I'm about to hit 60K in my novel and feeling really good about it. I'm 3/4 of the way done. Almost at the climax of the story.
Speaking of climax, I've been meaning to blog about sex in novels. I for one like it when authors are not afraid to be graphic about sex. Stieg Larsson does an excellent job of this as well as Audrey Niffenegger. But for many writers, it's very easy for the wording to come across as a porno. So you have to be careful. I also believe that unless the sex is vital to the plot or reveals something important about a character, then it should be avoided. Throwing in a sex scene just for fun is not productive.
Looking back at all my novels, I have written my share of R-rated (and sometimes NC-17) sex scenes. They've included passionate first-time affairs, lesbians in the desert, high schoolers fooling around without using protection (what dumdums) and rape. I think I probably could and should have cut or shortened about 40% of those scenes. One (and I'll admit it was the lesbians in the desert) really doesn't add to the plot or reveal something about a character. It's there for pure shock value. And it doesn't work. It needs to be cut (and saved for a more appropriate setting).
So, let's hear it. What are some sex scenes you've written that you probably could have done without? Or better yet...when did you write a sex scene but tone it down because you were scared to be graphic? Think you might wanna go back and add a little "classy" steam?
Hasn't it just been forever?
1 week ago
I'm working on a YA project right now. So nothing graphic for me, though I do like to think that some of my scenes are still steamy.
ReplyDeleteI try to keep my work things I wouldn't be afraid to show my mother, so I don't think I'll ever venture into the realm of erotica. But if sex is part of the characters/story, then it should be part of the novel. Too often, however, it is simply poorly written smut. Sad :(
I'm afraid that the only sex scenes I've written are bad ones-- as in bad sex between miserable people. My characters never seem to manage a decent relationship (Odd, as I am happily, placidly, married...) I think I use sex scenes to illustrate character flaws, maybe, or the stuff my characters struggle with.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I've given you the Stylish Blogger Award, come by and pick it up.
Stylish Blogger Award! Muchos gracias!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDelete