Guest Post: A Quick Guide to Erotic Horror Dating by K.A. Merikan

Erotic horror stories mix the scare factor of adrenaline-inducing events and the sensual, arousing aspect of erotica. The plot is often not about two people connecting, like in a romance story, can go different ways, even ending with the main character dying a horrible death. Which doesn't mean a horror story has to end badly for the character, but definitely takes them on a rollercoaster ride of a journey.

In our story for the Queer Fear anthology, "Matthew Powers Lives!", we acknowledge the bridge between the two not only through the plot, but also through the main character's profession. Matt is an adventurous porn actor, ready to do his first big horror porn shoot in a deserted asylum. With a set up like that, he's ready for some high-adrenaline experiences, even if they are acted out, but having to deal with actual fear when things get out of hand is a completely different story.

In contrast to a romance story, which, by definition, should have at least a 'happy for now' kind of ending, thrillers or horrors really keep you on the edge of the seat. Reading becomes a lot less about 'Will they? Won't they?', more about 'Will he survive?'. As a reader, I love being surprised and dragged through all sorts of twists and turns, biting my nails for the outcome. And as a writer, I enjoy surprising my readers, taking them on a journey that isn't obvious, or predictable.

Having your heart leap at ghosts, blood, and gore might actually set the mood for an erotic encounter later on. Just like people are proven to have higher probability of sexual attraction rushing through them in times of great adrenaline rushes. The feelings melt into one in times of war, catastrophes, or even when you go on a rollercoaster ride with your date. Living through stressful situations together creates a bond much stronger and more intimate than going on a date to Starbucks.

So, where is this all going you might wonder? The mix of fear and sexuality, what does that have to do with you? Well, since misattribution of arousal is an actual thing, why not use it to your advantage when you're dating, or even when you want to spice up your relationship? You could treat a 1974 experiment as dating instruction and use a wobbly bridge as a beau hunting ground, or just use its premise to your advantage. Here are a few adrenaline-inducing dating tips, sure to get your date hot under the collar.

Why not invite your date to a place as delightful as Zombie Manor? That is some serious hand holding material right there.

Host a dinner by the window in a skyscraper. The height is bound to make your date attentive. A see-through floor is preferable, just don't wear a skirt or dress. Or, if you're dating a woman, make sure to suggest she wear a skirt/dress (naughty, I know).

Sabotage the electricity in your house for dramatic effect on your date. That calls for hand holding in the dark, accidental stumbling onto the sofa, searching for candles that might end up as some spontaneous wax play (only not actually spontaneous; know where the candles are). Works just as well as sabotaging the elevator, but less dangerous.

Or, when you're really out of ideas, a good old fashioned horror movie night can do the trick. But at least spice it up with some creep-tastic dinner choices like a scorpion on a stick, insect sushi, or ant chocolate. Even if your date doesn't end up eating them, it will surely keep up their heart rate.

Whatever you do, make sure you can save the day. And don't be too reckless on the first date, people's fright thresholds may vary.

Thanks to Pants Off for having me here today, and for those who needed a little spice advice to mix fear with passion, you're welcome!

Kat Merikan

K.A. Merikan is a joint project of Kat and Agnes Merikan who jokingly claim to share one mind. They finish each other's sentences and simultaneously come up with the same ideas. Kat and Agnes enjoy writing various kinds of stories, from light-hearted romance to thrillers. They love creating characters that are not easy to classify as good or evil, and firmly believe that even some villains deserve their happy endings. They can be found at http://kamerikan.com/ as well as on Facebook and Twitter @KA_Merikan. Their latest short story, "Matthew Powers Lives!" can be found in Storm Moon Press' Queer Fear anthology.