How do you go about doing those where it;s good yet still tasteful? Different authors do it differently and wanted some opinions.
- Status
Re: Sex scenes
Start with this weblog post and go forward for another ten or so posts, for analysis of published examples. Just to start.
Start with this weblog post and go forward for another ten or so posts, for analysis of published examples. Just to start.
Re: Sex scenes
Pick up Nora Roberts, Christine Feehan, Suzanne Brockmann, Iris Johansen, and read, read, read. Remember to keep the scene sensitive and passionate. Avoid anatomically correct buzz- words unless you are writing erotica. Finally, adjectives and adverbs are your friends now.
Good luck.
~Kate
Pick up Nora Roberts, Christine Feehan, Suzanne Brockmann, Iris Johansen, and read, read, read. Remember to keep the scene sensitive and passionate. Avoid anatomically correct buzz- words unless you are writing erotica. Finally, adjectives and adverbs are your friends now.
Good luck.
~Kate
Re: Sex scenes (WARNING: PG-13 or R material)
This is probably one of the most important things about writing sex scenes, which is very hard to write to begin with (puns intended). I've found the simpler, more straightforward approach the better.
This is probably one of the most important things about writing sex scenes, which is very hard to write to begin with (puns intended). I've found the simpler, more straightforward approach the better.
Re: Sex scenes
I liked Maestro's post and quote. I'd like to see a little more straighforward responses here than people shunting the issue off to links and referred texts.
Let's talk about this!
I haven't written any sex scene's yet, but I know I've got some waiting in the wings for me in later chapters of my WIP. I'm as curious as the rest - how to portray sex in a way that is neither cheesy, clinical, nor crass.
Given the contemporary restrictions on POV, this is an especially "salient" issue.
I liked Maestro's post and quote. I'd like to see a little more straighforward responses here than people shunting the issue off to links and referred texts.
Let's talk about this!
I haven't written any sex scene's yet, but I know I've got some waiting in the wings for me in later chapters of my WIP. I'm as curious as the rest - how to portray sex in a way that is neither cheesy, clinical, nor crass.
Given the contemporary restrictions on POV, this is an especially "salient" issue.
Re: Sex scenes (WARNING: Adult material)
My opinion: you have to consider both sides -- who are your target readers and who are you? Obviously if you're writing romance, you'd write your sex scenes differently than, say, erotica or adult contemporary. The question is: how much, how far, and simply how?
Is it romantic, thus more "flowery"? Is it more sinister, thus raw and unrefined? Is it lustful and casual? What's your story about? Your language should reflect all that.
For me, I write mainstream stuff, so I can probably get away with more than other genres. I tend to write the scene as I see it, then pare down the language or unnecessary mechanics or make it more literary or less, depending on the tone of the story -- where it is in the plot, and who the players are. But I tend to write in simple language, even when I'm dressing the scene up with literary flare.
Below is an excerpt (an "almost" sex scene) from my upcoming novel, The Pacific Between. The scene happens in a sleazy bar and the main character is drunk and, actually, depressed. It's not very romantic and the language tends to be straightforward.
(Warning: PG-13 or R rated material follows)
My opinion: you have to consider both sides -- who are your target readers and who are you? Obviously if you're writing romance, you'd write your sex scenes differently than, say, erotica or adult contemporary. The question is: how much, how far, and simply how?
Is it romantic, thus more "flowery"? Is it more sinister, thus raw and unrefined? Is it lustful and casual? What's your story about? Your language should reflect all that.
For me, I write mainstream stuff, so I can probably get away with more than other genres. I tend to write the scene as I see it, then pare down the language or unnecessary mechanics or make it more literary or less, depending on the tone of the story -- where it is in the plot, and who the players are. But I tend to write in simple language, even when I'm dressing the scene up with literary flare.
Below is an excerpt (an "almost" sex scene) from my upcoming novel, The Pacific Between. The scene happens in a sleazy bar and the main character is drunk and, actually, depressed. It's not very romantic and the language tends to be straightforward.
(Warning: PG-13 or R rated material follows)
Re: Sex scenes
In my new novel, I have a very graphic sex scene in the shower, probably because I was feeling peppy that day. But usually I just write around the subject.
I would recommend writing to the level of your overall novel. If it's adult and graphic, then go for it. Otherwise just quit the chapter before it gets too clinical. For example:
When I got to my bedroom, Terrie was waiting for me.
