Author Interview with Writer Lexi Montclair

Bothered Stories writer Lexi Montclair joins us to talk shop, share book recs, and tease us with juicy details from her own erotic life.

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How did you become interested in writing erotic fiction?

I've always been fascinated by the complexities of human sexuality and relationships. As I began to hone my craft as a writer, I realized that erotic fiction provided the perfect medium to delve into the depths of desire, passion, and the human experience.

Writing erotica allows me push the boundaries of what's considered "acceptable" in mainstream fiction. I'm able to shed light on taboo subjects, challenge societal norms, and provide a platform for marginalized voices and perspectives. There's a certain freedom and liberation that comes with exploring the carnal side of the human condition.

How does your real life impact your writing? How much of your writing is autobiographical versus fictional?

I firmly believe that the best fiction is rooted in lived experience. While the specific events and characters in my stories may be fictional, the emotional truths that underpin them often draw from my own life and relationships. My personal experiences lend a depth and nuance to my writing that I don't believe could be achieved through pure imagination alone.

That said, I'm also a firm believer in the power of the imagination to transcend the boundaries of one's own life. Much of my writing is a synthesis of real-world observation and fantastical invention. 

The line between autobiography and fiction often depends on the work. Certain characters may bear striking resemblances to people I know, while other narratives may be completely divorced from my personal experience. Ultimately, I see my writing as a tapestry woven from the threads of reality and fantasy, with each element informing and enriching the other.

What are your best tips for writing erotica?

When it comes to writing erotica, the most important thing is to approach the subject matter with a sense of authenticity and emotional honesty. Avoid clichés and superficial titillation – instead, strive to capture the true complexity and vulnerability of human desire.

Pay close attention to the sensory details – the textures, the scents, the sounds that heighten the erotic experience. Engage all of the reader's senses to immerse them fully in the moment.

Develop your characters as fully-realized, complex individuals, not just vessels for sexual acts. Explore their motivations, their fears, their deepest longings – this will lend depth and resonance to the erotic elements of the story.

What's your most cringe-y sexual experience?

Oh goodness, where do I even begin? I've had my fair share of awkward and embarrassing sexual experiences. 

One time I accidentally called out the wrong name in the heat of passion with a new lover. Another time I was caught in a rather precarious situation by a family member in my childhood home! But I've learned to embrace the humor and absurdity of it all. 

What was the hottest or most noteworthy sex you've ever had?

Ooh, now that's a juicy question! One that stands out in particular was a tryst I had a few years ago with a fellow writer.

We'd met at a literary event and instantly felt a connection. The conversation flowed effortlessly, and there was a palpable tension in the air. As the night wore on, we found ourselves slipping away to a more secluded corner, our bodies gravitating closer and closer as we chatted.

The kiss that followed was electric. Hands roamed, breath quickened, and before long, we were stumbling back to my room, unable to keep our hands off each other.

The sex that ensued was intense, lustful, and utterly unforgettable.

It was the kind of experience that lingers in the mind and body long after the fact – and was deepened by the fact that we lived in different cities and didn’t actually want to make anything longer term work out between us. The short-lived nature of it made it that much hotter.

What are some of your favorite books and what have you read recently that you loved? 

As an avid reader, it's always difficult for me to choose favorites – there are simply too many incredible books out there to single out just a few. But if I had to highlight some recent reads that have truly captivated me, a few stand out:

First, I was absolutely enthralled by "The Vanishing Half" by Brit Bennett. It's a powerful, nuanced exploration of identity, race, and the complexities of family that has stayed with me long after turning the final page.

I also recently discovered the work of Olivia Laing, and her book "Crudo" has become a new favorite. It's a daring, experimental novel that blends memoir, cultural criticism, and sharp political commentary in a way that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.

And of course, I'm always revisiting the classics – from the lush, sensual prose of Anaïs Nin to the raw, unflinching explorations of desire in the work of Henry Miller. These writers have had a profound influence on my own approach to erotica and the ways in which I seek to capture the complexities of human sexuality.

Ultimately, what I love most in fiction are stories that challenge me, that push the boundaries of what's possible on the page, and that leave me with a deeper understanding of the human experience.