Amazingly Enough: Lost And Found – Glub, Glub, Glub…

(from M.Christian's Meine Kleine Fabrik):

Cool! Check out this brand new installment of my on-going series for Amazing Stories - this time on the tragic submergence of Mologa:

The tale of Mologa is singularly odd … as well as tragic … even in the always odd and periodically tragic domain of the lost.

Things, as you are more than aware – especially if you’ve been following this little series – go missing.  Paintings, books, films, people … just a little bit of research brings up a remarkable catalog of lost treasures.  Some, like the legendary Amber Room, make a twisted kind of sense in their absence: an entire room covered in priceless amber and gold?  Surprised it didn’t vanish long before World War 2.

Meanwhile those three novels by Philip K. Dick, King Kong Appears In Edo … and too many others like them … probably just got misplaced somewhere.  While things, like Lake Peigneur in Louisiana, may have vanished but then reappeared totally transformed.

Then there’s Mologa.  What makes this Russian city odd even among all these oddities is that it still exists: we know exactly where it is … in fact you can even visit it … but that doesn’t mean it’s actually there.

But first, a bit of background: founded sometime in the 12th century in Yaroslavl Oblast, Russia, after a few hundred years – and a history as twisted and convoluted as only a Russian city can have – Mologa, eventually became a key destination on the all-important Asian trade routes.

Even after the – and here’s an understatement – “Time of Troubles” (1598 to 1613) Mologa kept it’s trade importance and, by the 19th century, it had graduated to a valuable link between the Baltic and the Volga River.

Then came Stalin.  Uncle Joe had big plans for that region – including the creation of what would become the massive Rybinsk reservoir.  How massive?  Well, at the time of its creation in 1935 – with it being finally completed filling in 1947 – the Rybinsk reservoir was the largest artificial lake anywhere on Earth.  That big.

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This Wednesday: Polyamory: How To Love Many And Well At Center For Sex And Culture

(from M.Christian's Classes And Appearances)

This is gonna be fun - see you there!

Polyamory: How To Love Many And Well

Sure, you've heard of it - and maybe have been intrigued by it - but what is polyamory and how do you love more than one person and make it work? How can you deal with jealousy, time-management, emotional rough patches, and more to enter into multiple sexual relationships? 

In this class, participants will learn to separate the myths from the realities of polyamory, how to make tentative steps towards having more than one partner, and how to approach and deal with the problems of sharing yourself with others, and being involved with someone who, in turn, is involved with someone else. 

Included in this class will be simple emotional exercises, true life experiences, unique techniques and innovative approaches to understanding the joys - and the risks - of beginning, or entering into, a polyamorous relationship.

#

Class from 6-8pm

Cost: $20

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1133571

M.Christian has been an active participant in the San Francisco BDSM scene since 1988, and has been a featured presenter at the Northwest Leather Celebration, smOdyssey, the Center For Sex and Culture, The National Sexuality Symposium, San Francisco Sex Information, The Citadel, The Looking Glass, The Society of Janus, The Floating World, Winter Solstice, and lots of other venues. He has taught classes on everything from impact play, tit torture, bondage, how to write and sell erotica, polyamory, cupping, caning, and basic SM safety.

M.Christian is also a recognized master of BDSM erotica with more than 400 stories in such anthologies as Best American Erotica, Best Gay Erotica, Best Lesbian Erotica, Best Bisexual Erotica, Best Fetish Erotica, and many other anthologies, magazines, and other sites; editor of anthologies such as the Best S/M Erotica series, Pirate Booty, My Love For All That Is Bizarre: Sherlock Holmes Erotica, and more; the collections Dirty Words, The Bachelor Machine, Love Without Gun Control, Rude Mechanicals, and more; and the novels Running Dry, The Very Bloody Marys, Me2, Finger's Breadth, Brushes, and Painted Doll. His site is www.mchristian.com

This Week: Polyamory (How To Love Many And Well) And Basic SM Safety (It Hurts So Good) Classes!

(from M.Christian's Classes And Appearances)

This is going to be fun-on-the-bun! Next week I'm teaching (count 'em) two classes ... one of them with my great friend, Jean Marie Stine!

