If you are thinking of reccing me something

[eliyes]

Here is a thing I have discovered about myself as a reader: if it starts with a sex scene, I won't read it. If the first sentence mentions sex-related body fluids, I will close any tabs/delete any e-books by that same author. If the summary is about an action-adventure but the first two chapters are just the characters having sex, I get mad.

And this may be a bit hypocritical of me -- I've written PWP fic myself, after all -- but I don't really think so, because even my PWPs start with kissing or finding a location in which to have sex or feeling attracted. I need some build up. (Most of my fic is nothing but build up!) Stories without foreplay -- and I don't even necessarily mean between the characters, but rather between the story and myself -- are not my cup of tea. They get an "Oh! EW! Get it away!" reaction, much the same as being flashed.

(eta: And lest anyone on my f-list thinks this is specifically aimed at them... it's only generally aimed at you, as a "in future" thing. It is prompted, however, by my receiving several book reccommendations from my mother which just didn't work out. Unless she's a really terrific actor, she's not on my f-list.)

Comments

[taichara]

At least this is the one thing you know you never have to deal with from yours truly? }3

[eliyes.livejournal.com]

True. *high five*

[taichara]

*highfive!*

[krillia.livejournal.com]

Much the same. Sex tends to be odd and awkward in fic, and therefore is not very intriguing without buildup (it's kind of odd and awkward in reality, as well, with or without buildup). Then again, I'm extraordinarily critical of first paragraphs in general. Hell, a bad first SENTENCE can be a deal-breaker for me. I probably only finish about 25% of what I open.

But if I ever start reading fic/books for fun again and have the desire to rec something, although I'm usually very cautious of such things because I hate making assumptions about other folk's tastes, I shall keep it in mind!

[eliyes.livejournal.com]

I am likewise critical of first sentences and/or paragraphs, sex aside. Depending on length of what I'm reading, I may give a whole first page, but if something doesn't catch me -- or worse, bothers me, offends me, or bores me -- I don't go on. Life is too short to read things I won't enjoy.

Conversely, things with really good first sentences earn a lot of leeway from me.

[kiffie.livejournal.com]

I will point out that your quizzing glass shortfic was, hilariously, more sensual than most sex scenes I've read.

I love it so.

[eliyes.livejournal.com]

#^_^# La, sir! You do make me blush so!

[ja-bucc.livejournal.com]

What Kiffie said about the quizzing glass ficlet. :D

I prefer the whole read-between-the-lines thing, myself.

[eliyes.livejournal.com]

Hee~

I am fond of that one as well, though not terribly good at writing it. Perhaps relatedly, I tend to find stories, poems, and songs full of euphemisms hilarious.

[ja-bucc.livejournal.com]

I am fond of that one as well, though not terribly good at writing it. Perhaps relatedly, I tend to find stories, poems, and songs full of euphemisms hilarious.

Me too. :) The less you actually say, the more your imagination can play. (Hey, that rhymes....)