Romance in Fanfic
Alright, I know I’m sticking my neck out here with this one, but it’s something that’s been weighing heavily on me lately and been the topic of many conversations with writer friends. I’ve started to notice, as I explore the depths of different fanfic libraries, the increasing amount of sexual activity that is being added to them. This leads me to ask whether an author is really being true to the characters if they have them engaging in romantic activities that go beyond the obvious boundaries set forth in the show?
I know that many people believe that this makes their stories more realistic, but does it really? I often think of Jane Austen, who is considered by many to be the master of romance, yet whose more conservative in her depiction of romance than most “Christian” romance authors today. Some say that leaving out “that” side of the human emotion makes the characters appear wooden or unbelievable, but if that’s true, then why are writers like the Bronte sisters and Jane Austen still exceedingly successful today? So, I have to wonder whether this increase is indeed because it adds “realism” to the story, or whether it’s simply because the boundaries for what’s acceptable in today’s culture have been broadened.
Just because it’s a part of life and it has been deemed acceptable to write about, does that mean something so sacred as a relationship between a man and a woman should be explored and trampled upon until it’s something considered “ordinary”? Until teens have it beat into their heads that these relations mean nothing except a good time?
Just some food for thought. I know I’ve covered a broad range of topics in this post, but I do think they are all fairly connected. I’d be interested in the different opinions as I’m not trying to “stir the pot”, but more trying to understand the “why” behind such stories.