Guide to Erotica

By Ann Andriani All Sex Guide

Adult videos are not the only way to satisfy your porn desires. There's an alternative that can be just as arousing, exciting and filthy. And it covers all the same genres as the adult movies. All it takes to really enjoy is your filthy imagination in full effect. What is this wonderful alternative to adult videos? Why, it's adult books, or as we'd like to call it, EROTICA!

Whether you just want to get off by yourself or get off with your lover(s), erotica can fuel your sexual libido and start that fire deep inside you. Erotica is also a great alternative to porn videos if you feel that they are too graphic, explicit and unreal.

Now, just with adult videos, how do you know what type of erotica to buy? Well, it depends on what you like. Erotic Fiction comes in all genres: science fiction, horror, romance or mystery; just to name a few. You also have to decide if you want a collection of short stories by many different authors or do you want a longer novel? Longer novels have been known to not have as many graphic depictions of sex as the shorter stories.

Fiction Categories

As far as fictional erotica goes, the possibilities are endless. So, let's explore some:

Women's Erotica
Usually written for women by women containing straight, lesbian and bi-sexual characters. Some popular authors in this category are Pat Califia, Susie Bright, Anais Nin, Lonni Barbach and Tee Corinne.

Gay Porn
Usually written for gay men by men containing gay male characters. The books in this category are known to be very graphic and tend to get right to the sexual action. Some popular authors are John Preston and Samuel Steward.

Smut
The word "Smut" is used to describe the hundreds of inexpensive collections of sexually explicit stories by anonymous authors. Like Gay Porn, Smut, gets right to the sexual action and is usually downright filthy. But that's the point of it, to get you aroused, in the mood and get you off. With the growing popularity of this type of erotica, some authors have become popular: Anne-Marie Villefranche, Emmanuelle Arsan and Molly Weatherfield.

Classics
I know this may sound boring, but Classic Erotica has been sexually arousing through many decades. No matter how long ago these stories or novels were written, the excitement and passion is still there. Popular Classic Erotica authors are Anais Nin, Henry Miller, Marquis De Sade, D.H. Lawrence, Leopold Von Sacher-Masoch and Marco Vassi.

S&M
If you're looking for S&M, it's usually including in most of the genre of erotica in one form or another. One great S&M book out there is "The Story of O" and now "The New Story of O" is available. Another is the The Sleeping Beauty Trilogy, by Anne Rice writing under the name A.N. Roquelaure: "Claiming of Sleeping Beauty", "Beauty's Punishment", and "Beauty's Release." Other great authors to look for are Pat Califia, Laura Antoniou, Marquis De Sade, Leopold Von Sacher-Masoch and Celicia Tan.

Collections
These books contain many short sexy stories from a variety of authors or a collection of stories from just one author. Either way, these are a great for a quick read with lots of sex. The short stories tend to get right down to the action you're looking for. Lastly, these books are the perfect way to sample different authors works. Some popular collections are: "Naughty Stories from A to Z ", "Naughty Spanking Stories from A to Z ", "Best Gay Erotica" (1996-1997), "Best Lesbian Erotica" (1996-1997), "Flesh and the Word" (Volumes 1 - 3) and "Best Women's Erotica".

Erotic Art Books
These books are great if you're interested in sensuous and sexy drawings and/or photos. The photos and drawings are usually more artistic than smutty like the adult magazines, but are still highly exciting and erotic. Some great photographers to check out are Robert Mapplethorpe, Herb Ritts, Suze Randall, Jan Saudek and Eric Kroll.

Non-Fiction Categories

Now, there are also many Non-Fiction books out there that probably won't make you all hot and bothered but you can obtain invaluable information from them that can keep your sex life alive and full of fun. These Non-Fiction Erotica also come in a variety of categories.

Female Sexuality
A topic that interests both women and men. Learn what women are thinking out there. Learn how to drive her wild in bed. Learn how to give her the best orgasm of her life. These fine authors can tell you a thing or two: Nancy Friday, Jo-Ann Loulan, Lou Paget, Joani Blank and Barbara Keesling.

Male Sexuality
This category is also very popular. Multiple male orgasms and solving the problems of premature ejaculation and impotence are reasons why most people go searching for these books. But you can also learn the tips and tricks to showing your man a great time in the sack. Look for these authors to obtain valuable information: Mantak Chia, Robert Lawlor, David Saul, Steven Lamm and Barbara Keesling.

