#lqt talks about writing smut

[lqtraintracks]

Is there a difference between what you find the hottest in smut and what you find the hottest in reality? Are there parallels?

You sure came in here with a banger, didn't you?

I let this marinate for a few days (a week?) something like that. The trick is probably going to be in giving a genuine answer that also doesn’t bare all of me and my secret fantasies to the internet. The answer would be a little more detailed in a circle of friends rather than shared on the tumbles. 

Be that as it may (under a cut because of sexual topics):

Is there are difference? Yes. Are there parallels? Yes, and even hell yes.

I write things I would never want to try myself. Watersports. Great on the page. SUPER hot. It can be hot to me when other people engage in it; under certain circumstances I could watch it. Have less than zero interest in doing it.

There are plenty of things I find hot both on the page and in my own mind that would be hard nos in reality. Deep-throating? Hot in fic. Sometimes in porn, though it has to be ~just right~. In reality, it’s a hell no for me. No shame to people for whom it is a hell yes! That’s why I love writing it! It’s hot. In theory. And when I’m in control of how it happens and to whom, and I can zoom in on their inner thoughts and desires while it happens. That’s what makes it hot for me more than even the thing itself. 

That said, yes, there are plenty of parallels. There are plenty of things that I write that I also love to do, have done, etc. I will leave that to your imagination! But I’ve realized pretty recently that I’m sort of gray ace and demi as well as queer. I would rather read about most things, write most things, than do them. Doesn’t mean I haven’t done and enjoyed a lot of them or won’t again. I’ve lived what I can safely say is likely more than half the life I’m going to get. I’ve done a lot. I’ve tried a lot that I loved, that I hated, that I’m neutral about, that was bad with one person but then great with another. I’ve been top, bottom, Dom, sub, tried lots of positions and role plays and places and kinks and sorts of people. I’ve had traumatic experiences and ecstatic ones. I’ve had boring sex and off-putting sex and one night stands and years-long relationships, good and bad. I have an extremely prolific sexual imagination, and I enjoy my own company. If you know what I mean.

But there’s a reason I write so much smut. I absolutely love it. When I’m writing sex, I’m both in complete control and absolutely uninhibited. I bare my soul with all my clothes still on. I write characters having near-religious experiences with each other and can simultaneously give them orgasms and soul-shattering love. It’s messy but only in the ways that I decree. If I want to do something realistic and have someone stop in the middle of anal sex because they feel like they’re about to shit themselves (and their partner) I can—but I don’t have to! It’s idealized, which makes it both less and more than real sex. I can experience hate sex without hating anyone! I can explore pain play more than I could probably stand in real life (giving or receiving). It’s a different kind of creative act, sometimes fueled by actual sexual fantasies but just as much by my writer’s drive to try something new with my art and to explore characters without limitations.

I hope this yes-and-no answer isn’t too unsatisfying. If so, just go read some smut instead! I’ve found that tends to do the trick. :D

Thanks for the balls-out ask! I had fun thinking about it! <3

[sitp-recs]

Hey Liv, I sent you a fanniversary message yesterday, but I was talking to my partner about fanfic and fandom and I realized something else that you've had a huge impact on. Before I found your blog, I felt so guilty whenever I'd read certain "problematic" pairings and tropes. I bought into the idea that some YA authors were "creepy" for writing about teenagers in certain ways.

Your posts and reblogs about SALS and similar really allowed me to find acceptance for myself and also gain a way better understanding of fiction and fantasies. I feel like I can not only freely enjoy these kinds of works but I can now intellectually talk to others about it!

The internet is just such a cesspool of hate and judgement, but our little section of the Drarry fandom is just so wonderful for its diversity and acceptance. Thank you for your part in that.

