Confessions of a Literary Streetwalker: Peddling Your Ass

The inclination is obvious; especially considering how much pressure writers can be put under to ‘get themselves out there.’ But even though the title of this column is “Literary Streetwalker,” I want to take a few hundred words to talk about when, in my opinion, it’s not a good idea of sell your creative backside.

One of the coldest, fastest rules of being an erotica author is that it’s a sexist genre: women have a slightly easier time of it than do guys -- unless you’re penning gay stuff, of course. Straight men still remain the primary buyers of smut, and they usually don’t like to ‘enjoy’ (i.e. become aroused) by something a man wrote. Homophobic? Certainly. But them’s the breaks until our society grows up. Women also don’t seem to trust anything written by a man, being suspicious that a man can’t write about sex. Wrong? Absolutely. But again that’s simply the way the world works -- for the moment, at least.

In this world of female empowerment, some women authors have made the mistake -- and again, this is my opinion -- of selling themselves rather than their work. The temptation, like I said, is clear: turning yourself into a desirable product makes it easy to sell just about anything you do, whether it’s a book or your own underwear. Becoming a sex personality means that you carry your catalog with you; you don’t have to trouble yourself with showing people what makes you a writer worthy of reading.

There are other benefits as well, celebrity having a special allure. There’s nothing like the adrenaline rush of people saying you’re sexy or clapping when you walk on stage. Writing, as I’ve said many times before, is a spectacularly harsh mistress. What with the low pay, generally poor treatment, and little artistic recognition, it’s no wonder that so many women are seduced by the quick and easy fame – or at least recognition – of becoming a product or personality, rather than a writer.

Now I should qualify what I mean by “selling.” I’m all for writers marketing themselves and their work. Half the game, at least, of being a writer is managing to tell enough people that you’re good without appearing arrogant (not an easy task). But it’s what you say about yourself and what you toss out there that is the line between publicity and literary prostitution – aside from having panties that bring in a nice price on eBay. Telling the world that you’re a great writer is one thing, telling people that you’re writing about the time you did the football team is quite another.

There are two good reasons for not crossing that line between publicity and soliciting. The first is more professional: if you create yourself as a sexual superstar you’re severely limiting what you can do as a writer. Receiving attention for your sex life might get you attention, but very often when you walk away from that spotlight you find yourself in the dark: your audience is used to you as a sex object, not as a writer -- and won’t respond when you’re not writing about being a pro-dom, sex activist, or porn star. Flexibility, after all, is key to being a writer because it gives you a plethora of genres and venues in which to expand and play. Your smut didn’t sell? Try horror. Horror didn’t work? Try romance -- and so forth. Unless, that is, you turn yourself into nothing but a sex object -- then that’s all you can be.

The other reason to avoid selling yourself is one, simple, biological factor: wrinkles. A twenty-something sexpot is alluring and provocative. A fifty year old one is just creepy – or, as Joe Gillis says in Sunset Blvd: “There's nothing tragic about being fifty. Not unless you're trying to be twenty-five.” One thing I love about being a writer is that writers have a long, long time to perfect our craft. Dancers get a few years, pro athletes get even less -- but writers can work until they drool on their keyboards … unless they transform themselves into an object with a very short sexual lifespan.

Again, my opinion -- if you want to turn yourself into a sexual superstar don’t let me stop you. It’s your right as a free person. But in all honesty I’d recommend that you try and resist the temptation to market yourself and not your work. Besides being a potential dead end career-wise (what happens when sagging and liver spots begin?), there’s one other difficulty in writing about your own sex life and putting it out there for hundreds, maybe thousands and -- who knows? -- millions of people to read: fans.

Not to put down the handsome and well groomed reading world, way too many of my female writer friends tell me that having die-hard fans of their sexual personas, rather than their stories, is more a curse than a blessing -- and really, really creepy. I’d say unwelcome advances are another reason to write stories about all kinds of things, and not about how wonderful it was jerk off the entire swim team.

