(From M.Christian's Meine Kleine Fabrik)
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
A Better Teacher: Finding That Common Bond
Very, very cool: the very first post of my new, on-going column, "A Better Teacher," just went up on Romance Beat. Here's a tease - for the rest just click here.
“Love is a better teacher than duty.”–Albert Einstein
I’m a writer … well, of course, or I wouldn’t be here, right? And, like a lot of writers, I write a all kinds of things: mysteries, non-fiction, science fiction, fantasy, horror, and quite a lot of erotica. Surprisingly, what I write that gets a lion’s share of attention is my queer stuff … both erotic and otherwise.
More than likely because I’m straight.
Now, I’m very straight about being heterosexual (giggle), and I pride myself in that I always tell my publishers the truth of what I am – which is hardly not a problem as they are the ones who are usually commissioning my books – but there are still a remarkable number of people who are more than a tad shocked that I like girls.
Which, to be honest, I consider a huge compliment. In addition, I’ve also penned quite a bit of romance … which gets me to my point: many people have asked me how I can write gay fiction so convincingly that there’s far too often that shock about who I like to sleep with.
The answer, I’ve come to realize is actually very simple – and can be very informative to writers of pretty much anything … especially romance. To put it simply, I don’t think about writing gay characters, or women, or African American characters, or older characters, or anyone else for that matter: instead I write about people.
[MORE]
A Better Teacher: Finding That Common Bond
“Love is a better teacher than duty.”–Albert Einstein
I’m a writer … well, of course, or I wouldn’t be here, right? And, like a lot of writers, I write a all kinds of things: mysteries, non-fiction, science fiction, fantasy, horror, and quite a lot of erotica. Surprisingly, what I write that gets a lion’s share of attention is my queer stuff … both erotic and otherwise.
More than likely because I’m straight.
Now, I’m very straight about being heterosexual (giggle), and I pride myself in that I always tell my publishers the truth of what I am – which is hardly not a problem as they are the ones who are usually commissioning my books – but there are still a remarkable number of people who are more than a tad shocked that I like girls.
Which, to be honest, I consider a huge compliment. In addition, I’ve also penned quite a bit of romance … which gets me to my point: many people have asked me how I can write gay fiction so convincingly that there’s far too often that shock about who I like to sleep with.
The answer, I’ve come to realize is actually very simple – and can be very informative to writers of pretty much anything … especially romance. To put it simply, I don’t think about writing gay characters, or women, or African American characters, or older characters, or anyone else for that matter: instead I write about people.
[MORE]
Friday, July 12, 2013
Confessions of a Literary Streetwalker: Howdy!
I'm thrilled to have another one of my Confessions Of A Literary Streetwalker pieces up on the excellent Erotica Readers And Writers site - here's a tease ... for the rest just click here.
While it isn't the most important thing to do before sending off a story (that's reserved for writing the story itself), drafting an effective cover letter/email is probably right below it.
So here is a quick sample of what to do and NOT when putting together a cover letter to go with your story. That being said, remember that I'm just one of many (many) editors out there, each with their own quirks and buttons to push. Like writing the story itself, practice and sensitivity is will teach you a lot, but this will give you a start.
So ... Don't Do What Bad Johnny Don't Does:
Dear M. (1),
Here is my story (2) for your collection (3), it's about a guy and a girl who fall in love on the Titanic (4). I haven't written anything like this before (5), but your book looked easy enough to get into (6). My friends say I'm pretty creative (7). Please fill out and send back the enclosed postcard (8). If I have not heard from you in two months (9) I will consider this story rejected and send it somewhere else (10). I am also sending this story to other people. If they want it, I'll write to let you know (11).
I noticed that your guidelines say First North American Serial rights. What's that (12)? If I don't have all rights then I do not want you to use my story (13).
I work at the DMV (14) and have three cats named Mumbles, Blotchy and Kismet (15).
Mistress Divine (16)
Gertrude@christiansciencemonitor.com (17)
(1) Don't be cute. If you don't know the editor's name, or first name, or if the name is real or a pseudonym, just say "Hello" or "Editor" or somesuch.
