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Next! So in my quest to interview some of the wonderful authors on ES I came across an guy by the name of Clarity. Thankfully Clarity agreed to answer all my questions. Please read on to find out what this author, who is on both of the Top Author Lists, has to say about himself and his writing.

Tell us about you:

Question: First tell us something about yourself, like name, age, and some other things we would like to know about you...Let’s call it a short bio.

Clarity: Man, I hate that question! You’d think I’d be used to it by now—I get asked all the time in my professional life, but it’s always a chore dragging out the same old nonsense about me. However, for anyone interested:

I am in my late 30’s, live in Illinois and am originally from the UK. Professionally, I’m an Information Technology consultant, and have previously been a musician and owned a recording studio. I have lots of interests and hobbies that include… well, it might be easier to say that I don’t play hockey and don’t do Sudoku puzzles!

I’ve written all of my adult life, and am published on both sides of the Atlantic. I’m always working on several things, and started writing erotic stories about three years ago.

Question: What are you wearing right now?

Clarity: What I wear most days—Jeans, shirt, briefs (always briefs). Black jeans when I go to the office, blue when I’m home.

Question: Does your spouse or significant other know you write, and if so, what does he/she think?

Clarity: Yes. We don’t discuss it a lot, but it’s not an issue. I write lots of things, in many genres, so it’s no different at that level.

Question: Is it difficult for you to keep your writing life separate from your professional life?

Clarity: No. I compartmentalize things. When I’m working, that’s the priority, but when my time is my own, I never think about work. Erotic writing can never be considered work though.

Question: How did you come up with your ES nickname?

Clarity: I was looking for an asexual name that (hopefully) described how I like to write. I’m sure some would argue that the description doesn’t fit, but Clarity was about the fourth name I considered, and it stuck.

Question: What brought you to EroticStories.com? What made you want to stay and become a part of it?

Clarity: It was suggested to me by someone who read a few of my stories. The fact that my work (yes, I know, it’s not work) could reach a wider audience was appealing, and why would I not want to be part of it?

The site is well run and it’s a considerate community. I can be low-key if I want to be and I like that readers are willing to offer feedback on what they’ve read. It’s fulfilling as a writer to get some of the well thought out comments I’ve received. Readers appreciate being entertained, and as that’s my goal, it’s always good to hear what works for them, and what doesn’t.

Question: What is your favorite part of your body? Why?

Clarity: My hands. Everything important to me revolves around my hands ­ writing, playing music, the list goes on… oh, and they are so important to me when making love. Sex for me is about a whole lot more than a penis.

Question: If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be and why?

Clarity: I’d take away the faint scar above my lip, because whenever I see it in the mirror it’s a painful reminder of how it got there!

I guess most people might expect me to want to have a full head of hair back, but that’s never bothered me. And no, I don’t have a huge one, but it works and I’m happy with it!

Question: Boxers v Briefs? / Panties v Thong?

Clarity: Briefs, because I never bothered much with boxers. Panties vs. thong is a lot harder. All I usually care about is running my hands over them and feeling what’s inside. I’ve written stories with panties in, and I’ve written stories with thongs in. I think the only consistent thing is that I always mention underwear of some kind or other, so I guess you really could say I have no preference.

Writing Habits:

Question: What do you like the most about writing erotic stories?

Clarity: Firstly, they are fun for me to write. I hesitate to say “easy” because that would undermine the effort I put in to making them enjoyable for readers—and I really care about that. I like that they are enjoyed by others (which, in my opinion, should be the basis for all fiction writing), and I like the creative process of taking something (two people and a situation) and making a story out of it.

It’s exciting for me also. The first erotic story I ever wrote was a revelation. I was re-reading it after I’d finished the first draft, and I found myself very excited. It was a complete shock to find that my own words could excite me like that—it seemed so self-absorbed, vain even, which isn’t like me normally. These days I still enjoy the excitement of writing an erotic story, but I’m not so shocked by it!

Question: How long have you been writing now? How did it all get started and what made you write your first story?

Clarity: I presume you mean erotic writing? I’ve written all of my adult life, in various genres. I’ve been writing erotic stories for about three years. I got started because of two things that, coincidentally, happened at the same time.

I was writing another story (a humorous romance novel) and I’d written a fairy sexy scene in it. About the same time (I don’t recall why) I read a few erotic stories on a website and I remember thinking, “I could do better than that.” That thought, along with the interest sparked by writing the sexy scene, started me out trying to write something more explicit, partly to see if I could do it. I’m still going…

A point about those early stories I read: I must’ve been on some awful website, as the stories were awful, nothing more than, “she wanted me, I got out my huge dick, she sucked me, I fucked her and she was shaved.” I’ve always been a storyteller, and I believed that readers deserved better. One of the nice things about finding ES, was that a lot of the writers here are storytellers. Maybe if I’d come here to read first I’d never have started writing!

