To critics who find “Princess” in my pen name absurd: let's set the record straight.
Erotica has a long, rich history in elite circles. It’s an art form historically explored by those with privilege and the audacity to break norms.
Becoming an author grants be an opportunity to reinvent myself, and choose a pen name that authentically represents my social identity. I knew it had to be my first name, DeCorrah, bestowed to me by my father, from the french verb, décor, anticipating that I would be a decoration to the world. And I could think of another name more fitting.
But why Princess? Aren't you a little too old to be calling you that! Isn't it pretentious, who do you think you are?! No prestigious literary agent or publishing house is going to take you seriously when you call yourself "princess"!
In calling myself Princess, I am claiming a title that represents not just how I feel about myself but how people treat me. People smile at my pink princess aesthetic, open doors for me and I make genuine connections with people every where I go. Contrary to the "starving artist" trope, I have the privilege of sexual discovery and the means to speak my mind on provocative subjects. It's not just a name; it's a lineage— a luxury of owning my truth and joining the audacious writers below, who, like me, wrote from a place of empowerment.
So yes, I am Author Princess DeCorrah— my birth-name and my birthright.
Aristocratic Legacy of Erotica:
Erotic literature has long thrived in circles of privilege, where the elite have had the resources and freedom to explore sensual themes that would otherwise be repressed. From the ancient poetry of Greece and Rome to the works of Renaissance and Enlightenment writers, erotica was historically accessible mainly to society's upper echelons, often the only literary spice to not be burned, and confined to private collections. By adopting the pen name "Princess," a modern author honors this legacy, aligning with a tradition where privilege allows for artistic freedom in exploring romance, power, and desire.
Erotica has a storied history with the aristocracy, where powerful figures, insulated by their status, could experiment with themes of sensuality and rebellion. Throughout history, erotic literature's boldest works were often written by or for the elite, exemplifying the link between high social standing and creative freedom. These early works offered both an escape into the intimate lives of the privileged and an outlet for discussing power dynamics, passion, and forbidden allure.
Lord Byron’s Provocative Legacy
British poet Lord Byron, a 19th-century aristocrat, epitomized the fusion of privilege and provocative literature. Known for his allure and unapologetic exploration of sensuality, Byron's status allowed him to write about desire and rebellion in a way that captivated high society. His life and works, rife with scandal, created a precedent for the genre, marking erotica as a realm where the elite could explore sexuality with relative impunity and artistic boldness.
Anaïs Nin's Female Privilege
A 20th-century icon of erotica, Anaïs Nin, enjoyed a financially secure, intellectual upbringing that fostered her exploration of sensual themes. Nin’s erotic novels broke ground in their raw, intimate perspectives on love, passion, and self-discovery—subjects largely taboo for women writers of her time. Her privileged background afforded her the freedom to express herself without compromising her artistry, allowing her to reshape erotic literature for a new generation. Nin's work exemplifies how privilege enabled her creative liberation, positioning her as a literary figure who bridged sensuality with psychological depth.
Pierre Louÿs's Erotic Elite Social Networks
A French writer, Pierre Louÿs, known for his 19th-century erotic work, was deeply embedded in the artistic circles of Paris’s elite. His affluent lifestyle enabled him to pursue erotic literature without financial constraints or societal censure. Louÿs presented his work as a translation of ancient Greek poetry, including Sapphic lesbian poetry, infusing a classical and intellectual angle that resonated with his aristocratic audience. His life and works illustrate how social standing permitted him to explore and popularize themes of sensuality and passion in a way inaccessible to the lower classes.
Modern Homage to Erotica’s Aristocratic Roots
In taking on the pen name "Princess," I am not merely playing royalty; I am embracing a symbolic link to erotica's aristocratic past. The title conveys an intentional homage, where the act of writing erotica aligns with a tradition of privilege and creative exploration. Much like Byron’s nobility, Nin’s intellectual background or Louÿs's social network, choosing a title like "Princess" underscores a sense of self-empowerment and artistic lineage. Writing erotica requires time, security, and the freedom to address controversial themes— luxuries historically afforded by privilege.
Thank you joing me on my royal journey, literally!
References:
Byron, G. G. (1830). Complete Poetical Works.
Nin, A. (1976). Delta of Venus: Erotica.
Pierre Louÿs (1894). Songs of Bilitis.
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