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What Is Erotica?
There’s a lot of healthy debate about erotica and its meaning. Generally, the term refers to any kind of art that is sexually arousing yet not pornographic. Erotica usually includes depictions of nudity and sexual acts; however, these elements are not necessary for a work to be considered erotica.
Complicating the matter is the fact that the definition leaves a lot of room for ambiguity. What is considered “sexually arousing” and “not pornographic” can change depending on who you ask.
Because the lines are easily blurred between erotica and porn, it’s easier to think of things on a spectrum, rather than two binary categories. Some things are objectively more pornographic, others are objectively more erotic, and most fall somewhere in between.
Is Erotic Art “Better” Than Porn?
Although porn is pretty much everywhere nowadays, there’s still a lot of stigma associated with it. Porn is seen as depraved, degrading, and exploitative. Erotica, on the other hand, has a connotation of being loving, sensual, and “tasteful”.
However, in 2019, that definition doesn’t quite hold up as much. Yes, porn can be all of those negative things, but so can erotica. And there are a lot of female-focused porn (usually produced and directed by other women as well) that provides a beautiful and empowering viewing experience.
Perhaps a better distinction is this: pornography is created with the sole purpose of sexual arousal, while erotica’s goal is to tell a story that has sexual themes or situations. Neither of those things are “better” than the other, just different – and you can even like both.
Erotic Stories, Erotic Images, And Other Mediums
When most people say “erotica”, they often mean erotic literature. But erotica encompasses a wide range of genres and mediums. You can have erotic videos, erotic paintings, erotic audio, and even erotic nudes! Erotica can be complete fiction, and it can also be a retelling of a real sexual experience.
And erotica covers every subject matter known to mankind. Literally. Whether you’re in the mood for “standard” hetenormative vanilla fiction or a hardcore lesbian BDSM space epic, you are guaranteed to find something that tickles your fancy.
Top Erotica For Women: The Best Online Sites For Sexy Stories
7. Sugar Butch Chronicles
For the queer and kinky among you, Sugar Butch is the site to go to. What really sets this site apart is that you can get your dirty story fix PLUS read well-written poetry and insightful essays about relationships, gender, kink, and sex.
6. Erotic Review
Erotic Review is a MUST for anyone who enjoys high-quality smut or wants to learn how to write erotica. The site’s editorial team does a great job of choosing only the best submitted works. Everything – the sexy fiction, articles, reviews, and videos – is 100% entertaining and 100% free.
5. Novel Trove
Novel Trove’s erotic fiction is divided up into several categories. Choose from the ever-popular “Fetish & Kink” section, or take a chance on the less-popular yet equally thrilling “Erotic Sci-Fi” category. There’s even a section for true confessional-type stories!
4. Lush Stories
More than just a sexy fiction site, Lush Stories is a community of kinksters and erotica enthusiasts. You can read the stories, chat with other members, and even submit your own – or just lurk, it’s up to you.
3. Nifty
Most sites will have an LGBT category, but Nifty is special in that every story caters to the queer community. There are 264,000 different stories written by thousands of authors. That’s more than a lifetime’s worth of steamy stories!
2. BDSM Cafe
Another specialty site, BDSM Cafe has the perfect erotica collection for the kinky and curious. You can dive right into the short stories, novels, or poetry, but if you have the time, make sure to check out their extremely extensive resources section.
1. Literotica
The site looks the same as it did in the mid-2000s, complete with a totally indiscreet neon blue background that literally YELLS the name Literotica at you. But despite desperately needing a visual update, Literotica remains THE best and most comprehensive collection of erotic stories, videos, and even news headlines you can find online for FREE.
Conclusion
Erotica is designed to get you hot and heavy without being too explicit. So cancel your plans with the girls, pour yourself a glass of wine, and click on one (or more) of the websites on our list. You’re sure to have an interesting night.
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