The success of Lisa Hilton's erotic thriller trilogy, which sold one million copies and was translated into over 40 languages, prompted her to consider the nature of women's sexual fantasies. Her novels, including themes of murder, glamour, and explicit sex, resonated with readers. However, after reading Gillian Anderson's compilation of women's sexual fantasies, "Want," Hilton felt her own work was comparatively tame.
Anderson's follow-up, "More," promises even bolder and more explicit content. Anderson herself contributed an anonymous fantasy to both "Want" and "More," a process she described as challenging and potentially self-betraying. Hilton also included a personal fantasy in her novel "Maestra," which she characterized as less transgressive than those featured in Anderson's collections.
While studies suggest that between 80% and 99% of women fantasize about sex, the translation of these fantasies into reality can be complex. The erotic fiction market, particularly the "romantasy" genre, has seen significant growth, with UK sales more than doubling since 2020, exceeding an estimated £50 million annually. Popular examples include Rebecca Yarros's "Fourth Wing" and Sarah J. Maas's "A Court of Thorns and Roses."
Hilton recounts an instance where she attempted to live out a specific fantasy: engaging with a younger, attractive stranger in Venice. Initially, the experience felt exhilarating and empowering, aligning with her desire to take control. However, the impulsive encounter led to a three-year relationship that ultimately became tumultuous and regrettable for both parties. Hilton concluded that transposing a fantasy directly onto a real person was a mistake, and that her fantasies, like those of many women, are perhaps best left in the realm of imagination.
Gillian Anderson's exploration into women's sexual fantasies was initially sparked by reading Nancy Friday's 1973 anthology, "My Secret Garden," while acting in the Netflix series "Sex Education." She sought to understand how women's desires might have evolved over the past 50 years, receiving a vast amount of material for her subsequent books.
