Sizzling Ink: A smut-writing workshop & bookshop pop-up

After an amazing sold-out class during Sex Week Boston 2025, Read My Lips Boston and Megan Hennessey Writes are back with this spicy sex-writing workshop – now even spicier! Learn how to craft sex scenes for different subgenres, ranging from fantasy to paranormal, while also learning how to heighten tension and reveal character. Be sure to bring your notebook or laptop! You’ll have the chance to write your own scenes and receive feedback at the end of the workshop.

Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea and snacks during the workshop from co-sponsor Linger Boston. After class, fill up your TBR with titles from Read My Lips Boston’s romance pop-up bookshop and meet other romance lovers.

We’re excited to welcome tattoo artist Nicayla Arzola from Boston Tattoo Company (@nicayla.a.tattoo) -- a fellow romance lover -- to the event! Get a temporary tattoo, grab one of Nicayla's personally designed bookmarks, and peruse her stunning romance & bookish-themed flash sheets. Important note: While Nicayla cannot do tattoos onsite as originally planned, workshop registrants will get a special discount of 15% when booking with Nicayla at her Medford studio.

After the workshop concludes, the bookshop pop-up will stay up (and become open to the public) until 4 PM.
Meet your instructor:

Megan Hennessey got her start in romance at the height of 50 Shades of Grey at Sourcebooks Casablanca reading the slush pile. She continues sharing her love for romance by giving workshops and courses at writers’ groups, the Women in Publishing Summit, and the Editorial Freelancers’ Association. She loves romance novels that break the rules and center queer, kinky characters. Come say hi at her website meganhennesseywrites.com or on IG @hegmennessey.

About flash tattoo artist Nicayla Arzola:

Nicayla is a Boston native that has been with Boston Tattoo Company since 2022. She loves to explore all styles from fine line to anime tattoos. Studio Ghibli is her favorite. She also creates designs inspired by her favorite romance books, from Twilight to Heated Rivalry!

About Read My Lips Boston:

Read My Lips Boston is a diverse romance bookshop that partners with breweries, cafes, and other establishments to host monthly mobile shops all around Boston. Their curated selection of love stories centers authors and main characters identifying as BIPOC, disabled, queer, big-bodied, and members of other groups historically underrepresented in the romance genre. Read My Lips donates 10% of their proceeds to local and national non-profits and social causes.
About our co-sponsor Linger:
Formerly Rite Tea & Espresso, Linger began as a wee tea and espresso bar with a big love for brewing your daily cup, and being a small part of your day. Now, in a new large space at the Charles River Speedway, they’re an all-day café with more room to...linger — that also hosts whiskey nights, romance book clubs, tea tastings, and more!

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Host or Publisher Read My Lips Boston