Back in the days when the Writer's Bug bit me, online publishing was still a great distance in the future. To write for publication meant only one thing, to write for the print media. I wanted to write serious nonfiction. I wanted to write articles on science, auto mechanics, electricity, electronics, photography, etc. I wanted to have those articles published in mainstream publications but breaking into those markets was almost impossible for an unknown writer with no published clips. I bought Writer's Market, I sent out queries; I submitted articles on speculation, with no success. Editors answered my queries asking for clips. My over the transom manuscripts came back with polite rejection slips. Then, one day, a friend suggested that I write about sex and sexual fantasies for all the "Real Letter" magazines that were just starting to pop up all over the place. I did and I sold four out every five submissions. Back then erotica was the easiest genre for a new writer to break into. That was over thirty-five years ago. I haven't written erotica for money in over thirty years now. Today I write in my chosen genres for both online publishers as well as for print publications. Today I write erotica simply because I enjoy writing it.
Today I also write erotica because it's a way for me to express my feelings about the way society perceives human sexuality. I have always felt that what ever gives two or people pleasure and causes no one harm is good for them and should be no ones business except their own. Many years ago, a very wise college professor told us during a Psych 101 lecture that no one can legislate human sexuality and that no one should have the right to try.
I would love to hear how you started writing erotica and why you write erotica today. Post your answers here, or, if it's too personal for everyone to read, send me a direct message and I'll respond in like manner.
Active Ink Slinger
