Looking for insights on how to write prize-winning erotica? Get the skinny from Alicia Night Orchid in her new e-book. She knows of what she speaks, because she's had her share of success.
- Her story, “Savage Nights,” won first prize in Desdmona’s 60’s Contest last year.
- Her story “Smoke” was selected as a Fetish Theme winner by the Erotica Readers and Writer’s Association.
- Her story “Voyeur Nation” was an Editor’s Choice on Literotica.
- Her story "Taste of Love" was a runner-up in Oysters and Chocolate's Hot Tamales Contest.
Alicia also writes non-erotic fiction under another name, and in just the last year she's been a finalist, honorable mention, or runner up in contests sponsored by several prestigious literary journals.
In addition, Alicia's published a collection of erotic short stories, “Fulfillment and Other Erotic Stories,” and her first erotic novel is slotted for publication later this year.
Her e-book, "How to Write A Prize-Winning Erotic Story" is a no BS, straight to the point, treatise on how to write really good erotic stories. Here's a look at just some of what you can expect:
- How and where to learn the basics on the craft of writing.
- How to structure a prize-winning story.
- How to create memorable characters.
- How to maintain point of view.
- How to write captivating dialogue.
- How to make your sex hot.
- How to create a unique voice
- How to find contests and submit.
Here's a few excerpts from "How to Write a Prize-Winning Erotic Story:"
On the importanc of craft:
"Good sex writing has all the elements of good writing, and then some.
To entertain the reader, a good sex story must be more than dirty words on the page. To resonate with the reader, the characters must be engaging, the plot must fascinate, and the language must lead to wonder, laughter, and tears. If the story is just about sex, and the characters are just stick figures, it falls flat. If the story is just one sex scene after another, it’s ultimately boring, not arousing. If the language is stilted or sloppy, if the grammar is poor, the reader will give up. "
On creating plot:
"Unfortunately, most erotic fiction takes the form of anecdotal writing, not a story well told. Most erotic fiction involves someone fucking, sucking, eating, spanking, or otherwise diddling someone else. But the main character remains unchanged and in the end we feel cheated. We feel cheated, because the writing reveals nothing about the characters and their motives. We feel cheated, because the writing fails to engage us emotionally through the exploration of themes that challenge not only our penises and pussies, but also our hearts and minds.
My experience is that if you want to win a prize with your erotic fiction, you must tell a story, not merely relate an anecdote. You must create an engaging main character, place him or her in crisis, and have the character resolve the crisis. This is story. This is character in action. This is plot."
On point of view:
"Many erotic stories begin from one character’s point of view, only to shift to another’s point of view a paragraph or two later (or, a sentence or two later). The beginning writer, especially, wants the reader to experience both the hard dick sliding inside a wet pussy and the wet pussy receiving it.
The problem is that in a short story, there is usually room to effectively tell only one character’s story. The problem is that “head hopping” confuses and distracts the reader from that story. The problem is that shifting points of view often reveal a writer so lazy he or she hasn’t decided which character’s story is being told. More fundamentally, a story with rampant “head hopping” often reveals an author who doesn’t even know what his or her story is about. "
On creating a unique voice:
"Many calls for submissions or contests request a unique voice. “We’re looking for a fresh voice.” We’re looking for new voices.” We’re looking for a different take.”
While everyone wants a unique voice, I bet if you asked five different editors or agents what that means, you’d get five different answers.
At the same time, a new voice is essential to winning contests. To me, it means a constellation of things. I try to think of it like this. If a contest is about The 60’s, you can almost be sure that most submissions will include hippies, psychedelic drugs, and free love. If I’m submitting to the contest, I try to think of interesting ways to stand out, to be different, to offer a fresh perspective."
Chock full of examples and exercises, this e-book should be helpful to both beginners as well as those who have experimented with erotica and are looking to improve the quality of their writing.
Get it for only $9.99 at Lulu.