PS. I definitely had some squicks that I never imagined touching before seeing your recs. Lemme tell ya, I've definitely gotten over most of those now 🙃🙃

Part 1:

Oh wow, this is truly one of the most inspiring and rewarding things I’ve heard ever since I created the blog! I don’t have words to express how emotional I got reading this, and realizing I might have had a small impact on something that speaks to me on such a profound level. Making people feel safe and welcome in their interests and kinks has always been my top one priority here. This blog is very much a 18+ space and I did my best to include in my recs a range of ships, ratings, kinks and tropes. I remember I had no expectations of getting any kind of buzz or overall support once people started noticing where I stood, or when they figured out I was a starker shipper lol 😂

As someone who consumes a lot of smut, and particularly the so-called “problematique” stuff - hello age gap my beloved! - practicing SALS and Kinktomato has never been a doubt, it’s more like a life philosophy at this point. It’s the one principle I knew I wanted to follow as soon as I decided to run a blog. And I’m so incredibly pleased to hear that my blog helped you work through all of that in a safe way, but I just can’t forget to mention the amazing work many talented authors - some of them quite big and popular in the Drarry fandom! - did and still do providing brilliant and varied kinky and rare pair content. I’m talking about lqt, shiftylinguini, bixgirl, ruinsplume, Writcraft and so many others. They certainly paved the way for new authors who at times felt unseen, insecure or afraid of backlash. So their courage fuels mine, and their passion for art and creativity inspires me to keep sharing appreciation for these works. Thanks again for sending such a special message and for staying around since the blog’s early days, I appreciate that so much! Honestly, this made my night 💜

[lqtraintracks]

ur ask on smut vs reality was MWAH MWAH PERFECTION

I'm very glad you thought so! Thanks so much! :D

For anyone who may have missed it and would like to read my thoughts on the subject, the post is here. <3

[sitp-recs]

Do you know of any fics under 10k that aren’t too angsty? ❤️

Hi anon, I most certainly do! Thanks so much for sending this ask, I was super excited when I saw it because I’m always happy to celebrate short fics - they could use more appreciation! I’ve wanted to do a proper shorts reclist for a while so I indulged myself and went big, hope you don’t mind! Putting this together was quite hard - going through my bookmarks I realized that I usually go for angsty shorts 💀 so I tried my best not to include anything too extreme, I hope these are okay!

This became a lil monster with 40 recs (and I have lots more hehe) so I decided to sort them by genre - the last category includes light angst (more on the contemplative side) because I can’t help myself. Shout-out to @tackytigerfic for giving me a 2nd opinion and helping me polish this - and for being a darling in general. Happy readings!

ROMANCE/COMFORT

1. Sun Stroke by @peachpety (2020, E, 3k)

Warm, sexy and wholesome, this fic makes my heart soar with the magical beach setting, amazing friendship dynamics and the sweet get together with a delicious side of smut!

2. oxygen [Fic & Art] by @maesterchill (2020, T, 4k)

Tentative acquaintances become something more over a shared smoke at the balcony. Sexy, mature, deliciously atmospheric and full of promise - plus Healer Draco is always a treat!

3. Catch the Snitch (No, Catch My Heart) by @prolix- (2020, E, 4.5k)

Gorgeous bath fic where Harry and Draco just... take care of each other. The raw emotion packed here! Lush and vivid build up with stunning body worship, hot and intimate and breathtaking.

4. Thermodynamic Equilibrium by DorthyAnn (2017, T, 5k)

This quiet comfort fic gives our boys some well deserved healing through physical touching and late night companionship. Love the 8th year atmosphere, soothing and familiar.

5. Blue Sky Is Living Here Today by ignatiustrout (2018, G, 5k)

The loveliest kid fic you’ll see today - real characters, gentle longing, soft understanding. It’s a joy to watch dad Draco through Harry’s smitten eyes, as he realizes there’s no rush to live that love.

6. Gravity Centered by @carpemermaidtales (2019, E, 6.7k)

Possibly my favorite Quidditch fic, this has an original premise and amazing Drarry dynamics, casual and organic, sassy and familiar, with a perfect lil twist at the end!

