Author Interview, Bunni Darling

Author Interview #5, with the other half of Lion and Mermaid Publications, Bunni Darling!

P.S. The other half = Vaughn Shepherd, whose Q&A can be found here.

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Jess: Why do you write erotic-themed material?

Bunni: I, myself, am a very sensual person, and feel eroticism is one of the best ways to express myself. I love creating interesting characters and seeing what kind of trouble they can get into.

Jess: How do you differentiate quality erotica (as an art form), from pornographic writing?

Bunni: I think pornographic writing is written to serve a singular purpose (getting off), where as quality erotica is more sensual than sexual. True, there may be graphic sex, but it isn't all about that--or the end result. It's about the journey.

Jess: I totally agree ;). I shall now ask how you would respond to the following statement:

“I am very put off by the notion of 'literate smut', as if any porn is intellectual, that erotica needs to have a high and low art distinction. I think this is just a pretentious way for people to excuse their taste for pornography.”
-- originally posted on http://www.barbelith.com/topic/925

Bunni: Probably with a sigh and roll of my eyes. I don't judge anyone for their tastes. If you don't like erotica or pornography, don't read it. I don't care if someone thinks it is worthy or not. I write erotica because I enjoy it, and I share it because I hope others do too.

Jess: Well, as the saying goes: "Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference." What inspired you to write erotic stories/poems/etc.?

Bunni: Most art that comes out of me is erotic in some form or fashion--be it sexy pin-ups or engaging smut. I was raised in a very sex-positive household and was never shamed for expressing myself--even if that expression was on the naughty side.

Jess: Do you always follow the "safe, sane, consensual" credo?

Bunni: *Laughing* Not exactly, no. Part of erotica is getting to enjoy something wild and dangerous, something that you may have dreamed of but would never try on your own.

Jess: *Nods* What do you think readers will find most notable about your book(s)?

Bunni: I think our readers will really enjoy our characters. Vaughn and I put a lot of love and time into them, and it's so fun to watch them grown and mature. I hope they enjoy the lush, sensual world we created for them as well. Reading erotica should be a pleasant escape, and that is what we try to offer.

Jess: Quality takes time and patience :) In order to write on certain experiences, you would have to either research or live the life. Which describes you as the writer?

Bunni: I like to do a little of each, personally. I've lived a pretty interesting live and had my share of lovers, and of course these experiences play into my writing.

Jess: Do you think erotica caters to a male or female market (or does gender of the target audience not matter)?

Bunni: Statistically, erotica caters to a wider female market. Again, it's a sensual journey rather than the raw need for completion. I imagine most males in the digital age just go straight for the visual eye candy.

Jess: Are there any topics you will NOT tackle, with regards to sexual behaviors and attitudes?

Bunni: Not really, no.

Jess: Please share with us a short excerpt and blurb of your work (10-100 words).

Bunni:

"Starr released a low and animal noise as he bit her harder, almost like a small creature that had gotten caught in a painful trap, but liked it. She wanted to call out for him to test her further, ravish her and leave her with nothing but aches and bruises. She wanted to put his strong hands around her throat and leave everything up to trust, but she didn’t dare."

Jess: Share an excerpt of your favorite author’s work (10-100 words):

Bunni:

"She placed a hundred burning kisses on his face and chest, and then she was above him, straddling him, gasping and laughing, sweating and slippery as a minnow, and he was arching and pushing and exulting, his head full of her and only her, and had he known her name he would have called it out aloud."
-- Neil Gaiman, Stardust

Jess: Please let readers know where they can find out more about you/your work.

Bunni:

Website: http://www.lionandmermaid.net


Tumblr: http://www.tumblr.com/tumblelog/bunnidarling

And I can also be found on Facebook.

Jess: Thanks for stopping by to chat, Bunni, and thanks so much for sharing your views on the art of erotic writing :)!

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BUNNI DARLING:

Lion and Mermaid Publications consists of two authors, Bunny Darling and Vaughn Shepherd. They collaboratively author stories of a romantic and erotic nature. They have recently begun publishing these works, featuring several series, featuring wildly differing couples (or triples...).

JESS C SCOTT:

Jess is the author/artist/non-conformist behind jessINK (her indie publishing division). One of her specializations is erotic literature.

If you are reading this and you write, in whatever genre, and would like to share your views via a similar interview, just check out/fill out the form at Author Interviews. Jess will email you with the link once it is posted.

Jess is available for interviews too. Drop her a note at missfeyATgmailDOTcom :)