I’m 5% into the first draft of my novel, and already it’s shaping up to be something exciting. I’m having some real fun writing it and getting to know the characters.
But one thing I’ve started to wonder is, can I write a novel with explicit sex, without using the ‘f’ word?
Of course as a writer I can do anything I want to, and so for this novel I’ve decided that it just doesn’t fit and therefore won’t be included anywhere (I don’t think – I could always change my mind).
There is already much more plot and story than I thought and so it’s leaning more toward the romance side than it is the erotic side which I think is perfectly okay. I really like a good story with my spice.
So far we’ve met the main character Ruby who is travelling with her father on business and spies her love interest who has been captured and chained inside a stable. (He’s not exactly human you see – I told you this was a paranormal romance too didn’t I?)
Anyway, she wants to free him, but dearest Daddy won’t let her, as he’s worried for his little girl (now grown up) since there have been stories of the creatures killing people who try to befriend them.
But is that going to stop Ruby trying to save him? Well … I haven’t written too much past this yet, but I’m sure you see where it’s going.
And once the authorities know she’s done it. Oh boy will there be some fireworks 😉 Well .. that’s the plan anyway.
I’ve already conjured up a really bad Governor who won’t be too pleased to find one of his flock fraternizing with the creatures. Not that Ruby will care – she’s fiercely independent and of course is going to fall head of heels for her love interest. How could she not – even for a paranormal creature he’s super hot. (p.s. not a vampire – I’ll let you know more later).
So far I’m loving where it is going. And yes, I’ve only written two chapters but boy oh boy I think this is going to be my best novel yet.
Will let you know more when I’m further in.
All the best,
tabs xx
Dear Tabitha, Good luck with your effort. Today, writing a “romance’ novel without the use of the (dreaded) “F” word, is like fishing without bait. You may get lucky, and catch a fish, but it’s going to take much longer, and noone will have faith in your i your effort. I’m not sure what that means, but I thought I’d throw it out there.
Actually, the so-called “F” word has become a part of our daily lexicon. A permanent part. Once known as a ‘hush-hush expression shunned by out so-called “polite society”, it has found its way into our textbooks. While the word was rarely uttered by polite society, it nevertheless, florished among the geentel. And today its usage–without blushing– is a strong part suburbia, as well as, inter-city….occasionally directly, occasionally, indirectly. But, the impact of its meaning is not taken as strongly, as once was.
Also, when one writes about “Romance”, most readers will demand that its theme be selectively “explicit”. After all 2012 is well removed from the Victorian ERA.. Plus, it adds desired spice , excitement, and realism. Even though we may love the book in its totality, we often try to find the good and juicy parts..Again, good luck.
Hi Berdell,
Sorry I didn’t approve your comment earlier, I only just found it in pending comments.
I’ve finished the novel, and there is no F word in sight, although it is set in the 1940’s so it makes sense for this novel. I think its still hot, although much more romantic than it is explicit. It was the way it wan’t to be written.
Still needs a lot more work, but I’m happy with it’s bones.
Tabs 🙂