Erotic Lure Newsletter: November 2009 Edition

From the Erotica Readers & Writers Association
By Lisabet Sarai
November 2009
_______


Dear Hungry Hedonists,

It's November once again at the Erotica Readers & Writers Association, time for our annual feast of erotic delicacies and my usual jokes about the kinky potential of the early New England colonists' stocks. Perhaps I'll eschew those witticisms this year. For one thing, my Pilgrim costume is not in the best of shape after an eager disciplinarian slit it up the back last November in his quest for improved access...

Anyway, I'm sure that you don't want to hear about my sex life. Let me tell you instead about the bounty that awaits you in this month's edition of ERWA.

In the Story Galleries, we have collected a juicy half dozen tantalizing tales that showcase the incredible versatility of our authors. From dark obsession to sweet voyeurism, kinky power games to alternative futures, you are bound to find something that touches your heart and excites your senses. Slip into the Flashers and Poetry page for more delights, from humor to pathos.

Our authors do it all for you:
erotica-readers.com/GD/S/Erotic_Fiction.htm

As the weather turns crisp, it's time to curl up by a warm fire with a hot book. ERWA has dozens of recommendations. Rachel Kramer Bussel's latest collection, PEEP SHOW, offers sizzling tales of voyeurs and exhibitionists. Black Lace has released two new anthologies of its signature women's erotica, MISBEHAVIOUR and THE AFFAIR. If your thoughts are turning toward the upcoming holidays, pick up a copy of WRAPPED IN SEDUCTION, three naughty novellas on Christmas themes. For the readers on your Christmas list (yes, it's time to be thinking about gifts already!), how about giving a classic? John Cleland's infamous FANNY HILL and Charles Devereaux's 1889 oriental romp VENUS IN INDIA are both now available in new editions. Rob Rosen's DIVAS LAS VEGAS is my pick in the gay fiction category. It's a fun-filled, sin-soaked mystery spoof set on the glittering Strip. WOMAN OF THE BITE, edited by Cecilia Tan, will satisfy your hunger for lesbian vampire erotica. Visual types may enjoy STRANGE DAYS: ALIENS, ADVENTURERS, DEVILS AND DAMES, by Arnie and Cathy Fenner, a superb collection of cover art from the era of pulp magazines. And those of you who think about sex even when you're not aroused will appreciate PR0NNNOVATION? PORNOGRAPHY AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION, a collection of talks from the outrageous Arse Elektronica conference.

Our Books for Sensual Readers pages are an overflowing cornucopia of the concupiscent:
erotica-readers.com/ERA/EB/Erotic_Books.htm

Whether you're holiday shopping or just being good to yourself, don't forget to use our affiliate links whenever you can. Every purchase you make (even kitchenware or sweat socks!) from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and our other partners contributes to ERWA's continued existence as the premier site for free erotic content on the World Wide Web.

After racing up and down among our virtual bookshelves, I always enjoy dropping by the Smutters Lounge for some relaxation and edification. This month Ashley Lister interviews Mitzi Szereto, editor of the acclaimed Erotic Travel Tales series, and also reviews her book IN SLEEPING BEAUTY'S BED. Donna George Storey comments on the similarities between writing critiques and sex in "Don't Fondle My Sentences" (but then again, Donna is adept at seeing connections between almost everything and sex...!) J.T. Benjamin is all worked up about the all-too-public indiscretions of so-called celebrities and is considering starting a new gossip magazine called "I Don't Care". Jean Roberta's column, "The Garden of Earthly Delights", riffs on the theme of Thanksgiving bounty to consider the value of sexual fantasy. In book reviews, aside from Ashley's offering, we have Rob Hardy's review of LADY IN RED by Hallie Rubenhold, an enlightening and entertaining account of eighteenth century public indiscretions. I contribute a review of D.M. Atkins' and Chris Taylor's homoerotic paranormal romance, FAEWOLF.

Stimulate yourself in the Smutters Lounge:
erotica-readers.com/ERA/SL/Smutters_Lounge.htm

Speaking of stimulation, the Sex Toy Playground this month offers an authoritative introduction to stimulating the prostate from the folks at Adam and Eve. (Personally, I appreciated their gender-neutral references to exploring with one's "partner".) Mr. and Mrs. Toy are up to their usual tricks, reviewing the Clear Crystal Wand, a multi-function lucite toy for both him and her. The gals from Babeland have assembled a bountiful harvest of erotic instruments in their Sex Toy Scuttlebutt column. Be thankful -- ERWA subscribers get 10% off any toy featured!

Indulge yourself in the Playground:
erotica-readers.com/ERA/ST/Sex_Toy_Playground.htm

Shorter days mean longer nights. Take advantage of the dark with some new adult movies. This month seems to be parody month (I wonder if Ashley Lister had anything to do with our selection.) We feature "The Sex Files: A Dark XXX Parody", "30 Rock: An XXX Parody" and the must-have "This Isn't Twilight". Also worthy of note is the hilarious and slippery "Flight Attendants" and Jessica Drake's dark thriller "Lies". On the classic porn page I came across a movie that is completely unfamiliar but that sounds wonderful, the 1977 "Visions of Clair". The film stars Annette Haven as the exsquisitely beautiful occupant of a mysterious mansion who draws both men and women to do her sexual bidding. Sounds like my sort of scenario.

