A New Year, A New Smunth.

When I look back at the year of books that was 2025, I am so proud of all of the sexual education and conversations we had about smut through books! 

As SMUNTH - and as I as a researcher - evolve, I have noticed that there are some things that I want to change in the new year. 

Though the month-long themes allowed me to dive deep into certain topics, they didn’t allow for an important part of the discussion: you and the present moment.

Something innately pivotal to stories is how and when they meet us and how they show up in relation to the world around them! When I schedule out my reading months in advance it takes away the ability for the present moment to influence my research. 

So, this year for SMUNTH we are going to do things differently. 

I have decided to read books based on release dates, or/and also focus on releases of book adaptations for the screen. 

I also want the freedom to examine a book series. Due to the nature of a month's theme, sometimes it was more important for me to look at a variety of work in that given theme rather than finishing a series that I became invested in. This makes it hard to immerse myself into the heart of a story line. 

And finally, there are other pieces of work I want to bring into the SMUNTH conversation. There is so much science and research out there that examines sex, sexuality, media representation, and advancements in science that all work hand in hand with SMUNTH. This year, I want to engage with this type of work more often.

As a byproduct of doing SMUNTH, I have stumbled into the world of audio erotica and currently have a series on my TikTok that examines different creators on the Quinn app. Though it has nothing to do with books per se, it still sits in the world of safe, sexual exploration and education through storytelling. This research has profoundly impacted me and I want to continue on this path.

My Quinn education, and TikTok in general, have highlighted for me the importance of SMUNTH happening “in conversation”. I love all the interaction I’ve been having on social media with my community and that’s why I want more people to weigh in on what they would like examined. When a book comes out or an article that has your brain churning and you look for my thoughts on it, I want to have the space to take a look with you.

So will SMUNTH look a little different this year? Yes. But will it be any less sexy, interesting, and informative? Nope. It will still be the same, old Olivia, obsessed with all things smut!