Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Out Now: Dark Doings at Miskatonic U!

(from M.Christian's Meine Kleine Fabrik)


Here's a real treat! We all love HP Lovecraft stories ... well, here's a book (edited by Jean Marie Stine and myself) featuring all of his special Miskatonic University stories plus brand new, never-before-seen works by some kick-ass writers also starring Lovecraft's famed (or infamous) college.

12 Chilling New and Classic Tales of that Haunted University's Ill-fated Students and Faculty

Just check out this nightmarish table of contents:

PART I: THE GOLDEN AGE – The Early 20TH Century
HERBERT WEST: REANIMATOR
H. P. Lovecraft

THE DUNWICH HORROR
H. P. Lovecraft

THE WHISPERER IN DARKNESS
H. P. Lovecraft

THE DREAMS IN THE WITCH HOUSE
H. P. Lovecraft

AT THE MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS
SHADOW OUT OF TIME

PART II: NEW HORRORS – The Early 21ST Century

RED SKY AT MORNING
Made in DNA

SO, WE NEVER LEAVE
Ralph Greco

SHALLOW FATHOMS
M. Christian

TOUCH
Lukas Scott

ELSAUS APP
Patrick Whitehurst

SIGNED FIRST EDITION
Jason Rubis

The Scarlet Pencil - Up Now At Bewildering Stories!

(from M.Christian's Technorotica)


Now this is great news: my - to put it mildly - surreal take on Holmes and Moriarity, "The Sacrlet Pencil" is now up at the excellent Bewildering Stories site!  A big round of applause goes to Don Webb for his fantastic editing of my story.  Bravo, Don!

I'm especially touched by this nice little welcome message ... thanks so much!!
“Prolific” is too weak a term to describe M. Christian’s writing; he’s a publishing powerhouse. He has edited more than two dozen anthologies and published novels as well as hundreds of short stories in a very wide variety of genres. He is also Associate Editor of Renaissance eBooks and the publisher of Digital Parchment Services. 
The Scarlet Pencil” takes readers on a famiiar and yet ironic journey into some literary classics, where the archvillain Moriarty attempts to derail the plots. And of course, he will have to deal with none other than Sherlock Holmes. In addition to playing on the title The Scarlet Pimpernel, “The Scarlet Pencil” seems to have a lot to do with an editor’s own adventures in literature. 
Welcome to Bewildering Stories, M. Christian. We hope to hear from you again soon and often!
M. Christian’s bio sketch can be found here.

The Future Of Sex At Badoink!

(from M.Christian's Technorotica)


This is very exciting: I'm now writing for the great folks at badoink - and my first fun project is a five-part look at Future SexTech: The Five New Technologies That Will Change Sex Forever!  

Check out my first installment, on augmented and virtual reality, here ... and be sure and check out the great site and my next installments!

In the meantime here's a tease:




While we don’t have food pills (who’d want that, anyway?) or jetpacks (at least not for a few years) we really are living in a time of unprecedented technological change.

And the best tech is yet to come… and even better it’s sexy tech!

One of the more far-reaching and powerful of these upcoming innovations got, to be blunt, a less thanwowie reception when it first appeared. Mostly this was, back in the 90s, because the dreams of the VR developers were a lot bigger than the available hardware.

Fortunately, a lot of those literal headaches early users experienced are pretty much gone. So we are looking at a Virtual Reality explosion in the very near future.

Without getting too technical – because, frankly, it’s really not that complicated – virtual reality is using miniature, eye-mounted monitors coupled with motion sensors to give the wearer the illusion of being submerged in a brand new, artificial environment. One people can explore and interact with very much like they can in our so-called ‘real’ world.

The big change with VR has come with the arrival of our new favorite sex toy: the smartphone. After all, it has everything that VR had always been lacking. In the palm of your hand you’ve got your high-res screen, your motion sensors, stereo output, and even wifi and cell reception.

[MORE]

Thursday, July 02, 2015

Read The Story That Inspired The Horror Classic FREAKS - In Reel Monsters, Out Now!


Freaks is a film that still gives goosebumps - and here's an opportunity to read the incredible story that inspired it ... it's in the book that the great folks at PageTurner Editions/Renaissance E Books just released (and edited by myself):

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Reel Monsters: Eight World Famous Stories That Inspired Legendary Horror Films features fantastic stories that became some truly amazing films ... a fun read for film buffs as well as fans of classic horror tales!



