Cleis Press Editor Gets Romance Writers To Offer Tips For Real-Life Relationships

BERKELEY, Calif.—Rachel Kramer Bussel, editor of Cleis Press erotica including The Big Book of Submission, penned a Cosmopolitan article asking "five best-selling romance novelists what they've learned about love, on and off the page." The happily coupled authors share everything from "how to spot a keeper to how to keep a relationship spicy." For most of these authors, it all comes down to good communication. Maya Banks, author of Giving In, said "Talking is a very good way to get in the mood because when you're speaking with your partner, that builds intimacy." Similarly, Jaci Burton, author of Hope Ignites, feels that "communication is key with any relationship." In addition to writing and editing, Bussel will be making personal appearances: 6:30 p.m. July 23 hosting an erotica writing workshop at Sugar the shop in Baltimore; 7 p.m. July 24, reading at Lotus Blooms in Alexandria, Va.,; 7 pm. July 26, erotica writing workshop at Secret Pleasures in Washington, D.C.; 3 p.m. Sept. 6, reading at the Foundation for Sex Positive Culture in Seattle; 7 p.m. Sept. 9, erotica writing workshop at the Foundation for Sex Positive Culture in Seattle, 7 p.m. Sept. 10, reading at She Bop the Shop in Portland, Ore.; 7:30 p.m. Sept. 15, reading at the Booksmith in San Francisco; 6 p.m. Sept. 18, workshop at the Q Center in Portland, Ore.; Sept. 28, erotica writing workshop at Early To Bed in Chicago; 8:30 p.m. Sept. 30, erotica writing workshop at Tool Shed Toys in Milwaukee. Bussel regularly writes for and appears in Salon, Jezebel, Bust, Cosmopolitan, The Huffington Post, The Daily Beast, and more. Based in New York City, she is a prolific erotica author and editor, and her titles include Only You, Irresistible, and Hungry for More. She is also the editor of the top-selling audiobook Gotta Have It. Visit her at rachelkramerbussel.com and lustylady.blogspot.com. For more information, visit CleisPress.com.