What is it about erotic pain that can so profoundly shift the focus of a jittery, wound-up person and send them into a place of profound peace? How could it be that the cut of a cane against tender flesh can somehow segue into pure, perfect pleasure? Can a thorough body flogging really send a person to that height of ecstatic experience sometimes referred to as “flying”?

To those who have never felt the yearning for the feel of rope and leather restraints, or the tingle of skin longing for a hard palm or the kiss of a leather flogger, it’s got to be hard to comprehend this lust for erotic pain. I mean, stubbing your toe is not at all sexy or satisfying, yet the bite of a pair of clamps against tender nipples can send a sexual masochist into spasms of pleasure. Are there different types of pain? And why and how can submitting to erotic pain bring such utter serenity?

There are studies out there citing proof positive that folks who engage in BDSM play are more relaxed and happy than their vanilla counterparts. Could it be the intensity of experience that is the draw? And what of this concept of flying? What is it, exactly? How do you get there?

For me personally, getting there isn’t always easy. In fact, it’s never easy, but that’s part of its power. I have likened the physical and emotional experience of enduring erotic pain to the concept of Purgatory in preparation for Heaven (though I’m not a religious person, I find the allegory useful). According to one definition, Purgatory is the condition or process of purification or temporary punishment in which the souls of those who die in a state of grace are made ready for Heaven. Each stroke of leather tresses, each biting kiss of the cane, takes me one step closer to that state of grace. It isn’t that the altered state into which one enters puts out the fire out, but rather softens its flame. Instead of enduring the pain, one encompasses it.

If any of this intrigues you, I invite you into the world of Claire Thompson. Thanks for this opportunity to share a bit of myself with you!

About Claire Thompson

Claire has been writing for nearly two decades, and has published over 70 novels. She writes BDSM romance and non-con abduction tales, spanning both m/f and m/m genres. Her darker works press the envelope of what is erotic and what can be a sometimes dangerous slide into the world of sadomasochism. Ultimately her work deals with the human condition, and our constant search for love and intensity of experience. For more information on Claire Thompson and her books, visit her author’s page on MyRomanceStory.com