What actually makes erotic fiction work? Is it the heat, the heart, or the way a story makes you feel seen? This week on Hide and Seek, Jon and Joenas are joined by Melbourne-based queer author Dion Marc for a wide-ranging, funny, and surprisingly thoughtful conversation about writing desire, storytelling, and what happens once your work leaves the page and meets its readers.

We talk about how Dion found his way into queer erotica, why he writes unapologetically gay stories, and how personal experience, fantasy, kink, and imagination collide when crafting intimate scenes. From avoiding formulaic sex writing to embracing fantasy elements (yes, including vampires), Dion shares what keeps his work feeling genuine rather than repetitive.

The conversation also digs into the afterlife of books — reader reactions, unexpected interpretations, and the emotional impact of feedback, both good and bad. We explore representation in queer fiction, why it matters, and how stories can shape the way readers see themselves, their bodies, and their desires.

In the final part of the episode, Dion reflects on growth, staying grounded as an audience grows, and offers advice for queer writers — especially those curious about erotic fiction but unsure where to start.

Expect laughs, nerdy tangents, spicy metaphors, and a reminder that sometimes the most powerful stories are the ones written honestly, even when they’re horny.

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This episode was recorded on the lands of the Yalukut Weelam clan of the Boon Wurrung peoples. We pay our respects to their elders, past, present and emerging, and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded.

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