Anita Lawless
One of this year’s Golden Flogger Award Nominees
speaks out about writing, BDSM, and more…
Why did you begin writing BDSM novels?
I’m very intrigued by the lifestyle. There are so many misconceptions about it, and I was curious to learn the truth behind all those misconceptions. To me, it’s a rich subculture, and those who participate in it come to it from so many different backgrounds, for so many different reasons. In my opinion it’s a very dramatic (in a positive way) and imaginative experience.
Do you participate in D/s activities or merely write about them?
I have participated in light D/s role playing. I found the scenario thrilling and liberating. The participation enhanced my BDSM writing.
Where did you get your information on this lifestyle?
I do a lot of research on the lifestyle–everything from reading interviews with Dommes and submissives, to reading books written by authors who participate in the lifestyle, to interviewing them. Also, one of our authors used to participate in BDSM culture, and she’s been an excellent resource for all of us.
What does being nominated for the Golden Flogger Award mean to you?[easyazon_image align=”right” height=”160″ identifier=”B00K5IKPKC” locale=”US” src=”http://bdsmwriterscon.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/51ve4QM44oL.SL160.jpg” tag=”doctorcharley-20″ width=”107″]
It is an honor and a pleasant surprise. I’m thrilled to have our books included with so many talented BDSM writers.
Do you conduct any advocacy work in this lifestyle or is it strictly fiction base for you? If so, what?
While I don’t currently conduct any advocacy work in this lifestyle, I try to bash misconceptions about it through my writing and the spread of accurate information. Whether it be sharing an accurate portrayal of a D/s relationship on social media, or writing fiction challenging untrue stereotypes, I like to show people that BDSM is a rich and fascinating lifestyle that mainstream media doesn’t depict properly because they don’t fully understand it yet.
[easyazon_image align=”right” height=”160″ identifier=”B00P2S5G1S” locale=”US” src=”http://bdsmwriterscon.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/517X8Usyk3L.SL160.jpg” tag=”doctorcharley-20″ width=”100″]Where would you like to see the BDSM genre head? How will it get there?
I’d like to see it branch out into more sub-genres, like paranormal BDSM, urban fantasy BDSM, and more depictions of dominant women with submissive men. As more and more writers are introduced to this genre, I think it will get there. More writers will bring their variety of experiences to the genre and challenge standard tropes.
What is the hardest part of writing your novel?
Probably word choice. I agonize over every phrase and sentence. Is it good enough? Does it convey what I’m trying to get across well enough? I rewrite sentences and change word choice until I have to force myself to stop. There is a point where you have to say “good enough” and put it out there.
Wild & Lawless Writers:
http://wildlawlesswriters.blogspot.com/