THE LONELY ONANISTA runner-up:2007 Rauxa Prize for Erotic Writing

Photograph: The Virtual Typewriter MuseumRauxa: n.
of Catalan origin

Definition: Unbridled emotion and passion; wild spontaneity; overflowing creativity and capacity for action.
To see you naked is to recall the Earth. -- Federico García Lorca
This lovely quote is part of the foundation of the Rauxa Prize, an annual award "in celebration of great erotic writing."

My little tale, The Lonely Onanista, is one of three equally-ranked runners-up for the 2007 Rauxa Prize for Erotic Writing, chosen from among many hundreds of entries.

The Rauxa Prize for Erotic Writing is given annually for an erotic short story (or novel excerpt) of "exceptional literary quality" and is judged by a select jury. All entries are read "blinded," that is, without the author's name available. Past judges have included Steve Almond, Leigh Davidson, Susannah Indigo and Bill Noble.

The winner is André Aciman, whose work I greatly admire, for an excerpt from his novel Call Me by Your Name. Although I wouldn't have minded adding the proverbial glittering tiara (it's actually a statue) to my collection of regal headgear, I am pleased that he is the recipient.

There is an additional Rauxa Prize given for erotic poetry.

I am beyond thrilled, honored to have been nominated, and delighted to be in such illustrious company for this most prestigious and important award in the world of erotic writing.

POP!

I extend my arm, full glass of Champagne in hand, and toast myself, the winners and runners-up, all!

HOORAY!


Photograph: AMEA // World Museum of Erotic Art

THE MAMMOTH BOOK OF THE KAMA SUTRA

Illustration: New York Public Library Digital Gallery
I am extremely happy to announce that my work will be appearing in The Mammoth Book of the Kama Sutra, edited by Maxim Jakubowksi, editor and writer par excellence, to be published simultaneously by Robinson (UK) and Running Press (USA) in June of this year.

I wrote a sweet little tale of ancient India that, were it not for its sexual content, could be read to Kindergartners 'round the globe -- an erotic amalgam of Cinderella, Pinocchio and Jack and the Beanstalk. More I cannot say right now, other than that I am completely thrilled.

[Illustration: Mudra (ritual gesture) positions]

BWE 2008, SECOND LIFE version...

Not sure whether to file this under Good News or Bad News:

Best Women's Erotica 2008 is part of an erotica book library being offered to those who participate in SECOND LIFE.

For the uninitiated -- courtesy of Wikipedia -- SECOND LIFE, abbreviated as SL, is an Internet-based virtual world where users (a k a "Residents") "can explore, meet other Residents, socialize, participate in individual and group activities, create and trade items (virtual property) and services from one another."

Description of the Book Library:

Kick start your private book collection with this set of hot erotic adult books to lay by the side of the bed and give your partner some exciting thoughts. They come in a discrete, anonymous wooden box ready to unpack and place on your shelves or tables.

[...]

For your privacy, the spine of each book is disguised as the "Life of Washington" by John Marshall (history was never this much fun) and they all have a plain brown leather back.

Each book is only 1 prim and they're all transfer, so get them as a present for someone special!

[If you understood that last sentence you're way ahead of me].

The big question:

Will the "Residents" have real orgasms whilst reading the SECOND LIFE version of Best Women's Erotica 2008 or will they be virtual ones?

Me? I have enough to deal with in FIRST LIFE, thank you. I'm staying right here.