Art in the Raw: A Podcast About Queer Artists

E11: Exploring Queer Erotica and Sci-Fi with J. W. Steed

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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 influences
    • 03:00 – Queer identity and writing erotica
    • 06:00 – Literary inspirations: Shirley Jackson and Patrick Dennis
    • 08:30 – Role of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association
    • 12:30 – Creation of the queer sci-fi clone erotica duology
    • 15:00 – Writing “Journey’s End” amid personal loss
    • 18:20 – Queer representation and sexuality in sci-fi literature
    • 21:30 – Blog and personal essays as creative development tools
    • 27:00 – The role of eroticism in character and narrative development
    • 31:00 – Social commentary on clone rights and identity
    • 35:00 – Reception and challenges of queer erotic fiction
    • 40:00 – Overcoming creative doubts and rejection
    • 43:30 – Contributions to broader queer literary conversations
    • 44:30 – Upcoming sci-fi projects and creative process
    • 46:00 – Advice for emerging queer writers
    • 48:30 – The 10 Artistic Questions with J. W. Steed
    • 57:30 – Closing remarks
      • Guest Website and Socials

      Learn more about J. W. Steed and his work:

      • Peter Schutes Publishing – Publisher of J. W. Steed’s queer sci-fi erotica
      • J. W. Steed Official Website
      • J. W. Steed's Bluesky
      • Buy his novellas

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        Art in the Raw: A Podcast About Queer ArtistsBy David Smith, Salon Naturale