Consent matters! But it isn’t always represented effectively in fiction. This session will inspire writers to use a smart approach to consent in order to hone and enliven characters, scenes, and stories—and to help shift the narratives around sex, pleasure, power, and safety in our world. We’ll discuss craft elements such as conflict/goal/motivation, character development and arc, theme and messaging, and romance resolution. The session will also touch on ways to recognize and lean into strong, effective representations of consent, and to notice and fix accidentally harmful depictions.

Eliot West (eliotwesteditorial.com) is an editorial freelancer specializing in romance and fantasy fiction, including narrative games. They have a PhD in English literature and particular interests in inclusive language, gender diversity, human sexuality, and consent—a knowledge base that informs their edits and queries.