Recent years have seen the resurgence of erotic fiction and it is currently one of the more popular genres on the market. Erotic writing has been around for centuries, but modern readers have managed to disassociate from the feeling of “slightly smutty” that dogged the material in the past. Maybe you have toyed with the idea of writing erotica in the past but don’t know where to begin. Here are a few tips to help you create successful fiction based in the boudoir!

Understand your genre. The subject of sex is such a wide issue it is important you know what differentiates erotica from pornography. Erotic fiction is not just about the physical act of sex; it is based on interesting characters, how they meet and the attraction that leads to them having sex! Pornography is purely descriptive methods of copulation without the finesse that accompanies erotic fiction. You will need to plot your story and give your main characters a backstory that will ring true. Do not make the mistake of thinking that readers of erotic fiction are more easily pleased than mainstream readers; they know their stuff and they expect you to know it as well.

Choose your flavor. Erotica is a large umbrella and has many subcategories beneath its remit. Vanilla is the most basic category and alludes to safe sex that is less than exploratory between a man and a woman. This does not mean it cannot be interesting and sexy, but the reader knows they will not be shocked by the content. Softcore fiction is also gentle on the reader and more titillating than hardcore. If a book is labeled as hardcore it will undoubtedly contain graphic descriptions of sexual acts between an assortment of willing participants. Lit erotica is a story based on classic stories; maybe you can spice up a Dickens-style plot with some red-hot action between the sheets! If you love science fiction there is a whole world of choice out there for you; sci erotica can be as weird and wonderful as you like. Just imagine the fun you can have with all those extra alien appendages!

Know your stuff. Your readers will expect you to have done your research. Aren’t we always told to write what we know? Check out how bodily parts work and the science behind sex! Use your personal experiences to write sizzling sex scenes, although do not whip out a notebook during intimate moments as your partner may not appreciate it, true story! Make sure any positions you are describing are realistic as your reader will recognize an unbelievable scenario and lose interest quickly.

Share your work. Join a writing group and ask for critiques. If you feel your book is going to be classed as erotic fiction then join a group that specializes in that genre. Shy away from groups that merely massage an author's ego with feel-good comments and actively encourage brutal evaluation of your work; it will benefit from a fair review.

Most of all enjoy the ride! No pun intended!