At the how to write erotica panel at Bluestockings the other night, two interesting resources were mentioned for writers interested in writing erotica.
Rachel recommended the Erotica Readers & Writers Association.
Michelle Herrera Mulligan mentioned taking this course, Silk Sheets: Writing Erotica, at the New School, and found it incredibly helpful:
Erotic writing has taken its place beside more conventional literary genres, and the explosion of contemporary sex writing has led to great opportunities in this field. This course, designed for beginners as well as experienced writers, shows you how to write erotica that is as highly literate as it is provocative. Focus is on the short story, but we also consider the world of erotic poetry. We explore the parameters of contemporary erotic fiction by studying writers as diverse as Nicholson Baker, James Baldwin, Patrick Califa, Charles Bukowski, Mary Gaitskill, Henry Miller, Susanna Moore, Anais Nin, Diana di Prima, Michelle Tea, and William Vollman. Each class includes writing exercises designed to explore plot, timing, character, and locale in the erotic story and develop the ability to write sensual descriptive passages. We read the poetry of Pablo Neruda, Mary Oliver, and other stellar poets and write some erotic poetry. Our reading list includes selections from Best American Erotica. Specific assignments are given and individual projects of your choice are also encouraged. (3 credits)
The instructor, Tsaurah Litzky, was incredibly informative and had lots of great resources. Michelle also mentioned how everyone who was in the class with her has since been published.
Gallery Carre
