Writing Craft
Mature Topics
Writing mature themes requires sensitivity and intention. This certificate program explores how to approach complex subjects responsibly while maintaining emotional authenticity and narrative integrity.
Courses
Handling Intimacy on the Page and Screen
Intimate scenes on screen must be handled with care and intention. Billy Mernit explores how to write romantic and erotic moments for film that feel honest and emotionally resonant. This session examines how to avoid clichés, respect character boundaries, and ensure intimate moments advance story and deepen connection.
How to Write Sex Scenes That Serve the Story
Writing sex scenes requires sensitivity, clarity, and purpose. Don Bruns, Honora Finkelstein, Kelly Nichols, Kristy Montee, Maggie Toussaint, Rhonda Pollero, and Susan Smily tackle what makes intimate scenes effective and meaningful. They discuss tone, restraint, and how intimacy can support story and character rather than distract from it.
Sex, Violence, and Bad Language: Everything That Makes a Book Great
Mature content can add power to a story when it serves character and plot. John Rector, Jonathan Woods, S.J. Rozan, and Scott Phillips discuss why elements like sex, violence, and strong language have a place in crime fiction when used with intention. This session explores how these choices can deepen realism, sharpen character development, and raise narrative stakes rather than feeling gratuitous.
When Does Sex Belongs in Crime Fiction?
Sex plays different roles across crime fiction subgenres. Alexandra Sokoloff, Harley Jane Kozak, Judi McCoy, and Sheila Connolly discuss when intimacy belongs in a crime novel and when it does not. This session explores reader expectations, realism, industry pressures, and how to handle sexual content responsibly without resorting to cliché or excess.
Writing Intimate Scenes That Feel Real
Effective sex scenes feel authentic and emotionally grounded. D. Alan Lewis, Michael A. Black, Nicole Nelson Hicks, Philip Cioffari, and Steven Womack explore how to write intimacy that serves character and plot. This session focuses on purpose, tone, and balance, helping writers avoid clichés while keeping scenes impactful and believable.