Litnet

Simone (a pseudonym), writer of “Backseat driving” and co-winner of our recent Moon/Hallowe'en competition, talks to Ingrid Botha of LêNet about writing the poem and gives us her insights about the writing of erotica.

“Backseat driving” – tell us about writing it?

Thank you. Seeing that this is but my second “erotic story” I really am humbled by the fact that other people find it well written. I had the most fun writing this – it took me about two hours from start to finish, with a few minor edits the following day. I consider myself lucky, since this story relates an actual event that happened in my life. In the days that followed that moment I was driven by a desire to capture it in a way that would let it live on for a while longer. After I had written “Backseat driving” I felt complete.

Are you a professional writer?

Corporate writing forms an integral part of my day job, which is mostly writing press releases, articles, PR and marketing copy. I’ve always enjoyed writing and believe that it’s a talent Iinherited.

How did you start writing erotica?

It was a leap of faith. I’m cursed with a vivid and overactive imagination. However, for most of my life (especially at school) I was regarded as “not creative”. At school being creative meant you could draw an exact replica of the wilting flowers that your art teacher placed at the front of the class during Arts and Crafts. I discovered my passion for writing when I started my first job and met a freelance poet who coaxed me to start writing.

Writing erotica is a fairly new concept for me and I have to attribute a part of it to having a great “cuddle buddy”. I’ve always had a darker side, overflowing with fantasies and scenarios. I consider my writing as a form of escapism. The only difference is that my escapism is based on reality and it’s something I’m not scared of pursuing. It’s either a daydream that has already happened or one that I intend on making a reality.

What advice would you give wannabe writers? And what are their challenges?

Visualisation helps me. I tend to play the story out in my head, in great detail, and once I feel like I know what it is that I want to capture I start writing. Avoid using clichés; instead, try and be authentic and steer away from what you’ve read before. Lastly, forget the adjectives; I hate people that throw adjectives around like they’re going out of fashion. If you can’t get your point across without adjectives, adding them won’t make it any better.

I consider myself a beginner, and judging from my own experiences the biggest challenge of writing erotica is to let go of preconceived opinions of what an erotic writer is. People tend to be very judgmental when they hear the word “erotica” and their first thoughts are of whips and chains. I don’t classify myself as that. I’m not someone who believes in the concept of BDSM –  personally I don’t find it appealing; however, far be it from me to judge someone else who does like it. So conquering the stereotypes is your first challenge. Secondly I would say being able to tap into your creative side can be a challenge. It isn’t always easy to write, regardless of the subject matter. You have to have the ability to dig deep and focus your thoughts in order to truly produce something worth reading.

What is your dream for the future with regard to writing?

I definitely want to write more. I already write both erotic and non-erotic stories and poems, but I would love to diversify and be a freelance writer for lifestyle issues and events as well. I love writing – it is something that comes naturally and that I do for personal growth. My ultimate dream is to be a fully fledged writer of both erotic and non-erotic stories and poems.

What did you want to be when you were a child?

I wanted to be Miss South Africa. I wish I had a more intellectual childhood dream. I think my dream was motivated by the desire to prance around in an oversized, embellished dress and tiara, having people dote on me. I’m happy to announce that that has since changed.

If you got offered a full-time job at Hustler or any other pornographic magazine, would you consider it?

I would decline. Those types of magazines leave very little to the imagination and my stories are driven by imagination. I would like to think that my writing is more sensual and romantic as opposed to the alternative. In my stories I try to create a sensual and passionate atmosphere, with true feelings and sensations. My main focus is always on creating a beautiful story and not just on a graphic description of a deed.

Were your parents quite liberal or conservative towards sex when you grew up?

Absolutely yes, I was raised by strict and loving parents. As I grew into my twenties and started voicing my opinions they were forced to come out of their shell a little bit and these days we can discuss sex as a topic, as long as it’s not mine or theirs.

Readers of erotica get the impression that the writer is free-spirited and has very little sexual baggage …?

That’s difficult to say; I can’t speak for everyone. I would think that erotic writers should have a more free-spirited nature, as they are able to write about a subject that for years was kept behind closed doors. I strongly believe that there is a difference in the types of erotic writing and I hate the fact that people generalise, solely because I don’t believe my stories are pornographic. I do consider myself more free-spirited and sexually free; however, I’m not promiscuous and people should know that there’s a difference.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

My imagination is my main source of inspiration, coupled with a great “cuddle buddy” and some amazing and memorable sexual experiences. It’s amazing what being sexually and emotionally satisfied can do for one’s confidence.

Name two of your favourite writers of erotica?

I actually don’t have favourite writers as I’m not a big reader of erotica at all. The last erotic book I read was the infamous 50 Shades, which I never finished and found brash and sensually deprived. That is my personal opinion.

My introduction to “erotic” writing started and ended with Mills & Boon books. To this day I still believe that those are some of the better written romance/erotic books as they left something to the imagination and their scenes, albeit very predictable, were always beautifully written. I’d much rather work for them!

Do you read South African sex stories? Why/why not?

No; however, I’ve read some of the short stories published on LitNet and always find it interesting to see the difference between a male and female writer. Men tend to focus on the act, women tend to focus on everything else … and then the act.