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Getting Started In
Erotica Writing
By Indigo Black
Erotic fiction
has been around for centuries but, in recent years, has enjoyed
a surge in popularity. If you have every toyed with the idea of
writing erotica but don't know where to begin, here are a few
tips to help get you started on the road to writing bedroom fiction.
Get
with the genre:
Though both deal
heavily with the subject of sex, pornography and erotica are two
different animals. Erotica follows the basic rules of writing
in that there must be interesting characters and a plot surrounding
the sexual elements. Porn, on the other hand, deals strictly with
the act itself. If there is a plot or even interesting characters,
it's purely coincidental.
It is important
to know the difference therefore immerse yourself in the writing
of published erotica authors such as Katy Terretaga
and Erica Jong. There are also many
websites that offer a library of free stories by both professional
and amateur writers. I assure you, you'll quickly get a sense
of what is and what is not erotica.
Study
up on the basics:
As mentioned
before, erotica is character and plot driven despite the descriptive
love scenes. Before even thinking about getting your characters
into the bedroom, work on developing them and their relationship
to each other. Books like 'Characters and Viewpoints' by Orson
Scott Card and 'Plot' by Ansen Dibell are excellent resources
for learning how to write in these areas.
Decide
on a flavor:
Just like other
genres on the market, there are many subcategories under the umbrella
of Erotica. There is softcore, where
the sex alluded to, and hardcore where the sex scene is described
in graphic detail. You can write Scirotia;
erotic with science-fiction elements, Literotica;
erotica in the style of Lady Chatterly's Lover, Gay and Lesbian; homosexual erotica and
a myriad of choices in between.
Most people find
it easier to begin in a genre they are familiar with through their
mainstream reading favorites. This means if you enjoy fantasy,
you may be more comfortable writing about a hot romance between
two elves. Wherever you decide to start...
Do
your research:
Nothing ruins
a story faster than ignorance. Unless you are writing in the subgenre
of science fiction or fantasy, make sure your sex positions are
humanly possible and that your characters are equipped with the
proper parts. Spend some time getting to know how the sex organs
function. I assure you there is more to it than erections and
orgasms. With erotica, the probability is high that your reader
is going to know a little something about sex and anything odd
or unbelievable can cause them to drop your story like it was
on fire.
Get
work-shopped:
The
best way for neo-writers to hone their craft is to join a writing
group and get feedback. But not all critique groups are created
equal. Be aware that not everyone is open
minded about sex and sexuality. Therefore, to get the best feedback
join a writing group tailored specifically towards erotica writing.
Before submitting
your work, spend time on the site reading what others have submitted
and the type of comments they received. If the majority of the
critiques go something like "Good read" or "Nice
story" move on. This is a feel good group and the most you
will get out of it is a few strokes to ego. You want a group who
will be fair and honest in their evaluations and will tackle not
only your spelling and grammar but your characterizations and
plot. Be warned, however, that these types of groups also expect
you to put in the same type of effort in your critique of their
stories. The benefits you receive are worth the trouble.
Whether for publication
or your own personal enjoyment, erotica writing can be both fun
and fulfilling. Just remember that no one wrote a best seller
in a day. Take your time, be persistent and most of all enjoy
the ride.
Happy
Writing
About the author:
Indigo Black is a
freelance writer and blogger with an innumerable number of
interests that include: writing, blogging, erotica, mythology,
philosophy and web design. Currently, she operates two resource
sites, one for erotica
authors and one for bloggers and is penning her
first novel.
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