The Philosophy Behind Writing Erotica

[BuckyDuckman]

The purpose of this thread is to give authors a place to share their thoughts about the reason, value, purpose, and their methods behind writing erotica. I enjoy the philosophical discussions that creep into other threads and would enjoy reading more about other author's thoughts and opinions about writing erotica.

Here are few conversation starters, though all should feel free toss out whatever thought they have for comment and consideration.

Conversation Starters (pick one, none, all, or suggest your own):

• Why do you write erotica?
• What purpose, if any, do you thing YOUR erotica serves?
• From where does that plot bunny run?
• What differences do you see between erotica vs porn?
• Does erotica matter?
• Should writers write from a particular political point of view?
• What's the problem with your current story?
• Providing strangers with orgasms - good for the world?
• Who knows what you write? Who do you wish knew?
• If you had the chance to become famous as a writer of erotica, would you take it?

And please, let's keep the dick measuring, pissing contests, and personal attacks to a minimum. I think we already know who hates whom around here!

 

[sr71plt]

As for the first question, I write it (actually I've pushed beyond erotica) because I increasingly found writing mainstream fiction limiting. I wanted to push beyond the sexual situations (which are a fundamental element to the human condition, and thus something to be writing about) that the mainstream world supported.

So, I did.

 

[BuckyDuckman]

As for the first question, I write it (actually I've pushed beyond erotica) because I increasingly found writing mainstream fiction limiting. I wanted to push beyond the sexual situations (which are a fundamental element to the human condition, and thus something to be writing about) that the mainstream world supported.

So, I did.

I find that interesting, both the part about mainstream fiction being limited and your desire to write more explicitly than that market allows. My first thought was about the author Piers Anthony, a sci-fi/fantasy writer who wrote an erotic novel (and not a very good one, IMHO) titled Pornucopia.

But my second thought is that love, food, companionship of others (again IMHO) are at least as important as sexual attraction and desire and all can be related without explicitly describing the act of sex.

As a teen, I remember picking up Mickey Spillane novels and Erica Jong's Fear of Flying just to skip to "the good parts."

 

[sr71plt]

As a teen, I remember picking up Mickey Spillane novels and Erica Jong's Fear of Flying just to skip to "the good parts."

True, but a corollary to why I write it is that you don't have to go digging for the "good parts" anymore. It's now a highly accessible genre for reader and author alike.

 

[BuckyDuckman]

True, but a corollary to why I write it is that you don't have to go digging for the "good parts" anymore. It's now a highly accessible genre for reader and author alike.

There's so much crappy erotica being sold as books and ebooks - the last substantive work of erotica I can remember was Anne Rice's Sleeping Beauty series. I'm trying to work my way through The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, because so much is made of its "kinkier" side, but struggling is a good word to use for that book. (I hope it read better in its native Swedish!)

Is it possible for a real work of literary erotica to find its way above the trash that's thrown out there? Horror, fantasy, and sci-fi genres all have their break-out writers (King, Straub, Koontz, all come to mind in the horror genre). Where's the break-out erotic writer?

 

[sr71plt]

There's so much crappy erotica being sold as books and ebooks - the last substantive work of erotica I can remember was Anne Rice's Sleeping Beauty series. I'm trying to work my way through The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, because so much is made of its "kinkier" side, but struggling is a good word to use for that book. (I hope it read better in its native Swedish!)

Is it possible for a real work of literary erotica to find its way above the trash that's thrown out there? Horror, fantasy, and sci-fi genres all have their break-out writers (King, Straub, Koontz, all come to mind in the horror genre). Where's the break-out erotic writer?

Let's not get into crap being published (why? Because you didn't write it?). There's crap in the mainstream too. You are getting off your own topic. I don't see individual views of relative quality being on your list, and it's a topic too irritatingly subjective to merit all of the threads it's already been given on Literotica.

So, bye.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

The function of most writing is to inform. Readers want answers, guidance, and solutions. Erotica substitutes for experience if its honest and factual.

