November 2015: Intro to BDSM for Writers


This workshop will cover the basics of BDSM for writers, including discussion of the three basics of BDSM (bondage and discipline, D/s and S/M). The speakers will talk about things like why BDSM is popular in erotic romance fiction, a bit about the psychology, and how to incorporate BDSM into your writing through characters’ issues, as part of the story conflict, et cetera, including examples.

This workshop was originally proposed (and given) at the RWA (Romance Writers of America) conference in San Antonio by Lauren Hawkeye and Opal Carew. Laurie Cooper with be presenting Lauren’s material and we will follow the presentation with a panel discussion where we’re joined by a special expert guest, Katelyn Cartwright, to discuss aspects of the BDSM lifestyle, including things like etiquette, safe words, fetishes, equipment, BDSM toys, et cetera.

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Opal Carew, writes erotic romance for St. Martin’s Press, as well as regularly self-publishes. She’s currently writing her twentieth book for St. Martin’s and has over two dozen other published projects. BDSM has been a theme in many of her books, including HER BEST FRIEND’S STEPFATHER (her upcoming release from St. Martin’s) and her self-published MASTERED BY series which is dedicated to this theme. (The latest book, MASTERED BY HER GUARDIAN, was released on Sept 22nd.)

Laurie Cooper launched “Pub-Craft: Virtual Assistance and Creative Consulting for Romance Authors” in October 2013, and has worked with hundreds of romance authors, many writing erotic romance. Laurie worked with Opal and Lauren on the BDSM workshop. The Pub-Craft team assists you in all the things you’d rather not do yourself! Giving You More Time To Write.

Katelyn Cartwright, our special guest, is knowledgeable about various fetish lifestyles and kink, and works at Classixxx Adult Store. Katy is also a fledgling writer and a talented artist who does artwork at Comic Book conferences. (She’s even had her work featured in some of Opal’s St. Martin’s books.)

November 1, 2015 at 2:00 PM

Ben Franklin Place, 101 Centerpointe Drive, room 1A, opposite the library.