First up is Polyamory: How To Love Many And Well for the Center For Sex And Culture on Wednesday, January 21st:

Polyamory: How To Love Many And Well

Sure, you've heard of it - and maybe have been intrigued by it - but what is polyamory and how do you love more than one person and make it work? How can you deal with jealousy, time-management, emotional rough patches, and more to enter into multiple sexual relationships? 

In this class, participants will learn to separate the myths from the realities of polyamory, how to make tentative steps towards having more than one partner, and how to approach and deal with the problems of sharing yourself with others, and being involved with someone who, in turn, is involved with someone else. 

Included in this class will be simple emotional exercises, true life experiences, unique techniques and innovative approaches to understanding the joys - and the risks - of beginning, or entering into, a polyamorous relationship.

#

Class from 6-8pm

Cost: $20

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1133571

M.Christian has been an active participant in the San Francisco BDSM scene since 1988, and has been a featured presenter at the Northwest Leather Celebration, smOdyssey, the Center For Sex and Culture, The National Sexuality Symposium, San Francisco Sex Information, The Citadel, The Looking Glass, The Society of Janus, The Floating World, Winter Solstice, and lots of other venues. He has taught classes on everything from impact play, tit torture, bondage, how to write and sell erotica, polyamory, cupping, caning, and basic SM safety.

M.Christian is also a recognized master of BDSM erotica with more than 400 stories in such anthologies as Best American Erotica, Best Gay Erotica, Best Lesbian Erotica, Best Bisexual Erotica, Best Fetish Erotica, and many other anthologies, magazines, and other sites; editor of anthologies such as the Best S/M Erotica series, Pirate Booty, My Love For All That Is Bizarre: Sherlock Holmes Erotica, and more; the collections Dirty Words, The Bachelor Machine, Love Without Gun Control, Rude Mechanicals, and more; and the novels Running Dry, The Very Bloody Marys, Me2, Finger's Breadth, Brushes, and Painted Doll. His site is www.mchristian.com

... then, on Thursday, January 22nd, I'm teaching It Hurts So Good ... And When It Shouldn't: An Essential Basic BDSM Safety Class with Jean Marie Stine for the SF Citadel:

I'm teaching  It Hurts So Good ... And When It Shouldn't: An Essential Basic BDSM Safety Class

Safety, safety, safety, safety ... kinksters hear that often enough but the fact is we can't hear too much about it: what we love to do has serious, sometimes life-threatening risks, and it is essential that anyone playing with BDSM toys and techniques learn all they can – constantly – about not just how to play safely but what to do when things to wrong.

In this informative and entertaining class, scene veterans Jean Marie Stine and M.Christian discuss basic BDSM safety, what should be in your emergency kit, basic human anatomy, chancy play techniques, STCs and other biological risks, how to try to expect the unexpected ... and more!

Class from 8-10pm, doors open at 7:30pm
Cost: $20 at the door, or $15 in advance
https://www.Purplepass.com/sfc1222015

Jean Marie Stine describes herself as Maggie Hamilton as the Wicked Witch of the West. By day she wields a mean whip as the Editrix of Sizzler Editions, which publishes all types of BDSM fiction and other erotica. She has written and ghosted numerous books and stories, some mainstream, some highly kinky and perverse. She is a serious soul eating dom, seeking gender queers of all types with submissive natures, bodies she can play with, and orifaces she can get my hand in. Her interests include Aunt/Mistress boy/girl niece/nephew play, hot and cold, cutting, whipping, the occasional group topping of some helpless bottom, and much more.

M.Christian has been an active participant in the San Francisco BDSM scene since 1988, and has been a featured presenter at the Northwest Leather Celebration, smOdyssey, the Center For Sex and Culture, The National Sexuality Symposium, San Francisco Sex Information, The Citadel, The Looking Glass, The Society of Janus, The Floating World, Winter Solstice, and lots of other venues. He has taught classes on everything from impact play, tit torture, bondage, how to write and sell erotica, polyamory, cupping, caning, and basic SM safety.

TWO Erotica Essays

Check it out: two of my essays just went live ... what a great start to the new year!

Over at WriteSex, my column Success just went up (and here's a tease):

Currently I’m involved in a very special publishing endeavor – sorry for the tease; I’ll come to it shortly – that has gotten me thinking quite a bit about writing, especially about what it could meant to be a successful writer. 

