Tag Archive: erotica


My Writing: Erotic Pennings

Filed under: My Writing, Other Writings — 6 Comments
March 8, 2013

black notebook and red pencil from OpenClipArtThis was the section I was looking forward to the most. ^_^ I don’t do a whole of erotica at the moment, but there is looooooooads of it bumming around on my PC and desktop. So, to keep up my series on writing, it would be less than complete without me talking about this.

Erotica… stories to excite, titillate and arouse. The Google definition is intended to arouse sexual desire. My definition is to make one want to lock themselves in a dark, quiet room with something that vibrates. Just kidding.

There is a fine line between erotica and pornography, something that came up as a hot topic last week at Phoenix Writers. And in several places prior. Personally, when I’m in full swing, I dance on that line and kick up my heels like a crazy person. If I’m really on a roll I leap over that line and leave it behind in my dust trails. Frankly put, I like writing porn. It’s funny, more than anything else, but it’s also pleasurable. I can’t deny that. Anything I plan to publish, or expose to anybody other than myself, I class as erotica.

I’m not going to spend any time in this post talking about where that line is drawn. I’ve done that elsewhere and I probably will again (it’s interesting and I’m keen to know what you guys think – later). What I am going to talk about is a half baked plan I had some time ago because I think it links in with some of my other plans.

First; by the middle of the year, I plan to have an ebook available to buy. I can’t decide if it’s going to be a collection of flash, short stories or a novella, but there will be an ebook available to buy by July. And it will be erotic. There may also be a physical book, though that is not so important as the ebook.
Second; this book, however it turns out, will be released under my other-other name.

I’m not foolish – over ambitious perhaps, but not foolish – I know that time is not exactly on my side. I don’t have much of it to spare. However, I’m starting to feel that if I don’t do something soon, I’ll never do it. Ever. It’s so easy to plan and polish and perfect and rehash and thinking and set deadlines, but actually taking the action is hard. This series, as well as me nattering about types of writing, is a means for me to set out goals for myself. So that is my goal; an ebook release by July. Hmm, wait, it’s March now… maybe September is a little more realistic. ;-)

I feel I should also explain why I plan to release the book under my other name. Not just to explain to you, but to make sure it’s clear for me too.
I’ve worked hard building my brand. There is still a way to go of course; there is always more I can do, but I understand that self publishing can be a risky undertaking. It doesn’t have to be, but the first attempt is always the one you learn most from – another reason why I just want to begin and start that learning process. I don’t want to risk a black spot on my brand by releasing something ‘too early’ or ‘before I’m ready.’ Obviously I intend that this ebook will be as good as I can make it, but common sense dictates that it won’t be a patch on what I’ll be able to do in later months/years. I’m going to use this (these?) early releases() as a spring board for novels (Clash Of The Animal Kings, Mathais, possibly Silk Over Razor Blades) under the name Ileandra Young and I want to get the practice in first. Does that make sense?
I mind slightly less that my other-other name is less than perfect.
Additionally, since beginning this blog, though I’ve talked about erotica there hasn’t been as much of it as there has been high and urban fantasy. As I’ve previously discussed, I don’t want to risk diluting my brand by spreading myself too thin.

Okay! With all that out of the way, I guess you’d like a sample?

Well my computer seems to have eaten most of my erotica but I have found some yaoi from 2008. *snerk* If you don’t know what yaoi is, you should take a look at this and then come back. Hehee. Can’t call it anything other than porn really. This yaoi features characters from Gundam Wing and I suppose I should make the point of saying that the characters aren’t owned by me and I’ve used them as an adoring fan, but totally without permission, blah, blah, blah.

The kiss broke abruptly as Duo pulled his face back, knocking his head lightly against the door. “Well,” he whispered, eyes flickering here and there over Heero before coming to rest on his eyes again, “you still want to leave?”
“Hn.” Heero narrowed his eyes dangerously and he looked at Duo with sudden menace in his eyes. “Walk out of here now and I’ll kill you myself.” He said softly.
It was a threat, and a genuine one too, of that Duo had no doubt. But he loved it. The danger Heero emanated like sweat and the power in his gaze, was more of an aphrodisiac than anything Duo had ever encountered before. He gave a little moan of his own and pressed his lips to Heero’s again, enjoying the sheer innocent clumsiness of the other man.
It was plain that Heero had no idea what he was doing, but that didn’t bother Duo. He knew he would enjoy teaching him what to do, starting with something as simple as a kiss. Duo opened his mouth wide and attacked with his tongue, rubbing it against Heero’s before running it along the inside of his lips. Deep in his throat, a groan spilled upwards, bursting from his mouth as a loud growl that Heero copied exactly.
Duo pulled his head back again and licked his lips, enjoying the faint puffiness he felt there from Heero’s roughness. He liked it rough; it was exactly how he had imagined it. “Heero,” he said firmly, “take off your shirt.” Already his fingers were working, pulling at his own clothing, stripping off his jacket and dropping it to the floor before fumbling with his buttons. “What are you waiting for?!” He demanded as Heero stood stock still. “Take off your clothes.”
“I want to watch you.” Came the simple reply.
Frantic with desire, Duo ripped at his shirt, sending buttons flying as he watched Heero’s eyes hungrily drink in the sight of his body. The ache in his trousers was almost unbearable now, but Duo forced himself to take his time, realising that this was even better for Heero who was now panting and watching with wide, round eyes.

