Primal Scream Anthology

Just a short note that Primal Scream, my second erotic anthology, is (finally) completed!



1. Primal Scream @ jessINK
2. Primal Scream Official Blog (more info)
3. My own answers to the Q&A on "the art of erotic writing"

I'll continue posting author interviews on this blog, as and when they come in :)

Author Interview, Cara Mitchell

Author Interview #6, with author Cara Mitchell!

* * * * *

Jess: Have you written erotic-themed material? Why or why not?

Cara: Yes, I have. Originally it was done at the direction of a Dominant and then I discovered I enjoyed enticing him. Over the years, it has served to stimulate and entice as well as to explain the darker recesses of my mind.

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

Cara: I believe that the mind is capable of supplying the most erotic images and providing graphic detail interferes with the process. Erotica allows one to fill in the details, provides a suggestion and stimulates the imagination to go where it will. Pornography supplies all of the answers and, in the process, provides a quicker and less involved form of stimulation.

Jess: Less involved and less evolved ;). 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

Cara: I haven't a clue what that question means so cannot possibly answer it.

Jess: I'd play around with the person's mind with regards to "tastes" in erotic-themed material, but that's just me ;) What inspired you to write erotic stories/poems/etc.?

Cara: As previously explained, a Dominant did oh-so-many years ago. Eventually, it was pointed out to me that I had a passion for writing and I realized that this was true.

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

Cara: Nope. Consensual, yes but "safe and sane" are relative terms and I like a bit of edge play.

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

Cara: The Symphony of C series is an in-depth exploration of the inner workings of a submissive's mind as well as a glimpse of the elegance which can be part of the world of Dominance and submission.

Symphony of Discovery is a quirky exploration of the romance, sensuality and eroticism of a devotion to science--so it becomes its own new genre (how does geekrotica sound?).

And for all of my books--I write intelligently for intelligent people.

Jess: As Oscar Wilde said, "There is no sin except stupidity." :) In order to write on certain experiences, you would have to either research or live the life. Which describes you as the writer?

Cara: I begin with living the life and then devote a tremendous amount of time into researching it.

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

Cara: It depends upon the reader although I believe that it skews a bit more towards the majority of female readers and the more intelligent males.

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

Cara: I have no ability to realistically describe same sex relationships or female Domination and so will not insult my readers with an attempt.

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

Cara:

"His eyes bored into me as he bent once more and lifted the other leg. Frantic now, my hands had a death grip upon the overhead chain. He nestled my calves against his waist, his hands strong as he held me in place. His eyes were intense, demanding.

“Do you trust me?”

I nodded slowly. “Yes.”

“Let go of the chain.”

Wordlessly, without pause or thought, my eyes locked upon him. Then I released the supporting chain. In slow motion I felt my body falling. The chains tightened about me; I knew I was going to be severely damaged."

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

Cara:

"Would she ever dare to tell him that no pleasure, no joy, no figment of her imagination could ever compete with the happiness she felt at the way he used her with such utter freedom, at the notion that he could do anything with her, that there was no limit, no restriction in the manner with which, on her body, he might search for pleasure."
-- Pauline Réage, The Story of O

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

Cara:

I can be found on Amazon, Facebook, and Twitter.

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

* * * * *

CARA MITCHELL:

Originally trained as an archaeologist and concert pianist, Cara discovered her fascination with artifacts was eclipsed by a love of cultures and the impossibility of making a career playing Beethoven exclusively. She has worked as a scuba instructor, horse packer, researcher, diplomat, cultural practitioner, scientist and wine importer. She can be found on Amazon, Facebook, and Twitter.

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 :)

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.

* * * * *

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 :)!

* * * * *

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 :)

Author Interview, Elizabeth Spire

Author Interview #4, with U.K. author, Elizabeth Spire!

* * * * *

Jess: Why do you write erotic-themed material?

Elizabeth: It's always good to write about something you're passionate about, well for me good there's nothing more passionate than good sex. Therefore erotica is a total joy to write, it lets me express a side of myself not everyone sees.

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

Elizabeth: Erotica has passion in it, if anything for me the desire is far more key than the actual sex. When I read other authors' erotica, that's what I look for too. The need, the passion, the uncontrollable lust, working you up until finally you get any actual sex. So the characters have to be ones you can like or relate to, understand and feel for.

