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Erotica, to further differentiate it from pornography, is primarily a woman's market, and unlike romance, there's a bigger percentage of men writing and reading erotica, and male writers can write under their own names.
Drawbacks to writing erotica
1. You may not want to show your mother.
Pseudonyms blossom in this industry like flowers in June. Despite their pride, many authors hesitate to share their success with friends and relatives who may not understand.
When I was boasting about my first erotic novel, a male friend commented: "it's erection material, right?" I could have explained how erotica is so much more than erection material, but his knowing expression told me I'd be wasting my breath. So I simply agreed and encouraged him to buy a copy -- which is both the perfect revenge (sure, I'll take his money) and the perfect education tool. Once you've read an erotic novel, you get it.
2. Sex, sex and more sex
One erotic publisher has a vocal readership who constantly cry "moresexmoresexmoresex!"
You can get sick of describing sex, even when enhanced and made new by the characters and situations. Depending on whom you're writing for, you may be asked to add more sex scenes or sensuality or both. If the market you're aiming for isn't a perfect fit with your own comfort levels, you may find yourself describing sex acts that make you uneasy.
Although I haven't heard of a publisher who forces their authors out of their comfort zone, most will coax you to meet their readers' expectations. Do match the market with your own tastes, otherwise your story will emerge flat and the sex insincere.
Drawbacks to writing erotica
1. You may not want to show your mother.
Pseudonyms blossom in this industry like flowers in June. Despite their pride, many authors hesitate to share their success with friends and relatives who may not understand.
When I was boasting about my first erotic novel, a male friend commented: "it's erection material, right?" I could have explained how erotica is so much more than erection material, but his knowing expression told me I'd be wasting my breath. So I simply agreed and encouraged him to buy a copy -- which is both the perfect revenge (sure, I'll take his money) and the perfect education tool. Once you've read an erotic novel, you get it.
2. Sex, sex and more sex
One erotic publisher has a vocal readership who constantly cry "moresexmoresexmoresex!"
You can get sick of describing sex, even when enhanced and made new by the characters and situations. Depending on whom you're writing for, you may be asked to add more sex scenes or sensuality or both. If the market you're aiming for isn't a perfect fit with your own comfort levels, you may find yourself describing sex acts that make you uneasy.
Although I haven't heard of a publisher who forces their authors out of their comfort zone, most will coax you to meet their readers' expectations. Do match the market with your own tastes, otherwise your story will emerge flat and the sex insincere.
