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In my Fantasy book, is sex and violence a bad idea...?

I'm writing a very detailed fantasy. Detailed ... as in the violence and the sex as well. It's not all about sex and violence though; those scenes are rare but they have purpose. But I was wondering if that would be a good risk or a bad risk? I know Fantasy is usually pretty clean but I wanted to try something different. Let me know if you, as a reader, would find it a good addition to the story. If you wouldn't care if it's there or not then whatev. =D

Public Comments

1. I think that if it is pertinent for your story, then you should risk it. Many writers in the fantasy genre have sex and violence in their books. I say go for it! Can you help me? http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090416201604AAfoHjd&cp=3
2. If I was the reader, I would be perfectly happy to have a few occaisonal violence scenes in my book as these add tension and excitement, but I wouldn't be too happy with the sex scenes - I would pick up a romance if I wanted that ;)
3. Fantasy is not usually pretty clean, contrary to common belief. I thought so too. Chances are, no matter how dark and squicky you go, someone has been darker and squickier. And more popular. Don't sweat it, just write it well.
4. It doesn't really matter, as long as the book is well written, because usually people will read it no matter what. Look at Twilight for example, that has just about everything.
5. I wouldn't mind it. Since, as you said, fantasy novels are pretty clean, it would make the book seem more interesting with a different take and perspective.
6. If it helps, go for it, but you oviously have to think about who is your story for...?
7. Know your audience... Are you writing for a male audience (lots of violence, little bit of sex), female may want (romantic sex, with a little bit of violence)...know your age group, know what they usually buy...publishing is about making money and knowing what your buyers want. This is where you should be headed with your questions.