Yes, I stopped before it got too much. Wait for the book. ^_^

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My Writing: Novels

Filed under: My Writing, NaNoWriMo 2010, Other Writings, Silk Over Razor Blades — 3 Comments
March 5, 2013

black notebook and red pencil from OpenClipArtAfter a little break, we’re back to my running series on my writing. Novels now, which, as you might expect, is where my heart lies.

Novels defined as being above 50,000 words. 80,000 tends to be where publishers and agents want you to stop, particularly if you’re an unknown. 100,000 puts you in the territory of epics (think Robert Jordan and George R R Martin).

I’ve talked already about how much I wanted to write a book in my youth. And how I went about doing it. Since then I’ve written other novels that at some point I can do something with.

For me, the novel is my heart’s home because they provide the chance to play with the beginning, middle and end. Obviously you can do that with the other story styles I’ve talked about, but there is a new level of discipline and skill involved in getting a clear, plot hole free story into 50,000 words.

NaNoWriMo is an excellent means to play with this. A 50,000 word piece of writing in the space of a month.

I read novels the most. Hell, only yesterday I finished reading The Da Vinci Code (ugh) and this morning began on The Picture of Dorian Grey. This year to date, though I haven’t strictly been counting, I have probably devoured in the region of twelve books.

I adore walking into WH Smiths, or Waterstones and looking at all the books on the shelves. Big ones, little ones, tall ones, short ones, thick ones, narrow ones, paperback, hardback…. Just thinking about it makes me dreamy!

My favourite ‘celebrities’ are novelists such as Shaun Hutson, Robert Jordan, Kelley Armstrong, Katherine Kerr and so on and so on. I respect and admire someone able to put together a story, more than any actor, politician, musician or… anything.

I wish I could probably explain exactly what it is about the novel that draws me to it, but I’m really struggling. And I notice that this post has become somewhat rambly rather than a sensible talk about novels and my plans, so let me rein it in a bit:

Silk Over Razor Blades and the two novels which follow will take up most of my time and care. I shouldn’t really start on anything else until this trilogy is done to my satisfaction, but of course other bits and bobs will no doubt interrupt me. There is Clash Of The Animal Kings which I really should be submitting to anywhere I can, and my epic fantasy (as yet unnamed) that I still feel pressure to write, charting the back story of my favourite role play character.

I feel that my capacity to produce novels is actually better and further reaching than my capacity to produce short stories, or even flash. I can’t decide however, if that is because novels take me so long to write :p or because I have so many ideas. Ha, I’ll have to let you know on that score. ^_^

Right, I think I’ll leave you with a sample. This is from that epic fantasy I mentioned. As it stands, the tale has reached in excess of 100,000 words and is barely past what I consider to the the prologue. If this is not considered an epic or a series, then I don’t know what is. O.o

