I didn't do a call for stories. I went to authors I knew and a few of my students and asked them to contribute. This was my first editorial project and I really had a specific vision in terms of my audience and message. I really discovered that liked the editing and pushing my contributors to really let themselves go. And the process of putting in order was interesting. That was probably the most difficult because I wanted a strong ebb and flow to the collection. It was really a lovely experience. less

Being an editor is a bit like being a conductor, isn't it? The notes are all there and they are all beautiful, it's just a matter of arranging them for maximum effect.

Could you tell us a bit about what you teach? And which of your students are included in this collection? less

I didn't do a call for stories. I went to authors I knew and a few of my students and asked them to contribute. This was my first editorial project and I really had a specific vision in terms of my audience and message. I really discovered that liked the editing and pushing my contributors to really let themselves go. And the process of putting in order was interesting. That was probably the most difficult because I wanted a strong ebb and flow to the collection. It was really a lovely experience. less

When I write erotica, I take a look at the story without the sex scenes. If the story can exist without the sex, then I know like I haven't done my job. The sex should be integral to the plot and the plot shouldn't be able to stand alone without the erotic component. less

I'm just now reading submission for my second anthology, Dream Lover, and so far it's just pure pleasure. I imagine after another dozen or so anthologies (should I be so lucky to continue editing!), I might feel differently, but I find that I enjoy the process of reading and selecting stories. Being an editor is completely different than being a writer, and i think the two provide a nice creative balance for me.

Lori and Cole, do you feel the same? less

Being an editor is a bit like being a conductor, isn't it? The notes are all there and they are all beautiful, it's just a matter of arranging them for maximum effect.

Could you tell us a bit about what you teach? And which of your students are included in this collection? less

In addition to my Stiletto U teachings, I teach two writing classes at the adult school in my area. I love teaching adults because they are generally writers that can't seem to give up on their dreams and I love that energy.

I teach A Novel Start, which is really about how to structure a novel. I obviously cover the basics like character and dialogue, etc. but I really concentrate on plot the most because that's where most aspiring writers fall down. So basically, it's a class that teaches all the prewriting involved in writing a novel. When they leave, they leave with a treatment and a chapter outline.

I also teach, Write Away, which is a short story writing class. We dont study them, we write them, again concetrating on plot and character development.

Toi James wrote Bubble Music. She's fantastic. Remember her name.
Elise Gower wrote Wet, and Teddy, who I didn't teach in class but have used his poetry in my novels and have been his prose mentor. less