that in the previous six classes I've taught for them, we've had students from around the world who've brought vastly different life experiences. There's a real camaraderie that forms amongst classmates as we get to know each other over four weeks. You can use a pseudonym and share as little or much about yourself as you'd like. What I wanted to emphasize is that there's no prior erotica or writing experience necessary. Something I've appreciated is that many who've taken the class have come into it completely new to erotica. I encourage that because I had no erotica or even fiction experience when I started down this path with my very first erotica story, "Monica and Me," which got published in two anthologies, Starf*cker and Best Lesbian Erotica 2001. You are not required to send out your work, but I do strongly encourage students who've completed stories to send their work out, even if they don't come into the class intending to submit their writing, both because I believe it's a valuable process to go through and because I know that so many publishers and editors need and want new voices.

Whether you're looking to simply try a new type of writing or want to get published and sell your writing and create a name (or pen name) for yourself, this is a wonderful place to ask all the questions you'd like, write weekly short stories and get feedback from me and your fellow students and really dig into modern erotica writing.

Can't take the class but have erotic writing you want feedback on or interested in private learning? I also offer individual consulting with writers that can cover plot feedback and line edits, advice on pitching publishers, pseudonym and social media suggestions and more. My rates are listed at my site eroticawriting101.com and you can always email me at rachelkramerbussel at gmail.com with "Consulting" in the subject line.

More information:

"What my LitReactor students are saying about my erotica writing class"

"Why I Encourage My Erotica Writing Students to Submit Their Work"

Join me for 29 days of erotica writing in my LitReactor class starting February 11th

I just wrote out my daily lesson plan and posting schedule for my upcoming LitReactor online erotica writing class, which runs February 11-March 10, and I'm so excited about it and wanted to share because the last day to register is next Wednesday, February 10th. There's information about each week's topics, lectures and assignments at the LitReactor site, but I wanted to give you a breakdown of what else happens in class. I just mapped out my 29 days of posting which cover everything from threesomes to humor to point of view to author branding to self-publishing to pen names, and beyond.



In addition to the weekly writing assignments and critiques (from me and fellow students) which form the core of the class, I will be posting daily in the LitReactor bulletin board with additional information. That includes at least 17 exclusive to the class Q&As with successful erotica writers (both traditionally published and self-published) as well as publishers, anthology editors and literary agents seeking new erotica authors. Want the inside scoop on a publisher but don't know who to ask? I will get as much information for you as I can.

You may be thinking, Wow, that sounds great, but I have a job and a family and a life, how am I going to keep up with posts every day? Well, the good news is, LitReactor will give you access to the classroom materials indefinitely (pretty much forever, as far as I know). I prefer students focus on turning in their homework every week so they can get feedback, and read the additional materials if/when they can. But your login and class access won't expire so if there's something you're interested in and want to return to, you can.

I'm also available throughout the 29-day period to answer any questions students may have about their writing process, publishing, marketing, branding, etc. Plus, not an official part of LitReactor but part of what I give back to my students: you'll get invited to join my private online group to extend any questions and discussions and share camaraderie and information with others who've taken my classes.

What do I know about erotica? Well, I've been published in the genre since 2000, in over 100 anthologies, including the Best American Erotica, Best Women's Erotica, Best Lesbian Erotica and Best Gay Erotica series. I've edited over 50 anthologies, hosted an erotic reading series in New York for five years, and use my journalism experience to go in depth with erotica writing professionals to bring my students practical tips about how to break into the field.

This will be my sixth time teaching the class, and I believe each one gets better as I learn and expand my knowledge to best offer students relevant, useful support, encouragement and feedback. I recommend having at least five hours a week to devote to the class in order to get the most out of it, but if you are interested in erotica writing at all, I believe you'll learn a lot. Questions? Email me at rachelkb at gmail.com with "LitReactor" in the subject line. Can't make the class but want one-on-one feedback? See rachelkramerbussel.com for private consultation rates (and stay tuned for my new erotica teaching focused site launching in the next few weeks).

Find out more:

Q&A with me at LitReactor

"6 reasons I encourage my erotica writing students to submit their work"

"How journalism helps me teach my erotica writing classes"

What my most recent LitReactor students said about the class

What previous LitReactor students have said

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!

