Her day was not going well. When we first spoke, we both agreed that “aging is a bitch." Aging might be a bitch, but Susana Mayer is certainly not. For forty-five minutes we conversed about all things erotic, but the conversation’s tone was not at all erotic. Through laughs, coughs, and stories of her past I got to know Ms. Mayer.

So, who is Susana Mayer?

In short, she’s the mastermind behind the Erotic Literary Salon held on the third Tuesday each month at L’Etage. Each month, Susana’s goal is to increase attendance at the salon. In recent months, she’s seen the attendance ebb and flow. There are many repeat offenders (no pun intended), but the thirst for fresh erotica can never be quenched and new, able-bodied erotica enthusiasts (or novices) are always desired.

Mayer, a clinical sexologist by trade, attributes a lack in attendance to a perceived connection to "porn," or erotica being thought of as synonymous with pornography. But in reality the salon should be looked at as a stage for delivering creativity. In recent months, she has hosted a wide array of performers ranging from singer/songwriters, poets, essayists, novelists and even a nonagenarian. Certainly, you can find a place for yourself at the monthly salon. If you want a little taste of what’s to come at each salon, you can check out the blog which posts select entries from each salon and other works of erotic genius.

Over the course of our conversation, Mayer—who was also the first licensed massage therapist in Cambridge, Massachusetts—analogized (and I think accurately) that erotica is being treated much like a massage was treated in its infancy. Said Mayer: “To hear the word massage you just got stuck in the whore house at that stage,” which is also how erotica is being perceived—as a euphemism for pornography.

At the end of the day, Susana Mayer wants to deliver a release for pent up (or repressed) sexual feelings. More than just that, though, the salon is being used as a vehicle by which aspiring authors of this genre can receive feedback on their work in an open and honest way. We all know constructive criticism is important to the development of anything—and writing is near the top of that list. The sharing of original work (or even your favorite pieces of erotic work) is encouraged and suggested.

This week's salon will feature the designation 'Top Ten Erotic Passages.' Oh, and did I mention that this is the only active erotic literary salon in the English-speaking world? So if you want to be a part of something very interesting and unique...

...see you at the Erotic Literary Salon!

The Erotic Literary Salon
L'Etage Cabaret (6th & Bainbridge)
Tuesday, August 19th
Doors at 7:30 with Salon to begin at 8:30
21+ to enter
$10 at the door
$ 8 F/T students with I.D., and seniors 65+

Image Credit: Flickr user PinkMoose