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| Drew Wilson |
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| Sean Wolfe |
By Drew Wilson
Sean Wolfe is one of the big names in gay erotic fiction.
As both a fan and friend of his for many years - we were both part of a writing group that included notable local gay authors
Matt Kailey and
Jerry Wheeler - I've had ample opportunity to admire his continued successes and to enjoy his work.
And I do mean
enjoy! So I was very pleased to have had the opportunity to chat with him recently to discuss his new book, his new position at The Denver Element, and much, much more.
Keep reading for more hard and fast insights into the mind and work of Sean Wolfe.
Drew: Hey Sean, what can you tell me about your latest book? Is it really going to be your last?
Sean: My new book is called “Give It To Me.” It’s the second in a two-book series. The first one in the series was called, “Hard and Fast” … and is about what most of us consider “good boys” … teachers, honor roll students, preacher’s kids, etc. and their sexual coming-of-age and exploits.
“Give It To Me” is the flip of that (sexual pun intended) … about “bad boys” … thieves, politicians, bondage masters, rapists … and tales of their sexual misadventures.
I wanted to call it “Shut Up and Take It,” but my publisher thought that was a little harsh. Both books challenge readers to examine our own ideals and morals, and to reconsider what is “good” and what is “bad.” To look deeper and know that things aren’t usually as black and white as they might appear.
“Give It To Me” is my 10th erotica book … and definitely my last. Though not normally words you would hear coming from my mouth … “Enough sex, already!!” LOL. But it won’t be my last book. I’m focusing on more mainstream, non-erotic books now. I just finished my first non-erotic novel, a supernatural/psychological thriller.
As a writer of erotica, what is your "go to" scenario for maximum sexiness?
This is so gonna make me sound like a chick. <sigh> But
I think sexy only happens when the entire body is engaged and excited …
it’s not all about the cock and ass. That is hot and exciting. But
“sexy” is when the partners are so overwhelmed with one another that
they struggle to catch their breath and swallow … that they can’t
control their moans or the chill bumps on their skin … that the tickle
and taste of their partner’s tongue on their body threatens to evaporate
them.
It’s about the emotion happening inside them, and
not the sensation happening with their bodies. Oh jeez, that was so
Sally Field. Drink your juice, Shelby!
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| Seriously, drink your juice, Shelby! |
What impact has the Internet had on erotic writing/publishing? It was certainly a game changer for the video porn industry. Has it been the same for books or do readers still like to read?
Yes, the Internet has had a big effect on written erotica. It’s so easy to pull up a porn video and get off. You don’t even need to fast forward through a whole video anymore … you can just watch individual scenes that are perfect for your particular … personal gratification needs.
But I don’t think it’s the same for books. People who read erotica aren’t reading it for the specific goal of getting off. Videos are much more visual … and hands free … more convenient for that purpose. People read erotica for the same reason they read anything else: they want to get wrapped up in the story and the lives of a character that is living a life (mostly) different than their own.
Though many men have told me that they enjoyed a happy ending after reading my stories, I am venturing a guess that it was after they’d finished the story and then made their own video in their heads about what they’d just read. It’s too hard and messy to turn the pages while your energy is focused … elsewhere. I admire their dedication to fine literature and the art of reading.
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| Poot! |
What life lessons can gay men learn from reading erotica?
That life is hard. <clears throat> Sorry, it was too easy.
Seriously, though, what I hope that gay men can learn from MY erotica, at least, is that sex is only a part of who we are as whole, perfect, and beautiful human beings. That sex can be HOT and interesting and fun and creative and funny and sad and multi-faceted. That sometimes it’s just a fuck, and sometimes it’s so much more. And that either is perfectly fine.
Oh yeah … and not to take ourselves too seriously. All it takes is one fart during sex to make you realize you’re not the fucking center of the Universe.
For someone wanting to get into the works of Sean Wolfe, what is your recommended reading list? Do you have a personal favorite book or story?
I have two favorites of my own books … and they’re my favorites for opposite reasons.
