Of all the literary genres, erotica is the one that can make the strongest physical impression on a reader. Erotica is also the genre that can provoke the strongest critical reactions of condemnation and praise, even from those who’ve never read the work they’re discussing.
♦ In other words: no other genre compares to erotica.
♦ We might read horror to enjoy being scared.
♦ We might read murder mysteries to pit our own wits against a genius detective.
♦ We might read literary titles to savour the timeless pleasure of a classic.
But no other genre compares to the sexually charged thrill of reading well-written erotica.
There are reasons for this.
Most importantly, erotic fiction is arousing. Because of its taboo associations, erotica remains one of the most compelling genres in all of fiction. As children we used to look up the rude words in the dictionary before exploring anything else in those pages. We went on to giggle at the sex references in supposedly serious works such as the Bible and Shakespeare. Since then many of us have moved on to enjoy reading more explicit fiction. If you’re reading this book, the chances are you’re now interested in writing explicit fiction.
There are various definitions of erotica. The one I’m most inclined to accept is:
Written literature or art intended to cause sexual arousal.
Admittedly, this definition leaves a broad scope of interpretation. What one person classes as erotica, another person might dismiss as pornography. My own opinion is: if the reader considers the work to be erotic, then it’s erotic. It doesn’t matter what label anyone else places on the piece.
In the following pages I’ve included examples of erotic fiction and sex scenes from a host of writers who exemplify good practice in the genre. Because of restrictions of space I’ve had to overlook many other writers who are equally talented. But I’m happy that the writers in these pages represent some of the best authors currently populating the erotic fiction shelves.
To make the best use of this book you’ll need a notepad and pen and the desire to write erotic fiction. There are exercises in most chapters as well as materials to prompt creativity and guidance about the preferred practices within the genre.
The purpose of this book is to show how erotica is currently being written and give some inspiration for those who are interested in writing erotica. Hopefully, by the time you’ve reached the end, you’ll be well on your way to crafting arousing and exciting scenes that thrill each and every one of your readers.
Ashley Lister