What I Write, and Why I Write It

Many of my colleagues and friends know of my writing skills due to various communications I have authored. A few know about my passion for writing erotica. An even smaller number have read excerpts from my manuscripts. It is a subject on which I will always answer honestly if asked, however, may not bring up directly in conversation.

At a recent dinner party someone, upon learning I was an aspiring author, asked me what I wrote. I get this question often, and reply with one word: erotica. Most times, an awkward hush briefly pauses the conversation. It amuses me to stand quietly and wait while they struggle for what to say next. Shades of old Victorian propriety still course through contemporary society, reminding us it is impolite to speak of such topics in public. Yet modern curiosity abandons all mannerly sensibilities. Once over the initial shellshock of my answer, many will continue on with additional questions.

Surprisingly—or not—the next two answers they seek are: “What is the difference between erotica and porn,” followed by, “Why do I write it.” To address the first question, I find many people believe erotica and porn are one in the same. Although an erotic story can be just as steamy as porn, there is a huge difference between the two.

Porn is designed to do one thing: Make the reader hot. The end. Throw the plot, character development, and most likely the romance pretty much out with the bathwater.

Erotica is about the sexual journey of the character(s) and how it impacts them/their lives. Character growth, emotion, etc. are all key elements of an erotic story. But erotica is not specifically designed to show the development of a romantic relationship, although the story can, should the author choose to do so. And erotic stories do not need to have the stereotypical "Happily Ever After" (HEA) element, although they very well may.

For more information on comparisons, Sylvia Day wrote a lovely article, offering clear definitions between sexy romance, erotic romance, erotica, and porn.

That being said, what does all of this have to do with why I write erotica? Very simply, I enjoy it—and I am good at it. Yes, I enjoy dabbling in other genres and writing an occasional poem. But erotica is where my passion lies. No pun intended. Erotica lets the reader indulge their fantasies. Moving my audience and giving them the opportunity to escape the mundanity of life is something on which no one can place a price tag.