(2) Answer the basic questions up front: how long is the story, is it original or a reprint, what's the title?
(3) What book are you submitting to? Editors often have more than one open at any time and it can get very confusing. Also, try and know what the hell you're talking about: a 'collection' is a book of short stories by one author, an 'anthology' is a book of short stories by multiple authors. Demonstrate that you know what you're submitting to.
(4) You don't need to spell out the plot, but this raises another issue: don't submit inappropriate stories. If this submission was to a gay or lesbian book, it would result in an instant rejection and a ticked-off editor.
(5) The story might be great, but this already has you pegged as a twit. If you haven't been published before don't say anything, but if you have then DEFINITELY say so, making sure to note what kind of markets you've been in (anthology, novel, website and so forth). Don't assume the editor has heard of where you've been or who you are, either. Too often I get stories from people who list a litany of previous publications that I've never heard of. Not that I need to, but when they make them sound like I should it just makes them sound arrogant. Which is not a good thing.
(6) Gee, thanks so much. Loser.
(7) Friends, lovers, Significant Others and so forth -- who cares?
[MORE]
Howdy
While it isn't the most important thing to do before sending off a story (that's reserved for writing the story itself), drafting an effective cover letter/email is probably right below it.
So here is a quick sample of what to do and NOT when putting together a cover letter to go with your story. That being said, remember that I'm just one of many (many) editors out there, each with their own quirks and buttons to push. Like writing the story itself, practice and sensitivity is will teach you a lot, but this will give you a start.
So ... Don't Do What Bad Johnny Don't Does:
Dear M. (1),
Here is my story (2) for your collection (3), it's about a guy and a girl who fall in love on the Titanic (4). I haven't written anything like this before (5), but your book looked easy enough to get into (6). My friends say I'm pretty creative (7). Please fill out and send back the enclosed postcard (8). If I have not heard from you in two months (9) I will consider this story rejected and send it somewhere else (10). I am also sending this story to other people. If they want it, I'll write to let you know (11).
I noticed that your guidelines say First North American Serial rights. What's that (12)? If I don't have all rights then I do not want you to use my story (13).
I work at the DMV (14) and have three cats named Mumbles, Blotchy and Kismet (15).
Mistress Divine (16)
Gertrude@christiansciencemonitor.com (17)
(1) Don't be cute. If you don't know the editor's name, or first name, or if the name is real or a pseudonym, just say "Hello" or "Editor" or somesuch.
(2) Answer the basic questions up front: how long is the story, is it original or a reprint, what's the title?
(3) What book are you submitting to? Editors often have more than one open at any time and it can get very confusing. Also, try and know what the hell you're talking about: a 'collection' is a book of short stories by one author, an 'anthology' is a book of short stories by multiple authors. Demonstrate that you know what you're submitting to.
(4) You don't need to spell out the plot, but this raises another issue: don't submit inappropriate stories. If this submission was to a gay or lesbian book, it would result in an instant rejection and a ticked-off editor.
(5) The story might be great, but this already has you pegged as a twit. If you haven't been published before don't say anything, but if you have then DEFINITELY say so, making sure to note what kind of markets you've been in (anthology, novel, website and so forth). Don't assume the editor has heard of where you've been or who you are, either. Too often I get stories from people who list a litany of previous publications that I've never heard of. Not that I need to, but when they make them sound like I should it just makes them sound arrogant. Which is not a good thing.
(6) Gee, thanks so much. Loser.
(7) Friends, lovers, Significant Others and so forth -- who cares?
[MORE]
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Tuesday, July 09, 2013
Coming Up This Month: Tit-Torture For Boobs - A Breast Play Intensive
(From M.Christian's Classes And Appearances)
Check it out, folks: if you've ever wanted to attend my (ahem) rather 'infamous' Tit-Torture For Boobs: A Breast Play Intensive it's coking up this month, on July 18th, at the Citadel in San Francisco.
