If I had to pick the genre of fiction that most strongly connotes "sex," it would be sci fi, hands down. I'm sure not everyone would agree, but these two subjects became connected in my personal life very early. Maybe you experienced the same thing, maybe not, but follow me here as I make my case for the erotica/science fiction connection.

My first crush, in 1963 at age seven, was on Ray Walston playing the title character in TV's "My Favorite Martian." I was drawn to "Uncle Martin" because he was exotic, magical, and funny. A few years later I went through puberty while obsessed with Mr. Spock, who was exotic, magical and extremely serious (although he could bring down the house with a well-timed lift of one slanted eyebrow).

The alien hero became a powerfully sexual archetype for me. The necessarily imaginative approach of science fiction presented all kinds of ways to boost the sex appeal of male characters. These heroes could have superhuman powers, interestingly exotic physical and/or emotional traits, and were generally superior in wisdom and intellect. The element of science, meanwhile, grounded these characters and made them respectable rather than silly. Even Uncle Martin had a sort of dignity, antennae and all.

Science fiction, especially in the sixties of my youth, was generally geared to adolescent males. This fact gave it a certain sexual slant both in characterization and plot. Serious, respected science fiction stories, like those I read in the Nebula Award series of anthologies, often had sex scenes or blatantly erotic content which I didn't encounter anywhere else. Meanwhile, in my recollection, the original "Star Trek" series packed as much sexually provocative content as James Bond movies had.

In other words, for (mostly) intelligent erotic entertainment, I had no better source than the science fiction in my life. I learned erotic fiction from these sources, and they inspired my imagination.

Things have changed since the sixties, but along the way I have still found science fiction to continue to be a fertile source of imaginative erotic material. From "Barbarella" to "Sleeper" to "Earth Girls are Easy" to "The Matrix," sci fi over the years continues to push the envelope of our sexual fantasies. Perhaps because of its testosterone-driven nature, the genre cannot help but have that erotic element.

A classic example is my current obsession, the Sci Fi Channel's amazing series "Battlestar Galactica." For most of two seasons of the show, the brilliant but underhanded Dr. Gaius Baltar was haunted by visitations of his departed girlfriend, the Cylon known as Six. Springing somehow from the doctor's mind, Six nevertheless seemed 100% real, and was always ready for sex. In other words, she was the ideal erotic fantasy, a gorgeous, sexy woman who spends all her time either trying to seduce you or having sex with you.

"BSG" (as we fanboys and girls call it) is about as dignified, serious, and high caliber as science fiction gets, yet this is one of the key plot lines. In that regard, it truly is "classic" sci fi. It is the nature of the genre to be mindful of sex. When sci fi explores possibilities, it also explores sexual possibilities. It asks questions like "How will technology enhance sex?" "How will cultural change affect human sexuality?" "Can alien life forms be sexy?"

Allow me to make one additional point referencing "BSG." At the old age of 50 I am continuing my perpetual love affair with space guys, being quite infatuated with Galactica's commander, Admiral William Adama. Strictly speaking, Adama's character would not require a sci fi setting; he is at heart the classic father figure, the leader, the soldier. Nevertheless, the genre in which he finds himself raises Adama to another level. His command is in space, his home is a spaceship, and thus he becomes larger than life. His sex appeal is increased likewise.

I just treated myself to an enjoyable three months writing my latest anthology, Soulful Sex: The Science Fiction Collection. I had written a few erotic sci fi stories previously, but this was my chance to immerse myself in the genre. I took my own swipe at a couple very classic themes: one, the sex machine ("Alloy Love"), and the other, alien sexual experimentation ("Claude's Laboratory"). For the third novella, "Spacewrecked with Joel Fennimore," I got to visit another planet, one with a weird erotic vibe.

I write erotic romance in nearly every genre, from Regency to contemporary to fantasy, but it was definitely a treat to go back to my old favorite, science fiction. With me it seems like futuristic settings, alien beings, spaceships, and faraway planets just get the old juices flowing.

I'm weird that way. Anyone else have this problem? :-)

Diana Laurence is the author of the Soulful Sex anthologies, most recently "Soulful Sex: The Science Fiction Collection." Visit her at www.dianalaurence.com.