Capitalist Sex in the Modern Novel – Writing Intimacy under Precarity with Leila Levy Gale

Clinical depictions of sex have become a common feature of contemporary literature. Does this reflect where we are socially and economically? How do money and class shape desire? And how do we represent sex, intimacy and power whilst translating these tensions into compelling fiction? 

Using examples from modern and contemporary fiction, we will explore how class and money influence desire, power and emotional connection. Through discussion, close reading and creative exercises, we will examine where sex and intimacy functions as exchange, how inequality shapes the desire presented in the novel, and where ‘capitalist sex’ is actually visible.  

What will you do in the workshop? 

We’ll begin with a short interactive exercise exploring different ideas of intimacy, followed by close reading and discussion of contrasting literary examples. Participants will then complete short writing exercises exploring the different ways in which desire can be communicated, experimenting with proximity, hesitation and implication. 

What can participants expect? 

We will send out excerpts from novels by writers spanning different literary periods – from Gustave Flaubert and Anaïs Nin to Sally Rooney and Jem Calder.  

Bursary places

We have 5 free bursary places available for writers on a low income. We define this as either earning on or below the London Living Wage and/or in receipt of benefits (e.g. Universal Credit). If you would like to request a bursary place, please email hello@londonwriterscentre.org.uk with details of your eligibility for a bursary by Wednesday 7 October 2026.  

Access Needs

The Zoom has live captioning. If you require BSL interpretation, and/or have other access needs please email hello@londonwriterscentre.org.uk so we can accommodate you.