Articles

View all

The Next 50 Shades? Aussie Author Debuts Erotic NovelErotic fiction has had quite the glow-up over the last few years; after the 50 Shades phenomenon reverberated...

Claire Flynn | November 26 2025

The Next 50 Shades? Aussie Author Debuts Erotic Novel

Erotic fiction has had quite the glow-up over the last few years; after the 50 Shades phenomenon reverberated around the world, rabid readers were looking everywhere for the next lustful tale of sexual explorations and excitement. Now an Australian author is set to make waves with her debut release, a tale of carnal delights, death and intrigue! Her real name is Danielle and she writes under the pseudonym, Sienna T, Lily. She's part of the ownership team at Infusions lifestyle club in Perth with partner, Wayne and has has been well placed to soak-up the nuance of the swingers scene and imagine a tale that will no doubt leave readers titillated! Danielle has woven elements of her own observations and experiences into her debut novel, Death On The Swing - we recently sat down with her to ask how it all came about and more!



Danielle, congrats on the new book! How did you get into the world authoring erotic fiction?

I attended a writing bootcamp in Bali in November 2024, and the idea for the book was born there. Guests at Infusions club are always telling my husband, Wayne, that he should write a book about his memorable experiences over the years from running the swingers club. It's probably not quite the book they envisioned, but I have included some of his input as well as experiences from our visits to different clubs around Australia. 
 
How long have you been writing? Is the new book your first?

I have been writing most of my life, but most has been technical writing as part of my past roles in oil and gas engineering, including a couple of training courses and course manuals. When I ran a pet sitting business in Dallas, Texas I started a blog and then self-published an instructional non-fiction book for pet sitting business owners called "How to Create Excellence in your Pet Sitting Business". Death on the Swing is the first fiction book that I've written and self published.     

Give us the synopsis in a few words, what’s Death On The Swing all about?

The story is told through the eyes of five characters: Onyx, a dominatrix, her sub Steve, Jordan, the host of private parties at his family-owned mansion; Victoria, the owner of the Velvet Vortex swingers club; and Scarlett, who, with her husband Tom, are newcomers to the Perth swingers scene. 

At the heart of the story is Valencia, a spirited and sexually empowered woman trying to reclaim her life after a traumatic divorce. She attends a private swingers party and is found dead in the spa at the conclusion of the night.

The discovery of her body throws the swinging community into chaos. What starts as a presumed accident becomes a criminal investigation, which throws Jordan, the party host, and his events into the public spotlight. 

Darius, the co-owner of the Velvet Vortex swingers club, who was seen attending Jordan's party, is also mysteriously missing. His wife, Victoria, grapples with his disappearance while managing the Vortex club amid a media storm.  

The story follows new swingers Scarlett and Tom, as they make connections on Red Hot Pie, meet at the Velvet Vortex club, and attend several private parties. During their journey, they befriend Valencia and become entangled in the aftermath of her death and the subsequent police investigation. 

At the end of the book, the killer is revealed and arrested. The community breathes a sigh of relief as the focus on the swinging community fades, allowing them to return to their hidden world.

 
What elements in the book reflect real life, if any?

Victoria and Darius are based on my husband, Wayne, and me, and their club, The Velvet Vortex, is modeled on Infusions Club here in Perth. The experiences that Tom and Scarlett have as they start their swinging journey are loosely based on our own and our guests' experiences.   

What makes a truly great erotic tale?

A truly erotic tale isn’t just about describing sex — it’s about creating an emotional, sensory, and psychological experience that pulls the reader into the fantasy. In this book, we follow Tom and Scarlett as they explore their fantasies and push their own boundaries. It's a slow build as they find their way, and their journey is intertwined with other characters' BDSM experiences in Onyx's dungeon.
 
So the world of swinging is one you've been around for a while, tell us about that world.

Yes, I stumbled across the lifestyle just over 8 years ago, on a fateful Friday night, when I visited The Pleasure Lounge in Burswood and met my now-husband, Wayne. Since then, I've assisted Wayne in running the Infusions Club in Belmont. In addition to hosting club events, I manage the website, RedHotPie event management, social media marketing, and admin. Over the years, we have travelled and attended events in Melbourne, on the Gold Coast, and in Cape D'Agde , France, on our swinging adventures. 
 
How have digital books and the ability to self-publish changed the landscape for budding authors?

Digital books and self-publishing have fundamentally reshaped the writing world, making it much easier for emerging authors. What used to be a tightly controlled, slow, gate-kept industry has become a far more open, which has created more opportunities for niche genres, and stories that don't fit the typical formulas. Authors can get stories to readers very quickly, and have more control over creative design and marketing of their books. 

What tips would you have for those keen to pen some erotic fiction?

I'd recommend reading widely and using their own sexual experiences as a guide. Start by creating interesting, strong characters, and then build the intrigue slowly rather than rushing to the sexual scenes.  

Where can people get their hands on your book?

They can get a Kindle ebook at Amazon Death On the Swing: Sex Sells .. But Sometimes It Kills eBook : Lily, Sienna T.: Amazon.com.au: Books or a paperback copy at SIENNA on Books.by

What’s coming up next? Sequels, prequels, new ideas?

I have ideas for a prequel and a sequel for the book. The prequel is based around a corporate workplace conspiracy plot, and tells the tale of Victoria's former life and her initial introduction to the swingers scene where she meets Darius. The sequel follows Victoria and Darius as they visit Cape D'Age in France, and get entangled in the murder of an online influencer at a Masquerade party.   

Comments

  • Slow_n_steady

    06 Mar 2026

    I found this erotic thriller recently. It was a decent read. The novel explores addiction's devastation, vengeance's corrosion, and redemption's fragility, emphasizing consequences of unchecked desires and the slow, painful path to healing a fractured family. The Consequence of Fantasy https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0GMJLMFHS

  • EyesWideShut222

    04 Feb 2026

    Legendary I will read this I love authors words are near everything to me

  • Screamqueen

    26 Jan 2026

    I hope it's better written & not as cringey as fifty shades of brown.

  • Alwayscurious42

    28 Nov 2025

    I started reading this yesterday. Can't wait to finish it over the weekend!