Eight world famous stories that inspired legendary horror films. With filmographies and new Introduction!

Includes: the original stories for Freaks (Spurs), It's A Good Life, The Beast With Five Fingers, Invasion Of The Saucer Men (The Cosmic Frame), The Body Snatchers, The Monkey's Paw, and more.

Monday, June 29, 2015

Out Now: Reel Monsters - Eight World Famous Stories That Inspired Legendary Horror Films!

Okay, this is really very special: the great folks at PageTurner Editions/Renaissance E Books just released a very cool new book edited by hers truly!

Reel Monsters: Eight World Famous Stories That Inspired Legendary Horror Films features fantastic stories that became some truly amazing films ... a fun read for film buffs as well as fans of classic horror tales!



Eight world famous stories that inspired legendary horror films. With filmographies and new Introduction!

Includes: the original stories for Freaks (Spurs), It's A Good Life, The Beast With Five Fingers, Invasion Of The Saucer Men (The Cosmic Frame), The Body Snatchers, The Monkey's Paw, and more.

Thursday, June 25, 2015

TONIGHT: It Hurts So Good ... And When It Shouldn't - An Essential Basic BDSM Safety Class @ SF Citadel!

(from M.Christian's Classes And Appearances)


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 veteran M.Christian discusses 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

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.

Thursday, June 18, 2015

This Saturday @ SF Citadel - Alternative Bondage: Beyond Rope And Restraints

(from M.Christian's Classes And Appearances)


Alternative Bondage: Beyond Rope And Restraints

SF Citadel181 Eddy St, San Francisco, CA
Class from 1:00pm-3:00pm, doors open at 12:30pm
Cost: $20 at the door, or $15 in advance
https://www.Purplepass.com/sfc6132015

Description:

While immensely popular among beginning BDSM aficionados – as well as long-time players – restraining a person always carries with it the possibility of serious injury. But that doesn’t have to be: in this special class participants will not just learn how to use rope, restraints and many other traditional bondage devices and techniques effectively and safely but also that there is an entire universe of new and exciting ways of making someone stay put ... in an very erotic and sensual way.

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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

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

This Saturday @ SF Citadel - Alternative Bondage: Beyond Rope And Restraints

(from M.Christian's Classes And Appearances)


Alternative Bondage: Beyond Rope And Restraints

SF Citadel181 Eddy St, San Francisco, CA
Class from 1:00pm-3:00pm, doors open at 12:30pm
Cost: $20 at the door, or $15 in advance
https://www.Purplepass.com/sfc6132015

Description:

While immensely popular among beginning BDSM aficionados – as well as long-time players – restraining a person always carries with it the possibility of serious injury. But that doesn’t have to be: in this special class participants will not just learn how to use rope, restraints and many other traditional bondage devices and techniques effectively and safely but also that there is an entire universe of new and exciting ways of making someone stay put ... in an very erotic and sensual way.

#

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


Thursday, May 28, 2015

First Night Celebrating William Rotsler's ReRelease of Golden Age Of Erotic Cinema Was A Hit!

(from the William Charles Rotsler site)

Thanks to all the great folks who came out to the first night of the three week celebration of the rerelease of Bill Rotsler's Golden Age Of Erotic Cinema!  It was a blast and a half!

And if you couldn't make it last week, a special retrospective of Bill's erotic work - plus one or two of his films - will still be shown this Saturday, May 30th ... and there'll be very special concluding event on Saturday, June 6th with guests and door prizes!

For tickets to these fun nights just click here

Check out this fun video of last Saturday's event!





Monday, May 18, 2015

REMINDER: Sex Sells - How To Write and Sell Erotica Class!

(From M.Christian's Classes And Appearances)

Okay, I do quite a number of classes - and they are all lots of fun - but teaching erotica writing is near and dear to my heart ... which makes this upcoming event very special:


Sex Sells: How To Write and Sell Erotica

Tuesday, May 19, 2015 · 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Center For Sex and Culture
1349 Mission Street , San Francisco, CA

The market for erotic fiction and nonfiction is booming! There actually is a secret to writing great erotica - and you'll discover just what that is in this fun, hands-on workshop with well-known erotica writer and teacher M.Christian.

