Erotic literature, or "erotica" as it's more commonly known, has been around since man (and woman) could first string together a naughty sentence.
From the earliest days of ancient Greece and Rome to modern times, erotic verse has always been a part of literary history. From the surviving poetic fragments of Sappho to William Shakespeare's Sonnets, from Song of Songs in the Old Testament to the twentieth-century erotic works of Anaïs Nin, Henry Miller and Anne Desclos (nom de plume, Pauline Réage), erotica has evolved over the millenia into today's popular literary genre.
Erotica, which is often confused with pornography, is loosely defined as "works of art, including literature...that deal substantively with erotically stimulating or sexually arousing descriptions...which portray the human anatomy and sexuality with high-art aspirations," according to Wikipedia.
But publishing erotic literary work hasn't always been an easy feat. Erotic writers faced numerous obstacles publishing their work after the invention of the printing press (in the 15th century), when mass production of erotic tales brought about censorship, obscenity charges and numerous legal restraints, not to mention religious condemnation.
Today, erotic literature is providing a much needed sales boost to the floundering publishing industry, with new erotica imprints created for publishing giants Kensington, Penguin, Random House and Simon & Schuster, according to Today.com. This new boom of the erotic literary genre has even given birth to erotica book clubs, both online and in-person gatherings, where readers and fans gather to discuss their favorite erotica novels and characters.
I recently had the opportunity to interview two contemporary erotica co-authors, Imani True and Dreama Skye, whose recent writing collaboration gave birth to their highly successful book of erotic tales for all genders and orientations, Strawberries, Stilettos and Steam. The co-authors shared their creative process, favorite stories, and getting in the (writing) mood.
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You and co-author Dreama Skye co-wrote a book of erotic tales titled Strawberries, Stilettos and Steam. How did you and Dreama conceive of the idea of co-writing a book of erotic tales?
Dreama: We liked each other’s style of writing so we decided to combine them. We wanted to write a book of erotic tales that different types of audiences could relate to. We wanted our book to have a voice that would take the reader inside the lives of characters living out their hidden fantasies and desires. We chose Camille, a voyeur, to be that voice. And we think she did an excellent job with our stories.
Imani: We were both writing erotic-themed works on a social networking site. I admired Dreama’s poetry for her brilliant descriptions and word flow. We thought we could combine our styles into something different and totally amazing that would appeal to current Erotica fans as well as attract new readers.
The writing in Strawberries, Stilettos and Steam is flawless. When did you first begin writing and how has your writing evolved since then?
Dreama: Thank you for your kind words. I began writing in grade school and middle school. My friends would pay me to write poems for them. In my own love letters I would close each one with a poem. I also wrote song lyrics. Since then, I changed my writing to erotic poetry and short stories. Over the years, my creativity has expanded along with my descriptive and narrative skills.
Imani: Thank you for the compliment. I’ve been writing since I was six-I began writing poems and creating stories like most children. As a teen, I made the transition to short stories, and by the time I hit my twenties, I had a footlocker of work. Since that first story in first grade, my writing has gone from writing meant for only me to works that others enjoy. It’s more descriptive, and incorporates themes from life molded into fiction that I write to entertain others.
When and how did you decide you would write erotica and what are some misconceptions that some readers may have regarding erotica?
Dreama: I began writing erotic poetry in high school. It wasn't a conscious decision. I just wrote what I felt on paper and Erotica is what came out. I was very passionate with that form of writing so I just continued.
One misconception is that Erotica is all about sex, and that if you read it or write it, you’re obsessed with it. Another misconception is that if you write erotica, you can't write anything else. I think another misconception is if you read about it then you’ll do it. Some people think that erotica is porn and refuse to read it not understanding that the two are very different.
Imani: As far as writing erotica, I never said “I’m going to write this.” During a seven year period of writer’s block, I became secure in my womanhood and my sexuality. When I picked up my pen and started writing again, my writing reflected that. Erotica is just what other people called it.
I agree with Dreama about the “obsessed with sex” misconception. I’ve even been asked “how can you write THAT?” It seems that some can’t admit that they have fantasies, and they definitely won’t own up to wanting to read books like ours. But they will read it in secret. I feel that reading Erotica is like any other experience, and it can be enjoyed without labeling oneself or feeling guilty about indulging one’s curiosity.
How do you prepare yourself creatively to write erotic stories? What is your creative process like?
Dreama: I relax in bed and listen to soft R&B music while sipping on wine late at night. I imagine the story playing in my head. I reflect on past relationships, stories of friends and listening to strangers talk about their sexcapades. I combine all those thoughts together and come up with a scene like in the movies. I build my story around those scenes. My creative process is different each time. Sometimes it starts with just an idea. I develop my storyline, the plot, and then I build my characters. Other times I have nothing but a title.
Imani: I listen to music that inspires my erotic side to come out: old school R&B mostly. I also imagine certain situations that I’ve been in, or that I hear others talk about. I don’t have a specific “process,” per se. It all starts with an idea that can be a character name, a phrase, a title, or a story line. When I have that, I simply lock myself away someplace quiet where I can visualize where the story will happen: a hotel room, a deserted road, the VIP room in the club, the police station, wherever.
