Remittance Girl is a writer of erotic fiction. Most of my work is short stories, but I do write some longer pieces – serials, novellas, etc. I live as an expat in a small Southeast Asian country, where I teach, write and grow orchids. I live with a cat called Seven. Although writing is not my main profession, it is the focus of my life. I hope that shows in the quality of my work.
As a writer, I feel very strongly that the erotica genre has suffered greatly over the years from a lack of quality, good editorship, and a dearth of publishers willing to put new material out there. It seems to have been appropriated by two literary camps: romantic fiction and pornography. These days most erotic fiction is either a romance novel with the spicy bits left in or, on the other side of the spectrum, stroke fiction with the solitary and express purpose of providing guided masturbatory fantasies.
This is sad, because I think erotic fiction, as a genre, should be neither and both those things, but it ought to be more, as well. I have no objection to representations of romantic entanglements in erotica, just as I have no objections to them in a sci-fi novel. Nor do I have any objections to a reader finding that a specific story arouses them to the point of wanting to masturbate. That’s also fine. But there are perfectly good genres where either of those reader desires are fulfilled specifically.
I believe that erotica, as a genre, should deal with the theme of erotic desire and, ideally, how desire informs, changes and manipulates the lives of the characters who are desirous. If erotic fiction can be this, then I think it has the potential to be an important cultural product, and should be proudly included in the literary canon.
Some of you will have cleverly noticed that Remittance Girl is not the name I was born with. I decided to use a pseudonym because it is in keeping with the tradition of the Victorian pornographers. I could have chosen a name that sounded like a name, but where would be the fun it that. This is my identity for my writing, and for my online persona. I’ve had it for many years now.
The name itself is a reference to a “remittance man”. Wikipedia describes a remittance man thus:
Remittance Man
In the 19th century, the English usage of the word usually referred to money sent from England – the opposite direction to today’s usual usage of the term. A remittance man was an exile living on money sent from home. Within Victorian British culture, this often meant the black sheep of an upper or middle class family who was sent away (from the UK to the Empire), and paid to stay away. These men were generally of dissolute or drunken character, and may have been sent overseas after one or more disgraces at home.
If you wish to contact me, please email me at remittancegirl(at)gmail(dot)com
I love your short story “Beautiful Loser”. It is incredible and beautifully written, please continue writing about Sebastian, Jean, and Shira.
Your work is truly beautiful….for there is nothing more beautiful than a becoming of true self through fine creative expression. Your writing makes my heart pump harder. You tell the deep truths, exquisitely. Admiration – Tony.
Thank you!
I stumbled over your blog and think I have found my newest addiction; the way you write is beautiful, sensual, amazingly empowering and makes me want more… Thank you for sharing your words with the world, it would be such a waste to simply write and not share…
I look forward to reading more soon. – Your Faithful Reader Beck
I’m really glad I came across your site. I’m writing erotic romance … and developing as a writer. You have a terrific site and it makes me think I have so far to go. But one step at a time. I like the richness in writing erotica which I think is going to come out in my third story. I don’t want to just churn out stories too quickly but I like seeing the characters develop.
Thank you, DD. Well, I wish you luck in your writing endeavor.
I’ve been online more than ten years. Seen all kinds of sites begin, some end and some just keep on going. Those who stick around for the long haul are the ones that give themselves some space. You need space to grow, to evolve and that requires taking a break. Don’t feel bad about stepping away. When you come back it should be because you couldn’t keep away and have a ton of new ideas, maybe a whole reformat or revamp for the site too. You can’t keep a big project like this going without recharging your batteries.
I discovered your site today, after reading about it in Asialife, by which you will guess my location.
I’ve only read a fraction of your work in the last hour, and I find your writing style compellingly beautiful. It shall surely become one of my daily visits online.. but after living here in D2 for 10yrs, I’m both surprised I didn’t hear of your work before, and awed by the fascinating melange of local culture and erotica. What a shame I find you a few days after you have bowed off stage – enjoy your break, the empty summer expat haunts, and the lychee season.
Dear RG –
I don’t know if you’ll remember; we were in extensive touch six or so years ago, about the time I started my blog devifemme.livejournal.com Am I right in recalling you had a blog then, as well?
I chanced to see a reference to you, and I came here, happily rediscovering the quality and vigor of your erotic writing. I read a couple of delicious stories and just read your piece on the difference between erotica and “stroke fiction.” I’m in love with the same girl, still with the hassles/hangups from years ago. (Surprised? I am, too, I guess.) Ergo I’m plenty meedful of both genres — though I’d enjoy both were I long-term bedding
a nymphomaniac, I think. (Okay, Fate: try it on me.)
Kisses, Justine
Hello RG, I have missed reading your writing and was happy to stumble here once again! Once a member of ERWA, I have kept the monthly reminders of new editions. You are, as always, a very talented writer. I am delighted to see you are still enjoying the focus of your life and have developed it into such strong rich colors. Hugs and bright blessings to you!