Show Notes
In episode nine of my podcast, I interview erotic author Helene Noire about our journeys as writers of erotic fiction. We discuss Helene’s inspirations, creative process, and the challenges of publishing erotica, including navigating Amazon’s restrictive content policies. Our conversation explores the differences between masculine and feminine erotica, the importance of authenticity, and the vulnerability of sharing personal fantasies. Helene and I also reflect on our supportive partnership and the empowering nature of writing erotica, offering advice for aspiring writers and highlighting the value of creative freedom and honest self-expression.
Opening & Introduction (00:00:01) Helene shares a favorite sentence from her writing; Jenny introduces the podcast and Helene Noire. Quick-Fire Questions & Character Introduction (00:01:09) Jenny asks Helene rapid-fire personal and erotic questions; Helene describes her writing persona. Writing Journey & Inspiration (00:03:20) Helene discusses how she started writing erotica, her inspiration, and the creative process. Creative Fulfillment & Literary Qualities (00:05:53) Both discuss the personal and literary satisfaction of writing erotica and the importance of honesty. Impact on Other Writing & Emotional Truth (00:07:35) Helene explains how writing erotica influences her other, more serious literary work. Preferred Niche & Audience (00:08:33) Jenny and Helene describe their erotic niches and the audiences they write for. First Publication Experience (00:10:10) Helene recounts publishing her first book on Amazon and the emotions involved. AI Authors & Motivation for Writing (00:12:01) Discussion about AI-generated erotica, financial realities, and the intrinsic motivation to write. Masculine vs. Feminine Erotica (00:13:08) Exploring differences between masculine and feminine erotic writing and reader expectations. Erotic Structure & Creative Challenges (00:13:56) Helene discusses the repetitive structure of erotic stories and the challenge of keeping them fresh. Recurring Characters & Universe Building (00:15:07) Both talk about the organic development of recurring characters and interconnected story universes. Favorite Book & Confessional Style (00:17:04) Helene shares her favorite book, "Under the Table," and her confessional writing style. Writing Partnership & Public Writing (00:18:09) They discuss their supportive writing partnership and the thrill of writing erotica in public spaces. Publishing Process & The Amazon Dungeon (00:20:00) Challenges of self-publishing, marketing, and dealing with Amazon's content restrictions ("the dungeon"). Editing & Creative Constraints (00:23:14) Helene finds value in re-editing after being "dungeoned" and discusses using Amazon categories as creative prompts. Writing Routine (00:25:27) Helene describes her daily writing habits and how she balances erotica with other writing projects. Plotting vs. Pantsing (00:28:19) Both discuss their approaches to story structure—plotting versus improvisational "pantsing." Using Shame & Trauma in Writing (00:29:18) Jenny talks about channeling personal shame and trauma into authentic, powerful erotic stories. Sharing Work & Vulnerability (00:32:01) Helene and Jenny discuss the vulnerability of sharing erotic writing with friends and the impact of silence or rejection. Discovery of Shared Interests & Safe Collaboration (00:36:00) How they discovered their mutual interest in erotica and built a safe, supportive creative partnership. High Points & Empowerment (00:36:51) Helene reflects on the empowering aspects of publishing and embracing her identity as a writer. Mistakes & Writing for the Market (00:37:49) Helene considers what she’d do differently, including writing more to market tropes and story structure. Character Focus & Real-Life Tension (00:40:21) Discussion of character-driven writing and the tension between fantasy and real-life desires. Advice for Aspiring Erotic Writers (00:42:47) Helene offers advi
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