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I know the title of this post sounds far from sexy, but bear with me a moment.
One of my favourite ways to fact check as a writer is to do primary research. That is doing things like reading studies, watching documentaries, and interviewing real humans. I then will take that information and check online to see if there are more people in the same group saying similar things to see if it's likely that the sentiment is accurate. I'll read blog posts, articles, information from reputable sites, and talk to people I don't know from far away lands. Something the internet is great for. I'll put less stock in an amateur YouTube video than I will in a Ted talk given by someone who is regularly involved with or interacting with the topic.
Earlier this week I talked about writing what you know. I believe this to be important for writing erotica too. Not just what you know, but what you find pleasurable. It can be helpful to have a partner or partner(s), whatever floats your boat, that are willing to explore uncharted territory here. Maybe you'll find a new position that is amazing or you'll just end up uncomfortable, but you will gain experience and be better equipped to write about it. And if you have a character that likes things you're not in anyway into, it will be harder to write and you'll then need to do extra research to find out how it feels to someone else. I feel it's easier to write erotica if I can tap into a steamy encounter I've had and I'm far less likely to feel like I'm writing something cheesy rather than hot. If the first time I write that sex scene has me in the throes of lust, I've accomplished my goal. Expect it to seem less hot as you revise and edit a billion times because you get used to reading it. Your audience will be reading it for the first time.
Don't expect it to turn everyone on though. People have different preferences and you really can't please everyone on the pages or in the bedroom ;)
I'll be talking more about research next week. Until then, have a great weekend.
Salut,
R~
I know the title of this post sounds far from sexy, but bear with me a moment.
One of my favourite ways to fact check as a writer is to do primary research. That is doing things like reading studies, watching documentaries, and interviewing real humans. I then will take that information and check online to see if there are more people in the same group saying similar things to see if it's likely that the sentiment is accurate. I'll read blog posts, articles, information from reputable sites, and talk to people I don't know from far away lands. Something the internet is great for. I'll put less stock in an amateur YouTube video than I will in a Ted talk given by someone who is regularly involved with or interacting with the topic.
Earlier this week I talked about writing what you know. I believe this to be important for writing erotica too. Not just what you know, but what you find pleasurable. It can be helpful to have a partner or partner(s), whatever floats your boat, that are willing to explore uncharted territory here. Maybe you'll find a new position that is amazing or you'll just end up uncomfortable, but you will gain experience and be better equipped to write about it. And if you have a character that likes things you're not in anyway into, it will be harder to write and you'll then need to do extra research to find out how it feels to someone else. I feel it's easier to write erotica if I can tap into a steamy encounter I've had and I'm far less likely to feel like I'm writing something cheesy rather than hot. If the first time I write that sex scene has me in the throes of lust, I've accomplished my goal. Expect it to seem less hot as you revise and edit a billion times because you get used to reading it. Your audience will be reading it for the first time.
Don't expect it to turn everyone on though. People have different preferences and you really can't please everyone on the pages or in the bedroom ;)
I'll be talking more about research next week. Until then, have a great weekend.
Salut,
R~