Signs of spring are in the air, and Montreal author Nairne Holtz rouses Halifax from its seasonal slumber with a week’s worth of literary events. First stop: an erotic writing workshop. Second: an evening of aural erotica. Last, but not least: a book reading.
On Wed, Mar 10 Holtz hosts the Art of a Steamy Story at Venus Envy, an erotic workshop geared towards both seasoned and amateur writers.
While honing your sexual scribe, Holtz discusses classic erotic themes, character creation and crafting effective dialogue. She gets out her proverbial red pen — covering everything from editing a first draft to publishing.
Holtz’s objective for the workshop is to share “as much useful advice as I can cram in about the craft of writing a story, along with my personal theories about hot sex, as well as more particular information about the market for erotica.”
She has a few tips for aspiring writers.
“Write about themes, not your personal life. Read a lot and think about what makes a narrative work,” says Holtz.
“Get beyond your personal turn-ons and show your readers what is at stake for your characters, why this particular encounter is so compelling.”
After you’ve put your sexy and sensual words on the page, head to Venus Envy for a night of erotic readings: Cold Nights, Hot Reads on Fri, Mar 12. While the lineup features Holtz, Robin Metcalfe, Rachel Dodds and yours truly, keen-eared listeners are encouraged to bring favourite one-handed reads or their own work.
Make it a double date and hear Holtz read from her latest novel, This One’s Going to Last Forever (Insomniac) on Sat, Mar 13 at Venus Envy.
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