Erotica written like that is totally enthralling, where as porn to me is just X people in Y position, then Z etc. Very mechanical, staged and artificial...

Jess: I can totally relate ;) 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

Elizabeth: I think there are a broad spectrum of tastes in all things, as there are in actual sexual orientation. I therefore try and act and write in an inclusive way, but never part A goes into slot B, repeat until something explodes! ;)

Even darker aspects of BDSM can be written in a very erotic and appealing way if you take the time to let the reader see inside their head or their heart, so understanding why they are turned on by something a little different from average. To me porn is a very graphic thing, be it visual or written as real hard core smut. The same thing written with attention to the people involved, not just the act is far more erotic to me and therefore far more of a turn-on...

Jess: The mental/emotional play is where it's at (for me). What inspired you to write erotic stories/poems/etc.?

Elizabeth: I just write what I'm passionate about, so it's not always erotic, though much of the time it is... I'm passionate about people's rights to a good and fulfilling sex life, regardless of preferences, gender, or even disabilities... Does a person lose their sex drive, just because they have an accident and lose their sight? We are all people and sex makes most of us feel good, why be shy about that or restrict it only to those who are physically attractive and fully able?

Jess: Equality for all, I like that ;) Do you always follow the "safe, sane, consensual" credo?

Elizabeth: Totally, utterly 100% of the time! Anything less to be is not sex, but degradation and violence, abusive and wrong. In fact we do our level best to also mention the use of condoms, especially where the encounter is not a part of a long term relationship.

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

Elizabeth: The acceptance of all and the level of passion in everything I write, from the soft, romantic, vanilla to the kinky, exploring BDSM. We all care about feeling wanted and loved, so I try and reflect that in all my writing and poetry. Oh and I do tend to write powerful females roles, who enjoy sex be they Domme/sub or just vanilla. Also my characters think about their actions quite a lot.

Jess: Yes, the mind is an important thing! In order to write on certain experiences, you would have to either research or live the life. Which describes you as the writer?

Elizabeth: Oh I've had plenty of experiences to draw on in my writing, and continue to add more when they present themselves... I therefore know what's in the mind of my characters, having seen them or been them at different times!

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

Elizabeth: I tend to think erotica is more of a female market, it stimulates the mind more than the graphic nature of porn does (at least for me).

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

Elizabeth: I won't touch anything that is dangerous or permanently harming in anyway, shape or form. So body mods are out, though more mainstream piercing and tattoos are ok as long as it's very clear that they are wanted by the person having them.

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

Elizabeth:

An excerpt from my poem 'Submission':

A whip is a utensil, a dildo just a tool,
It is what lurks between your ears, that makes you, sub or Dom/me or fool!
So tell me my dear play thing, what goes on in your head,
What fires your blood and helps you live your fantasies in bed?
My money's on that grey stuff that's found between your ears,
That's the key to throbbing cock, pained whimpers or to tears.
Now pet I'm going to tell you, what lays in store tonight,
In exquisite detail for your delectation, and delight.
Caressing your libido with just my velvet tongue,
To prove cerebral stimulation's not wasted on the young.
I'll string together phrases, with the finest of detail,
Believe me when I say you'll beg before you reach the Holy Grail.

From poetry to prose I like to make people think and feel more passionately...

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

Elizabeth: Well mostly I don't read erotica, so my favourite author is actually Terry Pratchett -- a genuinely lovely man with a real talent for making me laugh!

'Bestiality Carter was in fact very kind to animals.' -- Lords and Ladies, by Terry Pratchett

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

Elizabeth:

http://www.unseenwords.com
http://blog.unseenwords.com
http://liz.blogs.unseenwords.com
@UnseenWords - Twitter
Elizabeth Spire on FB

Jess: Thanks so much for sharing your views on the art of erotic writing :)!

* * * * *

ELIZABETH SPIRE:

Privately educated and apparently brought up to be a nice young lady, Elizabeth found she just never fit the stereotype, however thanks to a chance encounter at a reasonably young age with just the right sort of young man, she found out that she was not alone in feeling this way. In fact she soon found out that she was exactly the stuff of dreams, yep, you know the type!

Elizabeth's most interesting and educational of beginnings has over the years blossomed and broadened, as has her understanding of life and sexuality in general.

Still shorter than average, curvaceous and fun loving, Elizabeth, enjoys life to the full with such a wicked imagination there's never a dull moment!

