Words can be powerful in wooing lovers, in love letters and during erotic and sexual encounters. Literature and poetry have for centuries and continue to play a role in relationships, to excite, entice, tease and penetrate minds and bodies. Have you ever become aroused by an email or a phrase uttered by someone? What kinds of words or literature turn you on? What would you love a lover to whisper into your ear or breathe into your mouth?

In this workshop, we will explore reading erotic poetry and literature to one another, exploring words with our minds and our bodies. Where do we feel a certain phrase in our bodies? What tone of voice excites us. What kind of writing do we enjoy listening to and hearing from others? What do certain kinds of touch feel like when alongside certain words? You will also be invited to explore your own erotic writing. Bring your imagination!

“Who taught you to write in blood on my back? Who taught you to use your hands as branding irons? You have scored your name into my shoulders, referenced me with your mark. The pads of your fingers have become printing blocks, you tap a message on to my skin, tap meaning into my body.”

Jeanette Winterson

Sarah Roffey has been involved with the festival since 2011, as a participant, volunteer and presenter and is the Helper Coordinator for the Melbourne Festival of Really Good Sex.

Sarah has a background in Gender and Culture Studies and Social Work. She is one of the founders and facilitators of the Critical Perspectives on Madness Reading Group, and has facilitated workshops on sex and madness. 

Sarah Ro is interested in the intersections between the body, writing, erotica, sexuality, madness and exploring diverse experiences.