Question: Which of your stories is your personal favorite, the one you enjoyed writing the most, and/or the one holds the best memories or feelings for you?

Clarity: Oh man… that translates to, “chose a favorite child.” Okay, don’t tell any of the other children, but I’ll pick out a couple:

Best Friend’s Girl ­ I loved writing this because I was so “there” all through creating it. It was very erotic to write and I think a lot of people understood the situation (and wished for a similar one).

The Piano Teacher ­ This was closer to home than any other story for me. I hope I managed to convey how special it was!

Babes in the Wood ­ I like this because I think I took something different, something potentially sad, and made it erotic. Some of the storyline tugs at me emotionally, and the writing wasn’t easy at times, but I’m very proud of that piece of work (oops, slipped again, it’s not work!)

Question: Have you ever gotten so turned on while writing that you had to stop to masturbate? What story was it?

Clarity: Oh yes. I explained earlier about my first story. I got over the shock of being so turned on by masturbating.

I’ve masturbated while writing many of the stories. Well, maybe not while actually writing, but I’ve stopped and er… well, you know. Memorable occasions have been while writing “Gemma’s Dare”, which was hot for me, the way she approached him, and “A Jump With Molly”, where the image of her tending to him was very arousing.

Question: Do you write from fantasy or true stories or a combination of both? Please explain or give an example.

Clarity: Okay, everything I write is fiction, with some degree of reality infused—if that makes sense. Names are always changed to protect the guilty, but most of the characters have appeared somewhere in the movie of my life. I do know Molly, she lives in the UK and her name is not Molly!

The extent of what’s “real” varies. It may be no more than a character description, or the story may contain real events, or moments. “Finally Abbi” is an example of a story that is largely fantasy, but Abbi is based on someone I know and some of the events are based in reality.

“The Piano Teacher” and “Something in the Air” are stories that are closely based on real events—true stories fictionalized. In those stories, I tried to relay the wonder of the moment, but ensure that the stories were interesting.

Question: Are the characters in your story based on real people, did you make them up, or are they a combination of both?

Clarity: Mostly real people, not that they’d ever know. Sometimes I’ll mix character traits from more than one person to write the character I want. And yes, parts of me appear all over, that just can’t be helped.

Question: What parts of "Yourself" do you put into your characters?

Clarity: I should’ve read this question before answering the last one. Well, my interests are represented—that I’m dumb enough to do things like skydiving. In one story, the physical description of the character is me (yes, every detail), but you’ll have to guess which one!

I’d like to think that a lot of the characters have my sense of fun in lovemaking. Don’t know if I’ve managed that, but I’ve tried. Probably small things, like stroking panties, that I love giving oral and that I like a partner to take hold of me… I guess what I like is all over!

Question: : If there was one trait you could take from one of your characters in your stories, and put it in place in your real life, what would it be and why?

Clarity: Probably Molly’s… boobs. No, only kidding, maybe her zest for life, and knack of seizing the moment though. That’s probably a common trait to a lot of my stories—characters that make the very best of the moment.

Question: How long does it take for you to write a complete story? How does the process go?

Clarity: Varies from a day to a couple of weeks. Usually depends on what else is going on at the time. It’s unusual for me to complete a story in one sitting, but I’ve done it. Mostly I’d say between four days and a week.

On thing I do when I’ve completed a story, is put it away for a month, then start to revise it. That way I come back to a story with “fresh” eyes. Looking at it again as soon as I’ve completed it just does nothing for me. I’ll probably revise it two or three times before posting it, and even then I’ll miss a few errors! Self-editing should be banned.

Question: How do you come up with your story titles?

Clarity: They just arrive, something happens. I rarely start out with a title in mind, “ “A Jump With Molly”” is an exception, and usually I’ll just get an idea as I’m writing. Titles are important though, and I like to settle on something I think is catchy and representative.

Question: What is the hardest part of writing a story?

Clarity: Having to stop in the middle to masturbate? Only kidding. You know, I’m not sure I find any part of writing difficult. That probably sounds very precocious, but it’s not meant to be. I think that if you have a clear idea of what you’re trying to do (in my case, entertain the reader) it’s easier.

I’ve written for a long time, so the self-discipline and other parts of the craft are second nature now. I love that I’m still learning, so in that way I’m always eager to move forward when I’m writing, and maybe that prevents me form finding difficulty.

Question: Have you ever done research for a part of a story you didn’t have any knowledge about or maybe for a sex scene?

Clarity: I had an idea once for a story that involved a facial (don’t ask me, it was out of character for me and I’ve an idea where it came from). I wanted to learn more about what was appealing about that from a woman’s point of view, so I contacted an author who had that as one of her likes. She was very kind and generous with her explanations of what it felt like and meant from her perspective and I learned a lot… then I didn’t write the story!

