Erotic Writing: A Voice to Touch the Reader

When human beings go around in the world, they do so with their bodies. We are drenched in sensory phenomena. This guide is for writers interested in a mode of writing that gives the reader an experience. This type of writing is termed sensual because it invites the reader to feel, and erotic because it demonstrates closeness, even intimacy. Many times when we think of “erotic writing,” we assume that the writing is sexual in either intent or subject matter, though this is not always the case. For an example of good erotic writing, you need look no further than most pieces of writing by Walt Whitman. Walt Whitman is especially sensual, and particularly erotic. His poetry, in many ways, sets the bar for what is expected by inspired, erotic poetry. His subject matter is enlivening, his tone is exalting, the speaker is close and generous, and his syntax is especially breath-giving—his long phrases, heard by the reader on the page or spoke aloud, are felt at the rhythm of deep, healthy, full breathing. This is the kind of “invitation to feel” that erotic writing can send to the reader.