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My Works in Progress

Friday 20 June 2008

Writing Squidge

I've been thinking a lot this week about why people find it so hard to write sex scenes. I've had to pep up one of the scenes in 'Sunlight' and I've found it incredibly difficult.

I think I know why I find it so hard. It's because all fiction inevitably has an element of experience in it - you just can't avoid it. How can you write otherwise? I don't want to upset my husband. You just can't help a bit of yourself coming out in whatever you write - whether it's squidge or not.

And I don't know whether I want to share that bit of myself with the whole world.

So I don't think writing squidge is going to be my scene. I'll do it if I have to, but to me, it's a bit like taking medicine.

Anyway, the real thing is so much better .....

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

If you write well, which you do, then the sex can be implied rather than explicit. The reader will fill things in, so to speak.

DAB said...

Insert a picture instead! OK, silly suggestion ;-) TFX

HelenMWalters said...

I think I'd feel the same. Which is why there is no squidginess in my novel!

Lane Mathias said...

Absolutely Annie. Just can't do it.
It's a tough exercise this week!

Anonymous said...

I know exactly what you mean! Id always be worried about my dad reading it or close friends thinking "Oh! thats what you get up to!" Thats why I just cant do them. I tried it when I was a teen and now keep the notebook well hidden!!!

Denise said...

I'm with you on this one. Setting the scene beforehand is about as far as I can get before the squirming starts (me not them!)Even writing about this subject is impossible without innuendo!

Karen said...

I can't do it either. What if my mother read it?? I have to 'imply' I'm afraid :o)

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

I agree, it's not an easy thing to have to do. I published my first book through a Daily Mail offer and gave a copy to a couple of relatives and the one of them pointed out that G would be reading it.

G is my lovely aunt who also happens to be a num and despite the squigy bit not been too bad, I was horrified at the thought that she would have read it.

Marcie Steele said...

I can't do it either. I tend to leave as much to the imagination as I possibly can. But it is fun to write and imagine it whilst doing so....or is that just me and my smutty mind!

Good luck with everything Annie, I wish you the very best on your journey x

Annieye said...

Kevin - I agree. I much prefer implied sex. I found it really difficult writing the Cloud Line piece but I'm glad I did.

TF: Ha Ha. It'd save a whole lot of hassle, but then, who would pose for the photo?

Helen: Good idea. That's one of the good things about kids' books - you can put all that squidginess well out of sight.

Lane: I couldn't do it either - I just bottled out in the end.

Mother X: For me it's the thought of my kids reading it more than anything!

Denise: Even if you say you find it 'hard' there's a little snigger behind someone's hand.

Karen: Glad I'm not the only one.

Debs: A nun! oh dear. You must have been quaking at the thought.

l-plate: Thanks. The waiting is very 'hard'!