How to Write a Dirty Story

Reading, Writing, and Publishing Erotica

By: Susie Bright

Narrated by: Susie Bright

Length: 9 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

For aspiring erotica writers - and authors in any genre who want to make the "good" parts great - here's how.

Susie Bright is the first and reigning queen of contemporary erotica. In How to Write a Dirty Story, she reveals her tricks of the trade and shows you how to heat up sex scenes in everything from traditional novels and romances to science fiction and humor. Easing the aspiring writer into the creative process, she tells you how to write the steamy plots and sensual characters that publishers and readers (and listeners) are looking for.

Bright makes it easy to:

• Produce unique ideas
• Master erotic language
• Climax the story
• Sell your work to the right place

Each chapter features practical writing exercises and suggestions for nonwriting activities that will galvanize the imagination and raze any creative or psychological hurdle. When it's time to go public, Bright draws on her own writing and publishing experiences and explains the most effective ways to find an agent, work with an editor, and grow a loyal audience.

As irreverent as it is practical, How to Write a Dirty Story is the only book an erotica author - novice or seasoned - needs.

Download the Table of Contents and Appendix: Resources for Erotic Writers now.

©2002 Susie Bright (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Every would-be and burgeoning author should read this." (Laura Miller, Salon)

"I invite anyone wishing to get published to read this...greatly increase your chances of seeing your words in print." (LaVada Nahon, Penthouse)

"[Bright's] producing a work on writing erotica is akin to Stephen King or Patricia Cornwell writing about their craft." ( Publishers Weekly)

Trying too hard?

What made the experience of listening to How to Write a Dirty Story the most enjoyable?

The subject and some of the suggestions are interesting.

What did you like best about this story?

The exercises inspire creativity.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

Although upbeat and engaging, there were times when it felt like the author was trying too hard to keep my attention. There's way too much random giggling that I didn't understand.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

N/A

Surprisingly good

Full disclosure. Susie Bright gave me this audiobook.
I'm a former full-time journalist who hasn't written a book yet. And I'm interested in writing erotica.
Susie's performance is actually unbelievable. By which I mean, it's written so naturally for the ear, and it's in her own voice, that I can't believe she's actually reading it. Her performance is convincing, unforced and natural.
She also makes additional information available through her email address -- so if you want the writers' resources, you can mail her for them.
The book's organisation is interesting and relevant.
I am a sporadic listener of Susie Bright's "In Bed" and I find her podcast a bit self-indulgent and self-obsessed sometimes.
This book is great. I recommend it heartily. It surpassed my expectations (which is why the review title is "surprisingly good.")
If you're interested in writing erotica, this is the place to start.

Wonderful!

What did you love best about How to Write a Dirty Story?

Wow! What's not to like? Susie's voice seems so vibrant to me.

What did you like best about this story?

She has a lot of good information packed into this book. I've listened to it six or seven times now.

What does Susie Bright bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her way of narrating the book is absolutely perfect.

What’s an idea from the book that you will remember?

Well, being that it's a book about writing erotica, I doubt I could post a memorable idea here!Seriously though, she hammers home the idea that writing erotica is something that you must continually work at. It's more than just dirty stories; it's really an art form that requires a true artist.

Any additional comments?

Great book. Liked it better on audio than I did in paperback.

If you fantasize about writing - read this book!

This is an amazingly useful book for anyone who fantasizes about writing professionally.
There is excellent, practical advice about helping your writer's mind think in a writing way, overcoming writer's block, and generally lubricating the thought to words-on-paper process.

The book mixes instruction and advice with autobiographical tidbits that keep the reading interesting. There is advice and instruction on the practical aspects of writing professionally, including how to choose a copy editor, how to choose a publisher, and why you really do need an agent before you will make a living with your writing. There are also sections on self-publishing and e-publishing which are very much up to date.

Susie makes it clear that writing professionally is hard work and the money will come in slowly after many years of actually writing and writing and writing. If you are one of those people who "wants to be a writer" but never actually writes anything prepare for a slap in the face. Stop dreaming of eventually writing a home-run novel on the first try and retiring to your own island in the Caribbean. It's not going to happen. Just start actually writing.

Oh, right, the "dirty book" part. It's in there too. Fun and funny reading with practical advice from an expert. But really, this is a book about writing professionally. Susie narrates the book in her chuckly way which can sometimes be distracting but she speaks professionally and the reading is clear and lively. Despite the title, the book is not intended to titillate so don't expect much in that department.

If you are interested in writing professionally on any topic you will find this book extremely useful.

Good Information

Susie Bright provides great information about how to write erotica for those just getting started. Her advice about how to avoid some of the most common mistakes writers make on the page and when conducting the business of writing is also valuable. I wish she had devoted more time to that kind of information and less time to giving her bio at the beginning of the book. Some of it was interesting but I thought it went on too long. The reference materials she provides are also excellent. Good job, Susie.

Thoroughly enjoyable and helpful listen.

No muss, no fuss account from Ms. Bright about her experience and publishing conundrums.

Thin on how to actually write erotica

Most of the book is on women's movements, political beliefs and other stuff, very little on actually writing erotica. Not worth the money or time.

Oh my God! The giggling!

If you can get past the giggling every five minutes maybe this audiobook will be of some use to you. To me, I wish I didn’t waste the credit. Then the author tries to explain plot structuring without obviously knowing what things are like somehow your character getting a cold is conflict? Then proceeds to claim to be the ‘goddess’ of erotica, but at the same time I’ve never heard of her works. Could have been an hour long audiobook with proper editing and cutting out all the giggling fits.