A friend sent this to me. Looks like HuffPost Gay and I were on the same page at the same time. Rad!

A Gay Woman Struggles to Get Off on Porn Made for Straight Men

Today, I watched an eight minute clip of a beautiful, naked woman pleasuring herself (well, ostensibly). I won’t get into why or how I chose this particular video. My porn selection process is the subject of a different blog post altogether. And usually related to my current work in progress.

So, I thought I'd relax and enjoy myself, decompress a little. But as soon as I clicked "play", my mind went into high-gear and I was powerless to put my hand down--from chronicling my thoughts.

I couldn't help noticing how elegant the porn lady’s hands were. I thought about how nicely expensive jewelry would rest on those naked, busy, attention-grabbing fingers. Then I was drawn in by her lips, which were naturally full and supple, and I imagined how her kiss would feel on my lips--all the while relieved that she wasn't wearing sticky gloss or heavy eye shadow like they usually do. Her breasts had clearly been robustly surgically enhanced, but I chose to ignore their fakeness and scanned her nipples, which were hued pink and perfectly shaped, with an attractive amount of areola.

There I was, completely picking this woman apart and revving up for the big O at the same time. Despite the judgment I kept passing, I decided that I liked what I saw. Well, that's not entirely accurate. My body decided for me. And I was fine with that. Hey, a good time is a good time.

This is how a gay woman watches porn made for straight men.

The woman's acting was eh. Did she seem like she was actually getting off? Not really. She kept making these open-mouthed squinty-eyed expressions that were so obviously forced. And I cringed when she turned her lusty gaze into the camera. Such opposite sex pandering! But I willingly suspended my disbelief of her and chose instead to focus on her bare, heaving D's when her facial posturing became too condescending to bear. I wondered if she would care if she knew that a woman was watching her. Scrutinizing and judging her every gesture in the way only a woman can...while getting off at the same time. Would an awareness of a female audience move her to dig deeper and find a truer performance?

My brain just kept going, even though my body was all, "She's hot. She's fucking hot." But why is this stunning woman doing porn, I couldn’t help but wonder. She doesn’t seem doped up. And doesn't she know that she could enter any upscale club or bar in any major metropolitan area, get in for free, act classy—or not-so-classy and ultimately woo a rich guy into marrying her? If she is shallow enough to take this particular porno job, wouldn’t she happily marry a decent, somewhat age-appropriate rich man who will take care of her every want? She can't simply be doing this for the money, can she? Is she rebelling against someone or something? Running away?

I actively dismissed this line of questioning, aware that it was just plain stupid, counterfactual at best and most importantly, detracting from my enjoyment--which was the main reason I clicked "play" in the first place.

She continued moving those fingers. Poetry. Adeptness. Until…no no no don't put them in your mouth! I avert my eyes. I imagine that I’m avoiding more eye contact through the camera during the moronic finger-to-mouth pushes. I tune back in just in time to watch her move the saliva-laden fingers back down to her vag, using them to glisten herself and enhance her delight (once again, ostensibly). I roll my eyes. Women NEVER do that when we're alone!

We don’t put our fingers in our mouth during sex OR masturbation, and we don't rub saliva onto our clitorises! I announce this inside my head as if a gang of cheerer-onners had arrived to support my view. I continue watching her magnificent body writhe, and I’m getting close...Then she pushes her breasts in real close to the camera and I have to laugh at myself as I enjoy the illusion that my face is right underneath. I smile and I blush. Not bad, porno man.

I hit the big O. Shut down my laptop immediately. Marvel at how shallow I am. How I'm just like a guy. I got off to this! Shame on me. I’m just like a man. Well, except for those moments when I'm completely not.

Men, are your minds this active when you watch porn?

I'm pretty sure I already know the answer.

LOVE this super-cute commercial. Makes me want to drive a KIA, like, NOW :-)

Have a great night!

Nomencliture: Euphemism vs. Literal Description in Sex Scene Writing

Sexy euphemisms are hot. They take some degree of creativity to conjure and, when used appropriately, can be more sensual than describing private parts outright. Moist nests…rivers of desire...and hey, what about when she opens her honey pot? Sounds yummier than a tight hole or clit at attention. But sometimes just saying it like it is really does the trick.

