Even though writing about sex probably ranks on the joy scale somewhere between reading about it and having it, Elizabeth Benedict feels that many writers don't do justice to the act. So she has developed a novel idea: a guide book for fiction writers seeking to create better sex scenes. Benedict, a teacher in Princeton University's Creative Writing Program, doesn't concern herself with pornography but rather with a contention that sex scenes are pivotal in carrying the plot, story and character of some novels. Her point is emphasized through many interviews she conducted with authors on their experience with and views on writing about sex. Now, if she would only visit the film industry . . .
From Library Journal
Novelist Benedict (Safe Conduct, Farrar, 1993), currently on the faculty of Princeton University's Creative Writing Program, has written a book for fiction writers who would like to write better sex scenes. She is not concerned with pornography but with using sex as an element of plot to carry the story forward. The author quotes from many writers whom she interviewed to illustrate her points, from Sandra Cisneros on the young girl who lost her virginity at 12 in Woman Hollering Creek to Carol Shields on sex between long-married couples in Stone Diaries to Allen Barnett in a chapter on sex in the age of AIDS. Benedict's focus is on writing good sex scenes, which don't rely on clinical sex but rather on character, dialog, and plot. Well done; recommended for writing collections.?Lisa J. Cihlar, Winfield P.L., Ill.Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Novelist Benedict (Slow Dancing [1985]) offers valuable advice on writing about sex in the context of good fiction. Much of her text is taken up with the words of other writers--John Updike, Robertson Davies, and Dorothy Allison, among them--who provide their own takes on how to use explicit sex in literature. The largely commonsensical advice isn't likely to make the earth move for too many fledgling writers, but that doesn't mean it won't be good for them: "Sex is nice but character is destiny" ; "A good sex scene is always about sex and something else." Along with pure how-to advice, Benedict supplies some thought-provoking literary criticism on sex in the modern novel, and, yes, there are plenty of X-rated examples for those whose interest is as much recreational as professional. (As Benedict notes, "It's OK to be aroused by what you write." ) Despite its sense of fun, this volume is far more substantive than most how-to-write manuals and is certain to be of interest to aspiring writers of literary fiction. Ilene Cooper
Review
"Skillfully balanced between a primer for the M.F.A. crowd and a smart essay for the literary generalist...The Joy of Writing Sex proves again that when it comes to books, quality is what counts."-The Philadelphia Inquirer
"Here is clearly the most enterprising how-to book of our era...sane and straightforward and-he said bashfully-very interesting."-Scott Turow
"The definitive book on writing sex in fiction that is a wonderful and handy compendium of how to write-and have fun with-sex"--Carolyn See
Review
"Skillfully balanced between a primer for the M.F.A. crowd and a smart essay for the literary generalist...The Joy of Writing Sex proves again that when it comes to books, quality is what counts."-The Philadelphia Inquirer
"Here is clearly the most enterprising how-to book of our era...sane and straightforward and-he said bashfully-very interesting."-Scott Turow
"The definitive book on writing sex in fiction that is a wonderful and handy compendium of how to write-and have fun with-sex"--Carolyn See
Book Description
Five years after it was first published, The Joy of Writing Sex remains the classic guide to writing convincing sex scenes. Elizabeth Benedict covers all the issues, from the first time, to married sex and adultery, to sex in the age of AIDS.
Her instruction, supported with examples from the works of today's most respected writers-among them, Dorothy Allison, Russell Banks, Alan Hollinghurst, Joyce Carol Oates, Carol Shields, and John Updike-focuses on crafting believable sex scenes that hinge on freshness of character, dialogue, mood, and plot.
In this revised edition, Benedict addresses the latest sexual revolution, intimacy on the Internet; adds new interviews with Edmund White, Darren Strauss, Stephen McCauley, and other writers; and updates her selections to include examples from the best fiction of the past few years.
About the Author
Elizabeth Benedict is the author of four novels, including Slow Dancing, which was a finalist for the American Book Award, and the recently published Almost. She has taught fiction writing at Princeton University, the University of Iowa Writers' Workshop, the New School for Social Research, and Swarthmore College. She lives in New York City.
The Joy of Writing Sex: A Guide for Fiction Writers FROM THE PUBLISHER
Elizabeth Benedict is here to help you craft compelling sex scenes that are just right for your fiction - whether your story calls for an encounter that sizzles or one that fizzles. Benedict has explored sensuality in her own novels with great success. So in The Joy of Writing Sex, she covers all the issues head-on - from how to handle creating fiction your grandparents might not approve of, to writing about sex in the age of AIDS. You'll learn to construct scenes that hinge not on the mechanics of sex, but on the freshness of characters, dialogue, mood, plot - all the ingredients of powerful fiction. Throughout, you'll benefit from the voices and experiences of some of today's most prestigious writers - among them, John Updike, Dorothy Allison, Russell Banks, Joyce Carol Oates, Carol Shields and Alan Hollinghurst. For absolute clarity, Benedict uses examples from the finest contemporary fiction to illustrate her points. She takes care to examine each excerpt in context of the whole piece, to help you develop the skills you need to objectively analyze your own work. In the final chapter, you'll find exercises to help you master elements such as dialogue, setting and tone.
FROM THE CRITICS
Scott Turow
. . . the most enterprising how-to book of our era . . . sane and straightforward and — he said bashfully — very interesting.
Philadelphia Inquirer
. . . The Joy of Writing Sex proves again that when it comes to books, quality is what counts.
Library Journal
Novelist Benedict (Safe Conduct, Farrar, 1993), currently on the faculty of Princeton University's Creative Writing Program, has written a book for fiction writers who would like to write better sex scenes. She is not concerned with pornography but with using sex as an element of plot to carry the story forward. The author quotes from many writers whom she interviewed to illustrate her points, from Sandra Cisneros on the young girl who lost her virginity at 12 in Woman Hollering Creek to Carol Shields on sex between long-married couples in Stone Diaries to Allen Barnett in a chapter on sex in the age of AIDS. Benedict's focus is on writing good sex scenes, which don't rely on clinical sex but rather on character, dialog, and plot. Well done; recommended for writing collections.-Lisa J. Cihlar, Winfield P.L., Ill.
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