Jul 13, 2009 03:43
I'm outlining a new, much more interesting [to me] novel. One of the main reasons the first novel I began to write had such halting progress was both my lack of a good outline, and my lack of real interest in the characters. I've gone back to the first novel I imagined, and starting from scratch on that.
With that said, I've encountered a major thematic stumbling block: MALE HOMOSEXUAL ROMANCE. This is:
A-something I enjoy reading
B- something that doesn't show up very often in fantasy novels
The story really suggests that the main character and the guy he spends a lot of time with are more than friends. Do I let the romance happen between the lines? That might sell better, but be much less honest. I really despised Rowling for not making an explicit stance on Dumbledore being a homosexual. It's relevant to the backstory! I don't want to be another one of those authors (JKR) who only say in interviews that a character is one way or the other.
Can a fantasy novel have gay romance in it without being a Gay Romance? I want to say yes, but I have a feeling most people who read books would say no? I wouldn't want that to be why someone does, or doesn't read the book.
Ethically, do I have a responsibility to portray this romance? I'm not contriving to make these characters fall in love for some political statement, it's just the kind of romance I prefer.
No matter what, the love story will be there, the question is, is there a really compelling reason to hide it? More compelling than any ethical or narrative obligations?