 

[TxRad]

I didn't start out to write erotica. I started out to write something about a memory. I was at work on a job with major problems. I had a bunch of free time, access to a computer with Works on it, and I was bored. A very volatile mix to be sure. 187 pages later and one year later, I had a novel.

Is it any good? I think so in a way. It explored a bunch of stuff i hadn't thought much about up until then. Short choppy sentences. I laugh at some of the obvious screwups. I keep editing a little at a time. I posted it in chapters on a website years ago and people loved it. Maybe one day I'll drop it on here and see what happens.

In any case, it jumped started me writing and I haven't looked back.

My mainstream works came from a non-erotic story here on Lit. They may not be on the NYT bestseller list but they made a little money and got my foot in the door.

As for plot bunnies, they are everywhere, everywhere. I stay ass deep in the all the time.

 

[sr71plt]

I can think of maybe twenty or thirty things writing (and particularly writing erotica) is long before I'd come up with "to inform." That's what technical manuals are for, maybe. Not erotica.

 

[TxRad]

I can think of maybe twenty or thirty things writing (and particularly writing erotica) is long before I'd come up with "to inform." That's what technical manuals are for, maybe. Not erotica.

If you're a ten year old like JBJ, maybe.

 

[lance gt]

I would agree with Jimmy to a certain point on informing. I think some readers look for something that they haven't tried and what to know about, before they wade in to the pool. A good erotic story can describe just what they've fantasized about and help make their decision.

I liked writing from an early age and I needed an outlet for some pent up shit back in 2005. I used the story to get it out of me and once it was done, I submitted it here. It did pretty well, so I took another stab at just writing a story and that one did well too. I found I liked writing about my own and other people's experiences and creating a story from them.
I think writing is one of the most influential tools in shaping culture and society and seekers look to writers for answers.
I'm currently writing a novel for mainstream, where I hope to bridge the gap between mainstream and erotica. I believe readers are ready and looking for it in quality writing. If the sex blends into the story and has purpose, it's acceptable, TV proves that.

 

[mynameisben]

I used to write technical manuals. It was the yearning drive to make them erotic that turned me.

 

[Stella_Omega]

the questions are excellent, Bucky, worth answering in brief like a questionnaire;
Why do you write erotica? Because I approach the world through a sexual lens.

What purpose, if any, do you thing YOUR erotica serves? My tastes are, or used to be, so far out of any sort of mainstream that if I didn't write it, I would never be served. It's a DIY thing.

From where does that plot bunny run? From my identity issues, mostly.

What differences do you see between erotica vs porn? None.

it's all on a continuum. Porn doesn't think--erotica at its best is very thinky, but there's lots of porn that almost thinks and erotica that hardly thinks at all.

Does erotica matter?it does to me!

Should writers write from a particular political point of view? If they need to, yes. Of course, there's nothing that makes a ladyboner disappear as fast as a POV that turns you off, but that wasn't the question was it...

What's the problem with your current story? Getting the damn timeline straightened out!

Providing strangers with orgasms - good for the world? Oh, hell yeah.

Who knows what you write? Who do you wish knew? Lots of real-time people know i write erotica, but I don't let them actually read it. I wish some of my sexual heroes would read my work though-- Pat Califia, for one. I bet he'd like my writing.

If you had the chance to become famous as a writer of erotica, would you take it? If I could support myself on my fame, you betcha! Because sadly-- survival is kinda important to me too.

 

[HeyAll]

Really great thread. I'm very interested to see what the other authors write.


Why do you write erotica?

Several reasons. When I first started reading erotic stories, I thought, "Ya know what would make for a hot story, ect...) And so I started writing what I would like to read in hopes that others will enjoy it. If no one read my stories, then I wouldn't write anymore.

It's also a fun hobby that allows me to share certain fantasies with others. And the thinking and constant writing keeps my brain sharp and, I think, it's helped with my writing overall (school, ect..).

What purpose, if any, do you thing YOUR erotica serves?

Lots of people enjoy reading it. It's as simple as that. I love the fact that so many people enjoy my stories the way that I enjoy other people's stories.

What differences do you see between erotica vs porn?