7. Up The by @shiftylinguini (2018, E, 7.5k)

One of the funniest PWPs I’ve ever read, clever and charming with easy banter and delicious smut. A sweet and sexy glimpse into the Drarry married life! Cw Mpreg

8. And a Malfoy in a Pear Tree by lauren3210 (2015, E, 8k)

Sweet sweet coffee shop Christmas romance! Love the light and fun atmosphere, the easy banter and cute wooing while supportive Ron cheers in the background, what a treat!

9. Ice Snakes, Glow-worms and Wolverine Stew by khalulu (2015, M, 8.4k)

Khalulu writes the softest Drarry, it never fails to put a smile on my face. This has a gentle and sweet get together, with lovely slow burn, a gorgeous San Francisco setting and matchmaker Kreacher 💗

10. Life goes not backward by @shealwaysreads (2020, T, 8.8k)

This delicate comfort fic has a special way to tug at my heartstrings - a gorgeous tale about found family and the unexpected wonders of life. Gentle, magical and breathtaking in its simplicity.

HUMOUR

11. in charge by @bonesliketambourines (2020, E, 2.4k)

The ultimate brat Draco, bossy and confident and absolutely gorgeous with his long hair and impossible snark. Charming and funny, this packs so much character and domestic bliss under 3k! Perfect spoiled Draco is perfect.

12. The Morning After by birdsofshore, capitu (2015, M, 5.3k)

This is hysterical and so delightfully creative - Draco exploring Harry’s kitchen and charming a prudish appliance is the kind of cute, silly endeavor I need with my morning coffee!

13. The Spoiling of Sex From Enthusiastic Ignorance by @cibeewastaken (2020, E, 6k)

I’m impossibly enamored with Cibee’s drama queen Draco and his passionate missions! This time he’s decided to get some good diq, and the dialogue and mutual pining will make you smile from beginning to end.

14. All Tied Up by MyNameIsThunder (2020, M, 6k)

This is a secret relationship delight! Sneaking around gets so much better when dramatic Blaise is losing his shit to protect the Council of Serpents’ integrity! A+ faux-drama, super fun and sweet.

15. Luckiest Fucking Size Queen Alive by @l0vegl0wsinthedark (2016, E, 6.2k)

My favorite brand of thirsty and chaotic Draco; being inside his mind is such a crazy ride and you won’t stop laughing for a second. Amazing dialogue and insanely scorching smut as per loveglows’ usual 🤤

16. Sex Ed for Aurors by curiouslyfic (2010, M, 8.7k)

This is a Harry triumph, so fun and charming! Here he’s the one chaotic and thirsty, for a change - I’m obsessed with his internal ranting under the lust potion. Brilliant narrative and top notch characterization, a classic!

17. Ferocious Determination, Insufficient Deliberation, and a Slightly Wrong Destination by Faith Wood (2012, E, 9.5k)

Drunk Draco has never been so absurd and I LOVE it! This goes from hilarious to vulnerable and sweet in a heartbeat; pining Draco is a precious thing and Harry’s gentle persistence made my heart swell.

18. Stand Back: I'm About to Perform Archaeology by Blowfish_Diaries (2018, E, 9.7k)

This fic could definitely use more appreciation - I had a blast with Draco’s hilarious voice and their cute married banter! The plot is quite original and I love the 8th year domestic vibes.

19. The Full Monty by @magpiefngrl (2017, E, 9.8k)

The calendar fic we deserve 👏🏻 this is ultimate thirsty Draco being completely obliterated by Harry’s casual attractiveness but mostly by his kind heart and big smile. One of my favorite comfort reads, hilarious, sweet and so damn sexy, the full monty combo is here!

20. Aural Gratification by birdsofshore (2014, E, 10k)

This fic is a classic, charming and hysterical with an adorable Harry thirsting over Draco’s smooth voice. Such an original concept and engaging read, not to mention the rewarding shade of smut!

