The Erotic Literary Salon
A Verbal Sanctuary for Sexual Expression
The Erotic Literary Salon was a safe space to witness, accept, and support people as they shared uncensored fiction and non-fiction works—ranging from playful innuendo to extremely edgy pieces. Writers shared deeply personal stories, thoughtful critiques, and creative pieces that often pushed boundaries and sparked meaningful conversations.
Then COVID hit. After celebrating our 12th anniversary on Zoom in May 2020, I decided it was time to close the chapter on the in-person Salon. Twelve years felt like a good run.
But the story didn’t end there. Weekly emails and street encounters with people asking, “When will the Salon return?” got me thinking. Platforms like Substack and Medium, along with my professional website, seemed like the perfect places for the Salon to evolve.
I’m committed to creating this virtual Salon with the same intent as the in-person gatherings: to explore what’s often left unsaid in a world where even words are sometimes policed. This is a space that focuses on banishing sexual shame by allowing people to write uncensored.
And so, I’m excited to introduce this digital revival, which builds on the legacy of the original gathering. While the new Salon exists digitally rather than in-person, it remains a “verbal sanctuary” for exploring the intimate and the unspoken. Whether you’re a longtime Salon attendee or discovering it for the first time, this newsletter marks the start of a new chapter.
What’s Inside the Monthly Newsletter
Note: For now, it will be an abbreviated version.
- ELS: A Writing Prompt to Ignite Your Creativity
This month’s prompts:
- Write a story exploring a hidden desire you’ve never shared with anyone.
- Compose a letter to a former lover, expressing something you wish you had said but never did.
- Create a poem describing intimacy without using the words “love” or “touch.”
Submissions can respond to these prompts or be entirely original. Submit your work for publication to ELS platforms, which may include the Salon’s website, Substack, Medium, or Bluesky. See the guidelines below for format.
- Adult Sex Education Q&A
Honest, practical answers to anonymous reader questions about sexuality and intimacy.
See the guidelines below for how to submit your questions. - Does Sex Have an Expiration Date?
Serialized installments from my revised book, Does Sex Have an Expiration Date?, will follow in future newsletters. - Censorship of Sexual and Erotic Material
Explore how censorship impacts sexual shame. Follow the evolution of this essay as it takes shape, with serialized installments to follow in future newsletters. You’re also encouraged to share any sexual or erotic censorship you’ve experienced or witnessed—either verbally or written. - Newsworthy Updates
Curated news and research on sexuality and relationships. Your input is welcome to help expand our perspectives. - Links
Discover sex-positive websites and Substack, Medium, Bluesky, recommendations. Feel free to suggest links you think followers of the Salon would enjoy.
How to Submit a Question for the Q&A Section
We encourage you to ask questions about anything having to do with sexuality. Your questions will remain completely anonymous.
Guidelines for Submitting Questions:
- Be Clear and Specific: This helps ensure the most accurate and practical answer.
- You are Encouraged to Include your Gender and Age: This might be relevant when answering your question.
- No Judgments: Feel free to ask questions about topics you might feel uncomfortable discussing elsewhere.
- Any Aspect of Sexuality is Welcome: From personal challenges to general curiosities, no question is too small, too big or too foolish.
- Submit Through Email: susanamayer3@gmail.com.
Privacy Note: Your anonymity is guaranteed. Questions featured in the newsletter or on the Salon’s website will not include any identifying information.
How to Subscribe to The Erotic Literary Salon (Virtual Edition)
Joining The Erotic Literary Salon (Virtual Edition) is quick and easy!
- Click the Link: Subscribe to The Erotic Literary Salon (Virtual Edition)
- Enter your email address to ensure the newsletter is delivered directly to your inbox.
- That’s it! You’re subscribed and ready to receive regular updates, writing prompts, book excerpts, and more—all at no cost.
Note: You do not need a Substack account to subscribe or access the newsletter. You can subscribe using just your email address, and the newsletter will be delivered directly to your inbox.
Thank you for joining me on this exciting new adventure. I’m thrilled to see what we’ll create together!
Warm regards,
Susana
Susana Mayer, PhD
Founder, The Erotic Literary Salon