All of my books, with the exception of my first solo effort, are based on a common theme that ties each of the stories in the book together. “Close Contact” was my first published solo book. It’s a compilation of 23 short stories that I’d written for several gay magazines, and the stories are completely random and not connected in any way. I like that book because they are many of my earlier stories, and many of them have a lot more humor in them than some of my later books.
My other favorite is “Eight Inches.” Because there are only eight stories in this one, instead of the typical 12-20 that are in my other books, they are longer stories, and I was able to do a lot more character and story development with them. All of the stories and characters are inter-connected, and they all tie together as the book progresses.
So you're done with erotica but you will be continuing to write?
Yes, I’m “theoretically” focusing on more mainstream, non-erotic books. I just finished my first non-erotic novel, and am cleaning it up and hoping to send it out to agents soon.
I’ve been saying that since June.
Though I had no trouble writing the 412 page book itself … I find myself stuck on writing the synopsis and query letter. This might come as a surprise to you, but I have a little difficulty in being … brief. <sigh>
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| Come on in, the water's fine at The Denver Swim Club. |
Where and how can we keep up with everything Sean Wolfe related?
The Denver Swim Club. <looks around nervously> Was that my outside voice??
I’m not very good at self-promotion. I post something on Facebook about once a month. And I don’t have a webpage. I’ve been saying I need to get one for several years, and I still can’t bring myself to get one put together.
If anyone out there is phenomenal at putting together a hot website and
wants to take me on as a “project” … I would not complain. I also could
not pay, since I work for a non-profit. But, I’ve been told that I
give … Oooops, outside voice again. Sorry.
In what ways does sex and sexuality inform your new position at The Denver Element?
One of the things I love about my work with
The Denver ELEMENT is that we are sex positive. We know that sex is hot and complicated and diverse … and that it’s an important part of who we are as gay men. We’re not embarrassed or ashamed of it, and there is no judgment placed on sex or the men who engage in all of its many … varieties. We embrace it and love it and encourage it. At ELEMENT we realize there is no cookie-cutter response to sex … we all experience it differently. We try to educate gay and bi men that there is a very large menu of options when it comes to sex and taking care of ourselves. And that’s important to us because we want gay men to be around for a long time. They are our current … and future … sexual and emotional partners, afterall.
In a nutshell, what have you learned over the years as an expert on sex and sexuality that the average "civilian" doesn't know?
Mostly that I’m not an expert on sex or sexuality. I know a lot about it … and I’ve been told that I’m good at … writing … it. Yeah, that’s it. But sex and sexuality are such individual qualities and aspects of who we are.
It’s so very different for each of us. I can only be an expert on ME, and hopefully get close to being an expert on my partners – or close enough to make it enjoyable for all of us.
Other than that, sex and sexuality are sources of constant learning and experimenting and practicing for me. If they aren’t changing every so often, then I get bored. One of my favorite mantras is: “I don’t know what I don’t know, but I know that I don’t know it.” Learning the stuff I don’t know and adding it to my sexual toolbox is the exciting part.
That … and do NOT douche with cold water!
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| Succulent. |
Author Christopher Hitchens famously said that “the four most overrated things in life were champagne, lobsters, anal sex, and picnics.” Agree or disagree?
Disagree.
I adore champagne, and it makes me giggle like a little school girl. If you wanna get me in the sack, pop open a bottle – and don’t ask any questions if the cork goes missing. It’s embarrassing for everyone involved.
Lobsters are sweet and succulent and buttery – and make the perfect after-sex dinner. And if you can watch me suck down twelve pounds of slippery pre-historic swimming/walking/sliding creatures with giant claws and still wanna take me to bed, then … well, I am in love.
At this point, I would hardly think I need to extol the virtues of anal sex. Let’s just say I’m a fan. A very big and dedicated fan.
Picnics are a’ight. As long as they consist of champagne, lobster, and anal sex.
Anything else you'd like to discuss?
Yes. Are you single? I have a bottle of champagne, a twelve pound lobster, and …
Sean Wolfe's books are available at Amazon.com. For more information - and the occasional update - check out his Facebook page by clicking here.