SMUT

21. Tense by Faith Wood (2013, E, 3k)

Me, reading smut for the dialogue? It’s more likely than you think 😂 this fic is hilarious and hot all at once, with perfect banter and clever dialogue, really a smut triumph!

22. Under Your Skin by @p1013 (2020, Explicit, 4k)

Great premise and the sexiest build up, ugh so much teasing and anticipation as pierced Draco takes Auror Harry’s control away 🔥kudos at the A+ twist and promising ending!

23. The Slytherin Urn by @icmezzo (2015, E, 4.6k)

This fic’s geniality slaps me in the face, what a fascinating concept! Redemption kink and magical theory walk together as Harry loses his mind over competent Draco doing some badass curse-breaking ritual.

24. Once Bitten by Frayach (2012, E, 5.6k)

Still one of the hottest things I’ve ever read, lush and raw and absolutely breathtaking. Dark and tender at once, it explores biting kink with unapologetic precision and I love that!

25. Matched Set by astolat (2016, E, 5.7k)

One of my faves by the genius astolat, this is a perfect mix of hot size kink, A+ dirty talk and a brilliant and nuanced plot showing how Harry navigates his post-war reality. A must-read!

26. Teeth by @amelior8or (2020, E, 6k)

This fic is an emotional rollercoaster and goes from light-hearted and casual to vulnerable and tender in a second. Hot and intimate feat scorching wall sex, gut-punching lines and enthusiastic consent🔥

27. Born Slippy by @dracoladon (2020, E, 8.3k)

My favorite clubbing fic ever, clever and sensual, a master class in UST including the drunk haze confusion and panty kink as a treat! I can’t even talk about this fic without blushing 😳

28. The Page Eleven Wars by fireflavored (2010, E, 8.5k)

Competitive boys fighting for dominance both in bed and at the gossip column’s first page This is peak enemies to lovers: witty banter, hot smut screaming switching rights and feisty stubborn idiots finally getting over their asses.

29. The Things They Never Say by @bixgirl1 (2017, E, 9k)

Angry porn with (many) feels, this feels like a punch to the solar plexus. The explosive Drarry chemistry gives way to something quieter and gentler and full of longing, ugh but it aches so good. Absolutely exquisite!

30. Sweet Indulgence by @the-sinking-ship (2020, E, 10k)

The title says it all; this is a lush and charming read, with chaotic but nuanced Draco pining over authoritative, edgy Harry 😳 steaming pent up tension that culminates in glorious semi-public smut, is your body ready?

CONTEMPLATIVE/SOFT ANGST

31. Sharing a Pack by sugar_screw (2016, E, 2.7k)

A fully fleshed-out love story in less than 3k, with complex characters and powerful feels. Raw, poignant and unbelievably romantic.

32. Still Life by orphan_account (2019, M, 3k)

A superb and gut-punching story where Harry realizes all the little things that make Draco so very different from him - and falls in love anyway. Powerful in its simplicity and concise elegance.

33. Harmony (Left-Handed Melody Remix) by mindabbles (2010, M, 5.8k)

Draco finds his way post-war and Harry meets him in the middle. Aching and bittersweet but also hopeful, with a delicious side of coconut cake, Harry in black robes and Romeo & Juliet as soundtrack.

34. Let Me Have You and I'll Let You Save Me by Frayach (2012, M, 6k)

Enemies to lovers deluxe version! Come and feast on this original narrative, amazingly clever, rich and detailed, telling us an unlikely but inevitable love story.

35. A Pain of Our Choosing by @lqtraintracks (2020, E, 6k)

Broken boys fucking through their issues and healing together during the post-war is so my jam! A+ LQT goodness, this fic is evocative and quietly devastating, but full of feels and hope.

36. Our Little Life by @tackytigerfic (2020, M, 7k)

I’ve screamed about this brilliant fic recently; inventive, poignant and utterly romantic, this fic shows all the ways in which Harry and Draco find each other across space and time.