Attention BDSM Afficionados!

The long-awaited launch of TheUpperFloor.com, co-directed by Kink.com CEO Peter Acworth and TheTrainingOfO.com director James Mogul, is finally here! To celebrate, On December 10th (that's today), there will be a free live show beginning at Noon PST. The free feed will be a lower-res version, but customers can get higher res and chat by joining the site at: TheUpperFloor.com

Be warned, this is live hardcore BDSM.

The Upper Floor is a non-stop 24x7 BDSM lifestyle space created in the style of an Edwardian Great House. Basement-trained slaves must follow high protocol while performing domestic duties and sexual services for sadistic Masters, Mistresses, and higher-ranking servants. Viewers are invited to participate in LIVE "slave reviews" in which they can help the Household decide which slaves should advance in rank and privilege, and which must be returned to the cold basement dungeons 4 floors below for discipline, erotic improvements and further training. From lowly chores to ritualized service, from decadent cocktail parties to formal banquets, you'll gain entry into a secret kinky society where pleasure and pain are the rules of the House.

Call for Submissions: Kensington Books

Kensington has a variety of imprints, including Aphrodesia (erotica) and Brava (sexy romance).

The following is quoted from Cindi Myers' excellent market newsletter at:
http://cindimyersmarketnews.wordpress.com

In Aphrodesia, Audrey LaFehr (Editorial Director) needs “really original ideas.” One example is Wolf Tales, by Kate Douglas, about shape-shifting wolves. The concept needs to be carried over many books. “I need to see something in Aphrodesia you can’t get in romance. It can’t be just a very sexy romance – readers get that in Brava.” In Brava, the focus is on racheting the level of sexuality up. Brava covers are being redesigned. The books come out in trade paper and mass market paperback. Kensington accepts both agented and unagented authors. Send a cover letter, the first three chapters and a synopsis no longer than five pages. You may query only by email. The editor’s email addresses are listed on the guidelines page. Find Kensington’s submission guidelines here: www.kensingtonbooks.com/finditem.cfm?itemid=14298

Call for Submissions: Guiltless Pleasure Publishing

The following call is from Tal Valante, owner of Guiltless Pleasure Publishing (GPP) , a new novel-length publication of genre erotica. GPP is the new kid on the block, and a far away block it is; the office of Guiltless Pleasure Publishing is located in Metula, Israel.

This is a paying (advances and royalties), print and digital publication. Launch date is March 2010.

Guiltless Pleasure Publishing

GPP aims to celebrate the best of erotic genre literature. From Fantasy to Science Fiction, Military to History, our heroes explore the world, themselves, and the many faces of love.

I'm actively seeking 2-3 novels for the grand opening, March 2010. GPP is a paying, print and digital publication. Full guidelines are available at:
www.guiltless-pleasure.com/submission-guidelines

Please tell publishers/editors you read their guidelines on the Erotica Readers & Writers Association Blog

Erotic Lure Newsletter: Dec/Jan Edition

From the Erotica Readers & Writers Association
By Lisabet Sarai
December/January Edition
_______


Dear Kinky Co-conspirators,

The holiday season is upon us -- the season of sitting on red velour laps, multi-purpose candles, and mistletoe kisses. Did I ever tell you about the time I pinned a sprig to the elastic of my bikinis...? But -- as usual -- I digress. Santa will have my ass (literally) if I don't focus on my job, which is of course to guide you through the glittering wonderland of the December/January Erotica Readers & Writers Association site. We've got bushels of goodies for you, and you don't have to wait for Christmas. (I've always believed that delayed gratification was highly over-rated...)

Our monthly theme in the Gallery is Holiday Tales. Our inspired authors have done their very best to capture the joy, the heartbreak and the passion of this unique time when the year rounds to its close. Whatever your persuasion, these tales will touch you -- body, mind and spirit. Don't forget to check out the Flashers and Poetry page, where you'll find numerous nutritious nibbles of naughtiness.

