What makes for good dirty talk? (~in fic)

[birdsofshore]

I had an idea for a story and it would probably involve a lot of dirty talking and general filthiness. Then I realised that this is something I really struggle with.

What, in your opinion, makes dirty talking hot in fic? Are there things that just don't work for you when you're reading it? What is your favourite kind to read? Have you got a favourite story that involves dirty talk? And, if you're a writer, can you give me any tips? Because I sort of stink at it. I do try, because I know it's great when it works, but I usually fail and have to be bailed out by a beta. I got several compliments on a filthy line in a recent fic and it was actually raitala's doing, LOL.

I even feel awkward READING dirty talk, often, because I'm not always sure how I feel about people calling each other slut and so on, and I'm not fond of porny descriptions of dripping holes. So I basically need a Dirty Talk primer. Can you help? Thank you!

Comments

[writcraft]

A number of people have already commented on the fact it's an individual preference and it really is. I like humiliation and degradation as a kink so I'm very happy to see that sort of dirty talk in a fic, but it also depends on the characters and the circumstances. I also love cross-dressing and playing with fetishes, so talk about male characters looking pretty somehow really hits my kink buttons, whereas I know that's a real back-button for others.

For H/D, I love a toppy Draco getting downright filthy, showing the impact through the way the characters react (BLUSHING HARRY FTW! :D) and I do like dialogue with sex scenes although I'm not particularly good at writing it :P - I tend to prefer Draco doing filthy things but then saying something fairly innocuous (i.e. not explicit descriptions) but because of what he's doing that phrase sounding filthy in the context of the actions. In fact, as a general rule that's probably one of my favourite kinds of dirty talk. Because I imagine Severus reading the Quibbler sounds like the filthiest porn ever, he also doesn't have to be particularly explicit with his dirty talk for me :D - he can just purr something like the alphabet in someone's ear and I'll be all over it. On that note, sometimes the description of the way someone says things works for me too, particularly if you don't want to get overly explicit in the actual content of what they say. Depending on the POV you're writing from, the reaction of the character being 'talked' at to the tone, the change in pitch of a voice, the hint of command and so on can be really very nice indeed.

I also like Character A encouraging Character B to be more vocal - sort of forcing the character who is a bit awkward about talking dirty to try to express what they're feeling - but that can of course stray into humiliation, so that might not work for you.

I would think of fics where you have seen it done successfully from your perspective - something which really made you think 'I like this!' (IN FIC :D) and then figure out what sort of boxes it's ticking and why, then set up a dynamic which works for that sort of dirty talk.

Sorry for the ramble <3

[birdsofshore]

Oh, great advice, thank you!

I love a toppy Draco getting downright filthy, showing the impact through the way the characters react (BLUSHING HARRY FTW! :D)

YES PLEASE. I think I had underestimated the other character's reaction to the whole thing. But, I also know that the right line in the right place can be devastating if its worded correctly. It's that power I'd like to have!