I'm in Clean Sheets!

He kneeled between my legs with his cock in one hand and a bottle of lube in the other. It was his first time trying anal, and it was my first time trying it with him.

Just a little taste from Almost Scientific, my new story that is now online at Clean Sheets Erotica Magazine.

If you like anal stories, please check it out!

P.S. This is post #200. :)

7 Things This Writer Can't Live Without

I saw this post on Freelance Writing Jobs, and I thought I'd share my list. These are my absolute essentials:

1. My notebook computer - It is really my baby. Once my boyfriend asked me if he could borrow it for a few hours. I told him no without even hesitating.
   
2. Gmail - I use another email service, but this is the one I have the least problems with. *knock on wood*
   
3. DSL - I remember the days of dial-up. I would never go back to less than high-speed internet.
   
4. Flash drive - Shit happens. If something does happen to my baby, I need back-up.
5. Coffee - it's not an addiction; it's a necessity.
6. Pen and notebook - I like to write my ideas in longhand. Sometimes it's nice to get away from the computer screen.
   
7. Sex - all work and no play makes me a very unhappy writer. An unhappy writer is an unproductive writer. Sex is a very good thing.

Website update

When I first started my website, I lagged in buying my domain name. (Lesson learned: buy your first choice domain name before figuring out how to set up your website.) When I found out kislee.com was unavailable, I settled for kislee.net.

I recently found out that my first choice was now available. Here is my updated information:

Website: kislee.com

Email: info (at) kislee.com

Books as art

On a writer's forum, I read that this is the last year of The Best American Erotica series. I have mixed feelings about this. Generally speaking, it's sad to see an anthology market disappear. On the other hand, I see new erotica anthologies almost every month. I don't think it's a death toll for the erotica anthology market.

So I was reading Susie Bright's interview about this, and something she said caught my attention:

The art of bookmaking, rare and precious bookmaking, is hot. Books are too sensual to go away. The book as objet d'art, as something you long to hold in your hands— as well as to read— is the future of the physical book.

Books as art...it's not an original concept, but it gave me an "a-ha" moment. In another random article (I've forgotten where) I read that a lot of graphic novelists are creating books with hand-made binding and special details. In order to survive the fickle market, you need something different from the average book.

I don't think e-books are the future of reading. Despite the convenience factor, I don't like staring at a screen. However, I do see the appeal of meticulously-crafted books. Of course the writing is the most important thing, but what about the packaging? The book as an object of art...it's something to think about. I need to look into this subject.

well...

I'm back to writing again...back to writing erotica, to be more specific. I feel like 2008 is my year to shine, so I'll be writing a lot more.

I don't know what to blog about. I don't want to blog about my sex life because a) I'm feeling more private these days and 2) I just don't want to. If you've been a regular lurker, I apologize for the lack of the nitty gritty details. My sex life is awesome, but I don't feel like sharing anymore.

So what does an erotica writer blog about anyways? Are we limited to either writing about sex or writing about writing? Do we blog about the mundane details of our every day lives? I'm not really sure. Maybe I'll get the blogging bug back. Maybe I won't.

Until then, *kisses*

New Year

2008 is going to be a year of big changes. I just know it.

I've been on hiatus from writing erotica. I'm still on hiatus, but I can feel myself re-energizing.

Some good news to start the new year: one of my stories was just accepted by Clean Sheets Magazine. I've been wanting to get into Clean Sheets for a long time, and I've submitted a few times. I feel like I've finally achieved one of my goals, and I'm thrilled.

2008 is getting off to a great start.

Avoiding the shark-infested waters

While browsing writers' forums and blogs, I often read about publishing horror stories. The shady publishers, scam agents, deadbeats, cheats, and the other bottom feeders of the publishing world. I read these tales of woe, and I count my blessings. I've been a freelance writer for about two years, and I haven't experienced any of the nightmares that other young and beginnning writers go through. *knock on wood*

To date, there has been one publisher who has draaaaaaagged his/her feet on payment. I still haven't received full payment, but I'm optimistic. I still give them the benefit of the doubt. With that exception, my experiences with publishers have been top-notch.

I guess you can say I've been lucky so far. I know the scam artists and deadbeats are out there, and I'm doing my best to stay away from them. To avoid the scams, I follow a few simple rules:

* If the writing gig looks too good to be true, it probably is.
* Always get the contract in writing. Even an email agreement is better than nothing.
* Trust your instincts. If something smells fishy, watch out.
* Show professional courtesy at all times - the golden rule is a simple rule to follow.
* Never burn bridges until it gets to the point that you need to blow up the bridge.

