The new Best American Erotica 2005 has just come out, and this year’s edition is remarkable.
This year's edition features stories from Jane Smiley, Nelson George, Mary Gaitskill, and Steve Almond— just for openers.
I’ll be giving some readings at a few bookstores to celebrate— you’ll find my tour schedule below.
Other authors to salivate over this year include:
Greta Christina, Martha Garvey, Alicia Gifford, Robert Gluck, Bert Hart, P.S. Haven, Maria Dahvana Headley, Shu-Huei Henrickson, Karl Iagnemma, Bernice McFadden, Lisa Montanarelli, Bill Noble, Mistress Morgana, Andy Quan, Carol Queen, Thomas Roche, Simon Sheppard, Cecilia Tan, Lana Gail Taylor, and Sharon Wachsler.
My favorite sheer names for the stories were: “Experimental Writer Gets Sucked Off in Field,” “Robots of the World, Unite,” “The Ugly Cock Dance,” "Surviving Darwin,”— and the highly understated “It’s Never Too Late In New York.”
I always have my little moments of pride when BAE comes out, but when I first saw this book in galleys, I got goose bumps. I am certain that this books is one of the best collections of short stories— sexy or not— that will be published this year. For those of you who are ready to keel over from the commercial mudflow of Erotica-Lite, Erotica-Banal, and All-Hype-No-Substance, your prayers have been answered!
Some of you know that each year I write an introduction to BAE . This edition, I decided to address the notion that erotic literature is "washed up," an idea that was suggested to me by a couple editors who work in the “Laddie” magazine scene. “Isn't it easier to just pop in a X-rated DVD?” they asked.
Here’s my answer... I’ve posted the whole story for your preview!
A couple words about the upcoming book signings... some of you will be bummed that they are all in the Bay Area. Hey, we’re having great weather out here, this could be your great escape!
(I am planning a few gigs later this year, in the Midwest and Rockies, but I don’t have all the details yet. If you have notions of organizing a gig for me in your area, please do email me, and I’ll put you in touch with my booking manager).
In the meantime...
February 3rd, 7:30pm.
Books Inc.
2275 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94114
Featuring special guests: Bob Gluck, Simon Sheppard, Lisa Montanarelli, and
Greta Christina
February 10th, 7:30pm
Diesel, A Bookstore
5433 College Ave
Oakland, CA 94618
Featuring special guests: Carol Queen, Bill Noble, and Mistress Morgana
February 11th, 7:30pm
Bookshop Santa Cruz
1520 Pacific Ave
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
February 24th, 12:30pm, Lunchtime in the Financial District!
Stacey's Bookstore
581 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
Featuring special guest Shu-Huei Henrickson
My Little BAE Valentine's Contest
Okay, I'm going to ask two questions about Best American Erotica 2005 that will mightily test your trivia and literary knowledge!
The first two people who answer each of these questions correctly, will win a passionately autographed copy of Best American Erotica 2005 delivered by a perplexed and jealous mailman.
Send your guesses/answers to my email address: susie at susiebright dot com.
I will post the winning answers, (and any entertaining wrong answers) in the Comments below!
I know I can’t enforce this rule, but please act as if this is a real game of Trivia where you can’t just leap from the table and consult your search engine. Give your best shot based on what exists in your own mind, at the moment.
—In other words, no cheating!
Question Number 1:
One of the stories in BAE 05 is called “Charles Sykes’ Spirit of Ecstasy” Who was Charles Sykes?
Question Number 2:
This year’s edition of BAE is dedicated to Ronald Sukenick. Who is Ronald Sukenick?
Start your engines!