I wouldn’t hesitate to do similar research again, but I’d make sure that the story was “in” me before I did the research.

Question: Do you have any secret stories you don’t want to publish for the public? Do you publish your stories on other sites besides EroticStories.com and if so, why? Have you ever been published on paper?

Clarity: That’s lots of questions! There’s nothing I’ve written that I wouldn’t publish, but there are probably things (experiences) I wouldn’t write about. I have published stories on other sites in the past. Mostly because I was asked to contribute, but occasionally it was because I didn’t know any better! These days I’m very careful about where my material goes.

I’ve been published on paper, both fiction and non-fiction. I’ve never had an erotic story published on paper yet, but I’ve recently sold some for inclusion in an anthology. When that happens, I’ll post the news on my author page!

Question: When you receive negative comments do you just ignore them, build from them, or let it put a negative image over the story itself, and let it hinder your writing?

Clarity: It depends on what the comment is and how it’s presented. If the comment is something like, “that’s rubbish”, I tend to reply that I’m grateful for the feedback and ignore the comment. If the comment is constructive, “I think you might have done better if you’d…” I’ll listen and try to adapt if I think there’s merit in the comment. As I’ve said before, I want my readers to be entertained.

Now, you can’t please everyone, but I do try to get it right wherever I can. I don’t ever get down about negative comments. Sure, no one likes them, but I won’t let them play on my mind.

I always reply to feedback, no matter what it is (well, I think I have, no doubt someone reading this will say, “he didn’t reply to me”). I think that’s an important courtesy, if someone takes the time to let me know what they think, I want to thank them for that.

Reading Habits:

Question: Do you also enjoy reading erotic stories? Which categories do you enjoy the most? Do you like true stories or fantasies?

Clarity: I enjoy it, but it’s not something I do much. I generally stick to pretty straight stuff, but I’ve read lots of categories, sometimes just out of interest/curiosity. I don’t really mind if it’s true or fantasy. The key for me is that it’s entertaining, well-written and hot.

Question: Do you vote on other author's stories? How do you decide what score to give when you do?

Clarity: I do, as long as I feel qualified to make a fair assessment. I could never vote on something like a bondage story, because I wouldn’t feel I knew what I was talking about.

I’ll vote higher or lower depending on how well a story is written, how well I can visualize it through the authors words, and how hot the story was. I also like to look for something that’s original.

Question: Do you send other author’s comments or feedback on their stories?

Clarity: Pretty much always, when I read a story.

Question: Do you have a favorite author on ES? What makes them your favorite?

Clarity: Too tough to call. There are a lot of talented writers contribute to the site, and I don’t get to read enough to evaluate and have favorites. From a purely selfish point of view, I appreciate the comments and friendship of Lynn McD. She always encourages me.

Question: When you read a story do you: A. Touch yourself and come around the same time one of the characters do? B. Touch yourself but wait for the end to come? C. Touch yourself but wait until after you finish the story to come, such as after going to bed? D. Not touch yourself until you are finished and then continue thinking about the story and come? E. Any other variation you may do? (Please tell us what it is)

Clarity: Crikey! I guess it depends on the story. I think if I’m reading a good story, I’ll just come when the moment seems right (I don’t like to rush). I’ll generally like to touch myself while I’m reading though, and waiting till the story is finished and coming later seems awfully frustrating. Probably somewhere between A and B mostly.

Sex Habits:

Question: Do you enjoy the visual side of erotica, as in porn movies or pictures? If so, do you have any favorites?

Clarity: Yes. I enjoy movies and pictures. I tend to like more straight and tasteful stuff. Favorites? Not really, I’m not a collector, or know a lot about it.

Question: Do you remember the first pornography you ever saw? Tell us about it?

Clarity: I remember clearly. I was in my mid-teens and some friends brought a movie round to my house when my parents were out. It was a fairly vanilla sex movie, and I mostly remember that it was incredible to see in detail what people did (and could do). I loved the openness of the sex they had (the freedom) and hid my excitement the whole time we watched it. Thankfully they left the movie behind when they left and I could watch my favorite parts again… alone.

Question: Have you ever participated in erotic photography? If so, please tell us about it. If not, would you rather be the photographed or the photographer?

Clarity: No. That’s a big fantasy of mine, and I would love to do that someday. I think it would be incredible to be so intimate with someone, while taking pictures and not touching them. I would love to be the photographer, as that’s been a hobby for years.

Question: What do you wear to bed?

Clarity: Usually an old t-shirt and briefs.

Question: Do your sex life and writing have any correlation with each other??

