The Golden Pigtail Awards nominations are open! Last week I ran through a list of my stories that fit the award categories; this week I’ve got a list of stories by other writers that stood out this year. You can submit your nominations until 7:00 p.m. PST on January 21, 2024, with semi-final voting beginning February 1 and final voting on February 15.
I’ve only listed stories in categories that I read; I’m sure there are great things happening in my blind spots, but there’s only so much time in the day to read and write while also attending to quotidian responsibilities.
The “Begging for More” Award for BDSM Erotica
“Mirror Secret Mirror” by Jessica Seaques – I loved how inventive this was, and how much it felt like the classic BDSM stories of yore that got me interested in this genre
The “I Just Wanna Watch” Award for Cuckold/Hotwife Erotica
“The Hotwife Getaway” by Lillia Wett – hot and steamy vacation erotica, with an older woman/younger man dynamic.
The “More the Merrier” Award for Harem/Reverse Harem Erotica
“The Virgin Prophecy” by May Fellowbrook – compelling world-building and incredibly hot MMMMMMF action
The “Scissoring with Runners” Award for Lesbian Erotica
“The Trick to Finding Love” by T.J. Dallas – this was such an inventive and fascinating settings (in the Paris catacombs), and the writing sparkled; it sent me off in search of the rest of Dallas’ stories
The “Take all Cummers” Award for LGBTQ+ Erotica
“Shared Bi the Cowboys” by Melanie Udall – I’ve been enjoying Melanie’s MMF romances, and this is the best so far
The “Not Afraid of the Dark” Award for Dark/Taboo Erotica
“The Hunt” by Steli Simeonova – actually, I was a little afraid of the dark after reading this one …
The “Hearts will Race” Award for Romantic Erotica
“Driven” by Hank Dolworth – Hank tells big stories with lots of heart, and lots of heat; this was a great one.
The “Any Holiday is a Smut Holiday” Award for Holiday Celebration Themed Erotica
“The Freeuse Elf” by Matt Lake – absolutely filthy, absolutely fun, no one spreads Christmas cheer like Holly!
“Levelled Up” Golden Pigtail Rookie Smut Star of 2023
For steamy scenes, strong characters, and a dash of intrigue, you can’t go wrong with Audrey Horne; I loved “The Night We Met” and “Ghost of Timor,” and I look forward to more great stories!
This is really just a smattering of the erotic stories I read and enjoyed this year; there’s a lot of great writing happening in this space that’s not only hot but also heartfelt, artistic, and beautifully presented. If you’ve got a favorite that I’ve missed, add a comment or share a note — I’m always on the lookout for more great writing!
Cornelia Quick 
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