Sex Manuals
Having great sex is something you learn. It's not instinctive to just know what to do. And let's face it, because of that, some of us could be better at it. Either that or some of us need more confidence, more ideas, more techniques and these books are great for it. Whether you want a new position, a new technique, a whole night of activities or if you just want to know the basics, these authors have something for you: Laura Corn, Anne Hooper, Jay Wiseman, Barbara Keesling, Ava Cadell and Lou Paget.

Sexual Techniques
Did you ever wonder if people around the world have sex differently? Well, these books will broaden your horizons on how to take sex to a whole new level of enjoyment, using worldwide and age old techniques. Choose from Tantric Sex (sex beyond orgasm), Kama Sutra (Hindu philosophy of sex), Tao (how to control ejaculation) or Ying Yang Butterfly (Chinese sexual techniques).

Masturbation
Have you done it? Do you feel bad about doing it? Do you want to do it and don't know where to start? Books by these authors can not only teach, but encourage you to indulge in this forbidden form of pleasure. Betty Dodson (the queen of all masturbation) has written "Sex for One: The Joy of Self Loving" which is one of the best books written on masturbation. Also check out books by Margo Woods and check out a brand new book that's out, "Tickle Your Fancy" by Sadie Allison.

S&M
If you want to explore this type of sexual play, these books are not to be left unread. There are just too many ways one can get hurt, not only physically but emotionally when indulging in this type of play. Whether you're just starting to play or have been playing for awhile it wouldn't hurt to check out "Screw the Roses, Send Me the Thorns" by Philip Miller. Also check out books by these notable authors: Patricia Payne, Pat Califia, Lady Green, Catherine Liszt and Dossie Easton.

Sexuality and Aging
This is the big concern that everyone experiences at one time or another, What will happen to my libido when I get older? Will I still want to have sex after menopause? Will my sex life crap out after kids? But there are authors out there that have been there, done that and researched it for you. Check out "Great Sex After 50: Reinventing Yourself and Reaching New Sexual Heights at Any Age" by Eve Capello. Also look for books by these authors: : Doris Hammond, Lois Banner, Ruth Bell, and Phil Goode.

Food/Aphrodisiacs
Did you know that certain foods, herbs, roots or spices can put you in the mood for love making? Learn the secrets and tricks to get you and your loved one all heated up. "Nature's Aphrodisiacs" and "Intercourses" are all great books to check out on this topic.

Where can I purchase these books you may ask?

Well, there are a few places. Your most discreet option is online adult stores, online book stores or even from the author's website (if he/she has one). Most online shops should give you a general synopsis of the story/book, so you know what you're buying. The books are also sometimes split up into the different genres, making it even easier for you to locate. Chain bookstores will sometimes sell them, but they're not easy to locate. If they have any selection at all they're tossed in the sexuality or sexual health section. But usually the selection is extremely limited. Independent bookstores may sell them, depending on how liberal the owner is and what kind of town the bookstore is located in. Those can be a crap shoot. Gay and Lesbian bookstores should have the best and most extensive selection out of all the brick and mortar stores. Adult shops may carry a selection. But sometimes they're not the most comfortable stores to shop in. Usually, adult shops will be heavier on the videos, DVDs, toys and magazines. But if you don't mind going to an adult shop, it's worth a try.

So now that you know what types of erotica are available and where you can get them, you just have to decide what you want. So here's some questions to help you make that decision:

  1. Does more graphic, hardcore sex stories and descriptions turn you on?
  2. Do really graphic pictures get you off?
  3. What about taboo activities?
  4. Do you want to read about people engaging in these types of taboo activities?
  5. Do you want to see pictures of people involved in these types of activities?
  6. Do you have a particular interest or fetish that you would like to read about or see pictures of?
  7. Do you want totally gay, lesbian, straight, bisexual or transsexual erotica?
  8. Or do you want a mix of all/some of the above?
  9. What kinds of themes do you like: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Romance, Adventure, Mystery?
  10. Do you want short stories or novels?

Don't feel overwhelmed. Even if you haven't answered all these questions, it's still time to head to the nearest bookshop, whether it be online or in your hometown and start seeing what's on the shelves and in stock for you get right now. Read through the descriptions and see what tickles your fancy. Either way, it's time to start enjoying all fun and excitement that erotica can bring to you!!

All titles and authors mentioned above can be purcharsed safely and discreetly from our friends at Powells Books.

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