37. the keys to your kingdom by thistle_verse (2016, E, 7.5k)

A beautiful love story packing an impressive amount of character, conflict and emotion. We are invited to witness as work partners Harry and Draco finally take a leap of faith and grow out of their casual arrangement.

38. Clear As Mud by scoradh (2005, M, 9.8k)

Subtle and heart-wrenching, the sharp and clever narrative creates fascinating dynamics between this brilliantly written Draco and poor oblivious Harry trying to make sense out of it. An all-time fave. Cw: infidelity (not Drarry).

39. fine i'll hold my breath / til i forget it's complicated by teatrolley (2015, E, 10k)

Fucks buddies gone wrong but make it soft so we get to watch as pining Draco patiently waits for Harry to get the memo. Sweet and intimate, with lots of late night talks and comfortable silence.

40. Tidings of Comfort series by @blamebrampton (2012, G, 10k)

Quietly cathartic and atmospheric, this fic is a poignant balm to the soul; such a beautiful tone, such lovely interactions! A must-read for those who enjoy church settings, honest talks and redeemed Draco. All-time fave.

[sitp-recs]

Blood and Fire by @lqtraintracks

Harry/Draco, Ginny/Pansy (2017, Explicit, 45k)

Harry has spent the last twelve years in Romania, not returning to England as often as he knows he should. It's complicated. But when Ginny asks him to be her best man and help her plan her wedding, he can't say no. Having a reckoning with his choices, with himself, won't be easy. To say nothing of seeing Draco again.

Harry felt the discombobulation of his worlds meshing uncomfortably, of the evidence that nothing had remained as it was and was now far, far messier than he'd been prepared for.

This is my favorite fic by lqt. I love it so much it took me a while to revisit it because I just knew I would stay up crying my fucking heart out but I couldn’t not read this after seeing “dragons” in my #gameofdrarry cards. The perfect build up, brilliant characterization and sinful smut are all a given with lqt, of course - but I’m so so weak for break up/make up and this fic is something else when it comes to this trope. For starters, the atmosphere is absolutely insane. Each and every interaction is charged and meaningful, the longing, resentment and desire mixed in a chaotic formula ready to snap right before our eyes and I just can’t. Look. Away. Despite the quote I highlighted, I couldn’t possibly pick a favorite scene - this story is a chain of perfect moments and lines, one after the other, unjustly beautiful and carefully crafted to put a lump in my throat and drive me crazy with anticipation.

My god, the YEARNING! The exquisite sexual and emotional burn! The stolen looks and the secretive smiles! The banter (Something in Harry felt restless in a way only goading Draco could soothe) and the tailoring scene and the concert t-shirt line and the quick and hot fuck on a dresser (!) and the first name basis and that wicked tattoo and their Patronuses (!!) and Draco wearing those fucking jeans (!!!) and then that breathtaking embrace and THE VOWS and the WAITING 😭 *sigh* as you can see this fic gets me so deeply overwhelmed I can’t even write a decent rec, I’m just reliving it without giving proper context and it feels as inadequate as the comment I left last night. I can only hope that the lovely lqt will forgive me and accept my utter appreciation for her offensive sheer talent at making my heart swell.

I could spend the whole week talking about the fabulous sexual tension but there’s something bigger and more precious here: the quiet, the intimacy, the slow acceptance of love and the gentle and scary certainty that comes with it, (and in their case) with a devastating sense of sorrow (All Harry wanted to do was stop time / “I can’t ever forget”). My second favorite thing are of course Draco & Mione / Harry & Pansy’s bonding moments (“Even when I’m unsure, I know”) and the genuine camaraderie everyone that stayed behind built while Harry was gone. No matter how heart wrenching, I loved seeing him filled with nostalgia, rethinking his life choices and wondering about his fate. There’s a mature tone about it all, not quite depressing, more like a “coming of age” sweet melancholia that I found particularly moving. I feel like this story could have gone one of two ways: either a blissful but unrealistic reunion, or a bitter and devastating confrontation. Lqt found a third way because this was both and neither at the same time, sad but tender, painfully honest but also generous and hopeful. Watching Harry relearn himself - as Draco learns his scars -until he’s ready to take a leap of faith was the most amazing, aching experience. Go read this NOW!

