fiction

Romance Writers of Australia

~ Josie Baker ~ Leave a comment

I’m very excited to be flying off to Adelaide later this week to attend the annual RWA conference. Friday is going to be a big day for me – I’ll be attending the full day workshop on Story Mastery by the legendary Michael Hauge, AND the e-book of my collection of sensual short stories and novelettes will be launched on Amazon.

LLNC cover Amazon

‘Love, Lust & Nipple Clamps’ is a compilation of the four editions of Peep Shows I’ve published plus a brand new story, ‘Penetration’, to make nine in total. When Gwen sheds her puritanical fiance, the journey to sensual liberation takes her to an illicit sex club where voyeurism is the only entry requirement; and into the office of its damaged owner, Alex, who could do with some healing of his own. Will Gwen break through the iron control he holds over his desires and find what she truly craves: acceptance and respect for her sexuality?

I think it will make a gorgeous physical book as well, so once I get the cover art finished I’ll be making it available for print on demand.

Oooh, and I’ve just found the most gorgeous corset at my new favourite store, Honey Birdette, to wear to the cabaret themed cocktail party on Friday night. I’m counting down the days  …

SEx Libris

~ Josie Baker ~ Leave a comment

What is it about erotic personalised book labels?

I recently decided to create my own Ex Libris label to use on my vast and much loved collection of books in the hopes they will return to me one day when I loan them out. So, I had a quick peek at what others were doing.

It seems the humble book label is the perfect outlet to express one’s individuality and creativity. I was not expecting the eroticism of some of the artwork I found – obviously many people express the erotic leanings of their personal library through their Ex Libris label.

Embed from Getty Images

Some of the designs are gorgeous, many are wonderfully titillating. I noticed a trend in the sensually themed labels toward the myth of Leda and the Swan. I’m not overly familiar with Greek mythology, but obviously there’s an erotic tale in there. I think I’ll have to do a bit of reading in that direction … there may even be inspiration for a modern retelling.

Some of my favourites are on my Pinterest board:

Getting hot in the library … ‘Atonement’

~ Josie Baker ~ Leave a comment

I absolutely adored the book when I first read it many years ago, especially Ian McEwan’s descriptions of the ripeness of Robbie and Cecilia’s sensual awakening.

After knowing each other all their lives, on a sweltering day of growing agitation, Robbie concedes to the force of their unacknowledged attraction by ‘accidentally’ sending the wrong note of apology to Cecilia prior to a formal family dinner.

robbie's letter

“The anticipation and dread he felt at seeing her was also a kind of sensual pleasure, and surrounding it, like an embrace, was a general elation – it might hurt, it was horribly inconvenient, no good might come of it, but he had found out for himself what it was to be in love, and it thrilled him.”

Cecilia is shocked by his note but his words make her realise that the friction growing between them is sexual and the cause of her frustration, resulting in ‘that’ scene in the library.

“Daringly, they touched the tips of their tongues, and it was then she made the falling sighing sound which, he realised later, marked a transformation. Until that moment, there was still something ludicrous about having a familiar face so close to one’s own. They felt watched by their bemused childhood selves.” Continue reading →

The panther as a symbol of the unleashing of inner desires

~ Josie Baker ~ Leave a comment

Recently I had the rare opportunity to view a very special piece of work by one of Australia’s most iconic and controversial artists, Norman Lindsay, at a friend’s art gallery.

I have long been a fan of the artist’s work and am especially interested in ‘Pantera’: the exceptional detail (especially in the gorgeous dress) and the mysterious subject matter. Just what is going on in this sensual arrangement?

Pantera main image smallest

The original etching is one of five in a book called ‘Idyllia’, published in 1922. The gorgeous book was printed as a very limited edition of 133 (only 100 of which were offered for sale) and intact editions are extremely rare – unfortunately the books are more valuable sold as individual etchings.

Here are the opening lines of the poem that accompanies ‘Pantera’, one of the fifteen poems by Hugh McCrae contained in ‘Idyllia’.

“Pantera dear, between us two,
How much is dream… how little true?
If one a phantom… I, or you?” Continue reading →

Sexy snippet – gorgeously erotic writing by Elsa Holland

~ Josie Baker ~ 6 Comments

I just have to tell you about one of the most beautifully written, erotic books I’ve had the pleasure to read (and I’ve read A LOT of books). I love to immerse myself in sensual writing AND I love historical fiction so I was thrilled to come across ‘The Veiled Heart’ by Elsa Holland.

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Set in Victorian London, Miriam is happily widowed after being damaged by marriage to a sadistic ‘gentleman’ and the failure of her peers to recognise or acknowledge his abuse. Miriam is no delicate, shrinking flower though, and is determined to use her freedom as a widow and her privileged position in society to help improve the lot of women on the street.

While purchasing sheaths in a plan to educate London’s prostitutes about sexual health, Miriam’s alter ego, Lily, crosses the path of a man who awakens her dormant sexual urges and challenges her vow to remain independent. Sparks fly as she gives in to her lust for Max – who she believes is a mechanic and safely below her station – while she struggles against becoming the possession of any man, even one who melts her with his passion.

And here’s the sexy snippet, as promised (making love in a carriage sounds like fun)… Continue reading →