All these titles and scores more can be yours with a simple click on one of our affiliate links. And you can save money, too: Adam and Eve has a buy one DVD, get four offer right now, and Adult DVD Empire is offering a 30% discount on some titles. What are you waiting for? It's practically virtuous!

For those who like to watch:
erotica-readers.com/ERA/AM/Adult_Movies.htm

Inside the Erotic Mind, the denizens discuss the sense of smell and the role it plays in arousal. Perfume or pure sweat, which do you prefer? Share your opinions by clicking on the Participate link.

Venture inside the erotic mind:
erotica-readers.com/ERA/ITEM/Inside_The_Erotic_Mind.htm

Erotica authors, I have not forgotten you! On the Authors Resources page this month, Louisa Burton gives great advice on pacing and avoiding story bloat. "If it isn't STORY," she reminds us, "leave it out." Donna George Storey's Shameless Self-Promotion column is entitled "Bigger is Better". Hey, she's talking about BOOKSTORES, and the fact that small independents, virtuous as they are, are often not friendly to small authors. Ashley Lister is "Celebrating Poetry" by sharing his own hilarious homage to Edgar Allen Poe and T.S. Elliot. Warning! Do not read this column while you are drinking coffee. Your keyboard may never recover.

As usual the Calls for Submission pages are literally stuffed with great opportunities for the aspiring erotica writer. Maxim Jakubowski has extended the deadline for his Sex in the City series. Adam Nevill has calls out for a raft of new anthologies to be published by Xcite Books in the U.K. Shane Allison has updated the call for his gay antho Big Tools. And don't forget the call for Coming Together: As One, Alessia Brio's latest charity anthology, which is focused on menage stories. There's no pay other than the satisfaction of helping a good cause, but her books get a lot of media attention.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. You'll find dozens more publishers, magazines and websites in the most comprehensive and up-to-date erotica market guide on the web.

Write your opus:
erotica-readers.com/ERA/AR/Erotica_Authors_Resources.htm

Then sell it:
erotica-readers.com/ERA/G/Call_For_Submissions.htm

Our current Web Gem is Exotic World Gifts. They offer unique, hand-crafted products that support fair trade and safe, healthy working conditions. Exotic World Gifts' mission is to connect consumers with small scale artisans around the world, providing the artisans with sustainable income. The site is user-friendly, prices and shipping costs are reasonable. It's a great way to knock items off your holiday gift list and feel good doing it.

Before I sign off, I want to thank Ashley Lister for penning last month's Lure, while I was traveling in exotic realms of the senses. (Actually, I was at a conference.) Ashley is always adept at stepping into my shoes--in this case my favorite purple suede thigh-high boots. Now if I could only get him to give them back!

Have a great month, enjoy your Thanksgiving if you happen to be a Yank, and don't do anything I wouldn't do.

That leaves you a lot of leeway...

Gratefully yours,
Lisabet

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Erotic Writing Workshop

October 26, 7:30 pm
Come As You Are, 701 Queen St. W., Toronto, Canada

How to Write Erotica
With Rachel Kramer Bussel

Professional erotica author and editor Rachel Kramer Bussel, editor of The Mile High Club, Do Not Disturb, Tasting Him, Tasting Her, and Bottoms Up, 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 and 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 is for you.

Paper and writing implements will be provided. Price includes a copy of Rachel’s newest erotica collection.

Cost:$35/person includes one book (Sliding Scale Available)

Call 416.504.7934 or toll-free 1.877.858.3160 to register.

http://www.comeasyouare.com/default/index.cfm/events/workshops/

Erotica Writers Contest

Writers of Erotic Stories, Erotic Fiction, Short Fiction Stories and Erotic Literature

Mainstream Erotica is looking for additional excellent erotica writers, and we’re putting on a contest to achieve this objective! Writers will be able to submit their work to us NOW for posting. Starting on November 1st, 2009 M E will post the best ten stories submitted each month and they will remain on the site for one month as our readers rank them. We think this process will help us identify more and better writers of erotic stories but also help us discover more about the type of erotica our readers like, thus a win/win for us all.

Submissions must be a minimum of 1000 words, with no maximum; and the ten best monthly stories posted to our site will be compensated a flat rate of $30. In addition, each monthly winner, of those 10 stories, will be hired by M E as a freelance writer to write erotic stories and/or fiction for our publication.

One writer from each quarter will become a quarter-finalist. This person’s work will be juried by our M E staff and decided upon based upon merit and writing skill. That person becomes a quarter-finalist and at the end of the year each of the four quarter-finalists will go head-to-head and submit new work to be judged for a final first place prize, which will include $1000.00 in cash and prizes, as well as the title of Mainstream Erotica’s Erotic Stories Writer of the Year!

Please post your submissions to erotica@mainstreamerotica.com. Please label all submission with the following “EROTIC FICTION WRITERS CONTEST/ DATE”.

All work must be new and unpublished on any other online or print publication. Each monthly erotic stories winner will be asked to submit a new piece to M E for us to publish (writer will be compensated for these pieces) At which time we will have you sign a contract stating all of our terms and conditions.

Please only send one entry per person, per month. We appreciate all your hard work, and let the games begin!