(Ouch! Okay, okay, I'll nix the alliteration.)

Get into the holiday mood with our tantalizing tales:
erotica-readers.com/GD/S/Erotic_Fiction.htm

I know everyone's busy during this season, but there's no better way to relax and unwind than with a (preferably sexy) book. Our Books for Sensual Readers pages offer lots of suggestions. At the same time, you can be checking out potential gifts -- completely virtuous.

Of course you want to get your loved ones the very best. This month we feature BEST WOMEN'S EROTICA 2010 (edited by Violet Blue), BEST LESBIAN EROTICA 2010 (Kathleen Warnock), BEST LESBIAN ROMANCE 2010 (Radclyffe), BEST GAY EROTICA 2010 and BEST GAY ROMANCE 2010 (both from Richard Labonte), and BEST SEX WRITING 2010 (Rachel Kramer Bussel). Looking beyond superlatives, sample COMING TOGETHER: AGAINST THE ODDS, the latest in Alessia Brio's series of altruistic erotica anthologies. This one is on the theme of communication and supports Autism Speaks.

We've got lots of novels, too, from sensual romance to outrageous fantasy. Justine Elyot's ON DEMAND is set in a decadent hotel of hedonism and told from the point of view of the shy but highly observant Receptionist. THE GIRLFLESH CAPTIVES by Adriana Arden is an over-the-top tale of the competition between rival companies that supply slavegirls to interested parties. THE WAYS OF A MAN WITH A MAID is told by an anonymous Edwardian gentleman who maintains a well-equipped dungeon in an old insane asylum.

Photography, art, sexy self-help, graphic novels -- we've got it all. And you can have it all, simply by clicking on our links to Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Every purchase helps support ERWA in its mission (thirteen years and counting) to provide the very best erotic content on the web.

Savor the delights of reading:
erotica-readers.com/ERA/EB/Erotic_Books.htm

In the Smutters Lounge, the Yule log is on the hearth, the eggnog is poured (and spiked) and our columnists are waiting to share their thoughts with you. Ashley Lister interviews the prolific P.S. Havens in "Between the Lines". Donna George Storey debunks the popular notion that married people are not interested in sex, as well as providing the recipe for her International Cookies of Mystery. Robert Buckley's article, "Plenty of Miles Left", considers the implications of all the sixties rebels (like him and me!) becoming senior citizens, and suggests that we're likely to see a new sub-genre of senior erotica. (Actually, Bob has already written some, among my favorites in his story corpus.) J.T. Benjamin is worked up about, and thoroughly mystified by, the contradictory world of women's fashion. Jean Roberta conjures and then exorcises holiday ghosts -- those holidays from hell that we all have lived through.

We've got reviews, too. Rob Hardy reviews Lydia Syson's book about the eighteenth century doctor who invented sex therapy. Ashley surveys I.G. Frederick's BDSM romance DOMMEMOIR. Kristina Wright gives us a double header, providing enthusiastic takes on the Circlet Press anthology LIKE A GOD'S KISS as well as Rachel Kramer Bussel's PEEP SHOW collection. Vincent Diamond rounds out the reviews with a thoughtful look at Phillip MacKenzie Jr.'s gay military anthology SPECIAL FORCES.

Drop by the Lounge for scintillating conversation (and a wee nip):
erotica-readers.com/ERA/SL/Smutters_Lounge.htm

Authors, we know what you want for the holidays: a best-seller. In the Author Resources section, our columnists do their best to help you achieve that dream. Louisa Burton discusses the craft of using sentence structure to convey emotion and tone in "The Music of Words". Donna George Storey winds up her Shameless Self-Promotion series, looking forward and looking back, while slipping in some advice about radio interviews. In "Broken Rainbows", Ashley Lister muses on how studying the nuts and bolts of writing can steal some of the magic, and recommits himself to his art.

