A Touchy Subject: Integrating Eroticism In Your Writing

By: Jennifer Garam (View Profile)

For me, I write about sex for the same reasons I write about deep sadness or fiery rage—they’re all the parts of ourselves that are deemed “unacceptable,” “impolite” or “inappropriate,” that we feel ashamed of and then suppress as we move through our lives. It is about being truthful to my entire self, and not judging, censoring, avoiding, or leaving anything out. And finally, in the larger perspective, it is a part of practicing what may be the most difficult skill of all—total, radical, and unapologetic self-acceptance.


Jennifer Garam is the founder of Writeous Chicks and teaches writing workshops for women.



Copyright © 2007 by Jennifer Garam


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posted: 01.17.2008
Laurie McAndish King
I'm experimenting with adding eroticism (in small, but tasty, bites) to my own writing, and it's a fruitful challenge. Each time I do it, my writing improves and my level of self-acceptance increases (at least a little). I got started by participating in an erotica writing workshop. Some excellent writers there produced smart, sexy, funny, moving pieces ... but couldn't find a place to publish them. So we found a publisher, produced two books, and have been having a blast at readings. Admitting that you're a sexual being, writing about it, being part of a beautiful book, reading in public, giving the book to friends, selling it, seeing it in bookstores ... this is powerful, transformative work. And good fun! http://www.hotflashessexystories.com
It feels good to write.

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