What you don't want to do is bowdlerize the story. Don't use asterisks or faux sex descriptions. That's too "cute".
In my new novel, I have a very graphic sex scene in the shower, probably because I was feeling peppy that day. But usually I just write around the subject.
I would recommend writing to the level of your overall novel. If it's adult and graphic, then go for it. Otherwise just quit the chapter before it gets too clinical. For example:
When I got to my bedroom, Terrie was waiting for me.
What you don't want to do is bowdlerize the story. Don't use asterisks or faux sex descriptions. That's too "cute".
Re: Sex scenes
this reply could be considered unsanitary to the eyes and detrimental to the kindlier souls, so reader beware. in all honesty, it's probably best everyone skip it altogether.
i vow in the next sex scene i do to tell the size of the guy. i mean, 'nice' could mean anything. if he's the hero, hell yeah he's gonna be hung. what, you think superman couldn't do porn? people get squirley when you give 'em a number. i'm a nipple guy, so i want to know if there's something unusual about that, too. it's probably just me, but i don't go in for those ideal sexual encounters, where every touch and tongue tickle is the perfect thing to do at the perfect time and in the end both people have fantastic sex right off the bat. sure, it's possible, just not overly realistic to me. like having great sex in the back seat of a car. who's ever had that? or doing it on the dresser, knocking over all the junk on top, because you just can't seem to wait to make it to the bed four feet away.
i've always managed to avoid 'salty' and 'sweet' in my descriptions. just play-out, i think. how come no one ever licks a woman's neck and gags because they just tasted perfume? of course, my junk doesn't lend itself well towards idealized situations to begin with because that doesn't suit my nature as a reader or writer. with sex scenes, i try to write what i'd jerk off to, which is simple, to-the-point, and realistic.
the last sex scene i did was between two women. the one before that had her only memory of the experience being pain as she fell victim to a date-rape drug. my characters have sex to advance the story, not usually as any kind of consumation of love. if my characters are usually in love by the time they first have sex, i'm not convinced that detailing that has anything other than a titilating effect. i'm just not into that wild, passionate, perfect sex until dawn type of sex scenes. in particular, if my character is off his or her nut, i think that should be reflected in their style of sex.
furthermore, i believe a guy has sex usually to have sex, while a woman has sex for a variety of reasons. the guy will go as far as the woman let's him/pushes him, while the woman dictates the style of sex they'll be having overall by her mood and situation and surroundings and psychological profile. that's very broad, of course, but just as a generality i think that holds pretty true. if nothing else, a woman might *want* to have some rough stuff every now and then even if she doesn't indicate it.
what it boils down to is that there should be a rawness to the act to interest me. purple prose and over-conceived motions won't affect me, nor will ten pages of hard-core porn. obviously it depends on the genre you're writing for, your comfort level, and basically what your editor will let you get away will. my wife once pointed out a rather disturbing sex scene involving a woman and the devil in one of her romance books that looked from the cover to be a generic bodice-ripper.
i think, too, people write sex scenes just because that's what's expected. isn't it too often the case where the protagonists have strong feelings for one another, then once they have great sex decide they love the other? i reckon that from a storytelling perspective it's the only way to satisfy the reader, but what would happen if these two lovebirds had lousy sex? what if he was just an average size when she was looking for a deep-dickin' from the hero?
there's always a psychological/emotional reason for the sex in a good story. if there's not, it's just a waste of paper. the same could be said for using other ultimate acts such as violence. people just don't screw standing up in a crowded subway for no reason and that reason's just not as simple as 'we wanted to spice up our love life.'
this reply could be considered unsanitary to the eyes and detrimental to the kindlier souls, so reader beware. in all honesty, it's probably best everyone skip it altogether.
i vow in the next sex scene i do to tell the size of the guy. i mean, 'nice' could mean anything. if he's the hero, hell yeah he's gonna be hung. what, you think superman couldn't do porn? people get squirley when you give 'em a number. i'm a nipple guy, so i want to know if there's something unusual about that, too. it's probably just me, but i don't go in for those ideal sexual encounters, where every touch and tongue tickle is the perfect thing to do at the perfect time and in the end both people have fantastic sex right off the bat. sure, it's possible, just not overly realistic to me. like having great sex in the back seat of a car. who's ever had that? or doing it on the dresser, knocking over all the junk on top, because you just can't seem to wait to make it to the bed four feet away.
