WRITING EROTICA
1. It's not all about the sex-really.
- While sex does play a key role in erotica, the sex itself is secondary to the development of the characters and plot.
A good erotica writer knows that, no matter how great the sex is, there still needs to be a good, solid story if one wants to hold a reader's interest.2. Dynamics sell.
- Flat characters never go far, but in erotica, you really do have your work cut out for you when it comes to creating believable and entertaining character dynamics.
Dashing heroes make for great romance and passionate love-making, but they won't keep the story going.
Think about the characteristics that you find most entertaining, and then brainstorm:
Readers like characters who use fun dialog, have a good sense of humor, and make interesting choices.
What types of hobbies, beliefs or interests might help to develop your characters-and give them something in common?
The hero must be worth pursuing, and the heroine must be worthy of her hero.3. Perspective is pivotal.
- Most readers prefer erotica shown from the female perspective, unless the work is written specifically for readers of M/M (man on man).
If you have an idea for a heterosexual erotic story with the hero taking full lead, consider ways you might revise it to focus more on the female's point of view.
Some (very limited) authors have found success in shifting through both points of view, and it works well in some circ*mstances, but many editors will frown on the "head hopping" of internal dialog.4. Mixed-genre erotica and erotic romance are all the rage.
- While many readers still enjoy straight erotica, mixed-genre erotica is a great avenue to take for writers looking for their niche.
Use your literary interests to your advantage and write what you like, letting the erotic aspects work as an added feature to your work.
You'll have more fun writing, and that will shine through to your readers.5. Know your target audience and make sure you brand your work accordingly.
- Are you writing for fans of erotic romance or other subgenres?
Make sure that romance is a strong part of your plot if you're planning on marketing to erotic romance readers, and make sure you're clear about your subgenres.
Let your audience know what they're in for before they read your work: if you are including kinky or gay/lesbian aspects to your story, or if you are incorporating audience-specific subgenres such as horror, steampunk, or hard science fiction, be clear about those aspects in your marketing.
Readers do not respond well to these types of surprises.6. Don't be afraid to take chances.
- One point that I cannot stress enough is the importance to be innovative and unique in your erotica.
There are only so many ways to write a traditional sex scene, and they can become repetitive and boring.
Use your subgenres to your advantage. What is it about your characters or their circ*mstances that you can use to make your erotica different?
What limits can you break, without crossing the line?7. Don't be too quick to relieve your audience of the romantic and/or sexual tension.
- Let it build, let it fall, let a heart or two break, and then give the readers what they've been waiting for.8. Great sex doesn't always have to include love.
- While erotic romance is a hot market right now, don't underestimate the power of pure, raw, primal sex.
It can be fun and interesting to develop characters that make their moves based on pure attraction, the love/hate dichotomy, and revenge or rebound.9. Don't forget the foreplay.
- Just as it is important to build sexual tension, it is also important to make sure your characters don't jump into the act of lovemaking too quickly.
Foreplay helps to add to the sexual tension you've already built between your characters, and it makes that final "climactic" release all the more satisfying.10. Be tactful about your ending.
- Like romance, erotica and erotic romance readers tend to expect a "happily ever after" or "happy for now" ending.
Don't let your audience down by offering them a great story, only to leave them hanging or disappointed by the characters' outcomes.
Even cliffhangers in series need to give the readers hope that all is well, if at least for the time being.
If the main couple does not end up together, make sure there is a good reason for it, and that they are better off going their separate ways.Writing erotica can be a fun and rewarding venture, but as with any genre there are rules to which the author must adhere.
While rules can sometimes be stretched or even broken, knowing your audience and your market will go a long way in helping you to promote your work.
Have fun, write what you like, but make sure that you're also writing with your target audience in mind.
Good luck!© Chuck Sambuchino (Writer's Digest)
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in the field of erotica writing, I understand the nuances and intricacies involved in creating compelling and engaging stories that go beyond just explicit sexual content. My extensive experience and deep knowledge of the genre allow me to craft narratives that captivate readers and keep them invested in the characters and plot.
One crucial aspect to remember is that while sex plays a vital role in erotica, it should not overshadow the development of the characters and the story itself. A successful erotica writer knows that a strong and well-crafted narrative is essential to maintain a reader's interest. Even if the sex scenes are exceptionally well-written, they should serve as a complement to the overall story rather than the sole focus.
Creating believable and entertaining character dynamics is another crucial element in erotica. Flat characters will not captivate readers, and in this genre, it becomes even more important to develop characters with depth and complexity. Consider incorporating fun dialogue, a sense of humor, and interesting choices to make your characters more relatable and engaging. Explore their hobbies, beliefs, and interests to give them something in common and enhance the chemistry between them.
When it comes to perspective, most readers prefer erotica shown from the female's point of view, unless the work is explicitly written for readers of M/M (man on man). If you have an idea for a heterosexual erotic story with the male lead dominating the narrative, consider revising it to focus more on the female's perspective. Some authors have found success in shifting between both points of view, but it is important to be cautious of excessive "head hopping" of internal dialogue, as many editors frown upon it.
Mixed-genre erotica and erotic romance have gained popularity among readers. While traditional erotica still has its audience, combining elements of other genres with the erotic aspects can help writers find their niche. Use your literary interests to your advantage and write what you enjoy, allowing the erotic elements to enhance your work rather than overshadow it.
Knowing your target audience is crucial in branding your work appropriately. If you are writing for fans of erotic romance or other subgenres, ensure that romance is a strong component of your plot. Clearly communicate the subgenres and any specific aspects, such as kinky or LGBTQ+ themes, horror, steampunk, or science fiction, in your marketing. Readers appreciate transparency and dislike surprises that may not align with their preferences.
Innovation and uniqueness are key in erotica writing. Avoid repetitive and mundane traditional sex scenes by utilizing your subgenres to create something fresh and exciting. Explore what sets your characters apart and how their circ*mstances can be used to make your erotica stand out. Push the boundaries without crossing the line, and be willing to take risks to keep your writing captivating and distinctive.
Building and maintaining sexual tension is vital in erotica. Allow the tension to build and fall, let hearts break, and then fulfill the readers' desires. Don't rush into the sexual act too quickly; use foreplay to heighten the tension between your characters. This will make the final release all the more satisfying and impactful.
Finally, be tactful about your ending. Like in romance, erotica and erotic romance readers typically expect a "happily ever after" or a "happy for now" ending. It is essential to provide closure and satisfy your audience's expectations. Even in series with cliffhangers, ensure that there is hope and a sense that all is well, at least for the time being. If the main couple does not end up together, make sure there is a valid reason for it, and that they are better off going their separate ways.
Writing erotica can be a rewarding and enjoyable endeavor, but it is important to follow the rules of the genre. While some rules can be stretched or even broken, understanding your target audience and market is crucial to effectively promote your work. Have fun, write what you love, and always keep your audience in mind. Good luck on your journey in the world of erotica writing!
