Bring your fantasies to life with erotic writing

Imagination is a realm where anything is possible, where you can let your secret garden flourish far from prying eyes. An essential driving force of your desires, you sometimes tend to censor it harshly.

Your wildest fantasies are then consigned to the dustbin of shame. Wouldn't it be wonderful to free them from their chains and let them be fully expressed?

Good news: erotic writing allows you to unleash the subversive, sexy, and darker side of your thoughts. In this article, we share everything you need to know to write your first erotic short story.

Why give in to the temptation of erotic writing?

To fully express your unspoken fantasies

Writing an erotic short story has something cathartic about it in that it is a form of disinhibition.

Whether you share your story with your partner, anonymously online, or keep it just for yourself, writing down each step of a fantasy has the flavor of an intimate confession .

You are in charge and you alone decide where your story will go. Perhaps your first draft will be tentative and still a bit timid. That's perfectly fine!

Opt for a A sensual or sexy playlist to get you in the mood , think of a steamy moment you would like to (re)live, close your eyes and let the words express your feelings .

Did you know that Fifty Shades of Grey was originally an erotic fan fiction set in the Twilight universe? Yes, indeed, the main characters were the pale couple Bella and Edward. Your erotic short story might just be the next bestseller, who knows! 

Writing erotica to learn about oneself

Journaling is an excellent way to learn about yourself. Why not apply it to your sexy and sensual side ?

By letting yourself be carried away by your pen, you allow yourself to be guided to lands of your mind that you do not yet know.

The choice of setting, characters, and script will be a projection of what occupies your thoughts. Putting this part of yourself down on paper (or screen) is a perfectly healthy practice.

Writing structures thought , it gives it direction. By following it, you may make some wonderful discoveries about yourself.

Be careful, however, not to judge what emerges from your erotic writing , whether it's your style or the content of your story. There's no point in trying to interpret a fantasy in depth .

Where can I find inspiration for an erotic text?

Finding inspiration for erotic writing sometimes requires immersing oneself in different forms of art and literature.

Eros (passion), as a central force in sexuality , has permeated countless books throughout history, from gentle romance to more explicit, almost pornographic , works. Delve into these works to explore how authors construct their narratives, develop their characters, and address intimacy .

1. Erotic literature

Literature, whether erotic or more traditional, abounds with fascinating examples of how sexuality is portrayed . Specialized writing books can also offer advice and tips on creating complex and realistic characters who fully express their desires. One example is Flore Cherry's guide, simply titled * L'Écriture Érotique* (2020).

2. Writing workshops

Participating in writing workshops , whether in person or online, is another way to tap into this source of inspiration.

These workshops often offer a space for sharing where budding writers exchange their views on romance and sexuality , while addressing the subtleties that differentiate eroticism from pornography.

In these workshops, you'll receive invaluable advice on how to capture sensual tension between characters while avoiding genre clichés. Whether you write romance, erotica , or are looking to explore more explicit aspects of sexuality , these workshops can transform your approach and add new depth to your stories.

If you'd like to try your hand at erotic writing , you can do so in the privacy of your own room or by doing some research. The key is to explore sexuality and characters with authenticity and creativity , to seek advice, but above all, to enjoy the process! 

The essential ingredients of a good erotic story

The physical description of the characters

A good physical description transforms the author and her reader into active voyeurs. This is a particular form of pleasure known as scopic desire.

“ The drive to see ( scopic drive ) takes shape under the pressure of the other's gaze. The gaze designates that which compels us to see, even when we are blinded. [...] Indeed, the gaze mobilizes affect. ” Annie Boyer-Labrouche , psychiatrist

To describe your characters' bodies , alternate between metaphors and more anatomical descriptions. You can also prepare a short list of synonyms for body parts to avoid repeating "sex" or "breasts."

The same applies to interactions. Kissing can be expressed as "making out", "kissing", "embracing"...

How do you present the feelings of your characters?

The sexual act is much more than a sequence of gestures; it cannot be reduced to a physical description of bodies and movements.

For the magic of an erotic short story to work, emotions and senses must envelop the act.

What are your characters feeling? How do their emotions and sensuality evolve as desire grows increasingly intense within them?

Play with words to emphasize this crescendo of sensations in your description. The 5 senses come into play during intercourse, so why not draw on culinary vocabulary for taste or musical terms for sounds?

If you prefer raw, visceral descriptions , go for it! An erotic short story is entirely yours. It should ignite your own desire . You owe nothing to anyone, least of all the French Academy. 

Your first exercise in erotic writing

We weren't going to leave you with all these leads without giving you at least one writing exercise.

📚 Because we're so lovely, we'll remind you of the basic narrative structure. It's also called The Hero's Journey :

1. Initial situation

2. Disruptive element

3. Adventures

4. Resolution element

5. Final state, return to equilibrium

The erotic act can be the disruptive element that upsets your character or the element of resolution that ends a tension.

For this exercise, write a first-person scenario where you fulfill a fantasy with a fictional character in their own universe. Before you ask: yes, you are welcome to use Edward or Bella if you wish.

You now have the tools to invest more in your sexual well-being through erotic writing . If you enjoy the exercise, you can then publish your stories on dedicated blogs or forums; they abound online. You can even discover an erotic adventure from Puissante, following Coco's adventures in Italy.