As a romance writer, writing sexy scenes comes with the job. But writing a good, hot, original scene is the trick. Here are my tips to get you in the mood.
Monica James
1. It all started with a kiss. Sex isn't just about getting down and dirty, it's about all the good stuff in between that leads up to the Big O. In some scenes, a good, hot, passionate, all consuming kiss will suffice because in most circumstances, it all starts with a kiss. Never underestimate the impact of a good "make out" scene because it gives the readers a taste of what's to come.
If your characters just met, odds aren't they aren't going to be banging boots on the next page. Allow not only your characters to get to know one another, but allow your readers to get to know your characters too.
2. Be original. I think writing a good sexy scene comes down to two things: the build up, and the originality of the scene. There are so many books out there with so many different sex scenes, and for your book to stand out, you have to be original. Don't be afraid to push the boundaries, because for me personally, it's not about writing or even reading an explicit sex scene,…it's about how that scene was different than any other I have read or written before. Shake it up a little-your readers will thank you for it.
3. Keep it simple. This is most imperative when writing a good sex scene. It's all about the feels. Readers want to feel what your characters are feeling, not given a run by run account of where their limbs are positioned, or how many steps it took to get to the four-poster bed, which has an ornate carved canopy, where there are five throw pillows and a silky yellow bedspread. Being too clinical can ruin the scene, and using too many adjectives can kill the mood completely. Avoid the purple prose at all costs! Allow your readers to use their imagination to fill in the blanks.
4. Say it like you mean it. When I wrote Addicted to Sin, I had to forget my mum would probably have a coronary reading it and stick to the storyline 110%. There is no half assedness (yes, I totally made that word up) when writing a sex scene, or any scene for that matter. Go hard or go home. Your readers will be able to identify if you're skating around the corners, too afraid to be graphic if the scene requires it, or on the flipside, being too graphic just for the sake of it. Choose the words you use carefully, and don't hold back.
5. No sex can be sexy! There is such a thing as "sex overkill." Don't throw a sex scene in just for the sake of it. Your readers will grow bored at your character's 127th orgasm and most likely skim through the book to see if they do anything other than have sex. One well written, explosive, appropriately placed sex scene is sometimes all a good book needs. Don't use sex to fill in the blanks. It doesn't work in real life, and it doesn't work in fiction either!
6. If you're feelin' it, then your readers are probably feelin' it too! When I write a sexy scene, I always know I'm onto a winner if I need to take a cold shower afterwards! However, if I'm on YouTube, searching "dancing cats," then I know the scene is a snore fest and I need to re-work. My motto is: If I'm bored, then my readers are probably bored, too! And if that's the case, then it's time to get the creative juices flowing.
7. You said what?! There are some words which NO reader wants to read when a sex scene is involved, especially when those words are referring to the bits n pieces of our hero and heroine. Euphemisms can be your best friend, or they can be your worst enemy!
Acceptable euphemisms versus cringe-worthy euphemisms:
Well-hung length versus huge ding dong
Ripened center versus moist pink clam
Or consider, "They did the horizontal mambo," to "They fell in sync with each other, their bodies becoming one."
You don't have to be graphic or vulgar to get your point across. Again, keep it simple.
And steer clear of words such as:
Moist
Thrust
Juicy
Gaping hole
And any gross bodily fluid descriptions.
If you can't read your euphemisms without bursting into fits of laughter, odds are your readers won't be able to either.
8. Know who they are. If your character is an innocent, shy, virginal creature one minute, then a raging dominatrix in spandex and leather the next, it may be a little hard for your readers to digest. I try and write my sex scenes to be a believable part of my character's journey, and be in step with their personality. It's okay to show growth, but a total personality change may give your readers whiplash.
Don't have your character turn from rookie to pro overnight. With practice comes perfection, and it'll make the scenes a little more realistic, too.
9. To speak, or not to speak! Dialogue is such an imperative part of writing, but is talking during sex too much talking? Personally, I like my characters to converse. Not elaborate conversations about the weather, or how it's Aunt's Marvis' 90th birthday next week. But dialogue which assists the scene and moves the story right along is excellent. Dialogue is a handy tool to avoid clichés of how "wet" or "tight" one is. It allows the character to express to the other how they're feeling, or how that character feels to them.
Avoid porn talk unless it's necessary. And watch your "oohh's" and "aahh's" Readers want smart, sexy smut, not a badly written porno!
10. Have fun! This is the most important thing. If you're not having fun writing it, then your readers are not going to have fun reading it! Be a little risqué and inspire. Remember, what happens in the fictional bedroom doesn't necessarily have to stay in the fictional bedroom if you write a good book!"Bite marks are love notes written in the flesh."
Enjoy!
M
