I have been trying to write and finish an erotic story collection for almost 3 years now. This was to be a work from my own life, a sort of "sexual autobiography" The reason that is so self -oriented is that my ability to write fictions sucks, but Leigh says I have an eye for "pornographic detail" from what happens in my own life, so I go with what works for me.
Yes, there were some minor interruptions, like finishing my MSN/MPH degree (WOOOOHOOOO!!) then there was Katrina, a broken arm, and so on.
I have a HUGE advantage in that my partner is a published writer herself, and has helped me work out a lot of problems, as well as giving access to her agent and publishing contacts.
The simple truth is that writing is very hard work and I have learned a few things as I worked on this project.
Lesson one: The way to write is TO WRITE!! Write constantly. Every chance you get. Like anything, the more you do it, the better you will get at it. Try to keep the self-editing to a minimum, as you will likely never be satisfied.
Lesson two: Learn the tools of your craft. Buy a copy of "Elements of Style" and keep it next to your computer. Look up EVERYTHING up in it. Work and expand your understanding of grammar and vocabulary, become a better writer by working at it.
Lesson three: Find a forum such as a writers group, where you can have your work critiqued. This is a sharing situation, they look at your work, you look at theirs. If it bothers you to have erotic fantasy writings read in that kind of forum, try an online group like Literotica.(
www.literotica.com)
Lesson four: There are no FREE RIDES! As Darling Lilith says, beware of the on -line publishers who promise the impossible. The old maxim, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is" applies here in spades.
Lesson five: Buy a copy of the "Writer's Guide Annual" which lists every publisher in the country. Find out who accepts unsolicited submissions. Othwewise you will need an agent. You can find an agent, but I don't think there are too many who deal in erotica from first time writers... but I don't know for sure.
Good luck hon.
WW
(or hopefully someday, "Linda Foxxe, author of "An Indepenant Woman's Sexual Adventures in America")
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