Read on AO3

[lqtraintracks]

Hi! I was wondering: if you were to create an LQTT Sampler, a selection of 3-7 fics that are the most representative of your works/range/themes, which ones would you choose?

Magpiiiie! I’m so sorry this is late as hell. I was going to wait and do it so that I could include Blood and Fire, but I’m probably going to talk about that one in another ask soon, so I think I’ve changed my mind about including it here. I may instead do a bit of a less-widely-read LQT sampler if that’s okay. Because there are fics that I don’t talk about as much that I still like. Here goes!

I was thinking about POV in stories -- which I haven’t played with in a while. But I have some second and first person stories that I’m really happy with, so I’d like to throw those out there: 

How to Resist Shagging Teddy Lupin and How to Bag Harry Potter are a match set of Harry/Teddy second person stories in the style of the amazing short story writer, Lorrie Moore. Sort of. I mean, there’s only one Lorrie Moore! But I tried as best I could to emulate her instructional and acerbic 2nd person style, and I had a riot of a good time writing the both of these! For second person Drarry, there’s also Entropy to Ecstasy, which I’m quite happy with. There is much, much rimming in that one! ;P

For first person, I wanted to mention two: Charlie Weasley’s Fuck Autobiography, the name of which I absolutely abhor to my bones, but I love (nearly) everything else about this story, and it was super great fun to write in Charlie’s POV here! For Drarry first person, there’s The Artist, which I wrote for That Picture fest, an hommage to @alekina‘s gorgeous H/D dark mark art.

Smut. Like, I’m not sure what I think my best smut is, but I have a few I really like a lot. I like It’s the Love of the Chase that Created the Ride for how turned on Draco gets by watching Harry fucking Potter be a powerful-ass wizard. I mean, sex on the Knight Bus against the window. I do love that. Heh. For similar reasons, I like Wands Away. What I like about it is that it starts with some pseudo-violence. Not actual hateful violence, but a physical fight all the same. I’m happy with how that comes across. So often I end up writing them sort of above that now, and it was really fun to let them get down and dirty before they got down and dirty. Then there’s threesome smut, which I love writing. I’d say a good example would be the Harry/Teddy/Draco that I wrote as a continuation of Shelly’s ( @whipmyhairlikebangbang) drabble, Making Out (which I highly recommend reading!!!), Making an Entrance. I love sometimes writing short, dirty, but also loving established relationship sex. It’s nice to set aside the how-they-get-together-ness of other stories and just dive into what it’s like once they are. 

As for other pairings, I quite like High Heels (have got me falling down on my knees), which is Ginny/Millicent and a butch/femme dynamic that I had a really great time playing with (I mean, butch Ginny going down on a garter-belt-wearing Millicent -- UNF!) Ahem. Uh, where was I? Oh yeah! Bounce Flip which is Albus Severus/James Sirius. I wrote Al as genderqueer, and I really love him in this, and I love James’s relationship with him. Plus Al gets done in a little skirt. Got the inspiration for this one from @awesomedig‘s super sexy art!

Okay, last two! LOL. I just wanted to throw a couple in there that nearly no one has read but that I still love. They’re both short and non-smutty, so I get why they don’t have as much traffic. ;) :D There’s white as death, fresh as snow which is Narcissa/Pansy and 200 words. I like the imagery in it and the tone. Then there’s some old H/D of mine, Sectumsempra, which I really love the feel of; I like some of the language a lot as well and the potential for their relationship.

Ugh, I don’t know if that’s a good sampler. It’s probably not at all! Sorry Magpie! But I enjoyed compiling it nonetheless. Thank you for the opportunity!