i've always managed to avoid 'salty' and 'sweet' in my descriptions. just play-out, i think. how come no one ever licks a woman's neck and gags because they just tasted perfume? of course, my junk doesn't lend itself well towards idealized situations to begin with because that doesn't suit my nature as a reader or writer. with sex scenes, i try to write what i'd jerk off to, which is simple, to-the-point, and realistic.
the last sex scene i did was between two women. the one before that had her only memory of the experience being pain as she fell victim to a date-rape drug. my characters have sex to advance the story, not usually as any kind of consumation of love. if my characters are usually in love by the time they first have sex, i'm not convinced that detailing that has anything other than a titilating effect. i'm just not into that wild, passionate, perfect sex until dawn type of sex scenes. in particular, if my character is off his or her nut, i think that should be reflected in their style of sex.
furthermore, i believe a guy has sex usually to have sex, while a woman has sex for a variety of reasons. the guy will go as far as the woman let's him/pushes him, while the woman dictates the style of sex they'll be having overall by her mood and situation and surroundings and psychological profile. that's very broad, of course, but just as a generality i think that holds pretty true. if nothing else, a woman might *want* to have some rough stuff every now and then even if she doesn't indicate it.
what it boils down to is that there should be a rawness to the act to interest me. purple prose and over-conceived motions won't affect me, nor will ten pages of hard-core porn. obviously it depends on the genre you're writing for, your comfort level, and basically what your editor will let you get away will. my wife once pointed out a rather disturbing sex scene involving a woman and the devil in one of her romance books that looked from the cover to be a generic bodice-ripper.
i think, too, people write sex scenes just because that's what's expected. isn't it too often the case where the protagonists have strong feelings for one another, then once they have great sex decide they love the other? i reckon that from a storytelling perspective it's the only way to satisfy the reader, but what would happen if these two lovebirds had lousy sex? what if he was just an average size when she was looking for a deep-dickin' from the hero?
there's always a psychological/emotional reason for the sex in a good story. if there's not, it's just a waste of paper. the same could be said for using other ultimate acts such as violence. people just don't screw standing up in a crowded subway for no reason and that reason's just not as simple as 'we wanted to spice up our love life.'
Re: Sex scenes
Preyer, I feel like your commentary seems to be directed, partially, to my little example. People writes sex scenes differently. I don't give sizes -- that's too clinical. I'm not writing porn, so I don't write "my nine inches of manhood." Besides, everytime when a narrator tells me he has a nine-incher I just cringe. The sex scene I described in my example is far from "ideal" -- but you don't know since it's out of context: the protagonist is so distraught at this point he wanted to f***, anything, and cheap women (with perfume and all) excite the sleezy, primal part of his psyche. There's nothing "romantic" about this scene, but at the same time, I don't want it to be clinical and describe length, girth, the actual penetration... Also, I find stories (mostly erotica) in which every male protagonist is hung like a horse and every female protagonist is built actually ridiculous. For me, personally, spare me that 9" or 38D cup. It's cliche.
There is a difference between erotica/porn and literary sex scene.
Sure, the character could have said "Wow, you're a big boy" instead of "nice." But now that becomes "cheesy," I think. I find nothing wrong with sweet and sweat if the descriptions fit the scene (e.g. in that sceen, "sweet" refers to the whiskey, which is a characterization on the narrator's part).
Sometimes the sex scene is part of a fantasy -- for example, the perfect sex in a romance is fantasy. There's nothing wrong with depicting two people in love having great perfect sex if your story calls for it and if the readers expect it. Obviously, if your story is about two strangers starting to know each other -- two teenagers in the backseat of a car for example -- then your scene should be realistic (then again, is the backseat first sex of Leo and Kate in Titanic real or pure fantasy?)
I would also tell you that there are plenty of women who would have sex just to have sex, and there are men who have sex for a variety of reasons. I caution about stereotypes.
I agree with katdad: write your sex scene consistent with the rest of the story. Your sex scene should serve a purpose to advance the plot or develop the character. Otherwise, it's perfectly okay to say "they went into the bedroom and shut the door" and skip the scene altogether.
Here is where your betas and reviewers come in. If they have problems with your sex scenes, listen to them. Is it too raw? Too tame? To flowery? To unrealist? Too cliche? Too sappy? Too cute? Too nasty? The author sometimes can't tell because 1) she's too close to the story; 2) sex scene is difficult. Also, use both men and women with different backgrounds and sexual experiences as your readers. If all of them like your sex scenes, you've struck gold.
