For those of us
who write erotic romance novels, especially those with BDSM themes, we occasionally
get the snicker, a wink, a smart-ass comment and annoying questions, like: Do
you research all those naughty scenes in your books? The quick answer is YES, but not the way you may think.
It took me a
long time to decide to write a BDSM novel. I’ve read many over the years and
was intrigued by the power dynamics and sensuality. I hesitated about writing
my own books because I knew there was much more to these stories than dressing
my characters in lots of leather, having them wield whips and chains and making
up safe words. The depth of emotion and intensity in the relationships are very
complicated and, I believed, difficult to portray well unless well researched. Although
the stories are fiction, I wanted to portray the lifestyle as accurately as I
could. Writing my first book did take a lot of research and courage, and I may
have gotten a few details wrong. I’m still learning. I’ll be taking a three-day
workshop on the topic in NYC soon, and look forward to spicing up my next BDSM
novel with what I learn. More on that later.
Why? Why
do couples/partners become involved in the BDSM lifestyle? There are
probably many reasons. Some may enjoy the thrill of escaping into a sensual
fantasy world. The excitement of exploring the forbidden and intense physical
stimulation. And/or the joy of sharing deep intimacy and trust with another
person. Please share your thoughts on this.
Here
are a few suggestions for researching the BDSM Novel:
-Ask authors who
are experts in the genre. I asked author Joey Hill lots of questions at RT Convention one year. She gave me lots of
suggestions and resources to check out.
-Read tons of
fiction books in the genre.
-Read numerous
non-fiction books. I’ll give a list of some at the end.
-Sign up on www.fetlife.com and perused the
various groups and read posts to get a feel for the various kinks, lifestyles
and lingo.
-Check out
online stores for bondage furniture, hardware and bondage wear to dress you
characters, furnish your dungeon and provide implements for your characters to
play with. Go to fetish or sexy lingerie shops.
-Go to
workshops. Yes, there are workshops on BDSM out there. Dr. Charley Ferrer, World Renowned Clinical Sexologist, TV/Radio
Talk Show Host, Award Winning Author is giving a 3-Day intensive workshop in New
York City called BDSM for Writers. Attendees will visit a BDSM club and understand how to use BDSM
psychology and power exchange between the characters in your stories, get the
details of a scene right, add sensory details to liven every scene. Yes, I’ll
be attending this http://www.bdsmforwriters.com/Conferences.html
-Go to
conferences. Many conferences are giving workshops on BDSM. Romanticon October
11th-14th http://ecromanticon.com/ . I’ll be doing a workshop with Joey Hill: BDSM Romance:
Why Do We Love it. And also BDSM, Hurts So Good with Desiree Holt and Francesca
Hawley.
-Talk to those
in the lifestyle. If you’re open and honest and ask sincere questions you’ll
usually get open and honest answers in return. Online sites like Fetlife is a
good site for that. Post a question saying you’re a writer and would like to
learn more about such and such. Some authors who write in the genre are also
involved or connected in the BDSM lifestyle and they may be open to be a
resource. Participating in the lifestyle is not a prerequisite for writing it
well. You can write about an astronaut walking on the moon, a gladiator
fighting in ancient Roman, or a caveman (a real one, not the hunky Ellora’s
Cave one) discovering fire even if you’ve never actually experienced those
lives.
Websites:
http://www.dungeondelights.com/store/index.php
http://eXtremeRestraints.com
http://www.purplepassion.com/Home.htm
http://www.bondagefetishstore.com
http://fetlife.com
https://www.bondage.com
http://donsubfriends.com/1home.shml
http://www.asubmissivesjourney.com/pageb.html
http://www.dungeonfuniture.com/frameset-about.htm
http://www.leathernroses.com/
http://bdsm-education.com/sitemap.html
http://www.sexuality.org/
http://www.stockroom.com/gear/bdsm_furniture/
http://www.toys4lust.com/furniture.htm
Books: (just a few suggestions)
BDSM for Writers - Dr. Charley Ferrer
BDSM the Naked Truth - Dr. Charley FerrerScrew the Roses, Send Me The Thorns - Philip Miller and Molly Devon
The Mistress Manual - Mistress Lorelei
The Loving Dominant - John Warren and Libby Warren
SM101: A Realistic Introduction – Jay Wiseman
The Ethical Slut – Dossie Easton and Janet W. Hardy
Sensual Magic: A Guide to S/M or Adventurous Couples – Patrick Califia
The New Topping Book – Dossie Easton and Janet Hardy
Two Knotty Boys Show You the Ropes – Two Knotty Boys and Larry Utley
The New Bottoming Book – Hardy and Easton
My stories that
have either a BDSM theme or elements:
“TattooWitch” in SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES, Vol. 1
DESERTOF THE DAMNED
DAMNEDAND DESIRED
DAMNEDAND DEFIANT (coming August 15th)