What sounds sexier to you?

I say it depends on the context.

On the tone of the scene. Or perhaps on the overall tone of the story. I used to be shy about referring to my character’s wetness, or her swollen parts. But while in the throes of writing a sex scene, I've found that I'm simply at the mercy of my character’s visceral reaction to her love interest. If my story is in the first person, the descriptions that pop to mind are my narrator’s, which, depending on who she is, can be poetic and gentle or crude and literal. And the same thing goes for third person tone. How detached is my narrator? Does she have intimate knowledge of one or both of my heroines?

One thing I’ve learned to always keep in mind during a sex scene is that sensuality reigns. In romance writing, sex is rarely about the sex. It's usually about two people heightening a connection they have discovered by bringing it to a physical level. An intensely physical level. If a crude description will liven the sensuality between your two characters, go for it. A plain anatomical blow-by-blow doesn’t have to hearken back to high school health class. It may actually do a better job of keeping the reader in the scene than bringing to mind artful water displays and places where birds rest.

To illustrate how both euphemism and literal description can work together, here’s a short excerpt from my first ever published sex scene. In italics, you’ll find what I was thinking while I was writing it. What I’m going for here is the blog version of a director’s DVD commentary over her film.

My two L WORLD heroines finally come together after a cat and mouse chase. The scene picks up after Blake, the main heroine, has been pleasured by Janie for the first time. This is Blake's first sexual encounter with a woman.

Janie beamed, seeming thrilled that she brought her new lover to climax. But she could feel her own love juices dripping down her leg, reminding her how helpless she was to stop her body from crying out to Blake. She hungered for those strong hands and tongue. For me, love juice sounds appetizing, like a cup of fresh-squeezed O.J. or Ocean Spray. Hey, Ocean Spray—now there's a good lady lubricant euphemism!

Janie brought her mouth up to meet Blake’s as she settled down from her euphoric state. She embraced her, and Blake let out a deep sigh, their warm, sweaty bodies enmeshing. Warm, sweaty bodies enmeshing is a safe choice. I easily get a visual of legs wrapped around each other and arms connecting, using only a few words to get there.

“Janie,” Blake said, pushing an unwieldy strand of hair behind Janie’s ear. “Everything feels like it makes sense. It is almost as if I can see again.” That quote is a nod to the movie Bound, starting a steaming hot Gina Gershon and seductive Jennifer Tilly. I wanted to reference my favorite lesbian flick in my first erotic lesbian novel.

They shared a tender kiss and Blake raised her thigh, meeting the hot cream between Janie’s legs. Janie slid back and moaned. Hot cream sounds desserty to me. More appetizing than wetness in this particular instance. And cunnilingus is on the way, so I need my ladies to be delicious.

“Make me come, Blake” she said with an intensity that at once seemed to excite and frighten Blake.

She pushed Janie back down and mounted her, kissing her passionately. Her mouth stayed glued to Janie’s as her hand massaged down her body, savoring her curves.

“Blake, I can’t take it anymore. Touch me!” Janie commanded, and she opened her legs. Whenever a woman "opens her legs" at just the right moment, it completely turns me on. With that deliciously simple phrase, placement is key to arousal.

Blake rubbed her hand in between Janie’s thighs, amazed at the slippery love potion she had inspired. It excited her and made her feel in control. She caressed Janie back and forth over her wetness and Janie took staggered breaths as if she were suffering.

“Is that good?” Blake asked, unsure of her skill but sure of her passion.

“Everything you're doing is good,” Janie assured her.

For more, check out L WORLD here, now in paperback and e-book, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on my sex scenes!

My First Interview

Thank you to Michael Scott, co-host of Bookmark Radio. I reprinted our interview here. My first one!
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Interview With Taryn Rose, Author of L World

Over the years I’ve had the pleasure of immersing myself in many genres of books. But none more intriguing than the lesbian romance category.