These guidelines have worked well for me. I'm cynical in the first place, so my warning flags are hyper-sensitive. I'm willing to walk away from a gig if something doesn't feel right.

Of course I'm not just patting myself on the back. I've been truly fortunate to have worked with awesome editors and publishers. With the exception mentioned above, I have always received timely payment. I get positive feedback when I do well, and I get constructive feedback when I need to work on something. The publishing world is filled with a few predators here and there. For the most part, I have stayed away from the shark-infested waters. So far it's been a good ride, and I'm optimistic about the future. As the cliche goes, there's nowhere to go but up.

A lot can happen in 6 months

I have a new essay online at Sex-kitten.net:

In February 2006, Kis Lee wrote an essay about White Male/Asian Female couples. For a long time, she was part of that trend. But after her last relationship, she debated whether to date outside her usual preference...

Read the entire essay here. A lot has changed since then.

the gameplan

In 6 months, I...

- will make at least $4,000 per month through freelance writing
- will sell an article to a major print magazine
- will have a blog that receives at least 1,000 hits per day
- will take my first trip to Japan
- will take my mom on a week long trip to a destination of her choice
- will make arrangements for an epic 32nd birthday party

All this will happen by February 8, 2008. Big dreams lead to bigger ambitions.

On writing dirty

From The Blushing Ladies Journal:

Many folks think erotica is just another word for 'dirty stories' and therefore miss out on other erotic possibilities in their relationships... So I asked author Kis Lee to describe what things she believes are essential to an erotic story, what makes it 'erotic' rather than just 'dirty,' and what those things mean as far as possibilities in your sex life.

For a while, the headline for my Myspace profile said: "I write dirty words for a living." It wasn't meant to be cheeky. I just like using the word "dirty." (My current headline simply says "smutty.") I see an overlap between "erotic" and "dirty." I don't see anything wrong with writing dirty stories. In my own writing, I don't think about the distinction between the two...

Read the rest of my answer HERE.

June

First day of June...my favorite month, my birthday month.

It's been a year and a half since I started this writing thing. It's been about a year since I published my first erotica piece. I'm not rolling in dough, but I like what I do. Some days I tell myself that I can even make a living at this...some day. At least the possibility is there.

It's almost been a year since I got out of an old relationship. I'm dating now, but I'm not sure I'm ready for a new relationship yet.

It's almost been a year since I turned the big 3-0. Soon I'll be the big 3-1. It doesn't have the same kind of ring, but it means that I'm closer to middle-age. Lovely. Well, life is what you make of it, and I'm having a blast.

In a few weeks I'll be another year older. I'm still doing this freelance writing thing. I'm enjoying the times I have with friends and loved ones. I'm enjoying each moment at a time. If you think about it, that's what life is all about. Those precious happy moments that come between the mundane realities of every day life. Live on.

Inspired

I've been writing more erotica lately. Usually I try to balance my work between erotica and non-erotic/genre writing. For the last few weeks, the dirty words have been flowing and I'm in the groove. A part of the reason is because of this guy I'm dating. I don't mean to brag, but the sex is phenomenal. As a result, I feel more inspired to write about sex.

I feel like I have to be careful when incorporating my sex life into my stories. As I told my partner, I don't write about specific acts and details. I'm really careful about protecting other people's privacy. I assured him that he's not identifiable in any of my stories. However, I do take random bits and pieces of conversations and activities. I'm not trying to milk my sex life for story material. It's just that the sex is so good that I take short excerpts here and there.

Some of my stories contain "factional" moments. In fact, some of my blog entries tow the line between fact and fiction. I'm not one to kiss and tell, but I'm going to let my real life inspire my writing. Early on he gave me permission to incorporate "our" life in my stories. I'm not going to turn down that opportunity. The sex is definitely worth writing about, but I won't do a play-by-play on my blogs. A girl needs some privacy, ya know.

I'm having great sex, and I'm more productive than ever. Sometimes I re-invent certain moments and I get turned on all over again. Life is very, very good for this smut writer.

Too sexy to buy books?

Gracie Passette aka The Marketing Whore posted a comment she received from Shel Israel, author of Naked Confessions. Basically she reviewed his book, he commented on her perceived anonymity, and she responded with an interview opportunity. (You can read her entire post here.)

