Question:
do you have favorite authors?
I've read a few Henry Miller books, some Anais Nin and several of Susie Bright's compilations.

Answer:
Yes, and yes.
The erotica I have written has primarily been for fun, to sort of loosen up the old creative juices. It can be very compelling and sort of take on a life of its own, I think.
I enjoyed Anais Nin's writing, but so far I would say that Anne Rice's Sleeping Beauty trilogy is my favorite.
It's very graphic, yes, but there is story line and character development and I do think that there is something about erotica that really does push deeper emotional and psychological "buttons" in people that are worthy to explore, to be aware of and to come to understand. Another interesting read is Nancy Friday's My Secret Garden books which deal with women's sexual fantasies.
I must say that I have really only read women's erotic writing.
I also read a collection of women's stories called "Slow Hand." I thought some of those stories were quite good.

Answer:
Last two I read were
The Surrender by Toni Bentley
The Story of M by Maria Isabel Pita

Answer:
Oh yes
Almost everything that Anais Nin has written, Henry Miller, etc.
I also have several collections of stories. Sometimes an author might only have a few good works, and the collections are a great way to discover their work without buying an otherwise mediocre book.
I've also read a fair amount of Bukowski, but I guess that's sort of 'anti-erotica' in a way.
Lately, however, there's been a lull in the genre for me. Stress is up, testosterone is way down, and reading it just makes me feel like I'm hungry and looking at pictures of food.
Actually, this thread reminded me to reclaim my Nin collection from my lady friend's house.
-ben

Answer:
*Blush* Yeah...I write lesbian erotica for nifty.org. And of course I read the stories there, too. I'd rather read erotic stories than watch porn any day.

Answer:
Anais Nin and Henry Miller for sure. Check out also Almudena Grandes "The ages of Lulù" (Las edades de Lulù)which is far better than the B. Luna movie taken from it.

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No, but this thread inspired me to read some good erotica! I´ve read everything by Anais Nin a couple of decades back, but I don´t remember it to be *very* erotic, more sensual (well, maybe it´s almost the same).
I´ll try out some of your suggestions.

Answer:
Originally Posted by musse I´ve read everything by Anais Nin a couple of decades back, but I don´t remember it to be *very* erotic, more sensual (well, maybe it´s almost the same) Oh, really Musse?
Neither that "white blood" drenched handbook of "Henry and June"? Back when I was 20, it was a pure mental teaser swingin' between normality and trasgression, sapphic and straight erotism and in some page drenched of sulphuric craving and melancolic teardrops.

Answer:
Originally Posted by fredricktoo do you have favorite authors?
I've read a few Henry Miller books, some Anais Nin and several of Susie Bright's compilations. Good topic! Those are things that I also like. I like Lonnie Barbach's collection. I also enjoy women's erotica; the average male stuff is, shall I say, goal-oriented, crude in a bad way, and hyper-focused on body parts. (fortunately, of course, there are exceptions to this)
I have made some attempts to write it, too, but it's not good enough to publish yet.
Magnifiscent, with your command of language, you'd be a natural!

Answer:
A great fan of Anais Nin, but in addition to her erotica, I love her diaries. Read together (not necessarily at the same time, just read both) I think they amplify each other and the appreciation of Nin's character.
Have read several anthologies of erotica, but I felt they were very mediocre. Nancy Friday's "Secret Garden" was one of my childhood secrets
Once, a boyfriend bought me a fabulous illustrated "Story of O." It was done as a graphic novel, AND in French (which he spoke fluently). He's a bit of a "one that got away" but then again, I gave him up and I was too young to know different. Any guy that gives his GF that sort of book (and reads and translates it for her) is rather special
I recently bought a book by "Anonymous." It's Victorian erotica, forget the title now, and haven't started yet, but I'm looking forward to it.
I guess Ann Potter books and "The Joy of Sex" etc books are more clinical, but I've read those too
Lady Chatterly's Lover, maybe not "erotica" per se, but it has it's own sort of steaminess.
I have attempted to write erotica at times. Thankfully it does well in the short story format. Any longer and it could get a bit, er, dry.