Break the Silence: How to Talk about Sexuality in Your Stories — Dr. J. | Donna Jennings, Ph.D.

#6 FWSG Post Series

Many people don’t know how to talk about sexuality in writing. Typically, the focus of sexuality is on the “sex scene,” and I’m on a mission to change that. What if we could learn more about the characters through their sexuality in all scenes? If writers had a structure on which to build sexuality, the characters and the story would have much more connection and depth. We would also understand the meaning of their actions when sex becomes physically close and intimate.

To discuss sexuality in your stories, I suggest considering writing about sexuality with respect. It starts with permission, the first element of The PLISSIT model, and one template I offer in The Fiction Writer’s Sexuality Guide: Sex-It’s More Than a Scene.

PLISSIT-How to Talk About Sexuality

When we write, we learn not just about the characters and the story but about ourselves. Writing has a meta quality to it. Our characters can change us. Their concerns and goals will help us redefine the whole character and alter our thinking process. PLISSIT works interactively with the author and the characters.