My erotica writing workshops in State College, PA, Arlington, VA, Baltimore and online (aka, anywhere)

I'll have details about a reading I'm doing in Brooklyn at indie bookstore BookCourt February 16th and my March Virginia events in Richmond and Charlottesville soon, but the other events I'm doing are workshops. The most in-depth will be the month-long LitReactor class, which is geared toward writers who want to dig deep into what makes a story erotica, write every week, learn about the erotica writing market and how to get published and make money and give and get critiques (giving critiques is optional but is very helpful in learning about how different people approach the same assignment). The CatalystCon workshops, because they are three hours, are also pretty in-depth and cover a lot of ground. If you are in or near State College, Pennsylvania, please let people know; it's my first time being there. Looking forward to all of these.

February 9, 7-9 p.m.
Erotica Writing 101 workshop, State College, PA

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.
Hotel State College, 100 W. College Avenue, State College, PA Tickets via Eventbrite, $20/person

March 24, 6:30 p.m.
Erotica Writing 101 workshop, Baltimore
Same description as above. $25/person.

Sugar, 1001 West 36th Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 410-467-2632
Purchase tickets in person at the store, over the phone with a credit card or online at Brown Paper Tickets.


March 27, 9:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Erotica Writing 101 workshop ahead of CatalystCon, Arlington, VA
(see link for nonfiction sex writing workshop later that day) Same description as above. $45/person.
Hilton Crystal City, 2399 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA

February 12-March 12
LitReactor online erotica writing class (participate any time of the day or night)

Last but definitely not least, and where I plan to focus my teaching: the internet! This is for those who are truly serious about wanting to write erotica and devote time each week to stories and submitting them. You of course aren't required to submit them but there's a lot of market information, including new exclusive interviews with editors and publishers about what they are looking for right now. Specifically, the wonderful LitReactor, where I taught a sold-out class last fall and had such an amazing experience I was sad to see it end. Click here to read testimonials from former students. There are only a few spots left and the class is limited to 16 people so if you're thinking of signing up, I advise not waiting until the last minute.

What my LitReactor students are saying about my online erotica writing class

Rather than just me telling you about my four-week online erotica writing class at LitReactor, which I'm teaching again February 12th to March 12th, I wanted to share what 3 of the students who took it in the fall had to say. LN Bey and Ashton Peal have both sold stories created in class; more on that at the end. I believe there are 8 of 16 spots left, and the last one sold out, so if you're thinking of taking the class, please check out the week by week details and assignments. If you have any questions about the class, feel free to email me at rachelkramerbussel at gmail.com with "LitReactor" in the subject line. You can take part in the class at any time of the day or night using whatever login name you choose, but I will say you'll get the most out of the class if you have time to devote to doing the weekly assignments, as they are geared to get you writing and submitting your work.

"In addition to my weekly lectures and assignments, you'll get exclusive Q&As and inside information from publishers and editors on what they're looking for and how to submit and details on how authors broke into publishing a short story collection and editing their own anthologies. I'm gathering even more information for this class, and of course if over the four weeks you have questions about specific aspects of erotica writing, editing and publishing, we will go over those. The beauty of having four weeks instead of a few hours is I have time to fully answer questions and investigate things. I learned a lot about the erotica market from teaching that first class, and I thought I already knew plenty, but teaching pushed me to be as detailed as possible to give everyone the best opportunities and insights. Yes, we work on craft, but I also want my class to be practical; I want students to know what the market is like and how they fit into it.



Testimonials from my fall LitReactor students:

I have no doubt that I am a better writer for taking Rachel’s class—not just a better writer of erotica, but a better writer overall. I initially enrolled primarily for information about the erotica publishing industry. And she provided lots of that, including interviews with publishers and more established writers.

But it was the writing experience itself that was the most beneficial. The lessons themselves were informative and very helpful, and perhaps the most useful thing of all was the discipline of having to conceive, write, and revise a story each week based on those lessons. The assignments forced me to focus—and fast, and I am all the better for it.

As with any learning process, the more you put in, the more you get out of it—and reading the other students’ stories, besides being simple fun (there were some great writers in the class!), compelled me to think more deeply about my own storytelling logic as I analyzed and commented on theirs. It was also fun to get to know these writers, many of whom I am staying in touch with.

Not only was it an enjoyable and transformative experience, but I wrote one story which was accepted into an erotica anthology, and two more that I definitely feel are publishable. I have come out of Rachel’s class a more confident, knowledgeable, and disciplined writer than I was before." LN Bey

"Rachel's class was a big confidence booster for those of us writing about often-personal topics. I went in thinking 'maybe I'll publish something someday,' and left knowing where I could start right away." Roz Brinker

"Rachel's class was a supportive, sage and overall fun place to push myself and explore. Moreover, her knowledge of the erotica market is just as valuable as her insight into the craft of writing itself." Ashton Peal

About those story sales:

LN Bey's story "Rain Dog" will be published in 2015 Circlet Press anthology No Safewords II - A Marketplace Fan Fiction Collection edited by Laura Antoniou.

