2013 Lesbian Fiction Appreciation Event: Lucy Felthouse and Changes in Lesbian Fiction

Thanks to Katie for inviting me back to this fabulous event for the second year running – it’s great to be here! I love what’s happened and is continuing to happen with the lesbian fiction genre so am more than happy to talk about it, and my experiences.

As a writer and an editor, I’ve noticed even more changes in the past year. For example, my lesbian mini-anthology, While the Boys Are Away, sold so well that it spurred me on to create a second volume, No Boys Allowed. It’s only been out for a little while, but early sales indicate that this book will sell well, too.

My lesbian titles continue to outsell my other titles—even my m/m title which was released this year. I thought Ditched would sell more than the lesbian stuff – but apparently not. My girl on girl stuff is still doing excellently, garnering many silver stars on All Romance eBooks and chart positions on Amazon.

There have been more lesbian specific calls for submissions. Naturally, I haven’t been able to write something for all of them—there are only so many hours in the day—but I managed to write for, and be accepted by, Lipstick Lovers from Xcite Books and Lover Unexpected: Sappho Edition from Evernight Publishing. There are more anthology calls for this year, too, which I hope to write for and—fingers crossed—be included in.

Last but not least, in my editors’ capacity I’ve noticed that more lesbian stories are coming in, even when the particular anthology call doesn’t specify it. It used to be that calls for submissions for anthologies with any pairings allowed would be mainly m/f stuff, but I’m pleased to report that lesbian submissions are increasing and even better, being accepted!

So, from my perspective, it would seem that lesbian fiction is still on the up. I’m getting increased sales, seeing more publishers calling for f/f and also reading more girl on girl tales for anthologies. And I couldn’t be happier about it. Keep that lesbian fiction coming, everyone! And readers, we love you! 

*****

Three sexy Sapphic tales from the pen of Lucy Felthouse:

No Boys Allowed

When Leigh goes to meet with some potential housemates in a sought-after part of London, all she’s interested in is making a good impression. The last thing she’s expecting is to find out that one of the girls is a lesbian, like her. Kacey’s not home yet, but when she arrives, Leigh knows one thing for sure: she’s smitten. But will her feelings be reciprocated?

Something in Common

Nerd and amateur photographer Justine is partaking of one of her favourite pastimes—visiting a historical site—when she bumps into Amber. It turns out they’re both equally enthusiastic about exploring stately homes, abbeys, stone circles and the like—and their surprise at meeting someone with similar interests leads them on another adventure together, which doesn’t end at the site.

Little Miss Goody Two Shoes

Izzy and her girlfriend are visiting a beautiful stately home in the British countryside. Taking a stroll around the garden, Izzy’s shocked to see a statue of a female—totally naked. Her girlfriend, astounded that Izzy is such a prude and a Little Miss Goody Two Shoes, proceeds to show her just what fun can be had in a country garden with a statue to hide them from prying eyes.

More info, excerpt and buy links: http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/published-works/no-boys-allowed/

 

Bio: Lucy is a graduate of the University of Derby, where she studied Creative Writing. During her first year, she was dared to write an erotic story - so she did. It went down a storm and she's never looked back. Lucy has had stories published by Cleis Press, Constable and Robinson, Decadent Publishing, Ellora's Cave, Evernight Publishing, House of Erotica, Ravenous Romance, Resplendence Publishing, Secret Cravings Publishing, Sweetmeats Press and Xcite Books. She is also the editor of Uniform Behaviour, Seducing the Myth, Smut by the Sea and Smut in the City. Find out more at http://www.lucyfelthouse.co.uk. Join her on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/gMQb9