Magical Evenings

Writing is a solitary endeavor, and most of the time I like it that way. Well, actually I'm not alone when I write, I'm fighting or flirting with or rolling around in bed with my characters, who always seem to know the right, or deliciously wrong, thing to do and say. Occasionally, though, I have a chance to step out of my small, cluttered office and share my stories with an audience. Such was the case last night and on Thursday, when Rachel Kramer Bussel was on the Bay Area stop of her West Coast book tour.

Rachel is not only a gifted editor and writer, she knows how to throw a great reading, and both evenings were amazing--audiences generous in both size and response, delicious little cupcakes (which disappeared in the blink of an eye), and a cast of wonderful readers who each brought their stories to life in a magical way. The energy was so inspiring, and I felt incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to be part of this, people coming together to honor erotic writing.

The event at Good Vibrations on Thursday, January 27, had a homey feel--and why not, it's just a short drive from my home! Rachel, Denise Hoffner and I read our short-short stories from Gotta Have It: 69 Stories of Sudden Sex. They were the perfect length for a reading and the audience of about 30 seemed to think so, too. Then we had a Q&A about erotica writing, which was very educational for all. Herr Doktor enjoyed his peppermint patty mini-cupcake, and I was tempted to try the bacon-chocolate, but worried I might get chocolate on my corset!

January 28th's reading at the venerable Booksmith in the Haight had a festive Friday night feel. We had a standing-room-only crowd of 75 and a delightfully varied cast of readers. Susie Hara read her amusing story from Orgasmic, which featured a married couple who still have spark and humor. I went next with an excerpt from "The Big O" in the same book. Violet Blue read a hilarious story by Thomas Roche about a Stanford grad student who finds her way to a lucrative second career. Rachel's story, "Espionage," from Best Women's Erotica 2011 (in which I also have a story), mesmerized everyone with its emotional intensity and heart-breaking truth. Dusty Horn finished off with another Orgasmic bang. If you weren't one of the fortunate 75, you can see part of my reading right here. (The other people in the photo are the charming Kat from Cleis Press and the staff of the Booksmith who were such gracious hosts.)

Finally, I wanted to thank my friend, Lucy, for designing and crafting the skirt that completes my corset ensemble. I can't fully express my appreciation for the gift of her time and skill--from helping me decide the style, to shopping for lace at Lacis, a local lace specialty shop, to putting the whole thing together in a perfect dream of a petticoat. But I'm planning to wear this outfit as often as I possibly can and will always think of her generosity and creative artistry!

"Fresh Canvas" in Best Women's Erotica 2011

The end of the year brings many treats, not the least of which is the release of the latest volume in the Best Women's Erotica series, edited by sexpert superstar Violet Blue. This anthology is guaranteed to warm you up on a chilly night--the stories are without exception brilliantly written and fearlessly sexy. I'm honored to have a story included in Best Women's Erotica 2011, and in fact, this story is a particular favorite of mine, definitely in my top five. It's called "Fresh Canvas," and I season my erotic mystery story with a little Japanese kink, references to great European painters to give it class, and lots of libidinous desire. This isn't a story for nice girls or boys, but Best Women's Erotica 2011 will make the perfect holiday gift anyway. (Be sure to tuck it under your sweetie's pillow instead of the tree!)

To whet your appetite while we all wait for the Christmas cookies to come out of the oven, here's an excerpt from "Fresh Canvas." Oh, and the thematically fitting image of the woman swooning in ecstasy was of course taken by the boudoir photographer extraordinaire, Laura Boyd.

From "Fresh Canvas":

Miranda pushed open the guest room door. "Sam?"

"Be right there," he called from the kitchen. She thought she caught the clink of ice in a tumbler. She suspected they all enjoyed a cocktail or two to loosen up beforehand. She, on the other hand, liked to stay sharp so she could drink in every last sensation.

She sat on the bed, the scarf in her lap. Sam walked in purposefully and sat down next to her. Sliding the silk from her hands, he tied it around her eyes with expert skill.

Everything was blank now. The way she liked it.

Sam lingered at her side. She could smell the whisky on his breath.

"Any special requests tonight?" he asked.

"I'm quite satisfied with the usual."

"I noticed." He leaned in closer. "You know, Miranda, you've always been lovely, but since you started coming here for your... treatments... you've positively blossomed."

Miranda stiffened. Not that she didn't love hearing men's compliments, their intimate confessions of desire. It was one of the reasons she was here tonight. But this was too early, too sweet.

"I've learned a few things since college," he continued, resting a warm hand on her shoulder. "Can you stay tonight?"

She swallowed, fighting the urge to shrug him away. Yet deep in her belly her secret muscles contracted almost painfully, hungry for a taste of him and his new tricks.

She hadn't expected the evening to get so sticky this soon.

At that moment the doorbell rang. They both jumped guiltily. Which amused Miranda, because Sam's proposition was doubtless the most respectable interaction she'd have with a man tonight.

"I guess they couldn't wait to see you." Sam pulled his hand away. But he seemed to be waiting for her reply.

"Don't be rude to our guests," she murmured.

The bed creaked in disappointment as he rose. "It's a standing offer," he added and pulled the door closed behind him.

She was alone again, relieved but oddly restless. Yet before long she'd have plenty of company....