Topic 6:  The Consumption of Lemons
The standard definition of a lemon fanfic is one in which the characters 
engage in sex; but this isn't entirely accurate.  It would be more accurate to 
say that not only are characters participating in sexual liaisons, but their 
actions (and possibly emotions) are described in detail.

The first two questions that have to be answered are:
1.  Do the characters engage in sex in the original series?
2.  What are the characters' attitude to sex?

These questions assume, of course, that you care.  If having characters become 
intimate is the goal of the fanfic rather than the result of the storyline, 
then none of the arguments necessarily apply to you.  The two questions are 
important because they will determine the characters' actions and reactions to 
the situation.  If it is the result of the storyline, it will mark a new 
dimension to character relationships.  It does not necessarily mean that there 
will be a "Happy Prozac Ending" or no change to the status quo, but characters 
will should act differently toward each other if the answerd to the above two 
questions are negative (and probably even if the answer is "yes").

The decision to explicitly describe sex can be a difficult one.  
Theoretically, it limits your audience to those above a certain age.  There 
are also those that are offended by it, and you could lose them as an audience 
as well.  Keep in mind that the author never has to do anything.  The 
characters can have sex without it being described; two characters waking and 
acknowledging the act would be sufficient to advance the story.

The majority of lemon stories written are one-shots; which usually means that 
the purpose of the story is to have the characters engage in 
explicitly-described sex.  There is no conflict there (however disappointing 
the lack of story or characterization).  But why should you turn your story 
into a lemon (when you've already got a non-lemon story)?  There are several 
arguments:

1)  The physical act of making love is a turning point of the relationship 
(especially if the response to the above questions is "no"); because it is an 
important moment in time for the characters, it should not be glossed over and 
consigned to "and they woke up, had a quickie in the shower, and took the day 
off".
2)  As an important moment in time, the character's actions and emotions are 
tied together.  It is more powerful to describe feelings and what triggers 
them as they occur in the story rather than recounting them.  It is especially 
important if it is the character's first time, as it is one of the "big steps" 
of becoming an adult.
3)  Sex is simply an act that is a part of the human experience.  It is no 
different than fighting or learning.  And its more enjoyable (at least it is 
for most people).
4)  I like it.  And I can write it.  So there.  [blows raspberry]

The important thing is whether or not you, as the writer, are comfortable with 
the scenes.  There is the old adage that if you write it, there will be 
someone out there that likes it.  Because the requirements for lemon scenes 
are different than normal scenes, I would suggest the exercise mentioned in 
Topic #1.


Future Topics:
Topic 7:  The Power of the Dark Side (tone)
Topic 8:  I Slept Through High School English (form, basic english)
Topic 9:  Pass The Ketchup (the extras you include)
Topic 10:  Where There Was No Path (storyboarding)
Topic 11:  The Little Engine That Could (writing the thing)
Topic 12:  Self-Editing For Fun And Profit 
Topic 13:  What do YOU know?  (outside commentary or lack of same)