NOT TO BE MISSED. If you’re into this sort of thing. Rachel Kramer Bussel is an expert on all things sexy (I refuse to use the word “sexpert”) and has written and edited hundreds of erotica publications. She has two events here this weekend, both taking place at that bastion of woman-centered sex positivity, the Smitten Kitten.

Rachel recently presented at Sex 2.0, a conference focusing on the intersection of social media, feminism, and sexuality. (Some friends of mine attended and gave Rachel rave reviews.) So you see how Rachel’s visit is a great fit with Smitten Kitten’s mission, right?

On Saturday:

May 3, 7 pm - 8:30 pm
Erotica 101 Workshop
Professional erotica author and editor Rachel Kramer Bussel will take you through the ins and outs of modern erotic writing, from getting started, finding your voice, writing against type, erotic love and lust letters, to submitting your work keeping up with the thriving erotica market. You’ll learn how to incorporate everyday scenarios as well as outlandish fantasies into your writing, and make them fit for particular magazines and anthologies. Whether you’re writing to that special someone, penning longtime fantasies, or want to earn cash for your dirty words, this workshop, taught by the editor of over a dozen erotic anthologies, is for you. Paper and writing implements will be provided.
Cost: $15, limited sliding scale tickets available upon request
Location: Smitten Kitten, 3010 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55408
RSVP: Pre-registration required as space is limited. Call (612)721-6088

On Sunday:

May 4, 6 pm - 7:30 pm
Best Sex Writing 2008 and BDSM Erotica Reading
Hear acclaimed erotic author, editor, and sex journalist Rachel Kramer Bussel (Best Sex Writing 2008, Yes, Sir, Yes, Ma’am) read from her latest sexy story collections, including the nonfiction Best Sex Writing 2008 and BDSM-themed Yes, Sir and Yes, Ma’am. Q&A period to follow.
Cost: Free
Location: Smitten Kitten, 3010 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55408
No RSVP required

see also: [City Pages] [vita.mn] [Lusty Lady] [cupcakes] [@raquelita]

Sarah from Urban Wanderlust has a touching tribute to late author John Hassler.

I don’t know that I would call Hassler my favorite author — mostly, because I don’t know that I’d pin down ONE author as a favorite. But here’s what I do know: Hassler’s genuine, masterful storytelling (all set in small-town Minnesota) helped me make peace with a high-school experience far away from Minneapolis, which always sort-of felt like where my heart belonged. As an aspiring writer, Hassler helped me understand how to write from my own life experience — and how that experience, regardless of how mundane it seemed, was beautiful in that it was mine, and it touched the lives of others, and that somehow, putting down my life experiences in words made me feel more connected to the greater world around me.