Rhea frowned. Her eyes followed Tarinn’s hands and the familiar way he draped himself all over her daughter. It made her uneasy… and angry. The Grown’s voice was low, a dangerously soft whisper as her lively, dark eyes sparkled with fury. “Your future you say? With T’keyah?”
This, more than anything else enraged Rhea, despite Solen’s old promises to the same. It was a long time ago that T’keyah was promised to Tarinn, when both were extremely young, but now, Rhea was in a position to change that. She was glad.
“I appreciate your concern Tarinn,” she said coolly, calming herself, “but I think the time has come for me to explain something. You are far too hot. Matiya doesn’t rest calmly in you as he does with us; he burns in you, filling your spirit with hot steam. I need a Me’yahan with a level head to save us and that Me’yahan will never be you. I would send Kane alone before I sent you anywhere near Gaea, especially with my daughter in tow! And I’d give her to Vanek himself before I let you have her!”
Open mouthed, Tarinn stared at Rhea. A fire burned his eyes, as much a proof of Rhea’s words as anything else could be. A second fist rose, trembling, to join the first. They quivered before him, fingers flexing tighter and tighter. Steam rose about him, water boiled from the very air by the heat of his fury.
His hands jerked suddenly, even as Kane and T’keyah both smoothly slipped in front of him, their own eyes burning with fury. T’keyah especially looked all but ready to attack the man herself, aware that in another second or more he may have struck her mother.
But Tarinn didn’t attack. Instead, slowly, he backed away, steam continuing to curl about his face.
“Sëbo, Grown Rhea, as you will. I will remain here, but as to- as to other matters you and I are to have a long talk. Solen’s promises still stand, despite his passing.” Tarinn walked away, lost from sight in a matter of seconds.
Rhea sighed, muttered darkly under her breath. “He puts his own wants above the safety of this village. Much has changed since the day Solen picked him to protect our dear T’keyah.” Aloud she added, “Wei münro non masu ?”
Immediately T’keyah sprang forward with the answer. Resting a hand gently against Rhea’s shoulder she whispered. “Send us! Kane and I will travel wherever you think we should go, we’ll say exactly what you think we should say and then we’ll come back with help. You and Doran can stay here to prepare the village. It is an easy choice, Mama.”
For long moments Rhea remained silent. Her mind tickled over rapidly, spinning, turning like the water mills straddling the river. Her unease and fear, as plain on her features as the nose on her face, was a marked contrast to T’keyah. The young Me’yahan seemed about ready to erupt with excitement. But in all truth there really was no other choice. Rhea’s gaze slid down to the ground. Nobody else was willing to go.
She sighed. “Get ready.”
T’keyah grinned, planting a heavy kiss on her mother’s cheek before running off. “Alabo re!” She called.
Kane watched her go, turning back to Rhea then and shaking his head. “She should stay here.” He muttered.
“I know.” Rhea nodded. At the surprised widening of Kane’s eyes she lowered her voice to elaborate. “I realise that it seems a little unwise sending a Fay into Gaea without the Final Lesson but I have very little choice otherwise. Doran and I are most trusted among the Growns and there is no one to take our place should we leave. T’keyah is the only person I could trust with you as I know that you to will take care of each other. I trust you too; I trust that you know enough of Gaea’s politics to be wary.”
“I didn’t mean to return.” Said Kane, taking his own turn to bow his head. “I meant to stay away, to relieve you of the trouble of constantly protecting me. If T’keyah comes with me I cannot do that. It won’t be safe. Please, please keep her here.”
“Stay away?” The Grown’s response was sudden, violent and most unexpected. Spinning on her heel, she raised her hand and slapped Kane roughly about the face with it. She followed that slap with another, laying her hand to his other cheek. Steam curled around her ears as she let her anger get the better of her. “You would do that to T’keyah?!” She demanded, her voice breaking with fury and sheer incredulity. A tiny wisp of steam floated passed her face. “You would break her heart like that? You are as a brother to her, Kane, even were the entire village against you, you must remember that. I never took you for a selfish man.”
Dropping his head lower, Kane felt a tear slip down his cheek. He brushed it away; why should he shame himself even further? “I don’t want to leave her – she is only thing here that makes my life bearable – but Tarinn is right. I am a danger to Ohem looking as I do. I must stay away from you.”
“No.” Rhea raised Kane’s head with the tip of her finger. She planted a tender kiss on his forehead. “No. You will take T’keyah and you will travel to Droll Lothe. The journey should take little more than a day. Ride there, tell them everything and then appeal for help. Then you will ride back here to live with your family. We are your family, Kane; no matter what your colouring is.” She stared deeply at him, forcing his blue eyes upwards to meet her dark ones. “We are Me’yahans. There is few enough of us left – you know that – don’t let fear take our number down even further. Don’t let fear deprive both you and T’keyah of your best friends.”
“I’ll get ready.” Patting Rhea’s hands, Kane turned and slowly walked away.

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My Writing: Novellas

Filed under: My Writing — 5 Comments
February 26, 2013

black notebook and red pencil from OpenClipArtNext up in my running series on my writing is novellas. A little like flash fiction, I’d never really heard of novellas before Phoenix Writers and Alt Fiction. I just called them ‘short stories’ and thought nothing of it. However, the agreed word length of a novella seems to be 15,000 to 20,000 words. There are also – according to some – pieces called ‘novelettes’ but that just seems excessive to me. Break it down any more and there will be a different name for every length of story going and that is too complex a thing to keep track of.

I’ve read a lot of novellas. They seem to be a quick way into the Amazon self published book lists and, a bit like short stories, they are quick and easy (relatively) to fire off with reasonable frequency. In the same way, not all of them are good, but there is a hell of a lot more freedom than in a short story, to tell a complex story without committing to the mammoth word counts expected in a novel.

