Final answer:
The writing of sexual scenes by authors involves balancing personal comfort levels with the authentic portrayal of characters, and it's often refined through a recursive process.
Step-by-step explanation:
Thomas C. Foster, in discussing the writing process of sexual scenes, does not provide explicit advice in the material provided. However, it can be inferred that when an author is considering the complexities of a character's sexuality and the spectrum of sexual interactions, the comfort level becomes an instrumental part of how graphic or implicit the scene will be.
The literary analysis of such scenes requires an understanding of the characters' identities, their interactions, and the overarching societal norms influencing these portrayals. Writing about gender and sexuality often necessitates a deep dive into feminist and gender criticism, sexuality on a continuum, and how these might shape characters' perceptions and interactions.
Writing sexual scenes can be challenging as it requires a balance between sensitivity and honesty. It is important for the author to recognize their own boundaries and comfort levels, while also staying true to the character's development and the story's authenticity. The recursive nature of the writing process suggests that an author may revisit and revise sexual scenes numerous times as part of developing the narrative and characters' relationships.
Therefore, considering the portrayal of sexuality is crucial, not just for character development but for the impact on readers who also have diverse perspectives on sexuality and identity.