An Asexual Character.

[myrionomos]

My co-author and I are writing a story the main plot line of which is how the main character gradually develops from sexual experimentation(lust?) towards adulthood and the capacity to develop a many layered relationship, sexual, romantic, co-dependent, love and friendship. I am keen to bring in a subsidiary plot line in which this character has a relationship with a completely asexual personality - one who is interested in romance and friendship but has zero desire for any sexual fulfillment.

My co-author is very sceptical whether this might work so we wondered whether any of the authors here had written an asexual character and what they thought might be the issues/problems.

There are in addition a number of other sub-plots dealing with the lead character's development in the context of heterosexual and homosexual relationships.

Any thoughts?

 

[sr71plt]

Totally nonerotic stories are being posted here and do well. (I have them posted here myself.) As with any story, though, no one can tell you what the reception for it is going to be advance--and the reception is going to be some mix anyway because there's more than one reader on Lit.

I can say I wouldn't read it if I knew i was going in the direction, though.

 

[myrionomos]

Thanks sr71plt, I do not think I would read it either if that was the only direction of the story!

The main character will be hetero and will be challenged as he/she (Haven't decided gender yet) develops. Our plan is to have one or two hetero relationships, then to discover one of his/her best friends is gay, then back to a couple of hetero phases before dealing with the challenge of being besotted with someone who has no sexual interest whatever in anyone at all ( particularly the hero/heroine) - but does seek friendship and emotional attachment.

I am keen as it might be a challenging write, but I can see that an asexual might well be seen as the ultimate cold fish by readers - and as such, rather off putting.

 

[elfin_odalisque]

Be careful you do not start sexual experimentation before the participants are 18 or you will get rejected.

 

[DreamCloud]

The main character will be hetero and will be challenged as he/she (Haven't decided gender yet) develops. Our plan is to have one or two hetero relationships, then to discover one of his/her best friends is gay, then back to a couple of hetero phases before dealing with the challenge of being besotted with someone who has no sexual interest whatever in anyone at all ( particularly the hero/heroine) - but does seek friendship and emotional attachment.

I am keen as it might be a challenging write, but I can see that an asexual might well be seen as the ultimate cold fish by readers - and as such, rather off putting.

It will be incredibly difficult to make it meaningful. I am actually working on something similar, although I am using a machination that forces two sexual people into an asexual relationship.

Don't worry about the readers - only the story matters.