[Nicki Leigh]

This thread's very interesting and convincing. I've dabbled in writing erotica in the past (and by now, who hasn't). I even had a piece published online a ways back through a small publisher. Thing is, I wrote it because of a dare my hubby made. He told me to write outside my comfort zone, so I went way, way out I'd considered writing erotica, if only to help fund my fantasy novels, but...what if it takes off? I can't just write a few stories and then ditch my readers. I'd feel terrible.

I'm not saying I'd want to flop, but since erotica works as shorts, readers can devour what you write pretty fast. To keep readers sated, how often would you suggest putting out a short between 2,000 and 7,000 words?

 

[Retired]

I'm not saying I'd want to flop, but since erotica works as shorts, readers can devour what you write pretty fast. To keep readers sated, how often would you suggest putting out a short between 2,000 and 7,000 words?

Some erotica authors I know try to publish a short story a week, but I keep hearing they burn out after several months. Some people say one a month is a more realistic goal. My publisher has put out two titles for me this year (10,000 and 26,000 words). It really depends on you, on how and what you write. Are you a fast writer or a slow one? Do you edit and revise extensively? By erotica do you mean a meaty, well-developed story driven by the sexual storyline, or do you mean graphic accounts of sexual encounters? I believe readers of any genre will remain fans if your books hit them in the right spot, even if they have to wait awhile between releases.

 

[Nicki Leigh]

Thanks for the reply, Aislynn.

My shorts aren't meaty, but they aren't bare bones either. I give readers enough storyline and descriptions to heat them up. I guess the best way to describe my shorts are something a couple could read together as something of a warm-up exercise. Then, because they're so short, the same couple can move on to couple-type things

 

[Retired]

Thanks for the reply, Aislynn.

My shorts aren't meaty, but they aren't bare bones either. I give readers enough storyline and descriptions to heat them up. I guess the best way to describe my shorts are something a couple could read together as something of a warm-up exercise. Then, because they're so short, the same couple can move on to couple-type things

Oh, that sounds intriguing. If you can swing it mentally, emotionally, and quality-wise, try to put out titles in rather short succession. Quality is more important that speed, though. Heh-heh.

 

[Nicki Leigh]

Thank you, Aislynn. I'm actually working on one now that has me somewhat...errrm...compromised?

I forgot how fun these can be to write, even if we do kind of torture ourselves. I found the perfect stock for the cover as well. I just need to finish it, cool down, editing it and then see what the hubby says.

 

[Retired]

Thank you, Aislynn. I'm actually working on one now that has me somewhat...errrm...compromised?

I forgot how fun these can be to write, even if we do kind of torture ourselves. I found the perfect stock for the cover as well. I just need to finish it, cool down, editing it and then see what the hubby says.

That's exactly as it should be, lol.

 

[Nicki Leigh]

I tend to believe it.

On a somewhat related note...do erotic writers ever get...desensitized from their own writing? I was talking to the hubby on the phone, and I just cannot see myself doing this for 50-60,000 words. I mean, I enjoy it but geeze, I'd need a lot of breaks.

 

[Retired]

On a somewhat related note...do erotic writers ever get...desensitized from their own writing? I was talking to the hubby on the phone, and I just cannot see myself doing this for 50-60,000 words. I mean, I enjoy it but geeze, I'd need a lot of breaks.

It's difficult to maintain that state of mind (and body, if you're really getting into what you're writing) for a long time, yes. I certainly need breaks. And having a significant other around helps quite a bit.

 

[Retired]

I guess that applies to all genres though and not just erotica?

To some extent. I think writing erotica makes you more physically involved, though. With any genre, you can have a racing pulse, tense muscles, and what have you, but with erotica, you're also spending hours at a time in a highly aroused sexual state. I'm not saying that's not a lot of fun, mind you.

 

[Nicki Leigh]

Sadly, the hubby is away for another 3 hours. But I am almost done the draft for the piece I began this morning. It's strange. It came to mind as I was making tea this morning, and whenever I try to close down word, another sentence or two comes to mind for it. I love when stories write themselves, even if this one is a quickie.

 

[Nicki Leigh]

Try it...you might just like it.

 

[Retired]

Sadly, the hubby is away for another 3 hours. But I am almost done the draft for the piece I began this morning. It's strange. It came to mind as I was making tea this morning, and whenever I try to close down word, another sentence or two comes to mind for it. I love when stories write themselves, even if this one is a quickie.

Those are the best sort.

*considers writing in a new genre*

Ha-ha, welcome to the dark side!

 

[Retired]

Why does that sound ominous?

Because it makes you think of the bad guys in the Star Wars movies? Who, I'm sure, got up to all sorts of erotic high jinks. And that's another thread altogether.

 

[Nicki Leigh]

Star Wars erotica? Heck, I'd give it a shot 

Finished the rough draft. Reading over it, it feels sucky to me, even though I felt different while writing it. I think I'm just sexually worn out Think is, my MC's parnet has no name so I'm kind of limited in what to call him.

 

[Retired]

Star Wars erotica? Heck, I'd give it a shot

Finished the rough draft. Reading over it, it feels sucky to me, even though I felt different while writing it. I think I'm just sexually worn out Think is, my MC's parnet has no name so I'm kind of limited in what to call him.

Darth Vader Does Dallas? Hee-hee!.

Your MC's . . . what?

 

[Nicki Leigh]

MC's a female who shares her services with other men. But her favorite client prefers it if she doesn't know his name or what he looks like.

 

[Krista D. Ball]

To some extent. I think writing erotica makes you more physically involved, though. With any genre, you can have a racing pulse, tense muscles, and what have you, but with erotica, you're also spending hours at a time in a highly aroused sexual state. I'm not saying that's not a lot of fun, mind you.

I am so writing the wrong genre...

 

[Nicki Leigh]

Krista, I say it's good in small doses, but I think I need a few days off before I do this again I'm so bad that I get heated just from writing a passionate kissing scene between two of my characters in my fantasy novels

 

[RubyGoodnight]

I definitely needed to take a few breaks writing my last story. A bit of a breather now until the next one starts getting typed up.

As far as sales go - my first book has been up a week and I've sold 10 copies (7 .com's and 3 .co.uk's). From what I've heard, that's not a bad start?

 

[Nicki Leigh]

Compared to my fantasy sales, it isn't bad at all. I know most authors on here say 4-8 sales in the first month is the norm, but I know erotica works differently. I just don't know enough about the genre to answer.