Being an erotica author gets a variety if reactions from people. One thing I always get asked is how do I research my scenes? Let me say this…I hate research, book research that is. Pouring over books or websites reading and studying is just too much like being in school for me to enjoy it. Lucky for me there are better ways to do research- key word being do.
At the core of every story are the characters. As authors we want the readers to connect with the characters, we want them to get invested in what they do, how they feel, and what happens to them. In order to do this, these characters and the things they do, the emotions they feel need to be real to us. It’s why we research things.
I’ve used my own experience as a bartender, a blackjack dealer, a bodyguard and a retail sales clerk when writing my stories. Doing these jobs, working in these environments, and experiencing many situations that truly are stranger than fiction has done more for my writing than reading up and studying the careers ever could.
When writing erotic fiction research can be a different animal. I’ve written scenes and subject matter that I haven’t experienced. I’m not an exhibitionist like Beth was in WATCH ME, I’m not a submissive like Lara in WICKED, and and I’m not dominatrix like Sarah in WISH UPON A STAR. Sure, some scenes I’ve written have been fantasies of mine and others have been reality. Some others I have absolutely no interest in ever experiencing. It doesn’t matter if I have, or want to, or don’t want to experience them, my job as an author is to make it real for the character, and in turn, for the reader. That means research.
Beyond actually doing the jobs or experiencing things firsthand as a form of research, I like to talk to people who have. Now, we can’t all be Richard Castle who gets to hang out with police detectives and help solve cases so we’ve got to learn to sue the resources we have. I’ve given my characters careers that family members have so when I need a consultant they’re handy. Almost as handy as family is the internet, especially for erotic research. I’ve contacted complete strangers, joined yahoo loops, websites, and specialized forums. Personally, I find talking to people more interesting than simply reading up on a subject, and lucky for me, people really do love talking about their passions.
When I find someone I want to talk to, I usually send them my website address to prove that I’m for real and surprisingly most people open up amazingly. Not only do most answer some questions that can often be very personal, but they’re often eager to help out more by test reading things when I’ve finished writing them.
So, that’s how I do my research.
Erotic Resource Sites I’ve used.
For a very diverse and erotic look at some Shibari photos visit the Beautiful Bondage website. www.beautifulbondage.net
To get a look at some online tutorials, and much more information on Shibari, check out www.shibari.info/
Real life kink Lifestylers Bob and Chantal have photo’s workshops and much more on their site RopeMarks website. www.ropemarks.com/en/home/index.php
Kayla Kuffs writes many articles on the lifestyle, but this general one is my favorite. (www.kaylasniche.com/BDSM_essays/essay12.htm)
Into The Attic is a site those that are interested in exploring their own submissive side should check out.
Alt.com is a personals site, but it’s full of personal essays, chat rooms, and many people who are willing to open up to a serious author.
