《How to Write Stories People Will Love》Question 43: Writing uncomfortable scenes
Advertisement
asks: I feel uncomfortable with writing inappropriate scenes but in my book I want to say that my leading character gets pregnant. And I want to let the readers know what happened without actually having to write a sex scene.
The great thing is, we don't have to write scenes that make us uncomfortable. They can merely be hinted at. Scenes that are necessary for the understanding of the story can sometimes be explicit, boring, or any number of other things that make it undesirable to include in a book. Those scenes can be glossed over in various ways.
In movies, there is often romance that leads to sex, but they find ways to not show it. They instead imply pretty heavily that it's happening. Here are some examples of how they do it:
- The couple is kissing, then they move into the bedroom and shut the door. All we see is the door being closed, and not what's behind it.
- We see a love interest exiting a house in the morning, waving goodbye to the other person at the doorway, maybe blowing a kiss.
- We see a woman wandering around the kitchen in an oversized man's shirt and no pants.
- People in the living room can hear sexy giggling coming from one of the bedrooms.
- An uncomfortable scene begins, like maybe a struggle or groping, and then it fades to black. This leaves it open to interpretation, and can be an effective tool to convey a bit of mystery as to what actually happened.
Uncomfortable scenes can be alluded to in dialogue. Someone can be chatting with their friend about what happened last night. They can go into as much or as little detail as you like, as long as it adheres to the character's personality. (For example, a shy person wouldn't go into any detail at all.)
Advertisement
A character can think about the uncomfortable event in his or her mind. They can re-experience the elation, fear, or whatever emotion they had again. They can give a narrative commentary about it, like how they can't believe it finally happened, or how they hope it never happens again.
makes a great suggestion: Have a different character stumble upon the uncomfortable scene. Whatever is going on will immediately stop, but the reader will see a freeze-frame of what's going on. For example, someone opens a room where two people are making out. Or someone turns into an alleyway and interrupts a gruesome beating. You just need to describe what the person sees, and no more than that. The reader will put the pieces together.
You don't have to detail out any scene you are uncomfortable with. These scenes can simply be referred to in various subtle or not-so-subtle ways. The reader will figure out what's happened without needing the specifics.
Advertisement
- In Serial24 Chapters
The Violet Crown
The story follows the perspective of a logical but chaotic fire mage in a fantasy-medieval world that is entirely hostile to mages. The main character confronts memories of his past as the man who sold the world for power, all while facing similar conflicts in the present while facing off against an oppressive Elven kingdom that spans the continent, led by two identical religious leaders gifted with the ability of foresight.
8 170 - In Serial7 Chapters
Spectre
Spectre follows a dark tale of lust, hatred, love, anger, bloodshed and much more. The story takes place in a fantasy world of Iries on the continent of Astariel. A series of events start to occur surrounding a teenage boy who struggles to keep his true self alive while searching for something precious. Spoiler: Spoiler There is more to the story then the synopsis. The story will consist of bloodshed, goriness, and psychological trauma. If you have some sort of soft spot regarding religion, then proceed with caution.
8 130 - In Serial9 Chapters
Villain This Should Be Fun
Considered one of the top heroes in the world he had everything money, friends, family, and a lover but all that disappeared as he was betrayed by those he thought were his family and friends. sucked in the depth of endless void waiting to be dropped off in hell he was approached by an unknown Being who made him an offer. " I will give you the power to end those who betrayed you, only on one condition. " it said, " help me destroy a certain world." " Sure I was once considered one of the greatest heroes now I'm gonna be a villain, well this should be fun"
8 144 - In Serial19 Chapters
stars
Its a very well defined formula: the world goes through ridiculous shift where the laws of physics go belly up while everyone gets a videogame status. the hero adapts to the system,
8 174 - In Serial12 Chapters
Adventures of Alex Blackwell
Alex Blackwell was just your average everday wizard that pretended to be a psychic detective. He was fond of his work and his life. Life was easy and trouble free however case just began to pile up that led Alex into a mystert that he would soon learn to hate. Case after case will bring Alex closer to the thruth of the events surrounding him. The only question in the end is will Alex have what it takes to survive this plot and to save his city.
8 97 - In Serial140 Chapters
Forever and a Night | Pooh Shiesty
What happens when Suhan becomes pregnant twice after being involved in two one night stands with Pooh Shiesty that were five years apart? Will he step in and create a lifestyle with her or will he act childish and continue to peruse his career?
8 169

