Blog: Pamela DeMenthe

As I sit at my laptop, my fingers poised to write, I can’t believe it is only three weeks to go until I begin my book tour at the Edinburgh Fringe to promote my new release, Sticky Digits.
The flyers are ordered, my white suit’s dry-cleaned and my train tickets are booked. No going back now! This is the moment my career as an erotic author has been building towards. So what makes me different from erotica authors like EL James and the other ones? Aside from the fact I’m better. It’s simple. I’m a triple threat!

I write, I illustrate and I self-publish. Can EL James say that? I doubt it.

That said it’s not always an easy road to success. So to make the journey easier for you, let me share with you five of my top tips for how to make it as an erotica author.

Use multiple genres

There are so many different genres of erotica out there. In my books I try to combine different genres to widen my audience. For example, in one of my books, to appeal to the female readers, I write about unicorns. But then if I want to pull in the male market, I include as many DIY references as possible. But why stop there? If I weave in a Second World War biopic, I’m tapping into the over-sixties too. That way there really is something for everyone!

Get creative with your adjectives

One of the pitfalls many erotica authors fall into is the over-use of clichés for describing genitalia. Why not replace the hackneyed “throbbing member” with a “flailing meat kite” or “miniature gristle sceptre”. It will certainly leave a lasting image in your readers’ mind.

Lots of detail

It’s important not to scrimp on detail, as it helps give context to your book. Plus it massively pushes up your word count. However, if you’re worried about that taking hours, why not use my timesaving tip. Copy and paste from the internet! There are some fantastic resources such as Wikipedia out there that really do the legwork, so you don’t have to.

Include illustration

If you can’t be bothered to describe, why not include an illustration or diagram? Not only will it take up more space on the page, it also reduces the risk of your readers imagining wrong.

Product placement

I have a BTEC in business and finance. This expertise has meant that I spotted a gap in the books market. Sponsorship! In my books you will notice I have skilfully included a great deal of product placement. I find it easy to reference popular brands in my books. I’m currently in litigation talks with one very well-known supermarket chain, so fingers crossed.

So there you have it! If you found that advice useful why not come and see Pamela DeMenthe Presents: Sticky Digits, where you will have the rare opportunity to get inside me and find out how I do it and also hear a reading of my latest release, Sticky Digits.

But for now, I better get back to it. These books aren’t going to write themselves! Time to lean back, take a sip from a delicious cup of Tesco’s Finest instant coffee from my favourite Keep Calm and Write mug.

Jenny May Morgan performs Pamela DeMenthe Presents: Sticky Digits at Gulliver’s, Oldham Street, 23 July at 7:30pm before heading to the Edinburgh Fringe, Just the Caves, Cowgate. (Venue 88), 3-27 August. Read our review of An Evening of Filth and Despair here. Photo: Will Shields