Here's the info:
M.Christian Presents: Tit-Torture For Boobs - A Breast Play Intensive
Thursday, July 18, 2013 · 8:00 PM –10:00 PM
SF Citadel Community Center
181 Eddy Street, San Francisco
Cost: $20 at door, $15 in advance - click here for advanced ticket purchase
Breast play offers wonderful opportunities for intensely powerful play - but also comes with serious, even dangerous, risks.
In this breasts-on seminar, participants will learn how to treat tits, both male and female, with exactly the right measure of sensuality and intensity to play well but also safely.
Clothespins, nipple clamps, pinching, suction devices, gentle impact, bondage, and more will be demonstrated - as well as how to deliver effective aftercare. Additionally, participants will be given instruction in first aid, the dangers of breast play, and the limits of what boobs can take.
#
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, QSM, 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 2t 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
Check it out, folks: if you've ever wanted to attend my (ahem) rather 'infamous' Tit-Torture For Boobs: A Breast Play Intensive it's coking up this month, on July 18th, at the Citadel in San Francisco.
Here's the info:
M.Christian Presents: Tit-Torture For Boobs - A Breast Play Intensive
Thursday, July 18, 2013 · 8:00 PM –10:00 PM
SF Citadel Community Center
181 Eddy Street, San Francisco
Cost: $20 at door, $15 in advance - click here for advanced ticket purchase
Breast play offers wonderful opportunities for intensely powerful play - but also comes with serious, even dangerous, risks.
In this breasts-on seminar, participants will learn how to treat tits, both male and female, with exactly the right measure of sensuality and intensity to play well but also safely.
Clothespins, nipple clamps, pinching, suction devices, gentle impact, bondage, and more will be demonstrated - as well as how to deliver effective aftercare. Additionally, participants will be given instruction in first aid, the dangers of breast play, and the limits of what boobs can take.
#
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, QSM, 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 2t 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
Sunday, July 07, 2013
Thursday, July 04, 2013
Tuesday, July 02, 2013
THANKS To All Those Who Came Out To "Meet The Editors"
(from M.Christian's Classes And Appearances)
Thanks to all who came out on Saturday the 29th for the "Meet The Editors" digital event to hear myself, Sascha Illyvich and Jean Marie Stine talk about erotica writing, marketing, publicity and so many other fun topics!
For those who, alas, couldn't make it, the entire event will be soon available through CreativeSexuality.org
Thanks to all who came out on Saturday the 29th for the "Meet The Editors" digital event to hear myself, Sascha Illyvich and Jean Marie Stine talk about erotica writing, marketing, publicity and so many other fun topics!
For those who, alas, couldn't make it, the entire event will be soon available through CreativeSexuality.org
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Welcome To Weirdsville: The Imitation Of Those Who We Cannot Resemble
(from M.Christian's Meine Kleine Fabrik)
This is very, very cool: a brand new Welcome To Weirsville piece I wrote just went up on the excellent The Cud site.
Here's a tease below - and, of course, if you want to read more pieces about fun and odd and strange and (yep) weird history check out my book Welcome To Weirdsville
Almost all absurdity of conduct arises from the imitation of those who we cannot resemble. –Samuel Johnson
"Stop fidgeting, everyone ... Jimmy, that'd better not be gum in your mouth! No, Betty you can't go to the bathroom – you should have thought of that before we started ... now you'll just have to wait for the break. Okay, class, today we're going to be discussing possibly one of – if not the -- most important literary figures of the twentieth century: a woman who pretty much single handedly created what we consider to be modern literature..."
It's quite sad, really, that so many of us have had the juices
systematically squeezed out of history, reducing it to nothing but
powdery, gagging facts and bland, pasty figures – or, even worse, giants
carved in marble, hands on hips, forever steadfastly glaring out at us
in the future, their destinies unquestionable.
But, believe me, do some digging and there's juice a plenty in those dusty heroes – and while many of them certainly deserve to
be
on their lofty pedestals you'll quickly learn that more than a few of
them might be wonderfully, delightfully, fun ... if not totally nuts.
