Hot Takes on Hot Writing: Behind the Scenes at Bothered Stories

What actually goes into creating great erotica?In this behind-the-scenes episode, we sit down with the Chief Editor of Bothered Stories to unpack the full journey—from submission to final story. We get into how pieces are vetted, what separates a good story from a standout one, and the editorial decisions that shape what gets published.We also dive into the craft itself: what makes a sex scene hot (and what makes it fall flat), how to write with both heat and substance, and why the best erotica is about far more than what body parts move where.Beyond the writing, we talk about intention—specifically, the importance of elevating marginalized voices in this genre, and how Bothered Stories is actively working to expand who gets to be seen, heard, and desired in erotic storytelling.Whether you’re a writer, a reader, or you're just curious about it all, this episode pulls back the curtain on how erotica—and Bothered Stories—really works.