Writing Love Scenes for Romance By Sarma Burdeu
*Please note: This article contains adult concepts. Suitable for 18+
Now that romance novels have gone beyond the bedroom door it is acceptable (if not obligatory depending on the line) that your story have one or more love scenes.
For some this comes naturally, although I won’t say easily as no writing comes easily. For others it’s a daunting prospect and can lead to sitting in front of a blank screen wondering ‘how do I do this?’
If that’s you then hopefully the following points will help get you going – so to speak.
FOREPLAY
Make time to fantasise. Find time when you’re alone and unlikely to be interrupted, get comfortable and let your imagination take flight. Fantasise as yourself, or one of your characters. Maybe they’ll go places you don’t usually go. Follow them.
Some writers like to create the mood with candles, music, lingerie. Others can be creatively sensual in the midst of day to day household turmoil. Finds what works for you.
· Read ‘how to’ books (about sex I mean, not writing). Read romantica, erotica, or even hard-core porn, non-fiction books on the subject .
· Visit an adult store (on line is quick and convenient). See what’s on offer, what tickles your fancy, what turns you off. If you find something intriguing, research it.
· Many women’s magazines carry all manner of informative articles on sex and sexuality. Back copies in your library will provide an endless source of fascinating information.
· Watch movies (either mainstream or porn) with a detached eye. Take note (either mental or real) of situations, places, actions, reactions. Watch facial expressions, listen to responses. Ok, these are all contrived situations and responses, but then so is your story.
You may never use much of what you discover but you never know when you’ll stumble across that certain ‘something’ that will work perfectly for your stories. It will also make you used to the subject. Any knowledge you gain is never wasted.
GETTING DOWN AND DIRTY
§ To bring life to your love scene requires more than cursory description. You’ve brought us to your characters’ bed (or wherever they are), take the time to see the whole picture.
You can’t HAVE sex without getting ‘up close and personal’. You can’t WRITE love scenes any other way either.
Your readers aren’t just taking a peek around the bedroom door, they have flung it open and are blatantly watching, and they need to get the most out of what they are seeing. Don’t short-change them (your readers and your characters) by only giving them a cursory description.
Be subtle but be explicit. The two work beautifully together.
Stopping ‘to smell the roses’ not only paints a more vivid picture, but can soften the impact of explicit language.
What do they SEE?
What do they HEAR?
What do the SMELL?
What do they TASTE?
What do they FEEL?
THE BOTTOM LINE
Write what you want and need to write. You write how you feel, what your characters feel. Let them say, do and think what they need to for who they are. And for who you are.
For more detailed information on Writing Love Scenes for Romance why not sign up for my online workshop or contact me to purchase the Workshop Notes -
For some this comes naturally, although I won’t say easily as no writing comes easily. For others it’s a daunting prospect and can lead to sitting in front of a blank screen wondering ‘how do I do this?’
If that’s you then hopefully the following points will help get you going – so to speak.
FOREPLAY
- Give yourself permission to totally immerse yourself in ‘the action’. If you don’t live it in your mind your characters won’t live it on the page. I would go as far as to say it’s mandatory to be turned on by what you’re writing. Again, if you’re not, then how can your readers be?
- Be totally comfortable with writing about sex. If you’re not, it will show in your writing.
Make time to fantasise. Find time when you’re alone and unlikely to be interrupted, get comfortable and let your imagination take flight. Fantasise as yourself, or one of your characters. Maybe they’ll go places you don’t usually go. Follow them.
Some writers like to create the mood with candles, music, lingerie. Others can be creatively sensual in the midst of day to day household turmoil. Finds what works for you.
- You’re creating a fantasy for your readers - and for yourself. Even if your characters aren’t doing anything out of the ordinary you may feel your own experience isn’t sufficient or varied enough. There’s nothing like research for extra inspiration and information.
· Read ‘how to’ books (about sex I mean, not writing). Read romantica, erotica, or even hard-core porn, non-fiction books on the subject .
· Visit an adult store (on line is quick and convenient). See what’s on offer, what tickles your fancy, what turns you off. If you find something intriguing, research it.
· Many women’s magazines carry all manner of informative articles on sex and sexuality. Back copies in your library will provide an endless source of fascinating information.
· Watch movies (either mainstream or porn) with a detached eye. Take note (either mental or real) of situations, places, actions, reactions. Watch facial expressions, listen to responses. Ok, these are all contrived situations and responses, but then so is your story.
You may never use much of what you discover but you never know when you’ll stumble across that certain ‘something’ that will work perfectly for your stories. It will also make you used to the subject. Any knowledge you gain is never wasted.
GETTING DOWN AND DIRTY
§ To bring life to your love scene requires more than cursory description. You’ve brought us to your characters’ bed (or wherever they are), take the time to see the whole picture.
You can’t HAVE sex without getting ‘up close and personal’. You can’t WRITE love scenes any other way either.
Your readers aren’t just taking a peek around the bedroom door, they have flung it open and are blatantly watching, and they need to get the most out of what they are seeing. Don’t short-change them (your readers and your characters) by only giving them a cursory description.
Be subtle but be explicit. The two work beautifully together.
- The day for euphemisms in love scenes has gone so you need to be totally comfortable with the language and situations you use. Try pushing your comfort zone and exploring new words and scenarios. You may find yourself writing in a way you hadn’t imagined you could – and loving it. If not, go back to what you suits you.
- Love scenes in romance novels must serve a purpose – progressing the plot or showing character growth/change. Know why they are having sex when they do. Know what it means to them and the plot development. Make us aware of this before, during and after the love scene (motivation and aftermath).
- It’s not the description of body parts, or the ‘ins and outs’ (no pun intended), or the words used to do so, that make the work sensual/sexy. It’s bringing your reader ‘into the moment’ with your characters, experiencing the story through them – through their minds and their bodies. Give your reader access to your character’s thoughts and feelings.
- Ensure the ‘action’ flows – don’t be afraid to choreograph your characters’ movement either before the writing or in the re-writing (whichever works best for your). Make sure clothing hasn’t magically disappeared, or hand and mouths aren’t in places they couldn’t have been a moment ago.
- Sex is sensual (involving all the senses). As the creator of the scene you’re in a position to see things in slow motion, to take the time to add the detail which ‘shows’ us what is happening rather than merely ‘telling’ us. Be aware of the sensual possibilities.
Stopping ‘to smell the roses’ not only paints a more vivid picture, but can soften the impact of explicit language.
What do they SEE?
What do they HEAR?
What do the SMELL?
What do they TASTE?
What do they FEEL?
THE BOTTOM LINE
Write what you want and need to write. You write how you feel, what your characters feel. Let them say, do and think what they need to for who they are. And for who you are.
For more detailed information on Writing Love Scenes for Romance why not sign up for my online workshop or contact me to purchase the Workshop Notes -
