Silk Sheets: Writing Erotica

I am on the faculty of the Creative Writing Department at The New School in Manhattan where I teach an ongoing course Silk Sheets: Writing Erotica, now going into it’s ninth year. As far as I know this is the only course of its kind in New York City. It is open to writers at all levels and offered either for college credit or as an elective study. I wanted Silk Sheets to be an adventure designed to inspire the student to write with freedom, intelligence, compassion and originality about love and sex.

We explore the parameters of today’s erotic fiction by reading the best contemporary writers including James Baldwin, Anis Nin, Patrick Califa, William Burroughs, Charles Bukowski, Diane DiPrima, William T. Vollman and Susannah Moore.

Every class session includes writing exercises and a weekly homework assignment. By the end of the semester each student has completed at least two stories. We conclude the term by publishing our own magazine, an ongoing journal of eroticism named Dare.

Silk Sheets: Writing Erotica was named Best Writing Class in the Village Voice, Best of NYC 2004:
“We have reached critical mass: There is one writing class or workshop for every resident of Manhattan. Novels, memoirs, journalism, degree programs, none of them beat Tsaurah Litzky’s SILK SHEETS: WRITING EROTICA offered by the New School...(she ) doesn’t only hand out a zillion euphemisms for penis, she teaches the transgressive work of Burroughs, Bukowski, Califa and Nin. Then it’s your turn to write.”

Silk Sheets is taught Spring, Fall and Summer terms. Information on how to register is available in the New School Bulletin, a month Before each term begins at the school, 66 W.12th St., NYC or phone the Registration office. (212-229-5690)

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN for Silk Sheets: Writing Erotica: Fall 2008 Course # NWRW 3320
15 sessions. Tuesday 8:00 - 9:00pm - begining September 3rd, $640.
To register by phone with credit card, call 1-212-229-5690 or register online with a credit card at
www.generalstudies.new school.edu/register and select register now for Fall 2008 courses.