How to Write Erotica

by Rachel Kramer Bussel

Learn the ropes of erotic writing from the renowned erotica maven herself, Rachel Kramer Bussel!

Have you had intimate fantasies or simmering plotlines you’ve wanted to write but weren’t sure how or where to start? Let renowned erotica author and editor Rachel Kramer Bussel show you how to turn those fragments into fully fleshed out erotic stories, novellas and novels. In this indispensable nonfiction craft guide, Bussel takes her 20+ years of experience in the genre and walks writers through the ins and outs of erotic writing. Whether you want to see your work on the shelves of bookstores, pen sexy stories or letters for a partner or simply explore your creativity, How to Write Erotica will put you on the path to becoming the next Anaïs Nin!

Having taught erotic writing workshops at universities, conferences and sex toy stores across the world and online, Bussel knows how to make even those who blush at the word “sex” feel comfortable putting pen to paper. Her easy-to-follow method to penning erotica is broken down utilizing helpful tactics that


Aspiring erotic authors of all genders will learn everything they need to know about gaining inspiration from their everyday surroundings, breaking into publishing, promoting their work and making a name for themselves. From pseudonyms to BDSM, overcoming writer’s block and crafting sultry, believable characters, Bussel’s advice will have you seeing erotic possibilities everywhere. You don’t need an advanced degree, previous writing experience or sexual experience to write good erotica. All you need is a keen imagination and a willingness to follow your lusty mind wherever it takes you.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Erotica, Audiobook, How To

222 pages, Paperback

Published February 14, 2023

About the author

I'm the editor of the Best Women's Erotica of the Year series and over 70 anthologies including The Big Book of Orgasms and Come Again: Sex Toy Erotica. I've also written a wide range of erotica about everything from French fries to fishnets. I write about books, culture, sexuality and relationships, teach erotica writing workshops and consult with erotica authors and sex writers to help them advance their careers. I read a wide range of genres, from erotica to romance to mystery to memoir to graphic novels and anything that strikes my fancy. See my website for my newsletter with book giveaways and writing samples.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a great primer for anyone looking to get into writing erotica, from someone whose experience and authority is undisputed. Rachel is thoughtful and inclusive throughout, and hits on all of the major aspects of writing in this genre. I really liked the emphasis on the more cerebral parts of writing erotica, and there's lots of examples to illustrate her points. If anything, I think the chapter on writing prompts could have been organized better, and maybe put at the end instead of in the middle. Overall, a really excellent resource for erotica writers.

My thanks to Rachel Kramer Bussel for the ARC.

[mirror · Rating 2 out of 5]

straightforward, prosaic
a large chunk of this was just on writing in general and writing good, and ways of getting inspiration for writing, which i felt somewhat familiar already, but was interesting to read the thoughts of someone who does write erotica as a career i mean. heres my detailed notes:

- sex n dirty words isnt enough, need tension, atmosphere, mood
- see the world thru an erotic lens can give you insp
- what is erotica
- explores what arousal n desire n sex mean to the characters in the context of writing intended to arouse
- turn the reader on, get readers to understand your characters turn ons n sexual psyche
- characters can have fears worries questions about sex
- good erotica ideally lets you think while also getting turned on without getting in the way of itself
- understand specific details of description that might evoke sexual feelings in the reader
- needs to be more than memorable, needs to get inside head to make u think n feel as well
- most classic erotica isnt sexy at all, was made to mock the middle class or clergy or hipicrasy in general
- exploration of a relationship thru sexual encounters
- opportunity to explore your own sexual fantasies
where to get erotic ideas
- see mundane moments thru a different lens
- billboard ads, phrases, newspaper
- objects and rooms in daily life
- interactions between people, coworkers, customer svc
- morning/evening routines, being late for work, being stuck in traffic, forgetting smth at store , boring office meeting, package delivery, interaction w stranger, arousal in unlikely/inconvenient setting, waiting in drs office, waiting in line at store, one partner home and one isnt yet
- plot and setting: whys the sex happening, is this normal or unususl, are there others around
- using normal implements in public in a way thats trying not to be noticed
- giving a boring or frustrating activity or chore an erotic twist
- unique settings and how to utilize them
- real life sexual experiences n interactions
- popular tropes and twist/subvert
- authors story "picturing you naked" where guy is giving company speech bbut also directed to his lover w double entendres"
- sex ed/kink/toy stores
- ask other ppl abt their fantasies, explore others dating profiles
- kinkly.com posts a word of the day
- erotic dictionaries ‼️
- the cleis press sextionary
- naughty words for nice writers
- give your character action, take thrm out of comfort zone
erotica writing prompts
- emphasize whats sexy for your characters, make the reader understand
- sex tech, research whats actually being developed rn or just imagine the future possibilities