How have women readers and fans responded to Strawberries, Stilettos and Steam?
Dreama: One of our readers is about to have a baby that she conceived while reading Strawberries, Stilettos, and Steam. She made sure we knew that our book was the reason. Readers are already asking if there will be a part two. Some people ask how much of the book is true and which stories are true. The women really want to pick our brains. I feel like the men also want to ask certain questions, but they’re uncomfortable doing it.
Imani: Women and men love the book. I have a male friend who took "Nika's Birthday" personally. We were wrapping up the book just before his wedding day, and I let him read an excerpt. He became angry with Jackson like he was a real person. He even argued with his frat brother and his wife-to-be because he felt so strongly about the storyline portrayed in that piece.
As for our women readers, some of them have the most interesting comments and they also bond with the various characters, placing themselves in the scenarios in the book. The response has been great from both sexes, and everyone has a favorite story, which is never the one we think it will be.
Do you have a favorite piece from the book? Which one and why?
Dreama: I have a lot of favorite stories in this book. I love "Cookies and Milk" because of the undying love of two college roommates. It really pulls on the heart strings. I enjoyed writing "Nika's Birthday" because of the way the characters interacted with one another. The back and forth banter between all of them told you the story of how close they all were. Even though Adonis was invited in, it didn’t take away from the deep love and admiration that Nika and Jackson shared.
Imani: Picking one story would be like choosing one child over the other. But if I can only pick one, I think it would be "V.I.P." because aside from being fun to write, it was a story with lots of side stories happening within it. And we were able to keep all of them flowing, weaving them in and out of the main action. I also like "Sophomore Itch" because I think most mature women fantasize about one encounter with a much younger man.
Where do you see the erotica genre being today compared to just ten years ago?
Dreama: Ten years ago there were just a few authors who wrote in this genre. Now there are more writers of erotica, and the readers appreciate having more options than just the two or three authors they’re used to reading. Ten years ago, people were insecure about sharing their erotic works. Now because of the social networking sites, more people are posting their erotic stories and writing books.
Imani: I see the genre has moved forward quite a bit. Ten years ago, most put Erotica in the same category as porn. But the current writers of Erotica have gone to great lengths to ensure that the genre has survived, and I hope to one day be mentioned among them. These days, there are also more writers to choose from, and readers are really beginning to expand their minds by reading the work of new writers like us.
Who are some of your favorite women authors?
Dreama: Ni’cola Michell is one of my favorites because she makes you connect to her characters. I also enjoy reading Laurinda, Brown, Sistah Soulja, and Zane.
Imani: My favorites are Laurinda Brown, Bebe Moore Campbell, Ni’cola Mitchell, Mary Morrison, Pynk, Sistah Souljah, Terry McMillan, Zane, and Fiona Zedde.
We love these authors because although they represent a cross-section of genres and writing styles, each of them always captures the reader with their characters and stories.
What are your other current writing projects? What can readers expect from you next?
Dreama: I am currently working on a novel about a woman breaking free from a situation that she never should have jumped into. It’s a contemporary urban drama about a “perfect” threesome gone bad. I will also go back to writing erotic poetry, which is my first love. Expect a collection of my poems in 2012. I am also working on a second novel. Later on, I’ll be teaming up with Imani True for the sequel to Strawberries, Stilettos, and Steam, and another collaboration further down the road. Readers can also expect to find me in some anthologies.
Imani: I am working on my first novel entitled A Little Sumthin Sumthin, and will begin working on the sequel to Strawberries... with Dreama Skye once that’s done. Next up, readers can expect me to venture into the Crime Thriller/Forensic Drama genre. I’ve put several novels on the backburner because I’m really excited about these serial crime projects that will be published straight to e-book in 2012. Then I’ll be in a few anthologies, get back to my novels, and more work with Dreama. Finally, I’ll resume work on a few screenplays that I’m doing with my son. So the next 2-3 years will be very busy for me.
Any final thoughts?
Dreama: We'd like to thank those who have read the book and posted reviews. We really appreciate the support. We're looking forward to meeting readers on our tour. And letting them get to know us better as well as enjoy more of our books in the future.
Imani: Thank you, N.E., for taking this time to interview us. It was a pleasure, and we appreciate the opportunity to introduce your readers to our work.
Where can readers go to learn more about the two of you as authors?
Facebook and www.ncmpublishing.com are probably the two most popular places to find us. Search for us by name--Author Dreama Skye and Imani True. There is also a SSS fan page on Facebook. Our website is www.trueskyemedia.com: that's where readers can watch the video trailer, meet our characters, get info on tour stops, and order signed copies. They can also leave comments and reviews on the book via the "Contact Us" section.
Dreama: My personal blog is at: http://skyeserotichaven.blogspot.com
Imani: My blog is at http://truerotica.blogspot.com
Strawberries, Stilettos and Steam is available at most book retailers, including Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Books-A-Million. For bulk copies, contact Ni'cola Mitchell at NCM Publishing.
For more information: www.trueskyemedia.com
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