How far is too far?

[Chicklet]

If I am writing a story with a flashback, can the flashback involve a sexual experience that occured when the character was under 18? If so, how in depth can I go? Can I only mention that they had sex, or can I say that they had oral sex, or can I describe some details? Anyone know?

Chicklet

 

[Uther_Pendragon]

Obviously, you can't go very far.
What I would do is to write out the flashback insofar as
there was sex involved, and mail the whole thing to
the moderators with your question.
Then they can decide what they are comfortable with.
Clearly, you aren't trying to sneak something past them.

 

[Chicklet]

Cool thanks Uther that's a super-good idea

 

[jon.hayworth]

Why not ask the question in the Editor's Forum? - You may be lucky and get a definitive answer.

jon

 

[Weird Harold]

If I am writing a story with a flashback, can the flashback involve a sexual experience that occured when the character was under 18? If so, how in depth can I go? Can I only mention that they had sex, or can I say that they had oral sex, or can I describe some details? Anyone know?

Chicklet

OK = Trixie's facination with the male penis began when she was twelve and her uncle allowed her to see what made the hard lump in the front of his pants.

NOT OK = Details of what Trixie DID with her uncle.

You can admit that an eighteen-year-old is not a virgin, and even explain the circumstances of her virginity's loss. You can NOT create a full fledged sex scene depicting the loss of her virginity in a flashback.

It's the opposite of the general rule to "show, don't tell" -- you can tell about underage sex in a flashback, you can't show underage sex, period.

If you're in doubt, then don't, is the best guidline I can suggest.

 

[Chicklet]

Thanks Harold, very good rules of thumb.

 

[Guest]

You can, also, be vague about 'age', or not mention it at all.

svet

 

[Chicklet]

You can, also, be vague about 'age', or not mention it at all.

svet

like: "when Julie had been younger" etc etc?