50 Shades of Grey | K D Grace

My guest today is Laura Varnishe from the School of Squirt, here to remind us that really hot erotica … well it’s been around for awhile. Remember, there’s a world of really fantastic erotica out there, and it’s always great to see someone else’s recommendations. Welcome, Laura!

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When 50 Shades of Grey was released in 2011 it broke records and made headlines thanks to its provocative storyline and graphic sex scenes. The book went mainstream and spawned countless similar books as well as a movie adaptation that drove sales for the book through the roof a second time.

But what if I told you there are books that make 50 Shades look absolutely tame in comparison? The fact is erotic fiction has a long and torrid history which includes entries that simply defy anything Christian Grey could come up with.

120 Days of Sodom by Marquis de Sade (1905)

Without a doubt, the single most iconic piece of erotic literature is 120 Days of Sodom. The book’s “plot” (and we use the term loosely here) is an obvious afterthought to readers. Instead, the book is little more than a catalogue of every insane, over the top sex act you can imagine, along with a few you couldn’t have dreamt up in a million years. The book has been banned by both schools and governments and remains the undisputed King of Erotic Literature.

Venus in Furs by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch (1870)

Venus in Furs makes the list not only because of its graphic sex scenes, but because it focused on a sexual theme simply unheard of at the time of its publication. Severin von Kusiemski, the main character of the novel, spends his time describing his dreams and fantasies – all of which have to do with being dominated and possessed by a woman. This role reversal was scandalous at every level when the book was published in 1870 and it remains so today.

Delta of Venus by Anaïs Nin (1940 / 1977)

Delta of Venus is a collection of short stories that focus on various aspects of erotic fiction. The collection was originally written in the 1940s for an unnamed private collector and was eventually published in 1977 after Anaïs Nin passed away. Themes in the book run the gamut from homosexuality and male desire to extreme sexual restraint and incest.

The Story of O by Pauline Réage (1954)

The Story of O is another pop-culture icon but few people have read the original work. The book focuses on a young woman, O, and her journey as a willing sexual slave. O’s story involves repeated sexual objectification and is heavy on extreme BDSM. The book was originally banned in its native France though obscenity charges were eventually dropped.

The Sluts by Dennis Cooper (2005)

This modern entry to our list proves that erotic fiction has both evolved and, in some ways, gone back to its roots. Like 120 Days, the plot in The Sluts is secondary to the action. The story of a young male hustler is told through a series of online reviews, emails and postings to fictitious websites. As the young man’s story is revealed, readers are treated (if that’s the right word) by a catalogue of what he endures which includes everything from rough sex to amputation.

This article was written by Laura, who, when she isn’t reading erotic fiction, can be found over at School of Squirt.

It’s always my pleasure to have the fabulous Renee Denyer over from Sh! to give hot tips for hot sexy romance. It’s been my tradition to have Renee give some fab ideas for a sizzling Valentine’s Day and with the 50 Shade of Grey film coming out on the day, there are going to be lots of questions about ways of bringing a little ‘control’ into the bedroom. Who better to answer those questions that the fab Renee from SH!

Valentine’s Day is almost upon us and, with it, the long-awaited release of 50 Shades of Grey, the film. You may have read the books, and loved the idea of playing with control but felt unsure about how to go about it? If so, this blog post is for you! I’ll be sharing some of my best tips for sexy power exchange in the bedroom. By the end of this post, you’ll be able to confidently recreate a Red Room experience for your lover on Valentine’s Day.

But first, let me introduce myself: I’m Renee, and I work at Sh!, the erotic emporium for women in Hoxton Square, east London. One of my many jobs is teaching classes on how to play kinky games in a safe manner, using suitable implements and avoiding injuries. Many are surprised when I say that BDSM play doesn’t have to involve pain (unless you want it to, of course); it’s more about pleasure and exchange of power. BDSM, for those who don’t know, stands for Bondage, Discipline/Domination/Submission/Sadism and Masochism. That sounds hard, I know, but it doesn’t have to be. For me, it just means “fun sex”!

Christian Grey is a Dominant who gets his kicks from playing with a submissive – someone who enjoys being on the receiving end of all sorts of kinky games. Being in control of your partner’s pleasure can be incredibly sexy – just like it can be incredibly sexy when someone else is in control of your pleasure, and this Valentine’s Day offers up the perfect opportunity to get your own Mr/Ms Grey on – channeling your inner Dominant. Who needs the cinema when you can do it for real at home?

