Summary
In this engaging episode of Art in the Raw, J. W. Steed shares his journey as a writer whose queer identity deeply informs his work, blending eroticism with science fiction and fantasy. From early literary influences to his groundbreaking queer erotica and thoughtful exploration of clone rights, Steed offers candid insights into creativity, vulnerability, and challenging norms in queer storytelling.
Keywords
queer erotica, science fiction, fantasy, J. W. Steed, clone rights, queer identity, erotic fiction, LGBTQ+ literature, vulnerability in art, queer representation
Takeaways
J. W. Steed began writing poetry as a child, heavily influenced by Victorian poet Edward Lear and continued through creative writing workshops in school.His early writing included queer characters subtly woven into young adult and women’s fiction, with his first trans character appearing in 2004-2005.Steed’s work blends humor and seriousness, inspired by authors like Shirley Jackson and Patrick Dennis, enhancing emotional depth.He has been a proud member of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association, recently writing explicit queer sci-fi erotica featuring clones.The novella “Journey’s End” explores identity, loss, and complex relationships through the sci-fi lens of clones with varying memories and citizenship rights.Steed uses his long-running personal blog—focused on erotic personal essays—to develop his comfort and skill in writing sexual scenes.He emphasizes that eroticism in literature is not just about sex but about arousing emotional, sensory, and intellectual responses, making characters more relatable and stories richer.Steed addresses social commentary in his work, especially around clone rights and commodification, reflecting challenges faced by queer communities.Despite potential risks and censorship in queer erotic genres, he advocates for writing true to oneself and embracing vulnerability as a source of creative strength.For emerging queer writers, Steed advises clarifying personal beliefs and harnessing that conviction to write authentically and powerfully.Chapter Timestamps
00:01 – Introduction to J. W. Steed and early writing influences03:00 – Queer identity and writing erotica06:00 – Literary inspirations: Shirley Jackson and Patrick Dennis08:30 – Role of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association12:30 – Creation of the queer sci-fi clone erotica duology15:00 – Writing “Journey’s End” amid personal loss18:20 – Queer representation and sexuality in sci-fi literature21:30 – Blog and personal essays as creative development tools27:00 – The role of eroticism in character and narrative development31:00 – Social commentary on clone rights and identity35:00 – Reception and challenges of queer erotic fiction40:00 – Overcoming creative doubts and rejection43:30 – Contributions to broader queer literary conversations44:30 – Upcoming sci-fi projects and creative process46:00 – Advice for emerging queer writers48:30 – The 10 Artistic Questions with J. W. Steed57:30 – Closing remarksGuest Website and Socials
Learn more about J. W. Steed and his work:
Join our Patreon for exclusive content at patreon.com/SalonNaturale
Subscribe to our Substack newsletter at salonnaturale.art
Bluesky @salonnaturale.art
Instagram: @salonnaturale
Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Podbean App, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Player FM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, Boomplay
Stay Connected with Salon Naturale!
Ready to dive deeper into the world of queer art, creativity, and community? Visit our website at salonnaturale.art to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on:
- New Podcast Episodes: Insights, interviews, and discussions that inspire.
Drink & Draw Events: Join us monthly for fun nights of creativity and connection at The Dallas Eagle
Nude Art Socials: Explore the beauty of the human form through art.
Subscribe Now and become part of our vibrant community!
Bluesky @salonnaturale.art
Instagram @salonnaturale
