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fandomhigh2016-08-18 03:17 pm
glacial_queen) wrote in fandomhigh2016-08-18 03:17 pm
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Writing the Great American Romance Novel, Thursday Per 2
"Welcome to your last day of class," Karla said, as the students filed in to their customary gifts of treats and tea. "Today, we're talking about sex. Writing about it, anyway." She leaned back on her desk, ankles crossing one another as she spoke. "Now, first and foremost, your romance novel does not need to include sex. You might choose to have the scene fade to black once it's established what your characters have in mind. You might write sex-repulsed or low-libido characters. There are plenty of reasons you could decide not to incorporate sex in your novel and they're all fine. However, for those of you who do wish to include such scenes, then there are a few things you should keep in mind."
She started passing around handouts. "First of all, language is important. This is one area where sometimes it's better to be imprecise. There may be a certain word that perfectly encapsulates what you're trying to say, but certain words can ruin the mood. Glob, for example. Moist is another word that people might react to. Crusty, flaky, or clammy. Whether the word itself has unpleasant connotations or just sounds unpleasant in your head, it's the kind of thing that can throw a reader right out of the scene. Also, different characters will use different words. A prim and proper character likely isn't going to use street slang, and very few people use medically precise words for parts. It's up to you to decide how you will refer to anatomy, but your character should influence your choice. Either way, don't use ridiculous euphemisms, like 'perfumed pleasure garden' or 'turgid manhood.' Those phrases have their places and that place is generally comedic writings and parodies."
Keeping it real for you. You're welcome, class. "Also, it's good to keep in mind what is and is not physically possible," she added with a grin. "If you have someone you trust, sometimes you might want to try out the position, see if it's possible, comfortable, and as sexy as you think it is in your head. If you don't know the mechanics of what you're writing about from first-hand experience, you can research. It is better to research thoroughly than try to claim your characters are doing something that is impossible, painful, or downright unlikely." Another handout, this one for acceptable alternatives to lubrication. "Lube--it's not just important, it's necessary. And regardless of what poorly-researched stories tell you, not everything wet makes good lube. Many impromptu items can lead to various kinds of infection if used. Also, keep track of limbs. You don't want to end up with one hand in someone's hair, another on their chest, and a third between their legs unless you're dealing with multiple people or an individual with three-arms." She wasn't ruling that out; she knew too many mutants to think that couldn't happen.
"And lastly--while sex scenes can certainly exist for their own sake, much of sex is written for other reasons. Take the opportunity to figure out what that scene says about the characters and their relationship. Does your cool and aloof character have a shy side? Maybe it comes out during sex. Does your character have issues trusting people? Sex is an excellent place to explore that. Do you want to slyly poke fun at national politics? Sex can do that, too." And yes, everyone was getting a copy of that novel. Again, you were welcome class.
She started passing around handouts. "First of all, language is important. This is one area where sometimes it's better to be imprecise. There may be a certain word that perfectly encapsulates what you're trying to say, but certain words can ruin the mood. Glob, for example. Moist is another word that people might react to. Crusty, flaky, or clammy. Whether the word itself has unpleasant connotations or just sounds unpleasant in your head, it's the kind of thing that can throw a reader right out of the scene. Also, different characters will use different words. A prim and proper character likely isn't going to use street slang, and very few people use medically precise words for parts. It's up to you to decide how you will refer to anatomy, but your character should influence your choice. Either way, don't use ridiculous euphemisms, like 'perfumed pleasure garden' or 'turgid manhood.' Those phrases have their places and that place is generally comedic writings and parodies."
Keeping it real for you. You're welcome, class. "Also, it's good to keep in mind what is and is not physically possible," she added with a grin. "If you have someone you trust, sometimes you might want to try out the position, see if it's possible, comfortable, and as sexy as you think it is in your head. If you don't know the mechanics of what you're writing about from first-hand experience, you can research. It is better to research thoroughly than try to claim your characters are doing something that is impossible, painful, or downright unlikely." Another handout, this one for acceptable alternatives to lubrication. "Lube--it's not just important, it's necessary. And regardless of what poorly-researched stories tell you, not everything wet makes good lube. Many impromptu items can lead to various kinds of infection if used. Also, keep track of limbs. You don't want to end up with one hand in someone's hair, another on their chest, and a third between their legs unless you're dealing with multiple people or an individual with three-arms." She wasn't ruling that out; she knew too many mutants to think that couldn't happen.
"And lastly--while sex scenes can certainly exist for their own sake, much of sex is written for other reasons. Take the opportunity to figure out what that scene says about the characters and their relationship. Does your cool and aloof character have a shy side? Maybe it comes out during sex. Does your character have issues trusting people? Sex is an excellent place to explore that. Do you want to slyly poke fun at national politics? Sex can do that, too." And yes, everyone was getting a copy of that novel. Again, you were welcome class.
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Listen to the Lecture
Also, feel free to ask questions and for clarification. Or just sit and eat your snacks.
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Activity--Sex Free Sex Scene
Talk to Karla
OOC