Thematic Sleuths

[CharleyH]

I have been writing a novel, and am quite pleased with it as I approach a pivitol turning point for my character. Some of you have read parts of it, and I am exceptionally grateful for your feedback both on the SDC, and in private.

However, in writing further chapters, I find myself being pushed back to chapter 2.

To simplify issues, and not make this thread about my story, but rather a discussion regarding S/m writing .... what is more impactful to you as a writer/ reader, or has more bearing on a character, particularly in 'a' chapter 2, when there was no sex in Chapter 1:

a) a moment of explicit sexual corporeal punushment or erotic humiliation.

b) to further the story, or to get somebody off?

Please feel free to answer in whatever way you wish, or to add new questions, as I do NOT mean this to be a thread about my specific issue, but rather a discussion on S/m issues.

 

[Lauren Hynde]

To simplify issues, and not make this thread about my story, but rather a discussion regarding S/m writing .... what is more impactful to you as a writer/ reader, or has more bearing on a character, particularly in 'a' chapter 2, when there was no sex in Chapter 1:

a) a moment of explicit sexual corporeal punushment or erotic humiliation.

Erotic humiliation, without a question. If you're looking for an event to be the driving force for the story, a pivotal moment, it has to trigger a change in the protagonist, some sort of conflict. It's much more believable, and much stronger, to have that internal conflict arise from psychological punishment than corporeal. And that's what all the good BDSM stories are about, aren't it? It's a mind game. Physical punishment, in that context, if it happens at all, is only a tool.

b) to further the story, or to get somebody off?

To further the story, obviously. If there's no sex in chapter 1, it doesn't mean there has to be some in chapter 2. The story can even gain from that - each chapter becoming more sexual than the previous, but not quite getting there. Keep them reading - something to look forward to.

 

[CharleyH]

Will respond to Lauren tomorrow, I am fading having been up since 5 ... But really, no S/m'ers here?

OH LOST IS ON maybe LOL repeat season.