I was introduced to a book called L World through a Google+ feed and decided to take a much needed diversion from my normal staple of economics, sociology and Eastern religion reads. I was so intrigued with the book that I reached out to its author Taryn Rose. And I am happy to report that our friendship is rapidly blossoming.

So what was it like writing a book on lesbian romance?

I spent five years as an associate at a national law firm dreaming about writing novels as a opposed to legal briefs, and I felt grateful for the opportunity to delve into a genre that held a great deal of interest to me. It was fun to flesh out the characters and once I organized my plot, the words just seemed to flow.

Your two heroines Blake and Janie offer some interesting insights into lesbian relationships. Can you talk about this?

This books explores common challenges that all of us face, regardless of our gender preferences in establishing relationships. The story starts with a chance encounter in a salon between Blake, a high profile attorney and Janie, a top hairstylist. Both of their lives are turned upside down as a result of their attraction to each other.

So what are you attempting to convey to your readers through this book?

I believe in the importance of fantasy in terms of helping us awaken to who we are or have the potential to be. As women we should take time to deepen our understanding of self and desire, especially when that desire shakes up our whole world.

It appears that there are in fact many thematic juxtapositions throughout the book

Blake's encounter and ultimate relationship with Janie allows her to tap into a part of herself that she has long kept hidden. Despite being younger and newer in her career, Janie is further along in her personal development than Blake.

L World exposes the risky side of torrid affairs for women who are in high powered professional roles. Using Blake’s example, what lessons does this book offer to professional women in terms of the balancing act between one’s intimate needs and feelings and desire to climb the proverbial corporate ladder?

In Blake’s case, when she meets Janie, she is close to the top of that ladder–with a lot at stake. She’s a top corporate attorney, a mother of a teenage son, and has a relationship with her ex-husband. Coming out for Blake could change they way she is perceived by her  partners, clients and family members–and she knows that. I think Blake’s journey reinforces the need to be cautious and deliberate, but also brave and unafraid to live life to the fullest. Blake behaves immaturely and at times, selfishly and cowardly. But when she realizes she has more to lose by letting Janie go, her decisions become empowering and life-affirming.

What sorts of fears or vulnerabilities (if any) surfaced for you as a writer in Chapter 7 as you began to articulate the first deep physical encounter between Janie and Blake? What sort of message were you hoping to impart to your readers in terms of the often secret world of lesbian intimacy?

I was concerned with being completely in the scene, making it as visceral and passionate as I conceived it. It was equally important for me to capture both the emotional dynamics at play and the downright animalistic lust that overwhelms the two heroines. That particular scene is the culmination of the early stages of Blake and Janie’s courtship, and it had to work in order for the story to move forward.

What sort of impact did writing this book have in terms of examining your own life?

It helped me play out some of my own ideas and philosophies related to how complicated the journey of life really is.

There has been quite a bit of buzz of late with the release of the steamy Shades of Grey series. What do you think this reflects in terms of the proliferation of interest in these sorts of books?

I think that it’s a signal that women’s romantic and sexual fantasies are important and no longer have to be taboo.

And where do you see the whole world of lesbian romance books headed in ensuing years?

The market for lesbian themed e-books appears strong, especially among bi-curious, queer and lesbian identified readers. That said, I have been contacted by men who relate to the romantic challenges the heroines face in L WORLD and enjoy exploring those in the context of the physical intimacy involved between two women. I think that heterosexual women enjoy a powerful and well-written romance that explores the boundaries and complications that may arise when two women discover more than friendship. Because this is a subgenre that has appeal for all types of readers, I believe it will grow exponentially in the coming years.

Michael Scott is co-host of Bookmark Radio. Learn more here.
Order L WORLD here.

Erotic Author Lucy Felthouse Swings By!

I am excited to be hosting my very first guest author! It's not all about me and my adventures today and that feels strange, but I'm so glad to shine the spotlight on Lucy. I was so giddy about it, in fact, that I almost titled this post "Erotic Author Lucy Felthouse Swings Bi" (instead of "By") because then I'd get in a cute double entendre and feel all cool. But I was afraid you might think I was describing the author and not her work, so I'm explaining the pun instead of making it...(Real smooth, Taryn!)

