Some Like it Hot!!
You'd think with three books under my belt that I'd have finally figured out the secret to writing a great love scene, but I find that's not the case at all. Although I absolutely love the book I'm currently working on, I find I'm struggling with the initial sex scene, wondering if it's too much, too detailed, too soon.
My characters are absolutely ready to take the plunge, so to speak, but after six pages of heavy breathing, they still haven't done it! In fact, they're not even fully undressed yet. And while the pacing seems right, I can't help wondering if readers would rather have a tighter, briefer sex scene.
One thing I've come to realize about my writing style is that I do tend to go on and on when it comes to the sensual details. I like to describe everything (and I do mean everything, LOL!). But I just read a book by another author where the entire encounter took place in about three, brief paragraphs. It was fast. It was furious. It was absolutely right for the scene and where the characters were in the story, but it left me feeling like I'd been ripped off. I wanted more...I wanted to know what the hero's skin felt like, how he smelled, how his hands felt on her body, and how he made her feel. I want to feel like I'm there, not as if somebody is telling me what happened. Does that make sense?
I think part of the reason I'm rethinking my intimate scenes is because an acquaintance laughingly told me that his wife threw my book away after she read it so that it wouldn't fall into the "wrong hands." Maybe I should take that as a compliment!
What about you, as a reader? Do you like your love scenes hot? Or would you rather have fewer details and more left to the imagination? Leave a comment, and I'll choose a random name (but you must be registered!) to receive a copy of my September release, Overnight Sensation. But I have to warn you...it's hot.
Hot is good!
Hi, Karen!
In general, I do like hot--I like having the details that draw me into the scene so I can imagine I'm the heroine ;) It's got to be nicely done though (your scenes are, Karen!) otherwise I'd just as soon skip over it entirely--I don't want porn (just description of parts, acts, etc.) but I do enjoy a scene that is a pleasure to read and one that flows naturally in the context of the couple's relationship and one that ideally moves their relationship (and the plot?) along. I guess I'm a little demanding... :)
Demanding is Good!
I think if your reader can imagine that she's the heroine, then the author has done their job. And thank you for your nice words, Fedora!
Karen--It varies for me.
Karen--It varies for me. Lavyrle Spencer wrotes pages and pages of details that I devoured. But I find short scenes just as hot. I think it depends on the tone of the book. If the book is snapping right along, then a looooong love scene may not be the right thing. Or it may. How's that for ambiguous. For the most part, I like detail.
Jeannie
LOL, okay...I'm going to
LOL, okay...I'm going to focus on that last sentence and go with it, Jeannie! I like detail, too. I have never read anything by Lavyrle Spencer...something I should probably remedy!
Hi Karen
It completely depends on the book. Sometimes it can be used to show a relationship changing and then the detail feels right and it seems like you see that the couple is more intimate now.
Exactly...and sometimes it
Exactly...and sometimes it doesn't even have to be an explicit scene to show the couple's emotional journey. I love Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase, where the hero unbuttons the heroine's glove...I'd even say it's a hot scene, LOL!
Oh yes!!
(fanning self) That was such a great, hot scene! Loved, loved, loved it!!
I"m no help
It really depends upon the book, the couple and the situation.
I've read scenes that have gone on for pages and pages where I just want to scream and say move on (to be fair, I no longer read this author because she took a wonderful premise and let the series go downhill).
Other times, it's short, it's fast, it's exactly what is right and I still think but what about..?
So, I guess I'm saying I'd much rather have MORE. If it's too much, I can skim. But if it's too little I'm left hanging. And being left hanging during sex isn't a good thing! ;-)
ani
Too Funny
Yes, Ani, I think I'm of the same mindset; I'd rather have more than less because I can aleays skim what I'm not interested in, but I can't add what's not there to begin with.
Hot, Please.
I like my love scenes hot. A well written love scene doesn't have to be raunchy or dirty. I like detailed love scenes because you get a sense of the emotion and passion between the couple.
Exactly!
I agree that a detailed love scene doesn't have to be raunchy. I think as long as there is passion and an expectation that these two people are meant for each other (even if they don't realize it) then it all works!
the comments before me say
the comments before me say what I would say; I like the scenes hot but not explicit. At the point where the couple are ready for this kind of relationship it might be very hot and then after there is a lean toward committment and exploring and it doesn't have to be so explicit for me. Just nice and steamy, lol.
The hotter, the better...
I just finished the 1st draft of my second Blaze-targeted MS and I have a sex scene that goes on for just about a whole chapter. LOL Now, in truth, much of it is verbal foreplay and the journey to the actual act, not sexual activity, but sometimes longer is better, IMO. So I understand totally, Karen! In a Blaze, we want the full experience, but occasionally a drive-by works, too.
Overnight Sensation looks fabulous! :)
Cari
Thanks, Cari!
And congratulations on finishing that manuscript!! What a great feeling; fingers crossed for you! I do believe I've written chapter-long love scenes, too, so we're kindred spirits!
Hot is ok
I kind of like the love scenes to be a hot but I like to have a little left for my imagination, if that makes sense. If a little is left for the imagination then the book may be hotter, if you know what I mean.
I do understand. Sometimes
I do understand. Sometimes you don't need everything spelled out for you, LOL!
More is More!
Hi Karen,
Great post and a great question! I want all the details, so bring em on! Your love scenes in Overnight Sensation were AB FAB--as was the whole book! If you're doing the same thing in the new one, you're on the right track!
Marie
www.mariesullivanforce.com
Hi Marie!
Oh, thank you so much, Marie!! Nothing could make my day more than to hear that! Can't wait to ready YOUR story with the hunky football player (everyone, Marie's debut book, LINE OF SCRIMMAGE, hits bookstores on Sep 1st, so make sure you check it out!).
Thank you...
For the lovely shout out for Line of Scrimmage, Karen. Looking forward to guest blogging with the Cigar gals next week!
www.mariesullivanforce.com
I think I agree, the hotter
I think I agree, the hotter the better in most cases. I'm not a closed door kind of reader (or writer). Like you, I want to be able to see everything in my head, know what the characters are feeling, and know that the scene is as deeply tied into the story as every other scene, which means that you don't skimp on details, because you wouldn't do it in any other part of the book, right?
J.K. Coi
Immortals To Die For
www.jkcoi.com
Thank You!
Absolutely, J.K.! I couldn't have said it any better myself!
the hotter the better.
I like books with hot love scenes. The hotter the better. That is one reason I enjoy Blaze books so much.