I was watching a documentary on sex in the movies, and a lady responded by saying, "If you have to think about it, then it's art (or erotica- can't remember)". That statement was in regards to the difference between porn and sex scenes in movies.

Does erotica matter?

It's an erotic story website, so sure. A simple sex scene as a story doesn't cut it. It's the context and backdrop which makes it so hot.

What's the problem with your current story?

One story I'm working on, I love the concept, but I can't think of any plot points or details beyond the first few paragraphs. Well, make that two stories. I'm doing just fine with the third.

Providing strangers with orgasms - good for the world?

Wonderful. When people leave comments saying they've had a massive orgasm, I feel like I've done my job. I know I feel the same way when I read other people's stories.

Who knows what you write? Who do you wish knew?

No one. And no one.

If you had the chance to become famous as a writer of erotica, would you take it?

No way. But I'm pleased that half (or more) of my stories have over 100,000+ views on this website.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

If you're a ten year old like JBJ, maybe.

Dear Reader

TEX prefers 10 year old MD 20/20

 

[Angellica1612]

Great thread idea, thanks!

Why do you write erotica? Because I enjoy it.

What purpose, if any, do you thing YOUR erotica serves? To bring pleasure and enjoyment. It's also living vicariously, since I'm single and not dating.

From where does that plot bunny run? I don't even know. I'm like TX, they are everywhere, all the time.

What differences do you see between erotica vs porn? Porn is hardcore sex. Erotica involves characters with some depth that draws the reader in and makes them care.

Does erotica matter? I think so.

Should writers write from a particular political point of view? If it fits the storyline, sure. You'd have to be careful though, the point of it is more about the relationships and eroticism. If you come on too strong with a political viewpoint, it could kill the story.

What's the problem with your current story? Which one? Actually, the last one I started I love the idea, but the characters are coming out sounding kind of flat and cardboardy (new word, I just invented it!).

Providing strangers with orgasms - good for the world? How could it not be??

Who knows what you write? Who do you wish knew? No one in rl knows. Maybe someday I'll tell them, we'll see.

If you had the chance to become famous as a writer of erotica, would you take it? Yep. Of course, in that case I guess I'd have to tell the r/l peeps

 

[Angellica1612]

I used to write technical manuals. It was the yearning drive to make them erotic that turned me.

Tee hee

 

[sr71plt]

I would agree with Jimmy to a certain point on informing. I think some readers look for something that they haven't tried and what to know about, before they wade in to the pool. A good erotic story can describe just what they've fantasized about and help make their decision.

I could see that as one reason to READ erotica; I couldn't see it as the main reason to WRITE erotica (which was the topic: writing it, not reading it).

 

[lance gt]

I can think of maybe twenty or thirty things writing (and particularly writing erotica) is long before I'd come up with "to inform." That's what technical manuals are for, maybe. Not erotica.

The function of most writing is to inform. Readers want answers, guidance, and solutions. Erotica substitutes for experience if its honest and factual.

In response to the comment given by Jimmy and your rebuttal to him, I fail to see where anyone said the MAIN reason for writing erotica was to inform, merely an avenue some take to gain knowledge.

 

[sr71plt]

In response to the comment given by Jimmy and your rebuttal to him, I fail to see where anyone said the MAIN reason for writing erotica was to inform, merely an avenue some take to gain knowledge.

You're right. He said it was the ONLY function of most writing (with the topic of the thread being erotica). And he didn't identify another function

The function of most writing is to inform.

So, OK. How many writers of erotica here write erotica "mostly" to inform readers on technique? Don't be shy. Step right up and declare yourself as a intentional professor of sex information.

I won't be stepping up. I write to give myself a buzz and, hopefully, to give my readers a buzz too--along with a complete, engaging story.

 

[SamScribble]

I started writing erotica because the odd bit that I had read seemed to be so badly written.

Typically, it was a bloke with enormous cock meets a woman with enormous tits and they fuck. Sometimes it was a bloke with enormous cock meets two women with enormous tits and they all fuck. Or even two blokes (both with enormous cocks) fuck a woman with enormous tits.