Unless I wanted to saturate the ebook market with my writings, however, I can’t see that there is a hell of a lot of point in this medium for me. Frankly put, if I’m going to write something longer, I may as well take the time to write a novel, and if I want to churn out stories at a great pace, I have short stories and flash to play with.

Despite saying that, it has recently been suggested to me that novellas are a way to introduce characters in a series. Not in the style of Charlene Harris and Laurell Hamilton who have upwards of ten novels in their series (which are both still running I believe), but in a smaller fashion. Unfortunately I haven’t got any examples of anybody who has done this with any level of success that this highlights a gap in my research that I need to fill.

I did write a novella once. Or I intended it to be so. And, typically, what has happened is that I’ve written it to a nice safe point, but there are lots of plot hooks that I dribbled in through the course of the tale which leads me (and an unsuspecting reader) to assume that there is more coming. The fact that I did this without thinking makes me give credence to the idea that a series is possible. Even if nobody else has tried it, it might be something to do somewhere down the line.

Have you guys ever tried writing something you were unsure about? A length and/or style that you were unsure had a home in the current literary market? What did you do about it? I love hearing your stories. :)

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My Writing: Short Stories

Filed under: My Writing — 1 Comment
February 22, 2013

black notebook and red pencil from OpenClipArtSecond in my series on my writing short stories are a medium that I’ve only considered in the past couple of years. I have more practise with these than flash fiction, but what surprises me, when I look back, is that a lot of my short stories are erotica.

Short stories, on several different websites, are defined as complete stories with a word count between 1,000 and 7,500 words. With word counts like this there is far more freedom that in flash fiction, but you must still be able to tell a story in a concise fashion.

When I look at my novels, but the time I reach 7,500 words, I have only just reached the peak of the first major plot hump. I have time to play around and give fancy, expansive descriptions of whatever is happening and to fully immerse the reader in the world I’ve created. Short stories do all that, but much faster.

I’ve read quite a few short stories recently. I’ve been working through several anthologies (they’re a nice sort of book to work through when your reading time is vastly reduced) and the style of writing is of a level of sophistication I’m yet to reach.

What also characterises short stories, at least in my experience, is that they are written with a unexpected twist or a clever plot point that wrong foots the reader. The promise of the story is there in the first few lines, or in the first paragraph, but it isn’t always what you expect it to be. This is where the sophistication comes in; to be able to, in essence, trick your reader, without pissing them off. Of course not all short stories are like that. Some of the erotic short stories I’ve read are just that (or badly written porn), short and sweet insights into an event in a character’s life.

I used to wonder how one could possibly hold a reader’s interest with such a teasing length, but I’ve since discovered that the market for it is growing. At the bottom end of the 1,000 to 7,500 spectrum, there are still magazines out there looking for stories to fill gaps. And a lot of the open anthologies I’ve looked at recently have maxed out at anywhere between 3,000 and 6,000 words.

My own short stories are far more ranged, than my novels. Erotica, fantasy, horror, thriller, comedy, stream of conciousness; all of these I have, at one time or another, coaxed into a story too small to be anything but a Short Story.

The necessity for these to be so much tighter (probably more so than flash, since the additional words trick you into thinking you have more space than you do), means that I have lots of first drafts sitting on my laptop and desktop waiting to be given a home. Some were written specifically for anthologies, while others are based on peculiar dreams or conversations I’ve had. Some are even piece of homework from the Phoenix Writers that I have expanded into something longer because I loved the idea so much.

At this stage of my writing career, much like flash fiction, short stories are a fine way to ensure that I keep writing and making submissions. They are clearly easier (in terms of time spent) than a novel, and it is possible to do one a month (from first draft to completion) in a way that I simply can’t tackle novels right now. While I don’t exactly have any plans to self publish short stories, there are always people looking for them and markets I can send them to.

I don’t have any samples of short stories for you at the moment, though I’m pleased to say that’s only because all of the stories that are fit for public viewing, have been submitted to one competition or another. While this is the case, I’m not allowed to post them on a public blog. However, as these deadlines come and go, don’t doubt that I’ll give you updates on how I’ve done.

So… most of you, I understand to be novelists. Have you ever tried your hand at short stories? Do you think there’s a market for it? Is it a skill set you’re looking to develop or are you happy with novels for the time being. Join the comment stream; let me know what you think!

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My Writing: Flash Fiction

Filed under: My Writing — 2 Comments
February 19, 2013

black notebook and red pencil from OpenClipArtHere is the first entry to my ‘My Writing’ series. If you’re not sure what this is about, I invite you to visit this post, in which I explain what this series is all about.

