“What Gives About the Bate in Books?”
QUESTION:
Maybe I’m weird, but I still love to read fiction, more than I watch TV or films. But most guys in books don’t seem to masturbate, at least it isn’t often mentioned. Isn’t this unrealistic? Most actual guys do it a lot! Why is there such a void of this kind of thing in books?
RESPONSE:
It’s nice to hear from someone who reads books, something I have loved since I was a kid, and this is something I have noticed myself. Maybe many writers, like so many other people, are still inhibited from talking about the subject openly. Maybe some authors feel that their readers are more interested in other forms of sex shared between characters. Still, the best advice for aspiring writers is not to write for a potential reader—write for yourself first.
Though it’s true there seems to be a glaring gap on the subject in most literature, there are some famous, notable exceptions. The best-known masturbator in the last century of fiction is probably Alexander Portnoy, the Narrator of “Portnoy’s Complaint” by Philip Roth. Published in 1969, the first-person narrator is a neurotic “mama’s boy.”
He confesses in explicit detail how many different ways he has found to stimulate his penis. Even in those days when people hailed the Sexual Revolution with liberalized attitudes, masturbation remained more awkward for many people. The fact that many libraries in the USA banned the novel certainly added to its allure!
Going back farther, there are certain classics of modern literature such as “Ulysses” by Irish experimental writer James Joyce, which depicts masturbation, but in terms so poetic and focused upon reactions and metaphoric descriptions than actual detail of activity, it may not prove clear or arousing to most readers. Certainly “Our Lady of the Flowers,” by French writer Jean Genet, written while he was in prison and with the intention of providing himself with masturbation fuel, also describes masturbation, as well as plenty of homosexual activity. Unfortunately, later editions were made less explicit.
Some more recent novels, such as “Lonesome Dove” by Larry McMurtry clearly refer to characters masturbating, though there is no graphic description of going on. Often, they are mainly self-conscious about anyone else knowing what they are actually doing.
At the same time, though their works don’t often depict anything of the kind, it is a known fact that many great writers have been great masturbators. The famous Beat writer Jack Kerouac was actually called “The Great Masturbator” by his close friends, who knew this about him. Other famous writers who used self-pleasure to inspire their creativity include Thomas Wolfe, John Cheever, Gustave Flaubert and Honore de Balzac. The Beat novelist William S. Burroughs often mentions masturbation in his novels, but it is seldom satisfying or described in detail.
As the author of nine published books myself, I’ve often depicted male masturbation graphically and in a positive light. My high fantasy series “The Moontusk Chronicles” includes a lot of explicit masturbation, along with plenty of male sex. In “The Purchasing Mother’s Son,” the main character John Perch loves to masturbate.
Let’s hope that more writers pick up this worthy subject and do it the justice it deserves!
A note from The Batemaster: I’m honored that the guys at BateWorld have asked me to respond to some questions from male masturbators around the world every week.
Always check with your doctor about any issues you might be experiencing with your sexual organs. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are important. This article’s purpose is to inform and entertain readers and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.
For some great reads specifically about masturbation, try these:
New Book Release THE 24HR MASTURBATION MASTER by BW Member Saboteur
I seem to remember a quick mention of bating in THE INVISIBLE MAN by Ralph Ellison. The protagonist goes to a porn theatre and shoots his load on the seat in front of him.
There’s also probably the most beautiful description of bating in RAGTIME while the character, Mother’s Younger Brother, watches Evelyn Nesbett and Emma Goldman having sex.
I’ll have to go back to have another look at INVISIBLE.
Interesting observation, yes I vaguely recall reading about Roth’s masturbation adventures. I too have read quite a few books of what I consider erotica and it is seemingly rare where authors delve into male masturbation. I recall Vox by Nicholson Baker to be a good one, I think the main character describes himself masturbating.
Perhaps your questioner could also give it a try, I’ve written about my own experiences about masturbating and posted them on various websites over the eons. Some BW members post their storys on BW in the blog post section.
I had one story published in Penthouse Letters eons ago and my one and only book debut – Betty Dodson published a book some years ago. Her publishing company’s appropriately named: Downthere Press.
Dodson collected storys from writers (guys & gals) who shared their masturbation experiences and she picked mine along with several other writers. Believe I even got a small check later on. What a thrill to be a paid & published writer. Also I think writing erotica is a challenge.
I am a big reader, and jacker, so this is an excellent blog. Thanks