In addition to the lack of plot, the ‘stories’ usually had poor grammar and totally unconvincing dialogue. And, as I tried to read them, I found myself being continually distracted by the rubbish writing. In fact, I seldom managed to read to the end.

One day I mentioned all of this to an ex-wife. She agreed that it was hard to find stories that were both erotic and well-written. ‘Why don’t you write one,’ she said. And so I did. And then I wrote another. And another.

I’m not sure that I have the erotic element completely sorted out yet. But, from the feedback I get from readers, nobody seems to have too much trouble reading my stuff. And many seem to enjoy it.

 

[lance gt]

You're right. He said it was the ONLY function of most writing (with the topic of the thread being erotica). And he didn't identify another function

The function of most writing is to inform.

So, OK. How many writers of erotica here write erotica "mostly" to inform readers on technique? Don't be shy. Step right up and declare yourself as a intentional professor of sex information.

I won't be stepping up. I write to give myself a buzz and, hopefully, to give my readers a buzz too--along with a complete, engaging story.

Honestly Pilot, I'd have that mental problem checked out and hopefully get some good meds.

You may write sex in terms of technique, some reviews have shown that, but most write about the experience as a whole and the emotional aspects of it. Some people haven't had a great deal of experience and others have. Just the Smith's keeping up with the Jone's.

 

[sr71plt]

I don't see the relevance in your post to what I posted, Lance. JBJ made a straightforward, unvarished statement in response to the topic of why one writes erotica. I think his response was nonsense and said so. And I responded to the content of his post, not to him. I haven't the foggiest idea where you've run off with the topic, but I'm happy to register you as one who writes erotica mostly to inform readers on technique (to the extent you have a handle on that), if that's what you want.

Actually, as far as I can decipher your post, I don't see where you are disagreeing with my disagreement with James's post. What I see is just you attacking me personally. And I certainly do write about the emotional aspect of sex, as hordes of my readers have commented. (There you go attacking my stories again, which only an asshole would do on a writer's forum.) You just couldn't stop yourself from the personal attacking that the OP requested not be done, can you?

 

[BONNIEBREA]

Some answers to a few of your question.

Why erotica. Like others I find trying to write prose that would be acceptable in a mainstream audience too limiting. The wide world of sexual expression and kink is out there (even if only practiced within a monogomous relationship) and it's a fundamental part of the human composition. How does one write without any reference in that direction? Although I have to say that as my writing has progressed I find it has been less directly concerned with sexual/erotic material. I still write erotica, but I've become more interested in the characters and plots behind and around the encounters. I get complaints all the time that my stories start 'too slow'.

About political points of view. I understand authors write prose that is designed to thematically advance a political point of view. Some are very good at it (think Aldous Huxley), others are very bad at it (think Ayn Rand). To the extent there are any political viewpoints in my prose I would rather have my characters express their political viewpoints, rather than try to theme a story with a political sub-text (and I think the two are very different endeavors).

About being 'famous'. People tend to lump concepts like 'famous', 'good', 'conventionally published', and the like together too freely and unthinkingly. Most authors want as many people as possible to read their stories. To the extent that conventional publishing can reach a wider readership more quickly, that's all to the good. But there is little conventionally published erotica that qualifies as 'good' writing, and 'literary' writing in erotica is almost non-existent. Remember, publishers and editors of erotica like well-written and original material about as much as movie studios do (which, of course, is to say not at all). They want formula narratives 'about' something, so they can put some 'bondage' narratives in their bondage e-bin, and some 'lesbian vampire' stuff in their 'lesbian vampire' e-bin. So if you can write formula stuff well enough then you can be 'famous'. But I've found that in the world of erotica the better an author writes (defining 'better' as the ability and skill to write well-written literary material) the less likely he/she is to be conventionally published and 'be famous'.

 

[Feotakahari]

I'm the sort of snotty artist who thinks he has good stories to tell, many of which allow for (and a fraction of which necessitate) content that wouldn't be printable in a mainstream magazine. I don't have time to write all of them, so at the moment, I write the ones I think will be popular here, both for their literary quality, and of course for their hotness. (I'll broaden my range if I can find a publisher for the non-erotic stories I've already written.)