This first entry regards flash fiction and it’s place in my writing life.

I hadn’t heard of flash fiction before join the Phoenix Writers. Indeed, I had only passing knowledge of the word counts related to flash fiction, short stories and novellas before joining that lovely group. My first taste of flash was in completing the then 100 word challenge from a trigger given during my first meeting.

How on earth could anybody tell a complete story in 500 words? Impossible!! How could I be expected to do it in 100 words? Pah. Well not only did I manage it, but I found that I enjoyed the discipline required to do such a thing. It’s incredible to realise how quickly one can rattle off a story when restricted to such a low word count. And then the editing process; how tightly one needs to be with words and how brutal one must be in cutting unnecessary faff. For reasons I can’t yet name, I found I got on with the medium far more than I anticipated I could.

The very first piece of flash fiction I wrote was from my own trigger word (doughnut – of course!) and if you’re interested, this is it:

He looked down at the plate. So full. His stomach gurgled in mingled fear and anger, anticipated yet more guests to follow.

“Can he do it?” The voice came over the speakers, echoing over the wide expanse of flattened grass. “One more… just one more, Bill, and the cup is yours!”

He turned to look across the stage, gaze skimming past the other fallen soldiers towards the far end where the small, silver cup sat on a cushion of velvet.

“You can do it, Dad!” A proud voice rose above the din of the crowd below as a child, no more than six, waved a brightly coloured flag from side to side.

Bill sighed. He looked down at the plate.

Thoroughly ignoring the complaints of his stomach, he lifted the last doughnut to his mouth.

The crowd cheered.

“Number twelve!” Said the voice on the speaker.

I remember feeling quite proud of that. ^_^ And then, my latest specimen (written last week):

“We’ll get caught.” Skylar rolled over, taking the sheets with her as she crawled up the bed. She tried to wrap them around her and giggled when deft hands plucked the fabric away.

“We’re fine.”

“No, Mitt. Hank will be home in ten, you need to leave.”

In response, Mitt stroked a hand up her leg. He trailed his fingers along her skin from the curve of her knee towards the warm area where her thighs met. “You sure?” Walking his fingertips across the tops of her legs he spread the lingering moisture there between his wandering digits. “You don’t want me to stay?”

“Of course I want you to stay.” Skylar craned her neck, angling her gaze towards the window. “I don’t you to get in trouble.”

Mitt leaned in and bit the side of her neck. “I like trouble.” His voice became a deep, bear growl. “I live for it.” The free hand played at the base of Skylar’s throat. Drifted down. Brushed the dusky pink of an erect nipple. “You do too.”

With a nod, Skylar returned her attentions to Mitt’s perfect body.

She didn’t hear the sound of a key in the lock downstairs.

Yes that one was supposed to be ‘erotica.’

Anyway…!

Flash fiction is also something that most professionals will bend over backwards to tell you to write. ‘Write flash fiction before you start a novel.’ ‘Build up a library of flash before you even think about a novel.’ ‘Most established authors started with flash in magazines before they moved onto novels.’ I have no idea how true all that is, but if you whizz on over to Josh’s blog, you’ll find a post all about people who pay for flash fiction. Now, whether or not I won’t be ‘taken seriously’ as an author without a backlog of flash fiction under my belt, it’s lovely to know that there are people out there looking specifically for something I find so easy to write. And there are competitions (I entered one a few weeks ago) designed for flash fiction (unfortunately I can’t post that story here while the competition is still running, but when it’s over I’m sure I’ll be free to. Unless I win o.O).

It seems to me, that with the dwindling attention spans of the average civilian, the ability to write short, snappy, engaging stories is a recipe for win. Also, because of their short nature, they are brilliant filler stories for magazines (print and online) so long as you know where to look. It is not something I’ve thought about overmuch, but with the growing list of flash written as exercises for the Phoenix Writers, I plan to polish a selection of it to send to competitions and magazines. I also gave myself an A-Z Flash Fiction challenge last year. I’ve not posted much of it here, but I haven’t forgotten it, and my plan was to polish up those 26 stories and publish them as an ebook.

In all, flash is a neat little form of fiction that gets over looked disappointingly often. In my situation, flash is a great form of getting stories down, either to keep as flash, or to expand into short stories or novellas when I have more time. With things so tight as far as time goes, flash fiction is a great way for me to keep my mind lively and the creative juices moving. It’s a form of fiction I’ll be enjoying for years to come, no doubt.

Have you guys written any flash fiction? Is it a form you’ve ever thought of before? What if I challenged you to write a piece of flash by this time next week… how do you think you’d do? :)

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