[SALEM · Rating 4 out of 5]

A typical erotic scene would start from a cozy comfy bed with people who might be wearing the least amount of clothes.

A non typical erotic scene would start from other furniture pieces like Office Chair or Restaurant Table with people who are fully dressed, with people who have no direct communication or possible way to eventually end up in a physical contact.

And this is what is called Creativity.

And Creativity tools and ideas illustrated in this book are not exclusive only for this type of literature, but for all types of creative writings!

[Ryan Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fine guide for generating ideas and finding some inspiration. But, it could've... GONE DEEPER! (Sorry.) One thing that occurred to me while reading this is that it's not for aspiring erotica writers. It's probably a nice tool for successful writers who want to write, or keep writing erotica but those interested in starting down this road would do well to read the better books on (just) writing. Erotica often sucks in very much the same way that religious music and educational films suck. They all suck so often because they had a point, first. Meaning, the author had an agenda and created a vehicle to get there. This almost invariably results in a flaccid product. In good films, music, and erotica, the inspiration and honed ability to write comes first and comes hard and the message flows within that gushing creativity. In other words, good erotica only happens within good writing.

I'm using the star system as follows: 0 = trash, I read it but I wish I hadn't, 1 = tolerable as a distraction but little more, 2 = an OK read, preferable to not reading but I'm not likely to recommend it, 3 = a good and enjoyable read, I probably would recommend it 4 = important, enhancing, and/ or a great read, I'd strongly recommend it and may read it again, 5 = transcendent, incomparable, and/ or life changing.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick impressions: This is then probably the best book you can get on the topic at this time. You get a very reputable and knowledgeable author writing a solid guide full of advice, prompts, examples, and experiences. This is a book that can make you want to write erotica. It certainly makes me want to take a chance at writing it.

(Full review with reading notes available on my blog soon.)

[Mickey Casario · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book gave great tips about publishing. Some of the snippets of erotica and the tips about finding synonyms and/or euphemisms were exactly what you’d expect from bad erotica, though there were no mention of “love caves” or “fun sticks.” I’d still recommend reading it even for the bad parts because they were laugh out loud funny, even if unintentionally so.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

Underwhelmed by this write guide. Hit on some decent points but generally kinda Meh. Not bad, but not good.

[Mischa Eliot · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Write Erotica is an excellent read for anyone looking to create sexy and sensual stories in fiction or non-fiction.

I also recommend taking a course taught by Rachel Kramer Bussel when available. She's capable of pulling the best story possible out of you if you're dedicated to listening and lowering.

Note: Be aware that some websites run for prompts have ended their run. However, if the archives are still active, they could still be used as a way to spark story ideas.

[Elise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't really have expectations around this book and I think it was mostly better than I expected. There are a lot of writing prompts and really practical tips in here around both the writing process it self and also the business/publishing side of things. The author also really makes a point to be inclusive, which I appreciated. I wasn't super wowed by most of the snippets included but they were also just short paragraphs.

[Anita Rao · Rating 3 out of 5]

A work read! Very accessible thorough primer. I appreciated the specificity of the examples and the wide range of prompts! I think this is a great resource for aspiring writers and just folks who want to try erotica for fun!

[Zev · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm glad I read this!

[Rebecca Blanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great guide by one of the most prolific erotic writers and editors working today. Even after I've published dozens of erotic pieces, I still learned stuff with this guide.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the prompts would have gone better at the end of the book instead of the middle. Some of the advice was generic, but still good and specific to erotica as opposed to general writing.

[Sierra Bee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't really like the writing style all that much. Didn't find it very helpful.

[Christopher McDevitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Largely a collection of examples, prompts and links. Most could be found in FAQS on subreddits and message boards.