His response: "...I think I'll pass on the interview. I've been reducing the interviews I do anyway as I get into writing my new book. But more than that, I just don't see much potential business for me with your target audience."

Say again? What is that supposed to mean? That folks in the adult industry wouldn't be interested in a book about blogging and marketing? Oh, I get it. Those kind of books are for the "real" business professionals, right? Those of us in the adult/erotic industry can't possibly be interested in a book about marketing, blogging, and business.

Oh, please.

Gracie sums up the problem: Lots of folks dismiss our business. And they write us off as "being sex" rather than being in the business of sex.


Exactly. This is the reason that I'm careful about telling people what I write for a living. People need to look beyond labels. Yes, I write adult/erotic fiction. Does that mean you know the real me? I may write about sex, but I've got a brain and I'm not afraid to use it.

If you can relate to this, please post this on your blog, pass the link around, or contact Shel Israel. Let him know that we *are* a part of the audience.

re-jec-ted

A few months ago I sent in an application to a near-by graduate school. Years ago I thought about pursuing a MFA in Creative Writing, but I never applied anywhere. This year I was determined to apply to at least one program to see if I could get in.

Well, I received a letter from them today. As soon as I saw the thin, business-sized envelope, I knew it was a rejection letter. Acceptance letters tend to come in big packets. A quick scan confirmed it was true...they said they only accept 6 in the fiction department every year. I don't know how many people apply to the program, but 6 is quite a small number.

I was discouraged for a few minutes. Rejection never feels good, but it didn't really hurt. I wasn't sure if the MFA program was right for me. I wasn't sure if I was ready for the classroom again. I guess I won't have to worry about that anymore. I'll take my education the old fashioned way...by writing, submitting, and writing some more. You know what...that's fine with me.

story worthy?

Every once in a while, I check my spam box. My email filters work pretty well, but sometimes they send legitimate emails to spam. So I have to wade through the endless promos about online meds, real estate ventures, lottery scams, and of course ED.

The latest string of spam mails have cracked me up. So far this is the favorite title: "Get a visit from the big dick fairy" I think that's the most imaginative get-it-bigger spam I've seen yet.

I'm thinking that someone has to make a story about that. Perhaps a quasi-mythical tale about the Big Dick Fairy...maybe I should work on that. It could be the next big superhero.

Sex still sells

Quote from The Marketing Whore:

The 2007 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo/GAYVN Expo broke all previous trade attendance records, garnering a 5% increase over 2006 trade attendance. (Despite the conservative agenda, sex is still big business!)

That puts a smile on my face. Someone recently asked me, "Is this a long-term thing for you?" I had to think about that. When I first started writing erotica, I didn't have high expectations. Actually I didn't know what to expect. Even after I started publishing my erotica, I didn't have any future plans. I've always been a "let's see what happens" type of person.

Now it's time for me to think about my future goals in this business. I know that the smut writing isn't a short term thing. I enjoy what I do, and I think I'm good at it. I'm still weary of privacy issues. (I don't tell everyone what I do for a living.) So far this is working out. Will I be able to make a career of this? We'll see.

a day in the life

Once in a while someone will ask me, what do you do all day?

Meaning: You say you're a writer. Does that mean you get up at noon and peck at the keyboard all day?

Yes and no.

Here is an average Monday:

8:30 am - wake up...curse that it's monday
9 - actually get out of bed, shower, brush teeth, change
9:30 - check email, myspace, blog comments...make 1st cup of coffee
10:30 - go over previous night's documents
11:30 - lunch and more coffee
12:30 pm - surf adult blogs, check Sex-kitten.net's feed
1:30 - administrative tasks such as submitting stories, checking on submissions, researching markets, check affiliate links, etc.
3 - open Word and write or edit (I rarely do both at the same time. Some days are reserved for writing; some days are for editing)
5 or 6 - dinner
7 - write or edit
8-10 - mental break, i.e. watch TV and surf the net, exercise
10 - whenever - more writing or editing

My average day is a bit mundane. I don't sit on my ass all day waiting for inspiration. I may not be working a regular 9-to-5, but I like my schedule. Being a freelance writer is scary. You never know when the next paycheck is going to come in. You trade the stability of a steady paycheck for the flexibility of being on your own. Is it a fair trade? Only time (and my income) will tell...