Ashton Peal's story "The Second First Time" was just published in the new Liz McMullen Show anthology Appetites: Tales of Lesbian Lust edited by Ily Goyanes and while he won't be there, they are having a book party for the book this Monday, January 12th from 7-9 pm at classic lesbian bar Henrietta Hudson, 438 Hudson Street in New York. And for the writers reading this, The Liz McMullen Show has a new call up for a lesbian historical romance anthology edited by Sacchi Green and Patty G. Henderson.

Erotica Writing Tip Tuesday #1

I am trying to get myself back to regular blogging, and one thing I think will help is having some regular features. So every Tuesday I'm going to share something I've learned about erotica writing based on my writing for the past 15 years and editing for the past 10. I'll do my best to make them practical. Of course, this is my utterly subjective POV and you are welcome to take or ignore or vehemently disagree with my advice. These are things that have worked for me or things I've noticed from other people's work. They aren't all going to work for everyone, but if you're like me and often get stuck in coming up with plots or characters or figuring out what the next step is with your erotica, these may give you a little boost.

Want more advice? Sign up for my newsletter and/or take one of my online or in person writing classes.

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1. Write about more than two people

Now, I don't mean that every time you write erotica there should be three or more people. Two people, or even one, are more than enough for good erotica. But I've found that after writing dozens of two person stories, sometimes I want to add a little more to the action; I want those "extra" characters to help drive the action. There are some major advantages for the writer of adding a person:

more drama - who is the third (or fourth/fifth/etc.) person? are there three or more single people joining forces, or a solo person joining a couple? If it's a solo person with a couple, whose POV is the story told from? How did they all get together? Was it spontaneous or very well planned?

more emotion, more POVs - whether they are polyamorous, swingers, first time threesome enjoyers, the emotional stakes are often higher. You can tell the story in first person, second or third, as always, but either way you go, there's more people to take into consideration. If it's a couples with person A and person B getting it on with person C, told from person A's point of view, A gets to observe B and C, interact with each and see how they interact with each other. Maybe person A thinks they know everything about B, but learns something new about them they'd never considered even after a long time together by watching them with C. I think here is where three or more people can truly add to the stakes of a story like this.

more physical description - you're adding at least two eyes, two hands, two nipples, two ears, etc. to the mix, so you have more room, plus if you've got, say, three people, there are so many more possible permutations to the physical action); voyeurism and exhibitionism - this is practically built into the story when there's more than two people, and can be played up to the hilt; teasing/talking about one of the characters to another - with two people, of course there are plenty of dirty talk opportunities, but with three or more, you can talk about someone right to their face, tease them by discussing them as an object, play up their helplessness or their power; two people can tag team dirty talk a third. There's really endless room for the kinds of conversations that may ring false with just two people.

your story stands out - unless you're writing for a specific menage or multiple partner market, if you make your characters polyamorous or swingers or simply solo sexy folks who get together in some fashion, you're making your piece stand apart from those writing about two people. This isn't some magic bullet that will get your piece published, but it is a way to possibly stand out and also could lead to future writings. In the above example, maybe your first story is from person A's POV, but a future story deals with that same couple but is from person B's POV.

To see an example from my writing, check out the excerpt of my sexy, sadistic dom with two subs (and a bonus one for the sake of the story) tale "Dual Mastery" at Tamsin Flowers' Superotica Avent Calendar. The story is from Best Bondage Erotica 2014 which you can read in print or ebook or listen to:




Amazon

Kindle ebook edition

Amazon UK

Bn.com

Nook ebook edition

Books-a-Million

Powell's

IndieBound (find your local independent bookstore)

Audible audiobook (click through for a free sample listen)

Cleis Press

3 upcoming events: online, Milwaukee and NYC

A quick heads up about 3 upcoming events, one online, one in Milwaukee, and one in Manhattan.

July 27, 7 pm EST - Google Hangout with readings by Serving Him and Twice the Pleasure contributors. Join us online for a chat and sexy stories!

September 13, 8 pm - Erotica 101 workshop at The Tool Shed, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, $20

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.

September 25, NYC - Vica Miller Literary Salons, Erotica theme, with Liesl Schillinger, Kim Triedman, Nicole Audrey Spector . Sign up for their mailing list for details (Michael Cunningham is reading November 14th).