Preyer, I feel like your commentary seems to be directed, partially, to my little example. People writes sex scenes differently. I don't give sizes -- that's too clinical. I'm not writing porn, so I don't write "my nine inches of manhood." Besides, everytime when a narrator tells me he has a nine-incher I just cringe. The sex scene I described in my example is far from "ideal" -- but you don't know since it's out of context: the protagonist is so distraught at this point he wanted to f***, anything, and cheap women (with perfume and all) excite the sleezy, primal part of his psyche. There's nothing "romantic" about this scene, but at the same time, I don't want it to be clinical and describe length, girth, the actual penetration... Also, I find stories (mostly erotica) in which every male protagonist is hung like a horse and every female protagonist is built actually ridiculous. For me, personally, spare me that 9" or 38D cup. It's cliche.
There is a difference between erotica/porn and literary sex scene.
Sure, the character could have said "Wow, you're a big boy" instead of "nice." But now that becomes "cheesy," I think. I find nothing wrong with sweet and sweat if the descriptions fit the scene (e.g. in that sceen, "sweet" refers to the whiskey, which is a characterization on the narrator's part).
Sometimes the sex scene is part of a fantasy -- for example, the perfect sex in a romance is fantasy. There's nothing wrong with depicting two people in love having great perfect sex if your story calls for it and if the readers expect it. Obviously, if your story is about two strangers starting to know each other -- two teenagers in the backseat of a car for example -- then your scene should be realistic (then again, is the backseat first sex of Leo and Kate in Titanic real or pure fantasy?)
I would also tell you that there are plenty of women who would have sex just to have sex, and there are men who have sex for a variety of reasons. I caution about stereotypes.
I agree with katdad: write your sex scene consistent with the rest of the story. Your sex scene should serve a purpose to advance the plot or develop the character. Otherwise, it's perfectly okay to say "they went into the bedroom and shut the door" and skip the scene altogether.
Here is where your betas and reviewers come in. If they have problems with your sex scenes, listen to them. Is it too raw? Too tame? To flowery? To unrealist? Too cliche? Too sappy? Too cute? Too nasty? The author sometimes can't tell because 1) she's too close to the story; 2) sex scene is difficult. Also, use both men and women with different backgrounds and sexual experiences as your readers. If all of them like your sex scenes, you've struck gold.
Re: Sex scenes
Just a note to say I edited the original topic line to reflect the fact that it's veering into adult content territory.
Just a note to say I edited the original topic line to reflect the fact that it's veering into adult content territory.
Re: Sex scenes
Another point I want to expand on.
My private detective novels are adult oriented. They contain graphic descriptions of crime violence (one novel has a sadistic serial killer). They also have unfettered adult language. So within that context, I felt it okay to include a fairly graphic sex scene.
That being said, I'm not pandering to the "sex-starved" or "lust-killer" reader, either. I'm simply describing a realistic, modern city (Houston) and showing as it is, rough edges throughout. So there's some bad stuff in the books, as you might imagine for a modern hardboiled PI venue.
I certainly don't expect that I'll find copies of my book with pages turned down to mark the "good parts". On the other hand, friends have remarked that my "Chapter 38 shower scene" is a rouser. If I were to post it here, it would be edited for certain.
Another point I want to expand on.
My private detective novels are adult oriented. They contain graphic descriptions of crime violence (one novel has a sadistic serial killer). They also have unfettered adult language. So within that context, I felt it okay to include a fairly graphic sex scene.
That being said, I'm not pandering to the "sex-starved" or "lust-killer" reader, either. I'm simply describing a realistic, modern city (Houston) and showing as it is, rough edges throughout. So there's some bad stuff in the books, as you might imagine for a modern hardboiled PI venue.
I certainly don't expect that I'll find copies of my book with pages turned down to mark the "good parts". On the other hand, friends have remarked that my "Chapter 38 shower scene" is a rouser. If I were to post it here, it would be edited for certain.
Re: Sex scenes
Here is another article worth reading: Site link removed per request of other site's Webmaster
In my opinion, a sex scene should be real enough for the audience to relate to. It should be essential to the story (as UJ says, advance the plot, add character development, and/or support the theme). And it should have some unique element that separates it from the thousands of other sex scenes out there. Simple, right?
