There’s a reason why we indulge in guilty pleasures behind closed doors. For instance, some people like crocheting, even if it hurts their image. Others like watching a certain TV show, such Toddlers and Tiaras or Keeping Up With the Kardashians. But for many readers and writers, erotica would be considered a guilty pleasure.

From the realms of Bared to You by Sylvia Day to the somewhat awkward dialogue of Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James, there’s a certain success associated with the erotica market. Many authors and publishers have noticed how quickly the genre is growing, so much so that various lines and presses have sprung up devoted to erotica. And with the ease of self-publishing today, it’s no wonder that erotica is dominating the literary world. There are, of course, a lot of readers out there who blush when a half-naked man poses on the cover of their book (me included), let alone with an entire erotica series just sitting on their bed. 

So aside from it being a popular genre, why should you take the time to write erotica? What exactly makes erotica so addictive to write? 

Exploring yourself - As you may or may not know, writing gives you the opportunity to express yourself and base characters around your experiences. If you have a certain kink you want to explore, you can write about it however you want. If you’re not sure what you want in a relationship, then learn about what sounds good to you through your stories. There’s no right or wrong way to write after all and, more often than not, it’s that very authenticity that captures readers’ attention. But more than that, it gives you the chance to know yourself better.

Have More Confidence in Your Writing - Erotica isn’t an easy genre to write for. Many writers are often uncomfortable at the thought of letting others see their writing in general, let alone allowing others to read the inner working of their sexual fantasies. Even so, it’s a good way to build up your confidence. Besides which, it’s an excellent way to improve your writing. After all, constructive criticism is one of your greatest allies. 

Do Research You’re Comfortable With - With the erotic genre comes a bit of research. Like any other great book, you may have to explore certain topics that might just be out of your comfort zone. Whether it be about what your character is into, or about the genre itself, doing research beforehand is one of the best ways to help outline your story without going off topic. 

Of course, writing erotica doesn’t have to be a guilty pleasure. After all, it’s what you enjoy doing, more so because it allows you to express yourself. But whatever your reasons are for writing erotica, the most important one is to make sure that you truly are passionate about it. Remember that good erotica is more than just dirty romance reading; it’s about building the foundations for a relationship that will last, even if you’re just talking about the good sex that goes along with it.