Clarity: I suspect the answer is “no”, but let me think… Well, I can’t think of any correlation, certainly none that I’ve been conscious of.

Question: How would you rate your willingness to try new things in bed?

Clarity: Within the boundaries of my orientation, I’m pretty willing to try anything.

Question: What’s the kinkiest thing you have done in your life?

Clarity: Tough question. Has anything I’ve done been kinky? Okay, I had a quick look at previous interviews, and “kinky” probably isn’t as outlandish as I thought it might be.

I’ve had sex in a tent, with other people in there (had to be real quiet). I made a girlfriend come with my mouth while she was talking to her best friend on the phone. One girl asked me to try on her underwear… I did, but I think it was more a turn on for her than me (which was fine by me).

Question:Do you have anyfantasies that you would like to fulfil?

Clarity: Several. Actually, too many to mention here. Well, okay. We already mentioned the photo shoot. I’d add being seduced by a female car salesperson, and walking into my office on a Saturday to find a gorgeous colleague masturbating. You asked…

Question: What is your opinion about sex toys? Do you have any toys yourself and if so, do you like to use them?

Clarity: I like them. I don’t have any, but love them in all types of sex play.

Question: What do you think about solo sex?

Clarity: I once wrote (in a non-fiction piece) that, “masturbation was not necessarily desperation.” I believe that. I think that we all have needs and wants, both inside and outside of relationships. Sometimes we need to take care of urges, or just enjoy something on our own.

Question: What are your favourite; and least favourite positions?

Clarity: I think the least favorite position would be 3,000 miles apart. My favorite is probably standing behind my partner, with her kneeling on the bed and me being able to have one foot on the floor and one foot on the bed. That probably sounds a lot more complex than it is.

Question: Do you believe in one night stands?

Clarity: I guess I do, as long as they’re not destructive in any way. That’s a big caveat.

Question: What makes someone sexy to you?

Clarity: A smile, a laugh, a look, a curve. It’s hard to pin down for me. I think a happy person is a turn on, and if they look like they’d have fun in bed… looks aren’t the biggest thing for me. I’m probably more about how that person is, their demeanor, if they are having fun with me as a person.

Question: What is a major turn on for you during sex?

Clarity: Knowing that a partner is turned on, with you, in the moment. I get more turned on, the more pleasure I’m able to give. I also love giving oral stimulation—the intimacy and all senses firing at once.

On the receiving end, when a woman starts to unfasten my jeans…

Question: What is a major turn off for you during sex?

Clarity: The phone ringing.

Question: Sex-talk. Do you like or dislike talking during sex?

Clarity: Depends on the moment, sometimes it’s the hottest thing ever, sometimes it’s just not required.

Question: In bed or on the kitchen table?

Clarity: Kitchen table, or the office chair, or the sofa, or the train… bed’s good too though.

Question: What is your favourite or most memorable moment in bed?

Clarity: I’ll be deliberately quick with these… 1) First time a girlfriend and I managed to time our climaxes to be simultaneous. 2) First time a girl reached down and pulled herself open while I licked her. 3) The look on my girlfriend’s face one morning as she sat, impaled on me, and admitted that she was enjoying sex more than ever.

And Last but not least...

Question:You are #27 on the “Top 100 favourite authors” list. How does it feel to know you have 133 people that have favorited you? **

Clarity: Humble. I’m very pleased that so many people enjoy what I write. That makes me feel good about what I do and encourages me. I guess I know a few of them because they comment on my stories, but to all of them I’d like to send a big, “Thank You”.

Question: You are #15 on the "Top 100 best scoring authors with more than 5 stories online, and an average vote higher than 9.0" lists with an average vote of 9.34. How does it feel make the list.? **

Clarity: No pressure! Really, it’s kind of the same as the last question. I’m glad so many people enjoy what I do. It’s nice to know that I’m getting something right and I hope to continue to please.

Question: Is there anybody on this site, who you would like to see interviewed? Why?

Clarity: Maybe Art? Why not?

Question: Do you notice any differences between the "younger" writers on here, and between the "older writers" of this site?

Clarity: I don’t read enough to be able to comment with any authority.

Question: Is there anything else you would like to say to the readers of this interview and your fans? Now is your chance...

Clarity: Well, just another big, “Thank You”. I guess. I could easily have stopped writing if people hadn’t encouraged me to continue and appreciated my stories. I have no plans to stop. I have a lot of fun writing these stories… as you’ve probably gathered.

** Please note the statistics noted were current at the time of this interview was done in May. Statistics can change daily, even hourly, so these may not be the exact numbers that you will find on the site when you read this interview.

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Thank you Clarity for doing the interview for us! Please don't forget to let him know what you thought of his interview and to thank him for taking the time to do it for us.

Thanks for reading!

PleasureKitten