S1:E11 Exploring Queer Erotica and Sci-Fi with J. W. Steed
S1:E11
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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
Art in the Raw Resources
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