Visit the Calls for Submissions page to find just the right venue for publishing your opus. New items this month include Rachel Kramer Bussel's call for Best Bondage Erotica 2011, a contest from the prestigious erotica website Clean Sheets and a clutch of other Best Of collections. Also of interest are Phaze Books' call for M/M and menage steampunk and Samhain Publishing's request for red hot fairy tales. These are just samples. You'll find literally dozens of print and e-publishers, magazines and websites that want YOUR work.

Polish your prose at:
erotica-readers.com/ERA/AR/Erotica_Authors_Resources.htm

Sell your stuff at:
erotica-readers.com/ERA/G/Call_For_Submissions.htm

Things are exceptionally lively this month in the Sex Toy Playground. Mr. and Mrs. Toy give an enthusiastic two thumbs up to the Cyberskin Crystal Pussy Stroker. Kyra Saunders tells you the ins and outs of the Triple Play Teaser Glass Dildo. The folks at Adam and Eve, who are hosting the Playground this month, offer an informative article on the health benefits of using Ben Wa balls. Wasn't starting an exercise program one of your New Year's resolutions? The Sex Toy Scuttlebutt wraps it all up with a double serving of tantalizing toys that will help to make your season bright. Even better, Adam and Eve are offering a 20% discount to ERWA readers on any toy featured.

For all the naughty details, visit the Playground:
erotica-readers.com/ERA/ST/Sex_Toy_Playground.htm

You'll find lots of sweet and nasty stuff on our Adult Movies pages. In "Jesse Jane: Online", the delicious blonde star is pulled into a dark but thrilling cyber-sex relationship with a man who pushes her into increasingly extreme adventures. "Lesbian Adventures: Victorian Love Letters" offers the antithesis, tales of forbidden F/F passion filmed in a real Victorian mansion. Check out "Tory Black is Pretty Filthy"- the title says it all about this artful, stunning, hard-core epic. And for those of us who remember the world of sex before fake boobs and shaved pussies, check out the classic 1989 title, "The First Taboo", featuring Nina Hartley and Ron Jeremy.

Any title we feature can be yours at the click of a link -- buy, rent, or stream, whatever suits your fancy. Don't worry, we won't tell Santa.

Indulge your visual side:
erotica-readers.com/ERA/AM/Adult_Movies.htm

Inside the Erotic Mind this month you'll find a lively debate on the pros and cons of shaved genitalia -- both male and female. Four pages of discussion await you, with strong opinions on both sides. To add your own comments, just click on Participate.

Venture inside the Erotic Mind:
erotica-readers.com/ERA/ITEM/Inside_The_Erotic_Mind.htm

Our website of the month is the Christmas Corner on Amazon.com, your one-stop shop for holiday essentials. Discover Christmas ornaments in all shapes, colors, and themes, holiday music and movies, holiday baking essentials, craft supplies, entertaining books, and everything you need to celebrate the spirit of the season.

That just about wraps up (so to speak) our holiday edition. (Ouch! Careful! That whip is made for reindeer hide, you know...) Normally I leave you with some naughty innuendo, but once a year I allow myself to indulge in a bit of sentimentality. This is the sixth December that I've penned the Lure, and my tenth year as a member and contributor to ERWA. I've seen a lot during that time (and I'm not talking about dirty movies). I've seen fellow writers move from amateurs to pros. I've seen our authors become editors and even publishers. I've read stories in the Gallery that made me squeal with laughter, squirm with lust, and weep in sympathy.

I've never met Adrienne or Bob Buckley or Ashley Lister or Donna George Storey in the flesh, but I consider them close friends. ERWA is a special community that nurtures the development of talent and celebrates diversity and tolerance in the sexual realm. I'm sincerely grateful for the chance to be a part of this community. And I look forward to another productive and provocative year at ERWA.

In this season and always, may you experience peace, love, and lots of orgasms.

Your humble editor,
Lisabet

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