Book Review: How to Write Erotica

Rachel Kramer Bussel, How to Write Erotica. Hoboken, NJ: Cleis Press, 2023. ISBN: 9781627783194.

Genre: reference, erotica, guides

Subgenre: writing 

Format: e-book galley

Source: Edelweiss Plus 

I picked this book up for a few of reasons. One, I've read and enjoyed other works by the author, so I figured I would like this one as well. Two, as an amateur writer I am always interested in books that teach about the craft. Three, I've considered trying my hand at writing erotica, but I was not quite sure how. If are also not quite sure where to start, this book is a great guide and course to get you started. If you already write erotica and maybe you want to take it up a notch or two, perhaps even submit it for publication, the author guides writers and readers through that process as well. 

The book is arranged in 13 chapters. The author starts with the very basics such as defining erotica and why we write it to how to find inspiration, prompts, doing your research to how to get published and promote your work. This book is about as close as you can get to taking a course with the author on the topic. The author draws on her strong knowledge and ample experience writing and editing erotica. She also leads by example and does her research by doing and presenting interviews with other writers and editors in the genre. These additional lessons and insights add value to the book and bring more voices to the learning process. You learn from the author as well as her guest experts. 

A strength of the book is in the author's guidance. She offers advice. She provides prompts. Even before you write a line of erotica she asks us to reflect on why we may want to write and to consider issues such as what happens if others find out you write erotica. I found the reflective questions at the start of the book to be valuable. If you are hesitant about whether to write erotica or not the early questions may help you decide and clarify your desires. 

Chapter 4, the prompts chapter, is another strength. The author provides a very ample selection of writing prompts. Some are more complex than others, but the prompts overall are very achievable. The prompts include instructions, samples, and even some suggestions for further reading. You get a lot of leeway to write on the prompts and make them your own. There are 35 prompts in the chapter, some longer than others, but you get plenty to write on. As I read the book I saw this is a writing process anyone can do if they are willing to commit, to follow their desires honestly, and do the writing. This is a very accessible and easy to read book. The author's tone is nurturing, encouraging, and warm. It is also very non-judgemental. 

I read the book cover to cover for this review. If are you are reading it to write erotica, then take your time with each chapter, do the prompts, and write, build your craft up. The book gives you the steps; it is up to you to walk the path. 

There are many books on writing out there. Though this book is focused on erotica, some of the advice is applicable to other forms of writing. That is because writing erotica is not just the explicit; it is about writing from the heart and the human experience. There are also plenty of books on how to write erotica; the author even lists some on her suggested reading and resources list. This is then probably the best book you can get on the topic at this time. You get a very reputable and knowledgeable author writing a solid guide full of advice, prompts, examples, and experiences. This is a book that can make you want to write erotica. It certainly makes me want to take a chance at writing it. 

I do recommend the book for any erotica writer at any level. I also recommend it for writers in other genres who may want to add a bit of erotica in their writing. In addition, I recommend it for writing book shelves in libraries. You can learn a lot about the writing craft from the book. I would definitely add it to my personal collection. 

5 out of 5 stars. 

Additional reading notes: 

Simple definition of erotica: 

"So, I'll start this book with a simple definition: Erotica is writing intended to arouse" (1).

 The author does expand on the definition, but to start it is as simple as that. 

One of the author's key beliefs is that anyone can write erotica: 

"All you need is an open mind and a willingness to be creative and empathetic. All the rest-- the positions, the plots, the dirty words (and dirty talk)-- you can develop over time" (2).

 

 

This book qualifies for the following 2023 Reading Challenge: