Why Write Erotica?

Recently, a Twittering friend posted, “Why write erotica?” and because these days I’m questioning all my habits and routines, it was definitely a question worth meditation.

Admittedly, it used to be because of the shock factor. I imagined myself as someone immediately fascinating by introducing myself as an erotica writer. Oh, the questions I would then field! Oh, the intrigue! Also, erotica is what sells. People like sex and always will. When they aren’t having it, they’re thinking about it and—if they’re of the foxy literary type—reading about it.

But mostly I write erotica because I love it and can’t help it! Even my most innocent of stories wind up too mature. This does not bode well for any future career I might want in children’s books.

Far too often I find myself thinking about romantic relationships. I like exploring the reasons why people fall in and out of love and become involved, immersed, entangled with others on multiple levels—that has always interested me, and being a Libra helps me see everyone’s side. While fun to write, erotica is also occasionally more challenging than it seems—there are only so many words I can use for parts of human anatomy without turning a story into a farce (or turning off readers completely) and the scenario and circumstances need mixing up—no missionary at the foot of the bed for my characters!

I remember when I first discovered the concept of writing about sex thanks to the Internet and bodice-rippers with covers depicting Fabio-esque pirates seducing creamy-skinned virgins. It put me in a happy, heady daze just reading, and the stories made me feel like that intensity, that passion was possible. Now it’s my turn to do the same.

-LZ.