Lucy's stories are so good that you may wonder about her sexuality. And that is why I found her account of a recent talk that she gave particularly interesting. Take it away, Lucy!

*****

Luscious Ladies

I did a talk for a local writer's group a couple of months ago. I was nervous beforehand, because previous appearances I've done have been at erotica-related places or events. This was a writing group with members ranging from 17 to 93, and although they knew the speaker was an erotic writer, I still wasn't sure what they'd make of me.

There was a great turn out – people were obviously curious enough to turn up and see what I was like. I don't know if they were disappointed by my normal appearance or not, but everyone was really friendly and interested in what I do.

Anyway, after I did my talk, I then had a Q&A session, and happily, lots of people asked me questions. One of them (from the 93 year old, in fact) was along the lines of, "If you have a boyfriend, how do you write lesbian fiction?"

I answered by saying that I can write about two women together, because I am a woman. I have the right equipment, I know what things look and feel like, and what feels pleasurable. As a writer, I have the imagination to duplicate that into two (or more) women in a story – and there you have it! Sexy lesbian or bisexual fiction.

My answer seemed to satisfy the group, though they couldn't quite get their heads around who reads lesbian fiction. I answered that I read lesbian fiction. I also read straight and gay fiction. Many people will read all kinds of fiction just because they love that type of story – it doesn't have to have any bearing on their sexuality or preferences. When I let slip that my lesbian fiction outsells my straight fiction, there were lots of raised eyebrows around the table. They weren't rubbishing my claims, or the genre, I suspect it was just something they'd never considered before.

This led the conversation onto gay fiction, and when I said it was mainly women writing and reading it, there was a great deal of confusion. But then I pointed out that it's similar to when straight guys (not all of them, of course, I'm not generalising!) say things like "Ooh, lesbians! Hot!" I believe their mentality is that they like women and women's bodies, so two women together is twice the sexiness. This brought lots of nods from the group – why wouldn't women think exactly the same thing about seeing two guys together?

Overall, it was a fun evening with a group of people who were very curious about what I do and the erotica and erotic romance genre in general, which prompted several discussions similar to the ones I've just mentioned. One comment that sticks in my mind is when I said that my luscious ladies outsell everything else, someone basically told me that I was obviously doing something right, and to keep writing it! A "go girl" if ever I heard one. So, with that in mind, I shall leave you in peace and go and write some more Sapphic sexiness, and smile as I think about the education I gave the local writing group. I suspect I was their most controversial speaker in a while!

Living in her remote cottage in the woods, Heidi doesn’t get many visitors. So when she spots a fox in her garden, she’s delighted. However, her joy quickly turns to dismay when she thinks the beautiful creature may be injured. Heading out to see how she can help, Heidi is astounded when something happens that makes her question her eyesight – not to mention her sanity. Once she gets over her shock and discovers the reason behind the peculiar encounter, Heidi is mighty glad that the fox chose her garden to visit.

More info, excerpt and buy links: http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/published-works/the-cottage-in-the-woods/

Lucy is a graduate of the University of Derby, where she studied Creative Writing. During her first year, she was dared to write an erotic story - so she did. It went down a storm and she's never looked back. Lucy has had stories published by Cleis Press, Constable and Robinson, House of Erotica, Noble Romance, Ravenous Romance, Resplendence Publishing, Summerhouse Publishing, Sweetmeats Press and Xcite Books. She is also the editor of Uniform Behaviour and Seducing the Myth. Find out more at http://www.lucyfelthouse.co.uk. Join her on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to her newsletter at:              http://eepurl.com/gMQb9

Upcoming Lady Jane's Salon Reading!

If you're in New York City on Monday, June 4, I hope you will drop in to Lady Jane's Salon where I will have the honor of reading from L WORLD. 

Lady Jane's Salon is New York's first and only monthly romance reading series. Hosted by Hope Tarr, Leanna Renee Hieber, Maya Rodale and Ron Hogan and held the first Monday of every month at Madame X in SoHo, it's a real treat for fiction lovers and a great night out!


The Salon goes from 7 p.m. 'til 9, and I hope to see you there!