Jen
Here is another article worth reading: Site link removed per request of other site's Webmaster
In my opinion, a sex scene should be real enough for the audience to relate to. It should be essential to the story (as UJ says, advance the plot, add character development, and/or support the theme). And it should have some unique element that separates it from the thousands of other sex scenes out there. Simple, right?
Jen
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Re: Sex scenes
Jen, I think that's very important. Is it an integral part of your story and what purpose does it serve? If it stops the story and we just see two people rolling naked in bed... you have to ask, is there a point to that? Why should I care? For example, at the end of my 1-page scene, something happens that defines the character and moves the plot along. The sex scene adds details to the character's transformation.
Another way to look at it: if you cut out the scene, do you lose anything vital to your story? If the answer is a resounding yes, then keep it. Otherwise, you have a choice.
Jen, I think that's very important. Is it an integral part of your story and what purpose does it serve? If it stops the story and we just see two people rolling naked in bed... you have to ask, is there a point to that? Why should I care? For example, at the end of my 1-page scene, something happens that defines the character and moves the plot along. The sex scene adds details to the character's transformation.
Another way to look at it: if you cut out the scene, do you lose anything vital to your story? If the answer is a resounding yes, then keep it. Otherwise, you have a choice.
Re: Sex scenes
Yes, exactly!
Sex and violence (and, to some extent vulgar language) are all powerful tools. We should be careful not to abuse them. They should be used sparingly and to greatest effect, not for simple shock value. If they are not important to the story, many readers will see through the sham and skip the scene.
Yes, exactly!
Sex and violence (and, to some extent vulgar language) are all powerful tools. We should be careful not to abuse them. They should be used sparingly and to greatest effect, not for simple shock value. If they are not important to the story, many readers will see through the sham and skip the scene.
Re: Sex scenes
My main character develops into something of a womanizer and is just supposed to be one of those legendaty old Hollywood figures who had a lot of wives and affairs. He develops through the story as a mild mannered "nice guy" to something of a manipulative SOB with a heart lol. It's hard to explain. So I'd think the sex scnes where they don't have to be graphic and overly plentiful have to be somewhat realistic.
My main character develops into something of a womanizer and is just supposed to be one of those legendaty old Hollywood figures who had a lot of wives and affairs. He develops through the story as a mild mannered "nice guy" to something of a manipulative SOB with a heart lol. It's hard to explain. So I'd think the sex scnes where they don't have to be graphic and overly plentiful have to be somewhat realistic.
Re: Sex scenes
Here's an example from the project:
So the two went into a modestly sized and decorated room. It had a few posters of old silent films adorning the walls, a small dresser, which contained her jewelry and clothes, and the first thing Jack noticed, a small bed.
        “I know it isn’t much, but you can only afford so much just starting out,” she said, a bit embarrassed.
        “It’s alright, it’ll be enough for us.”
        So they fell onto the bed and began to tear each other’s clothes off, resulting in the flying in the air of socks, shirts, underwear and the like. Once they were undressed fully they fell into each other in rapturous ecstasy. They groped and caressed and engaged in all manner of physicality while they enjoyed the other’s body. They lasted a good while before they stopped and fell into each other’s arms.
Here's an example from the project:
So the two went into a modestly sized and decorated room. It had a few posters of old silent films adorning the walls, a small dresser, which contained her jewelry and clothes, and the first thing Jack noticed, a small bed.
        “I know it isn’t much, but you can only afford so much just starting out,” she said, a bit embarrassed.
        “It’s alright, it’ll be enough for us.”
        So they fell onto the bed and began to tear each other’s clothes off, resulting in the flying in the air of socks, shirts, underwear and the like. Once they were undressed fully they fell into each other in rapturous ecstasy. They groped and caressed and engaged in all manner of physicality while they enjoyed the other’s body. They lasted a good while before they stopped and fell into each other’s arms.
Re: Sex scenes
Has anyone here read Neil Gaiman's short story, "Tastings", from his compilation "Smoke and Mirrors"? The sex is clinically described, and extraordinarily effective without being- and having been intended to be- erotic in the least. I usually hate reading sex scenes, but the story is among my favourites.
Just as an aside, THANK YOU MacAlStone for posting the link to that page from the fabulous UJ thread. I'd been hunting for the word "proprioception" (which Jim posted) for a few months- could remember the definition, but not where I'd read the word.
