Writing smut for the non-smut writer.

Sep 14, 2008 09:26

ETA: Okay. I have to eta this, because this was really supposed to be a post I could link to when people ask for my advice. It's become more a debate about what makes 'hot' smut. And while interesting, it might be a little overwhelming for first-time smut writers who are nervous about it. If you asked my advice and have been linked here, this IS ( Read more... )

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dragojustine September 15 2008, 00:54:35 UTC
I'm glad you posted, because when I read that sentence I was already composing my, "actually, one of my top five favorite porn writers in all of fandom writes shockingly hot sex with very clinical terminology, let me rec paian..." response.

I kind of disagree with this post's emphasis on finding terminology that your *readers* are comfortable with. It seems like the key is getting comfortable enough with your POV to find what terminology the *character* would use, and I think readers will go along with just about any terms if that POV is immersive enough. That said, I guess it was only a guideline for someone who is uncomfortable/just starting out, so...

And, of course, I should talk. I would be writing so much het porn these days, if I could only solve the terminology problem...

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surreallis September 15 2008, 01:46:40 UTC
Actually, the point of the post was finding terminology that *you* are comfortable with, as a writer, not necessarily the readers. And I don't think that has to change depending on the character. I don't think you *have* to use certain terms if a character would. I think you could still work around it if it really makes you uncomfortable. However, if you're willing to go with more graphic terms then by all means, use whatever you want. My general experience has been that clinical terms tend to make people pause. Komos certainly has the skill to make just about anything hot.

My main emphasis is really that you don't have to do what anyone tells you to do. You aren't doing something *wrong* just because others don't like it.

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dragojustine September 15 2008, 01:55:21 UTC
Ah, I see. I got a vibe of worrying about what readers want- but you're right. An author using terms *the author* isn't comfortable with is a recipe for awkwardness, and it's good go point out that those aren't completely necessary. I certainly can't disagree with that part!

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surreallis September 15 2008, 02:26:56 UTC
Maybe I could have explained it better by saying, if you come to me and ask my opinion on what terminology to use, I'm not going to rec the clinical terms. But if you then come back and say, "Yeah, I think I'm just more comfortable with those terms though." Then I'm going to say, "Well, okay then. You need to work it out your way, and it's good that you know what you want to do."

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