Here’s an interview with Z. Ferguson.
Take it away, Z…
- How did you start writing erotica?
It all began in a writing class. I had to briefly create a sensuous scene between two characters. I did. Then I went home, ignited. Five spiral bound notebooks and a couple of bound texts, later, I’m still writing. Some of it seemed pretty good. So, I read what was already published, and submitted to those websites. Erotic Readers and Writers Association was the best at helping me hone my craft. Real writers, writing hot words. Commenting on mine, giving me advice. Felt like I had landed on Fantasy Island.
- What erotic authors do you enjoy reading?
Well my current, above all others favorite is Olivia London. She applies such a wonderful artistry to her work. Her characters are down to earth and believable. She has a rich, articulate and detailed way with sex scenes that I haven’t seen from any other writer, in quite sometime. Very sensuous, very witty. Wit is always erotic. Then there’s Anais Nin. We never forget our first, do we? Especially, when it was so good.
- Where do you draw your inspiration from?
People watching. Coffee shops, where I work, people waiting for the bus. Faces, movement. It’s fun to place those people in erotic situations. a shoe dangling off a foot, a raised eyebrow, disheveled hair. Something said within earshot. A gesture that means nothing to the intended viewer can mean a complete story to me. Sometimes a news story will yield material, as well, but humans interacting? That’s the key.
- What was your ideal career when you were a child?
DJ. I thought that was the best job ever. Disc jockey at a radio station. I grew up in the Northwest corner of the United Sates in Tacoma,Washington. I listened to Pat O’Day at KJR in Seattle. He had a great voice and always seemed to knew what songs I liked. Eery and fun. I wanted to be like him. Play great music. Make people happy.
- How do you get yourself in the mood to write?
By reading. Usually something unrelated to what I’m about to write, but a piece of work I truly love. Getting in the mood to write erotica is tricky though. You have to maintain a disconnect from the tale and the result or you don’t get anything done, except yourself. I find it difficult to read erotica, then write it. Better for me to read a good short story or a section of a favorite novel.
- What is the best writing tip you’ve ever been given?
I have assimilations of many acquired tips: Write not what you know, but what you love, your first draft is always awful, don’t stop, and keep a journal. May I add to that, join a critique group?
- Which author erotic or otherwise would you love to meet and why?
Lorrie Moore. Or Alice Munro. If they are anything like their writing, that would be a good time, indeed. Such wit and observations. We’d sit, observe and comment. Meanwhile, I’d be taking notes. In the erotic realm, Olivia London. That would be akin to a spiritual journey in erotic writing.
- What is your favourite genre within erotica and why?
Vanilla. There is is such a wide range of possibilities, there. I love the lack of affectations, animals, and equipment, the subtle exchanges, the joy of discovery and exploration amongst ourselves. As a writer, I like the dependence on dialogue and interaction, and the absolute requirement that the reader care about the characters. I think no matter how long we are on this earth, we can only touch the surface of male/female interaction. As writers we can only explore deeper and deeper into what make attraction happen and continue. That makes me happy. The journey.