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

[lq-traintracks.livejournal.com]

I think what counts as good has great potential to change depending on the fic, the pairing, the characterization of that pairing in that fic, your mood, etc. (In other words, this comment may be severely unhelpful.)

I think being unsure of the dirty talk before you even write one word of the fic sets you up badly, tbh. You don't get to just experience the natural flow of the story, because you're already worried about this one aspect that, for all you know, could write itself when you get to that point. I would say, maybe try to get back in touch with what you loved about the idea and concentrate on that. The dirty talk will either be a natural outpouring of your already churning enthusiasm for the story or it'll turn out not to *need* dirty talk or just a smidgeon of it or other multitudes of outcomes.

At first I loved the idea for this post -- yes, let's all talk about what we like in dirty talk! \o/ But now I'm sort of wondering if it might lead you to look outside yourself, like... "Okay, I'm going to write this thing; what do other people like in that regard?" Rather than, "What do I want to write? What sorts of dirty talk do *I* enjoy? What would *my* character say here?"

I honestly think that if you write what *you* love, it'll be great. If you let the fic tell you what it needs, it'll feel organic and fresh, as opposed to figuring out beforehand what's good and what's not, because that's not only different for each one of us; it's probably different for you on different days and with different set-ups.

So, I guess, in a nutshell, I'd say focus on what you're already excited about in the story and let the rest just happen as it will. Maybe you just *can't* see the dirty talk from where you're at, and it'll take starting the fic to find it.

<3

[birdsofshore]

The dirty talk will either be a natural outpouring of your already churning enthusiasm for the story or it'll turn out not to *need* dirty talk or just a smidgeon of it or other multitudes of outcomes.

Yes, I agree! This is great advice. I think I just feel a bit inhibited about dirty talk and having a couple of pointers to focus on if I feel 'stuck' or lacking in confidence, will really help. For instance, a lot of people have said that it's the other person's reaction that does it for them. If I'm worried that my lines are not effective enough, I can add in more reaction from the listener, and that could really help.

It also came up that silly, awkward dirty talk could even be OK. That was definitely helpful! Do you remember that line, "I am, I'm going to come all over your jeans"? LOL! We both really liked that one, if I remember. But it was actually sort of ridiculous. So that also frees me up, to remember that a line can be silly or dorky and still be sort of hot.

I was never planning to do it by numbers, don't worry. I just need a few nudges in the right direction, and a little sharpen of the things I *do* have in my toolbox. I've enjoyed everyone's ideas very much!

[lq-traintracks.livejournal.com]

After I wrote this, I felt like the fucking Grinch who stole dirty-talk Christmas! Sorry about that. :-P

I totally agree that the listener's response is at least half the hotness!

And yeah, there have been plenty of times when I've been reading and the dirty talk was suddenly sort of funny or sweet or both but it was STILL a turn on. What's the jeans one from?? Something very recent, yes? I do remember loving that!

Really, depending on the fic, I can find lots of versions of dirty talk hot: humiliation, virginal fumbling dialogue, similes ("I'm going to fuck you like __." "God, your arse is ___ as ___."), etc.

I'm really glad you've gotten some good inspiration from people. (And that you don't think I suck too bad for not giving my own.)

[birdsofshore]

Oh, you gave loads of good advice! Really. I've just emailed you, as well, because I wanted to say something specific about that fic I sent you. Your advice really rang true there, and I'm going to remember it.

The jeans was from, what's it called, This Unstoppable Thirst. With the sex potion, and Draco says, 'I'm going to come." Harry says "no you're not," and Draco says "Yes I am, I'm going to come all over your jeans." *snort*

[capitu]

This. All of it, you clever lady, you!