An odd word, that: success. In some cases it can be a very clear-cut. Getting from point A to point B? Success is just making the trip. Balancing your checkbook? Success is making it all add up (and, one hopes, remaining in the black). But for writers … well, it can be rather, shall I say, slippery. 

For example: finishing a book or a story. That can be a form of success – though too often it feels like there’s always more that could have been done. Selling a book or a story? That can be successful – though many times there’s the nagging doubt that it could have gone for more money, higher status, etc. 

Then there’s the big form of that word. What does it mean to be a successful author? Excuse me for evoking my inner Cranky Old Pro, but far too many authors seem to think that being a successful author is not just finishing books and stories, selling books or stories, winning awards, making money – but making sure everyone, everywhere, knows about it. 

In other words, the world of professional writing – or creating anything, it seems like – has become about who you are and not what you do. 

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... and over at the Erotica Readers and Writers site my essay, Confessions Of A Literary Streetwalker: Bond, James Bond ... Or Do I Really Need An Agent? also is up. Here's a tease of it:

The world of professional writing can be ... no, that's not right: the world of professional writing is - without a doubt - a very frightening, confusing place. 

Not only are there only a few diehard rules – to either slavishly follow or studiously avoid - but even basic trust can be a very, very rare: should I put my work on my site, or will it be stolen? Should I even send my work out to other writers, for the very same reason?

What about editors or - especially - publishers? Does my editor really have my best interests in mind? Should I make the changes he or she suggests or should I stand my ground and refuse to change even one word? Is my publisher doing all they can for my book? Are they being honest about royalties?

Back in the days of print - before the revolution – a lot of these questions would have been answered by an agent: a person who not only knew the business but would actually hold a writer's hand and lead them from that doubt and fear and, hopefully, towards success ... however you want to define that word. 

Agents spoke the cryptic language of rights and royalties: they could actually read – and even more amazingly - understand a book contract. They'd be able, with their experience and foresight, to say when a writer should say yes or no to edits.

[MORE]

Impact Play: Beyond Floggers And Canes

(from M.Christian's Classes and Appearances)

This is gonna be a BLAST ... my first class of the new year!

Join this workshop to receive (ahem) 'hands-on' instruction in a wide and sometimes-strange variety of different impact toys hands, hairbrushes, paddles, crops, wooden spoons, batons, quirts, and more. While often the physics of these toys are sometimes closely related, to use each one effectively takes particular skill and techniques that are not immediately apparent. Participants will learn not only how to inflict the most pleasure as well as pain but also how to use each item without hurting the wield-er as well as the wield-ee.

Class from 8-10pm, doors open at 7:30pm
Cost: $20 at the door, or $15 in advance
https://www.purplepass.com/sfc01152015

M.Christian has been an active participant in the San Francisco BDSM scene since 1988, and has been a featured presenter at the Northwest Leather Celebration, smOdyssey, the Center For Sex and Culture, The National Sexuality Symposium, San Francisco Sex Information, The Citadel, The Looking Glass, The Society of Janus, The Floating World, Winter Solstice, and lots of other venues. He has taught classes on everything from impact play, tit torture, bondage, how to write and sell erotica, polyamory, cupping, caning, and basic SM safety.

M.Christian is also a recognized master of BDSM erotica with more than 400 stories in such anthologies as Best American Erotica, Best Gay Erotica, Best Lesbian Erotica, Best Bisexual Erotica, Best Fetish Erotica, and many other anthologies, magazines, and other sites; editor of anthologies such as the Best S/M Erotica series, Pirate Booty, My Love For All That Is Bizarre: Sherlock Holmes Erotica, and more; the collections Dirty Words, The Bachelor Machine, Love Without Gun Control, Rude Mechanicals, and more; and the novels Running Dry, The Very Bloody Marys, Me2, Finger's Breadth, Brushes, and Painted Doll. His site is www.mchristian.com

Support Charlie Hebdo

2015 - What A Year For Classes!

(From M.Christian's Classes And Appearances)

2015 is going to rock - at least class and teaching wise! Just check out the following schedule I've put together for this year - though keep in mind am still working on booking some other events and venues in the meantime.

I'll be posting more info about each and every one of these classes in a few ... but this should wet your whistle!