For the beginning writer, erotica can be the ideal place to begin writing, getting published, and - best of all - earning money. And for the experienced writer, erotica can be an excellent way to beef up your resume and hone your writing skills.

M.Christian will review the varieties of personal and literary expression possible in this exciting and expanding field. He'll also teach you techniques for creating love and sex scenes that sizzle, current pay rates, how to write for a wide variety of erotic genres, where and how to submit your erotic writing, and more.

$20
Center for Sex And Culture
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1133726

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M.Christian is a recognized master of 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

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Confessions Of A Literary Streetwalker: A Universal Madness

This is very nice: the great Erotica Readers And Writer's site just posted a brand new Confessions Of A Literary Streetwalker essay!


"Many people hear voices when no-one is there. Some of them are called mad and are shut up in rooms where they stare at the walls all day. Others are called writers and they do pretty much the same thing." Margaret Chittenden

Maybe it was because of a recent birthday – thank you very much, that's very kind – or perhaps it's because I just realized that I've been at this, being a 'professional' author for over 20 years – shocking, I know – or possibly it's because of a few .... (ahem) sad experiences recently but I want to revisit something I've said before.

I really wonder about writers.  Okay, internet, let's hear what you have to say: artists, musicians, actors ... how to you treat your fellow creators?  I used to have a wonderful roomie who was a musician.  We used to chat all the time about this, that, and other things but a lot about how even though there's a sense of competition among his fellows there was also a lot of camaraderie: he'd come home full of bright energy from playing for hours and hours with other musicians ... just jamming. 

Meanwhile I'd spent the night struggling with getting a stubborn story to cooperate, but mostly dealing with one insanely arrogant writer after another demanding they receive special treatment (oh, as a matter of transparency, I work as an editor and a publisher in addition to trying to deal with my own writing 'career').  This all came to a head when I realized that for those two decades of being a published about I currently have only a dozen or so fellow authors I consider to be 'friends' (and Facebook doesn't count).

Sure – as a writer myself – I can understand why ... but that doesn't make it right.  Again, I'm not sure what it's like to be a painter, actor, photographer, musician, or victim of any other creative pursuit, but writing is damned hard: we get little or no respect, no money, and everyone and their Great Aunt Maude thinks they can do it as well.  Our years of work, the care and concern we put into our stories and novels, are ignored unless we sell something – and then only if it makes millions – or if you take home some pretty little trophy.  If you have a day job – and every writer out there does, and if they aren't then they're either lying or a member of the rare 1% of writers – you know the deafening silence that comes when you mention finishing a work. 

But what's worse is that far too often it seems that the greatest barrier every writer must face ... are other writers. Like said, it's understandable ... but not excusable: we get our teeth bashed in, our souls crushed, our work ignored – or slammed by trolls – and so, wounded, we try to bolster our scarred egos by wrapping ourselves in a cloak of supposed superiority. 

Write erotica?  I'm better than a pornographer.  Write science fiction?  I'm better than a romance writer.  Write romance?  I'm better than a thriller writer.  Write thrillers?  I'm better than a science fiction writer.  Have 5,000 Facebook 'friends'? I'm better than someone with none.  Won an award?  I'm better than anyone who hasn't.  Write for a blog or site?  I'm better than anyone who doesn't.  Have an agent?  I'm better than someone who doesn't have one.  Write a novel?  I'm better than anyone who hasn't.  Sold to a 'big' publisher?  Then I'm better than anyone who hasn’t.  Sold a book for five figures?  Then I'm better than someone who hasn't.  A professional?  Then I'm better than someone who hasn't sold a word.  Become a 'name'?  Then I'm better than anyone who isn't.

It's pathetic. 

No, it's fucking pathetic.

Oh, I've heard all the lame justifications for this arrogance: if I treated everyone equally then I'd never have time to write, that everyone has to earn their stripes, that you should take public pride in your accomplishments.  But that's exactly what they are: excuses.  The bottom line isn't taking time, or the fear of becoming a full-time mentor or support system.  The awful trust is that treating other writers poorly makes weaker authors feel more important.

Like said, I understand it – and, I'm ashamed to say I've fallen victim to be on more than once occasion.  But that doesn't mean I'm not aware of it – as well as despising myself when I do it. 

But it doesn't have to be this way.