These are a few of my favourite things…

Ambiance

Christian has a Red Room, and you can easily recreate this at home by switching your normal 60W bulb for a red one. And make sure the temperature is comfortable for someone who’ll be lying down naked – a chilly room does not make for sexy games…

Playlist

Whatever kind of music you find sexy and seductive – create a play list and play it on low. Start off slow and finish on a hard, driving beat – let the music be your cue for when it’s time to switch it up.

Blindfold

Slipping a blindfold over a partner’s eyes works well in a number of ways. Firstly, if you are feeling shy or awkward in your new Dominant persona, placing a blindfold over your lovers’ eyes will make you seem masterful, decisive and oh-so-sexy. He/she won’t see that you’re feeling a little bit out of your comfort zone. Also, taking away their visual reference will ensure all their other senses are on high alert. It’s a win! For extra bonus points, use a blindfold (or scarf) that smells of your – your partner will be tripping on your sexy scent in no time.

Safe Word

It’s time to introduce a safe word. A safe word will let you know that your partner has had enough and needs the game to stop – immediately. In true 50 shades- style you could use “popsicle”, or you could make up your own word. Make sure it’s a word neither of you would ever use during sex. Whisper “I want you to say popsicle if you want me to stop” in their ear, and make them repeat it back to you to ensure they understand.

Restraints

Wriggling against restraints whilst being pleasured is sweet torture. I particularly like these long, satin ties with D-Rings. Use the ties to restrain your partner to the bedposts, and he/she will be able to relax and let you look after them in all manner of ways.

Feather

Using something soft like a feather or a pair of silky knickers (kinky!) is a wonderful way of kicking off a long night, relaxing and softly arousing… Avoid the feet if your lover is tickly – having your feet tickled can most definitely ruin the mood!

Fire and Ice

Playing with temperature is always sexy. Alternate between ice cubes and wax candles for out-of-this-world sensations. Draw patterns with the ice cubes for thrills, and the offer pops of heat for contrast. These wax candles are my favorites (word of warning here: don’t use table candles from IKEA). These candles burn at a lower temperature, so are perfectly safe for play. Drip from a height for a slightly cooler pop of heat, or drip close to the body for a more intense sensation. The wax brushes off easily after play.

Pinwheels (or Other Pervertables)

A Wartenburg pinwheel looks like a mini-sized pastry cutter, but feel amazing on skin. Roll gently along the skin and you’ll likely be rewarded with low moans of pleasure. Don’t worry if you don’t have a pinwheel at hand; this sensation can be easily recreated using a table fork. This is what we call “pervertables” – everyday items that can be used for fun sex sessions!

Nipple Clamps

Adding a pair of pretty clamps will add pressure on the nipples, and leave your hands free for other things. I recommend clamps that come with varying degrees of pressure. Start off gently, and don’t leave the clamps on for too long – it’s often more intense to have the clamps removed, so be gentle when doing this.

Leather Paddle

Use a leather paddle for gentle spanking. Start off slow and build intensity as your submissive gets more and more turned on – timing is key here. Ask your lover to rate each blow between 1 (low) and 10 (high) and you’ll get an idea of how hard to strike. Start off at a 3 and work your way up to an 8. Remember to kiss and stroke those butt-cheeks in-between blows.

Big Finale

By this point, your partner is probably gagging for release, and you can choose how to give it to them – you’re in control, after all! For a male partner, I recommend using a Tenga Egg. It’ll feel like several mouths working his shaft all in one go – just amazing. For a female, using a deep tissue massager like Wand on her pubic bone/clit is likely to bring her off with a massive bang!

So there you have it – a few easy tips on how to create your own 50 Shades-experience for Valentine’s Day!

And, before I go; I have 10 pairs of tickets to my next Spanking class to give away – enter this competition if you’d like to learn more about sensual spanking. 10 winners will be picked at random on 13th February, so hurry!

Renée xx

Thanks for having me, KD – it’s been brilliant fun as usual!

Renée is the Award Winning Store Manager (ETO 2014) at female-focused erotic boutique Sh!. She has her fingers in many pies and spends her days talking about G-spots, P-spots and any other spots you may have found in your nether regions. When she is not selling sex toys to the women & couples of London, she can be found at home with a thrilling book and a glass of pink wine, surrounded by her beloved bunnies (of the furry variety). She writes a regular column for Erotic Trade Only magazine and dreams of penning a bestselling sex guide one day.