January
Thursday, January 15: Impact Play - Beyond Floggers And Canes with M.Christian at SF Citadel
Wednesday, January 21: Polyamory Class with M.Christian at Center For Sex And Culture
Thursday, January 22: Basic BDSM Safety (with Jean Marie Stine) at SF Citadel
Monday, January 26: Polyamory Discussion/Support Group at SF Citadel

February
February 11: How To Write a Good Online Profile at The South Bay Spot
Saturday, February 14: Tit-Torture For Boobs: A Breast Play Intensive at SF Citadel
Monday, February 23: Polyamory Discussion/Support Group at SF Citadel
Friday, February 27 – 28: Sin In The City Convention, Las Vegas

March
Tuesday, March 3: Meet R.Greco and M.Christian at Wicked Grounds
Wednesday, March 4: Basic Bondage: Tie Me Up On A Budget with M.Christian & R. Greco at SF Citadel
Thursday, March 5: How to Write & Sell Erotica with M.Christian and R. Greco at Center For Sex And Culture
Saturday, March 7: Leather Lace and Lust Reading at Center For Sex And Culture
Thursday, March 26: Hitting Below The Belt: The Art Of Cock And Ball Torture at SF Citadel
Monday, March 23: Polyamory Discussion/Support Group at SF Citadel

April
Thursday, April 9: Adult Marketing with Jean Marie Stine and M.Christian at Center For Sex And Culture
Tuesday, April 14: Sensual Caning: How To Use The Rod In New And Exciting Ways with M.Christian at SF Citadel
Thursday, April 23: How To Write a Good Online Profile at Center For Sex And Culture
Monday, April 27: Polyamory Discussion/Support Group at SF Citadel

May
Thursday, May 14: Cupping: Using The Ancient Medicinal Technique For Erotic Play with M.Christian at SF Citadel
Wednesday, May 19: How To Write And Sell Erotica with M.Christian at Center For Sex And Culture
Monday May 25: Polyamory Discussion/Support Group at SF Citadel

June
Thursday, June 11: How to Write A Sexual Self-Help Book with Jean Marie Stine and M.Christian at Center For Sex And Culture
Saturday, June 13: Alternative Bondage: Beyond Rope And Restraints With M.Christian at SF Citadel
Monday, June 22: Polyamory Discussion/Support Group at SF Citadel
Thursday, June 25: Basic BDSM Safety (with Jean Marie Stine) at SF Citadel

July
Thursday, July 16: Making A Scene: How To Create Fun – and Most Of All – Hot S/M Play Encounters at SF Citadel
Saturday, July 18: Leather Lace and Lust Reading at Center For Sex And Culture
Monday, July 27: Polyamory Discussion/Support Group at SF Citadel

August
Tuesday, August 4: Hitting Below The Belt: The Art Of Cock And Ball Torture With M.Christian at SF Citadel
Monday, August 24: Polyamory Discussion/Support Group at SF Citadel
Thursday, August 27: How To Write And Sell Erotica with M.Christian at Center For Sex And Culture

September
Thursday, September 17: Impact Play: Beyond Floggers And Canes with M.Christian at SF Citadel
Monday, September 28: Polyamory Discussion/Support Group at SF Citadel

October
Thursday, October 8th: Adult Marketing with Jean Marie Stine and M.Christian at Center For Sex And Culture
Thursday, October 15: Polyamory: How To Love Many And Well at SF Citadel
Thursday, October 22: How To Write a Good Online Profile at Center For Sex And Culture
Monday, October 26: Polyamory Discussion/Support Group at SF Citadel

November
Tuesday. November 10: Tit-Torture For Boobs: A Breast Play Intensive at SF Citadel
Thursday, November 12: How To Write And Sell Erotica with M.Christian at Center For Sex And Culture
Thursday, November 19: Basic BDSM Safety (with Jean Marie Stine) at SF Citadel
Monday, November 26: Polyamory Discussion/Support Group at SF Citadel

December
Thursday, December 17: Basic Bondage: Tie Me Up On A Budget with M.Christian at SF Citadel
Saturday, December 19: Leather Lace and Lust Reading at Center For Sex And Culture
Monday, December 28: Polyamory Discussion/Support Group at SF Citadel