Has anyone here read Neil Gaiman's short story, "Tastings", from his compilation "Smoke and Mirrors"? The sex is clinically described, and extraordinarily effective without being- and having been intended to be- erotic in the least. I usually hate reading sex scenes, but the story is among my favourites.
Just as an aside, THANK YOU MacAlStone for posting the link to that page from the fabulous UJ thread. I'd been hunting for the word "proprioception" (which Jim posted) for a few months- could remember the definition, but not where I'd read the word.
All About Romance (AAR) is a web site devoted to romance readers and writers. It's a fairly influential site for the genre, and there's some good advice there for any writer.
AAR has an annual "purple prose parody" contest that's worth taking a gander at in terms of how not to write, and for a giggle.
http://www.likesbooks.com/ppppageindex.html
And then there's the annual "bad sex" writing contest sponsored by the <cite>Literary Review</cite>. I can't find a direct link to it, but there's a good summary at Kuro5hin:
http://www.kuro5hin.org/story/2004/12/14/55030/217
I find that I'm annoyed by sex scenes from writers with little understanding of human anatomy—like the novel I read recently where the hero's phallus is described entering a woman's cervix, or another that referred to him "pressing deep inside her womb."
While we're on the topic, I'd like to point out the difference between areola, the dark ring of flesh surrounding a nipple, and aureola, an alternate spelling for aureole, a circle of gold or light around a holy person or a deity, yes, that's right, a halo. Here's the AHD entry for aureole, and for areola.
You can keep the two apart by thinking of their etymologies; an areola is an area around the nipple; it has the Latin cognate for area in its name.
An aureola is a golden halo; you'll notice it has the Latin root au-, or "gold" as its root.
Edited to link the URLs since EZ Board hates me.
AAR has an annual "purple prose parody" contest that's worth taking a gander at in terms of how not to write, and for a giggle.
http://www.likesbooks.com/ppppageindex.html
And then there's the annual "bad sex" writing contest sponsored by the <cite>Literary Review</cite>. I can't find a direct link to it, but there's a good summary at Kuro5hin:
http://www.kuro5hin.org/story/2004/12/14/55030/217
I find that I'm annoyed by sex scenes from writers with little understanding of human anatomy—like the novel I read recently where the hero's phallus is described entering a woman's cervix, or another that referred to him "pressing deep inside her womb."
While we're on the topic, I'd like to point out the difference between areola, the dark ring of flesh surrounding a nipple, and aureola, an alternate spelling for aureole, a circle of gold or light around a holy person or a deity, yes, that's right, a halo. Here's the AHD entry for aureole, and for areola.
You can keep the two apart by thinking of their etymologies; an areola is an area around the nipple; it has the Latin cognate for area in its name.
An aureola is a golden halo; you'll notice it has the Latin root au-, or "gold" as its root.
Edited to link the URLs since EZ Board hates me.
Mediavalist, that's hilarious. I can see it now... "I got so excited when I saw and felt Mary's aureola." Sacrilegious!
Re: Sex scenes
As those posts I linked to said, if you can replace the scene with "and then they had sex," you either need to revise the scene or cut it out.
Oh, I wasn't "shunting the issue off to links and referred texts," I was attempting to provide useful information.
As those posts I linked to said, if you can replace the scene with "and then they had sex," you either need to revise the scene or cut it out.
Oh, I wasn't "shunting the issue off to links and referred texts," I was attempting to provide useful information.
Maestrowork wrote:
<blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr> Mediavalist, that's hilarious. I can see it now... "I got so excited when I saw and felt Mary's aureola." Sacrilegious!<hr></blockquote>
It's rough living in the twenty first century, and being a medievalist. First, I spend a lot of time reading saint's lives and religious texts, then I pick up a novel to relax, and <em>I've still</em> got people with halos to deal with, only around their breasts now!
Plus, reading medieval literature requires one to cultivate a bawdy sense of humor; this can be very dangerous in this day and age.
<blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr> Mediavalist, that's hilarious. I can see it now... "I got so excited when I saw and felt Mary's aureola." Sacrilegious!<hr></blockquote>
It's rough living in the twenty first century, and being a medievalist. First, I spend a lot of time reading saint's lives and religious texts, then I pick up a novel to relax, and <em>I've still</em> got people with halos to deal with, only around their breasts now!
Plus, reading medieval literature requires one to cultivate a bawdy sense of humor; this can be very dangerous in this day and age.
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