Silk Jones

As part of my erotica author interview series, it is my pleasure to bring to you an interview with the amazing Dr. Charley Ferrer.  Dr. Charley is a world-renowned Clinical Sexologist and BDSM Expert. She is the award winning author of “BDSM The Naked Truth” and several other books on sexuality and self-empowerment. Her new audio program, “BDSM Intensive,” continues with over twelve hours of valuable information on Dominance and submission. Doctor Charley conducts provide Mentorship programs and workshops.

Hello Dr. Charley. Welcome to Silk's Lounge.

Hi Silk.

Thank you for inviting me to your website and allowing me to spend a little time with you and your wonderful readers. I hope everyone is enjoying the new year. I look forward to seeing many of you in New York City, August 20-23, for BDSM Writers Con.  So let’s get started and address a few of those questions you have for me.

**smiles and takes a seat in the lounge** 

What was your ideal career when you were a child?

Funny that you should ask that question, I remember I had to write a paper on this very topic when I was in sixth grade. I chose “being a teacher” because I figured it would butter up mine and get me a better grade. Unbeknownst to me at the time, teaching would become what I love to do most. I’ve been doing it for decades. Even while in the military, I was always teaching something: first aid, weapons training, even communications.

There’s this “majestic glow” people get when they’re learning and discovering something new. Their eyes sparkle, their breath hitches in anticipation, their minds open to countless possibilities and they become passionate and hopeful. It’s that same look a submissive gets just as his/her Master or Mistress is about to share a night of passion with them. How could you not love teaching or learning?

I’ve taught in many colleges and universities throughout the US and overseas as well as conducted hundreds of workshops over the years, however, I must say that out of all those experiences, BDSM Writers Con has been the most inspiring for me. During last year’s conference, I was able to take a few minutes here and there and simply observe the participants as their faces lit up, their eyes widen, and they held their breaths and laughed or shared that stolen moment of wonder as they discovered something new during the various workshops we offered. Most of all, I loved when participants shared their pleasure about the workshops they attended and praised the speakers, both veteran authors and BDSM experts alike, for the presenter’s knowledge and openness in sharing their truths.

BDSM Writers Con is an annual conference that will be held in New York City in August. Because it’s annual, will it remain “fresh” for those participants who wish to attend in consecutive years?

Just like a snowflake, no workshop we present at BDSM Writers Con is ever the same twice. Every year, we introduce new workshops which depict various aspects of Dominance and submission as well as the marketing/publishing community—for the authors and aspiring authors amongst us. Though a class may be repeated, like “The Violet Wand,” each interactive workshop is unique. The difference in energy and how the participants interact with our amazing world-class expert instructor, Traveling Fool, makes each presentation unique. Last year, Traveling Fool was joined in an impromptu collaboration by Nauttiboy, our instructor on “Sensual Steel.”  Together, they demonstrated another playful side to the Violet Wand. Thus, the workshop participants who were actually present during BDSM Writers Con 2013 were treated to a new outlook.

BDSM Writers Con also provides education for authors and aspiring authors on various aspects of traditional publishing, self-publishing, marketing, and social media to help authors expand their career. We also provide classes on ways to improve your writing and creating realistic credible characters. This year, Smashwords will be joining us to discuss two other aspects of writing and increasing financial success. Plus, we will have another Publisher’s Panel where various experts from the publishing industry will share what publishers are looking for and how to give it to them. Let’s not forget the publisher/agent appointments we facilitate.

Why the name BDSM WRITERS CON? Is it only for writers? Are readers welcomed to attend? Does the name discourage readers?

Gasp…I sincerely hope our name doesn’t discourage readers—we love and encourage readers to attend! Originally, BDSM Writers Con was set up as a 3-Day Intensive Workshop geared specifically toward writers though we have always allowed readers to join us. In the past four years, BDSM Writers Con has expanded to incorporate readers as a major part of the conference.

It’s important to remember the first two words standalone—BDSM WRITERS. That’s what we’re about, bringing BDSM Writers together so they can then interact with each other and their beloved readers. We did consider using the name, BDSM Writers and Readers Con but that was just a mouthful don’t you think. *chuckles* However, if you type it into your search browser, it’ll redirect you to us.

Another important distinction is that we are a conference not a convention where BDSM Writers come to learn and share and most of all interact with readers! We host several Mix & Mingles throughout the conference which allows readers and writers to get together. Plus our Golden Flogger Awards ceremony allows readers to share in the triumph of their favorite author and discover new ones.

Let’s not forget our private BDSM Club night where everyone gets to don their leather and lace and explore…a little voyeurism is always sweet as well.

With all the writers and readers conferences to choose from, what makes yours unique and distinguishes you from the rest?

BDSM Writers Con is not your typical writers or readers conference. Our core foundation is to provide participants (readers, writers, and anyone interested in BDSM) with education on the various aspects of Dominance and submission. Alongside that mission, we provide authors with valuable tools and information they need to self-publish in the BDSM genre or find the best traditional publisher for themselves, market their books, and build a career in publishing they can be proud of. Several of our prior participants stated, “BDSM Writers Con is for the D/s genre what RWA is for the romance genre.”

We offer a dual educational program in BDSM and publishing focused of selling erotica and BDSM. Each year, we expand our programs taking into consideration our participants’ requests. For instance, this year we’re including Screenwriting and Rope Bondage. Next year, we hope to include Film Making.

I know you not only educate others in D/s but you also love reading it. Share with us a few of the authors you enjoy reading?

It goes without saying that I love love love Joey W. Hill. Reading one of her books led to connecting with her and the writing community which led to writing my internationally bestselling book, BDSM The Naked Truth and creating BDSM Writers Con.

Over the years, I’ve discovered other amazing authors of BDSM such as Cris Anson, Roz Lee, and Eden Bradly. I think it’s important to also mention a few non-fiction BDSM authors which I also enjoy such as Bo Blaze, Jolynn Raymond and Mike Makai.

Because we’re currently hosting the Golden Flogger Award, I’ve had the opportunity to discover even more wonderfully talented BDSM authors and will have the privilege of announce the winners on August 20, 2015, during our award ceremony.  Peruse our website to discover all the nominees and their books. http://bdsmwriterscon.com/nominees

Well thank you so much Dr. Charley for stopping by and interviewing with me.  It has been an honor and a pleasure.

Thank you again, Silk, for having me join you. I look forward to seeing you in New York City in August and I hope your fans will join us as well. For those that cannot attend the entire four days, consider joining us on Sunday, August 24, 2015 for our BDSM Book Fair & Fetish Vending which is open to the public from noon to 4:00 p.m.

To learn more about Dr. Charley, visit her at BDSM Writers Con or www.DoctorCharley.com

Twitter:  @DoctorCharley    @BDSMwriterscon