The Art of Writing a Sex Scene, Part 1

[zelda_zee]

Thanks to elliotsmelliot for encouraging me to write this and post it here.

Warning: Includes frank discussion of sex and porn and lots of naughty words. Look on it as NC-17-rated meta.
Disclaimer: This essay is entirely subjective. I’m not trying to tell anyone how they ought to write, I’m just offering my own opinions based on my own experiences.

Comments

[falafel_musings]

Excellent essay, zelda! I'm very much looking forward to pt.2

[janie_tangerine]

Mmmmh, I agree on the crossdressing one. There isn't much around really but you're right, it's one of the best things ever. I've probably seen to much Rocky Horror Picture Show but it's definitely a fetish. I had also thought to ask for it at the luau actually *coughs*.

[dustyirish2003]

LOL! I never would have guessed it, janie! ; ) Actually, if I had gotten in on time to have a Queen Day at the luau, my request would've been a toss up between Faraday fic and crossdressing ... or, preferably, some combination of the two. ; )

( psst ... Remember that whole 'Chelsea Hotel' plot bunny I had a while back? Well ... Charlie and Dan weren't the only things on that unmade bed. There was a goodly amount of women's lingerie lying around too. ; ) )

[dustyirish2003]

My other major kink (which sadly you don't see much of in Lost fic) is cross-dressing. Drives me wild. Makes me fetishy. MmmMmm.

Bless you for that comment, falafel! I don't feel like such a perv anymore! LOL And if you're willing to wait just a bit for my muse to come out of hiding, I've got a demanding Miles and a submissive Daniel and a pair of white silk panties in the queue. Ahem.

[navras_rheya]

Great essay!

1. What do you find most challenging about writing sex? What about it do you enjoy the most?

The most challenging is the actual act of sex itself. I'm no prude, but I am extremely private when it comes to sex and somehow this rl fact found its way into fanfic, so I'm never 100% comfortable writing it. I do enjoy it because it allows me to explore characters in a different way.

2. What is your writing process for a sex scene? Is it different from the way you write other kinds of fic?

I have a process and it's not different, just more of a challenge. My goal when I write any fic is to connect characters (to other characters, to their past, future, the island, etc) and reveal the reason for it, or the consequence of it. The same goes when I write a sex scene. It just has to fit. If I write smut, it has to fit somehow with the characters.

3. Do you feel that a sex scene needs to develop character and/or plot? Is there a place for smut simply for smut’s sake?

I don't feel they have to develop a character or plot,

[zelda_zee]

Thanks. :)

1. Writing sex allows for a whole different level of character exploration. I really like that aspect of it too. Maybe that feeling that sex is a private thing can work into your fic in a positive way - these intimate acts that your characters engage in are private and that allows one to see more deeply into their character.

2. I don't really have anything to add, I just love the way you stated what your goal is.

3. I like plot too, but I find it the hardest thing to write. If I can write a sex scene that furthers the plot I always feel terribly accomplished.

4. LOL, are you a non-native English speaker? I didn't even know. Obviously, you are not the worst at it!

5. I agree, a struggle leading to submission - that will work very well for me, indeed! However, a squick is actually something that grosses you out or makes you uncomfortable - a word, phrase, act or whatever. My bad, I should have defined it.

6. Absolutely!

7. I think any character on Lost would get a real kick out of being slapped (on the face or

[janie_tangerine]

*cough* We're two dorks, actually I'd totally quote you on #7 *coughs again* ;)

[janie_tangerine]

My icon is awesome!! ;) seriously, as soon as I saw it I had to have it.

-high fives back-

[gottalovev]

what an awesome awesome essay on writing sex! thanks Z, and I cannot wait to read the rest. I knew you polished your fic, but I thought it came easier to you (as on the page/screen it's so flawless!). good advice

[zelda_zee]

Thanks!

1. That he/him thing is tricky. When I go back and look at my old fic, I notice that I used to use names less frequently than I do now. I really do think it's better to overuse names than to have it be unclear who you're referring to. I assume you read thenyxie? Have you noticed how seldom she uses pronouns? She almost always uses names during her sex scenes and though I think maybe she takes it to an extreme and overuses them, it shows that you can do that and yet still have your smut be excellently scorching

[janie_tangerine]

Thanks for such a detailed and helpful essay! I'll definitely try the whole sex vocabulary/bits business ;)

1) Vocabulary is an issue. While the fact that I'm not English leaves me less embarrassed regarding the vocabulary (it's not my language so I kind of feel more detached and if I have to say something I wouldn't say in Italian I write it with way less problems), the fact that my vocabulary is not as wide as my Italian one is makes me feel like I repeat myself or that I write shorter scenes because I can't convey what I want to convey and I'm never as detailed as I'd like.

2) The first times I was writing it (in Italian) it always took ages and since I'm way embarrassed by the usual words you find for the male member in Italian fanfic (which includes most of the times member *sigh*) I spent most of the time trying to find some decent terms, but I was fairly better at the whole feeling-behind-the-act matter. Now I just write it as it comes as best as I can and then I cut what it's redundant

[zelda_zee]

1. That's interesting, that writing in a second language allows you to say things you wouldn't in your native language. I find that fascinating. Your issue with vocab makes perfect sense. A lot of the words one can use in sex scenes to keep things varied might not be obvious even to a native English speaker. You - and the other non-native writers in the fandom - do a remarkable job, considering.

3. I agree, I prefer smut for smut's sake when the characters' personalities and emotions come through. Plot does add another level though. It's so satisfying to ready plotty fic that is also smutty. It's my favorite thing. ;)

4. Good advice!

5. I think you're right, that writing in a straightforward style probably lessens the chance of using an unfortunate metaphor or squicky phrase. LOL, six orgasms? Goodness!

6. Awww. :) I agree though, I like that best too.

7. What's with all the x-dressing fans in the Lost fandom? Who knew?! We srsly need to start writing that shit!