Talk About Sex

Yes, I said it.

In the melodic words of Salt n Peppa, let's talk about sex. Why not? Sex permeates everything we think or do in our lives.

But specifically, I want to talk about writing and reading about sex.

"Literature - creative literature - unconcerned with sex, is inconceivable." - Gertrude Stein.

I suppose I can't say that ALL stories ever written were about sex, the but in the majority of adult literature, sex is, at the very least, an undercurrent.

Why is sex so popular? I believe it is because when one reads about sex, whether it be romantic or purely physical, they are reading about pleasure, mysticism, magic. Sex transports us to a realm of fantasy. I'm not saying that every story or piece of literature should ooze sex appeal or graphically depict the act at every chance. I am suggesting though that sex should be allowed to be a part of the story as much any other element of character or plot. In the case of erotica, sex can literally become the plot.

"Sex is as important as eating or drinking and we ought to allow the one appetite to be satisfied with as little restraint or false modesty as the other." - Marque de Sade.

I've often been accused of writing highly sexualized and wanton stories, even in works I don't necessarily consider 'erotica.' I believe this is because I choose to include the natural act within the lives of my characters. One might even say I allow the sexual or physical relationship to intertwine within the romantic relationship, helping to build layers in the characters. After all, isn't that like it is in real life?

Sex often takes a political place within a relationship. Sex can be both kind or cruel. People grow up with so many hang-ups about sex, even the most normal expressions of physical pleasure and release, can seem taboo to them.

"Sex is full of lies. The body tries to tell the truth but it's usually too battered with rules to heard, and bound with pretense so it can hardly move. We cripple ourselves with lies." - Jim Morrison.

That's why I often write erotica. It is a way to experience a fantasy. It is a way to live outside the realm of rules and pretense - if only for awhile. I believe also that this is why erotica maintains its popularity.

One can read about something they might otherwise know only as 'kink' or 'disgusting' without being made to feel guilty about it.

"Don't worry, it only seems kinky the first time." - Anonymous.

Many people allow their beliefs to blur the lines and think that something out of the ordinary is perverse when, in fact, it may just be another form of expression. The things we might call kink may be what allows one to fully let go. It may be the thing that brings the magic.

"Kinky is using a feather. Perverted is using the whole chicken." - Anonymous.

So, what say you? Why do enjoy reading or writing works of erotica? Do you read about things you would never do in real life or do you do things in real life you'd never even read about?