Sarah Bernhardt, for instance, the legendary light of the stage, not only had a wooden leg, liked to sleep in her coffin, but also had quite a few ... involvements, shall we say, with people such as Victor Hugo and Gustavo Doré; Tycho Brahe, one of the brightest stars in astronomy not only had a fake metal nose (having lost his original in a duel) but kept an on-staff dwarf for the entertainment of his guests as well as himself; Richard Feynman, a Nobel Prize to his name, was an notorious humorist and prankster -- as well as quite the established cracksman, even claiming to have once easily got into the safe containing the plans for the first atomic bomb; Georges Simenon, the master French mystery author, not wrote over 200 novels but also claimed to have made love to 10,000 women; and let's not even get started on what M.Christian likes to do with balloon animals...
Which takes us to 1910, back when Britain quite literally ruled the waves: the time of what has been called by many to be the date of the greatest prank in all of history ... and the literary light who had a major part in it.
Now pranks were nothing new, especially for students of Cambridge, but this one – orchestrated by the infamously witty Horace de Vere Cole – set the bar. Horace tried afterward to top himself several times afterward, including infamously dumping horse ... leavings in the canals in Venice (to confuse the non-horse city residents), or arranging a group of bald men to sit in strategic places at the theater so that their domes, when viewed from the balcony, would spell out a rather (ahem) rude word, but his crowning achievement involved the pride of the British Navy, a few of his close friends, some costuming skills, the flag of Zanzibar, and a brilliant degree of planning – all of which rocked the world and nearly got one of them a sentence of ten of the best with a cane.
[MORE]
This is very, very cool: a brand new Welcome To Weirsville piece I wrote just went up on the excellent The Cud site.
Here's a tease below - and, of course, if you want to read more pieces about fun and odd and strange and (yep) weird history check out my book Welcome To Weirdsville
The Imitation Of Those Who We Cannot Resemble
Almost all absurdity of conduct arises from the imitation of those who we cannot resemble. –Samuel Johnson
"Stop fidgeting, everyone ... Jimmy, that'd better not be gum in your mouth! No, Betty you can't go to the bathroom – you should have thought of that before we started ... now you'll just have to wait for the break. Okay, class, today we're going to be discussing possibly one of – if not the -- most important literary figures of the twentieth century: a woman who pretty much single handedly created what we consider to be modern literature..."
But, believe me, do some digging and there's juice a plenty in those dusty heroes – and while many of them certainly deserve to
be
on their lofty pedestals you'll quickly learn that more than a few of
them might be wonderfully, delightfully, fun ... if not totally nuts.Sarah Bernhardt, for instance, the legendary light of the stage, not only had a wooden leg, liked to sleep in her coffin, but also had quite a few ... involvements, shall we say, with people such as Victor Hugo and Gustavo Doré; Tycho Brahe, one of the brightest stars in astronomy not only had a fake metal nose (having lost his original in a duel) but kept an on-staff dwarf for the entertainment of his guests as well as himself; Richard Feynman, a Nobel Prize to his name, was an notorious humorist and prankster -- as well as quite the established cracksman, even claiming to have once easily got into the safe containing the plans for the first atomic bomb; Georges Simenon, the master French mystery author, not wrote over 200 novels but also claimed to have made love to 10,000 women; and let's not even get started on what M.Christian likes to do with balloon animals...
Which takes us to 1910, back when Britain quite literally ruled the waves: the time of what has been called by many to be the date of the greatest prank in all of history ... and the literary light who had a major part in it.
Now pranks were nothing new, especially for students of Cambridge, but this one – orchestrated by the infamously witty Horace de Vere Cole – set the bar. Horace tried afterward to top himself several times afterward, including infamously dumping horse ... leavings in the canals in Venice (to confuse the non-horse city residents), or arranging a group of bald men to sit in strategic places at the theater so that their domes, when viewed from the balcony, would spell out a rather (ahem) rude word, but his crowning achievement involved the pride of the British Navy, a few of his close friends, some costuming skills, the flag of Zanzibar, and a brilliant degree of planning – all of which rocked the world and nearly got one of them a sentence of ten of the best with a cane.
