Ok, so does this stunningly beautiful young woman meet with your approval? She does? Good, now that I have your complete and undivided attention, let’s get on with what I want to talk about today.
I know I tend to bang on about what’s acceptable in literature and whats not when it comes to sex scenes. But let’s face it, the vast majority of writers don’t think before they write! When it comes to a lot of the books on offer under the heading of romance, what you get these days is pure porn. If only the authors concerned had taken the time and trouble to think things through first. Instead of being in such a blinding hurry to get themselves noticed for all the wrong reasons. There really is no need to resort to spelling out every detail in such an explicit manner as some writers tend to do, when describing what’s going on…
Suggestion is always the key to writing any and all scenes of a sexual nature, never full on description.
In the first draft of any such scene, I start by spelling it out, leaving absolutely nothing whatsoever to the imagination, merely to get the scene firmly fixed in my mind. Then by taking the sentences one at a time as I go back over what I initially wrote, by carefully choosing my words. I then rewrite each one until they still say what I originally intended. I do this purely by changing the wording so as not to give offence. That way I leave it entirely up to the often over fertile imagination of the reader to fill in the blanks for themselves.
In other words, unless you have been living in a cave, cut off from the rest of humanity for your entire life, you will know exactly what is happening in the particular scene without my having to spell it out for you.
The art of suggestion is not a difficult technique to master, providing you are prepared to think about how you want the scene to finally end up looking on the page. In other words, take your time to ensure that the reader will totally ‘get’ what you are saying without being shocked or disgusted by what they have just read.
Not too many years ago, the way I currently write love scenes would definitely have enraged some narrow-minded individuals, while the romance lovers back then would simply enjoy them for what they are, as they still do today…
😀
Have We Had Help? 
I agree! ~Elle
LikeLike
…and yet so many don’t bother Elle??? 😉 xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jack, read this and thought that’s how I try to write “sex scenes.” My first attempt took me a few days to get to suggestion. It was set up as more of a fling relationship. Internet research on the art of kissing helped. So, today, in the story, I have a first sex scene to write for the main character and her
“beau.” The first kiss already done. This writing will be different. More emotion & commitment. The progression to engagement and marriage. Seems I pattern the way to write those scene the same as you. Makes me think I’m on track. Thanks! 📚 Christine
LikeLike
…all it takes is patience and a lot of rewriting Christine 😉 xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Have We Had Help? and commented:
Class – sit up straight and pay attention!!!
LikeLike