Her motto and the credo by which she has lived her life is: 'be unique and true to yourself'. She works and writes at Unseen Words Publishing.

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 :)

Author Interview, Vaughn Shepherd

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Author Interview, Malcolm J. Brenner

Author Interview #2, with Malcolm J. Brenner!

NOTE: Malcolm's novel is of a controversial theme. Please read THE DISCLAIMER, which is in accordance with Google/Blogger's content policies. It's only realistic/honest to present a realistic/honest account. This has been the case with Mr. Brenner and I hope you will find this interview interesting.

* * * * *

Jess: Why do you write erotic-themed material?

Malcolm: Because it's what happened to me and changed my consciousness, i.e. the way I look at the world.

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

Malcolm: As some feminist once said, "Pornography is the literature of dominance." Porn exploits sex for commercial purposes, whereas erotica celebrates the pleasure and joy of consensual sex.

Jess: Totally agree with that definition of 'porn'. ;) 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

Malcolm: I would say the person who made that statement is a prude who feels threatened by his or her own sexuality, but I might be misreading the statement, taken as it is out of context.

Jess: Your diplomacy at giving said person the benefit of the doubt is admirable. What inspired you to write erotic stories/poems/etc.?

Malcolm: I fell in love with a dolphin and ended up making love with her at her insistence.

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

Malcolm: Very little about my life has been safe or sane, but if it's not consensual it's rape.

Jess: Indeed (I always like it when a person is clear-minded about consent). What do you think readers will find most notable about your book(s)?

Malcolm: The fact that it is well-written and appears to have a rather widespread appeal outside the zoophile community (such as it is).  I tried to write the story in such a way so that even readers who are not attracted to dolphins or other species would be able to relate to, and empathize with, the plight of the protagonist.  Judging from the feedback I get, I succeeded.

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

Malcolm: I have no talent for fiction or plot so I have to write about what happens to me.

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

Malcolm: I think men are more stimulated by visual depictions whereas women seem to prefer sensual descriptions. I am surprised that my novel of human-dolphin love, Wet Goddess, seems to sell equally well to women and men. I thought it would be mostly men who were interested in it.

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

Malcolm: Since I am writing now about my own molestation as a child and getting pissed on by a dolphin, I guess the answer is "no," but come to think of it I wouldn't write Lolita, either. Then again I'm not Vladimir Nabokov.

Jess: (YEAH, Nabokov--the stylistic storyteller!). Please share with us a short excerpt and blurb of your work (10-100 words).

Malcolm:

“Elaine…” I whispered, “Elaine…”

“Yes?”

“Do you want to… make love?”

The question hung on the wind for what seemed like an hour.

“Yes… no… Oh God, Zack, I don’t know,” she said, and grabbed me, toppling us to the sand.

-- from Wet Goddess, of a remarkable female dolphin who convinced the narrator that dolphins have every bit as much, if not more, awareness and intelligence as human beings.

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

Malcolm:

"I was determined to have done with conjecture and discover the truth, even if, as I believed it would, the truth proved incomprehensible."

-- Stanislaw Lem, from Solaris (1961). It is the only book I have ever read that kept me up all night reading, because it relates so strongly to my own experience of another, non-human intelligence.

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

Malcolm:

Website: http://wetgoddess.net/
Blog: http://blog.wetgoddess.net/

Jess: Thanks so much for sharing your views on the art of erotic writing :)!

* * * * *

MALCOLM J. BRENNER:

When Malcolm J. Brenner graduated from Riverview High School (of which he has no fond memories) in 1969, he attended New College of Florida, where the events on which WET GODDESS is based took place.

At an early age, Brenner was sexually molested by an "orgonomist" (orgone energy doctor) trained and certified by Wilhelm Reich--the notorious post-Freudian psychiatrist--to work with children. Brenner plans to document the terrifying child abuse he experienced in a forthcoming autobiography, Growing Up In The Orgone Box.

Of his work, Malcolm J. Brenner says, "I'd rather write fiction, but I have absolutely no facility for plot. Nothing I can imagine is as weird or as unlikely as the things that have actually happened to me. So I just write honestly about my life, which simply reads like fiction." His website is http://wetgoddess.net/

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 Q&A, 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 Q&A's too. Drop her a note at missfeyATgmailDOTcom :)