[MORE]
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Reminder: Sizzler Editions & Creative Sexuality Education Presents “Meet The Editors”
Sizzler Editions & Creative Sexuality Education Presents
“Meet The Editors”
Free Live Interactive Web Event
Sat. June 29, 2013
5:00–6:30 pm East Coast time
2:00-3:30 West Coast time
M. Christian
Sascha Illyvich
Jean Marie Stine
Anyone with web access can join-in free from anywhere in the world and participate through microphone, webcam, or text chat. Participants can get expert guidance from writing professionals – without having to drive to and from a crowded, noisy event facility and with no costly fees.
Current and aspiring writers of erotica, erotic romance, and sexuality-themed nonfiction won’t want to miss this live, interactive, online discussion and Q&A with three highly successful editors/authors, hosted by Sizzler Editions and Creative Sexuality.
Editors M.Christian, Sascha Illyvich, and publisher Jean Marie Stine will provide insight into trends and taboos in the field. They will offer writing tips and tricks, and advice on marketing and promotion of books. In a live, interactive session, they will take and answer questions from those who have logged in for the event.
Participants will:
· Hear expert advice on formatting, submitting, and publishing your book; Develop and strengthen writing, plot development, and characterization;
· Learn the most effective ways to market and publicize a book;
· Have the opportunity to ask questions about the writing and publishing process;
· Be able to pitch their own erotic story, novel or nonfiction.
All three panelists are writers as well as editors/publishers, with several decades of experience to their credit, and are well-versed in the craft and business of writing. They will address topics and questions such as:
· Trends in Erotic Romance and Erotica
· Writing your book
· Covers
· Promoting and Publicizing
· Publishing
…and it these are only some of the issues to be covered in this multifaceted opportunity to interact live over the web with professional editors.
Who will benefit? Anyone who:
· Is thinking of writing hot romance or erotica.
· Is writing their first erotic novel, story or work of sexuality-related nonfiction.
· Has finished writing one or more erotic books, but doesn’t know what to do next.
· Has questions about the writing process.
· Has questions about the publishing process (including self-publishing).
· Is seeking effective ways to publicize and grow readership for their books.
· Is already published or self-published, but wants to know more about the business and craft of writing erotica.
For further details visit: http://crsex.org/meettheeditors
Or contact: mchristian@sizzlereditions.com
SizzlerEditions.com
CreativeSexuality.org
Monday, June 17, 2013
TWO Classes This Week!
(from M.Christian's Classes And Appearances)
Just a reminder, folks, that I'm teaching not one but two classes this week. If you're in the San Francisco Bay Area come down and have a good time!
Creative Sex Play for Good Vibrations (Polk Street), in San Francisco:
Just a reminder, folks, that I'm teaching not one but two classes this week. If you're in the San Francisco Bay Area come down and have a good time!
Creative Sex Play for Good Vibrations (Polk Street), in San Francisco:
Thursday June 20, June 20th: 6:30 PM - 8:30PM
Good Vibrations Polk
San Francisco, CA
Cost: $20.00 at the door (or via Brown Paper Tickets)
Dress code: Whatever makes you comfortable
Even the most experienced sexual adventurer may run short of inspiration. Let M.Christian introduce you to a variety of exciting exercises guaranteed to increase your erotic possibilities and creativity! There are plenty of techniques and sexual worlds to explore - and you can do it safely, both physically and emotionally. Free up your imagination through story-telling and writing exercises. Learn when to silence - and when to listen to - your inner critic. Explore and rediscover your senses! Learn at-home exercises to get in touch with the flow and power of erotic sensation and orgasm via solo and mutual masturbation: exploring your body and erotic potential without shame or fear. Discover the pure joy of sex play and erotic enjoyment when they're laced with laughter, excitement, and wonder.
#
Impact Play: Beyond Floggers And Canes at the Citadel, in San Francisco
Tuesday, June 18, 2013: 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
SF Citadel Community Center
181 Eddy Street, San Francisco
Cost: $20.00 at the door
Dress code: Whatever makes you comfortable
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.
#
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, QSM, 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 2t 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
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