BDSM Writers Con Is For Readers, Too

Have you heard about the BDSM Writers Conference to be hosted by world-renowned sexologist Dr. Charley Ferrer? It features keynote speaker and award-winning BDSM author Joey W. Hill and three full days of workshops. It will be held at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City August 21-24, 2014 and it’s going to knock your socks off.

Yes, it’s billed as a writers’ conference. Yes, there are many workshops geared to writing. Yes, over two dozen BDSM authors will be signing their books at the Book Signing.

But if you’re a reader, if you’re someone who’s curious about the BDSM lifestyle, if you’re too intimidated to go to a “dungeon” or even a “munch”, this conference is a safe, easy way to see a whole raft of live demonstrations by lifestyle practitioners.

Here’s a partial list of speakers who will discuss various aspects of BDSM, given by folks who walk the walk and talk the talk. Most have been in the lifestyle for years. The techniques mentioned here will be live demonstrations. This means you will probably have a chance to try out some of them yourself!

Bo Blaze will teach some basic “101 techniques” on floggers, whips, canes, paddles and other implements of erotic torture. Learn basic safety tips including, “where to hit” and more importantly “where not to hit” on your submissive’s body to ensure safe play and erotic delights. Bestselling author of the book “50 Shades of Curious”, Bo is the winner of the 2011 Pantheon of Leather President’s Award and has helped thousands learn to practice Safe, Sane & Consensual BDSM over the last 10 years, as Novice Group Facilitator & Board Member Emeritus, for The Eulenspiegel Society (TES), the oldest & largest BDSM support and education group in the Country.

Cassandra Park discusses one of the more ubiquitous types of play in the BDSM world: spanking. It’s a type of play that’s practically mainstream—television shows like Weeds and The Big Bang Theory have featured spanking scenes, and in the 2002 movie Secretary the title character is spanked by her boss. But as widespread as this type of play is, there’s no one way of doing it, and there’s no one type of “spanko.” Sometimes it’s foreplay before sex; sometimes it’s discipline with no sex at all. Cassandra will talk about the reasons people like to spank or be spanked, common fantasies shared by spankos, and implements typically used in spanking and discipline play. An editor and writer (erotic and mainstream), she has been in the BDSM lifestyle for more than 25 years.

Mistress Eve will explain and demonstrate erotic fire play. Fire play is considered one of the most dangerous and edgier activities performed in BDSM interactions as fire has a life of its own and makes its own demands. You will discover how it feels, what it looks like and be able to experience it for yourself—if you’re brave enough. This live demo will be performed at the BDSM Club for safety reasons.

Sir Guy and Karida, the International Power Exchange 2013 title holders, will show you how there are plenty of things, from spanking to sensory stimulation, from the sensuous to the sadistic, that can be done with the hands alone that can bring about a mutually satisfying experience. This class is hands on and encourages audience participation. They have over 20 years’ experience in the BDSM and Leather lifestyle. They are active in several organizations including TES, where Sir Guy is an emeritus board member and media representative and Karida is a volunteer and committee vice chair.

NauttiBoy will introduce you to the art of erotic knife play. Whether you’re novice or experienced, he will show you how to incorporate knives into your scenes using knives solely or as a tool to elicit the desired response. He will also discuss the care and cleaning of your blades both in and out of the dungeon, safety tips to minimize risk to you and your partner, as well as aspects of the law you need to know. This expert has presented at TES, the IronBell Academy, Albany Power Exchange, The Floating World 2012, Brimstone III & IV and WinterFire 2014.

Traveling Fool and Mary Ann hold a special place in my heart, as they introduced me to the Violet Wand at the very first BDSM Writers Workshop Weekend held in 2012 (read about my experience here, which happens to be my most visited blog).

     Dr. Charley writes on the Conference website, “Traveling Fool & Maryann have graciously provided their services and expertise at every BDSM Writers event I have conducted. It’s our pleasure to have them teach another LIVE Demo for BDSM WRITERS CON. I’ve seen no one with more knowledge of the Violet Wand, who blends the sensual and sadistic aspects of electricity so beautifully, than Traveling Fool and Maryann. Discover for yourself this amazing erotic play and learn which one of them is the Sensual Sadist and which one is the Playful Sadist.”

Okay, it’s Cris speaking again: when Traveling Fool asks if anyone wants to try the Violet Wand, TRY IT! In fact, try any of the techniques you’ll be seeing at the workshops to see what floats your boat. It may open a new world for you.

So. What are you waiting for? Sign up for the BDSM Writers Con 2014. And do check out all the authors who will be giving workshops (myself included) and/or offering their books for sale at the Book Signing on Sunday.

~~ Cris Anson