They say that everyone has a novel in them, but is yours a sexy one? If you've been inspired to turn your fantasies into erotic stories, don't put pen to paper before you've read our expert tips on how to write erotica. And who better to steer your sexy short stories in the right direction than erotic fiction author Emily Dubberley, sex party entrepreneur Emma Sayle and Ann Summers CEO Jacqueline Gold...

Find inspiration

Write what you know.

If you haven't tried a sex act, don't write about it unless you're prepared to research thoroughly by talking to people who have. Better to write an evocative description of missionary sex than a kinky sex scene that doesn't reflect reality and will turn off readers who've actually tried it. Emily Dubberley

Use your imagination.

Let your own personal fantasies be your inspiration when penning your story - readers can tell when something is authentic and will warm to it. Jacqueline Gold

Don't fake it.

If I'm writing a sex scene and I'm not hot and bothered, I know it's not working. If I'm not getting turned on by what I am writing, neither will the reader! So use your imagination and let your personal fantasies give you a steer on what to write. Emma Sayle

Bring your story to life

Make the reader care about your characters.

A great erotic story is more than just a description of sex acts. It sucks the reader in so that they're as excited as the characters by the time their clothes come off. Don't be scared of showing the characters' emotions and vulnerabilities - or using humour. All can help engage the reader on a deeper level than simply describing steamy sex.Emily Dubberley

Be descriptive.

I want to read stories that make me feel part of the storyline, like the words have jumped off the page and into my life. Write fresh descriptions with vivid locations and characters. Jacqueline Gold

Focus on emotions.

Be descriptive and draw upon the senses to help you set the scene. Remember, the emotional dynamics between people are just as intriguing as the sex scenes.Emma Sayle

The Gold Standard

Read your story out loud.

This can help you weed out anything that doesn't sound right. If you struggle to write dialogue, listen to people around you - particularly if you're out and about and people are flirting. The more you listen, the easier it will be to give distinctive and believable 'voices' to your characters.Emily Dubberley

Leave the reader wanting more, more, more!

The best stories have an air of intrigue so that the reader is left wondering how the story ends... that leaves it up to them to imagine the rest! Emma Sayle

Aim for escapism.

We read to be transported to a different place and a piece of amazing writing can offer complete escapism.Jacqueline Gold