Writing erotica isn’t for the faint of heart - whatever anyone tells you, there is a certain ‘cringe’ factor to writing a sex scene that doesn’t really exist in any other part of fiction writing. Even those who are fairly experienced in real life can find themselves floundering when they first try to write a realistic and compelling sex scene. Why? Well, probably because it feels a little personal.
So, in many ways it’s all about practice - actually writing or reading sex scenes will provide a sharp learning curve. However, there are a few changes that you can implement to elevate (almost) any sex scene immediately.
6 Tips for Writing Better Sex Scenes
These 6 tips are very simple and can be implemented by making a few changes to an existing manuscript as well as when you begin to write a new piece. So, don’t be afraid to haul out a few old drafts and see what a difference these changes can make! Read More on Vocal
Writing erotica isn’t for the faint of heart - whatever anyone tells you, there is a certain ‘cringe’ factor to writing a sex scene that doesn’t really exist in any other part of fiction writing. Even those who are fairly experienced in real life can find themselves floundering when they first try to write a realistic and compelling sex scene. Why? Well, probably because it feels a little personal.
So, in many ways it’s all about practice - actually writing or reading sex scenes will provide a sharp learning curve. However, there are a few changes that you can implement to elevate (almost) any sex scene immediately.
6 Tips for Writing Better Sex Scenes
These 6 tips are very simple and can be implemented by making a few changes to an existing manuscript as well as when you begin to write a new piece. So, don’t be afraid to haul out a few old drafts and see what a difference these changes can make! Read More on Vocal
Writing erotica isn’t for the faint of heart - whatever anyone tells you, there is a certain ‘cringe’ factor to writing a sex scene that doesn’t really exist in any other part of fiction writing. Even those who are fairly experienced in real life can find themselves floundering when they first try to write a realistic and compelling sex scene. Why? Well, probably because it feels a little personal.
So, in many ways it’s all about practice - actually writing or reading sex scenes will provide a sharp learning curve. However, there are a few changes that you can implement to elevate (almost) any sex scene immediately.
6 Tips for Writing Better Sex Scenes
These 6 tips are very simple and can be implemented by making a few changes to an existing manuscript as well as when you begin to write a new piece. So, don’t be afraid to haul out a few old drafts and see what a difference these changes can make! Read More on Vocal
The original “6 Steps to Write Better Sex” remains one of my best-performing articles - this tells me that there is a need not being filled (oo-er) amongst writers. Writing about sex can feel a little taboo, depending on the topic and your predilections, but it shouldn’t be a total mystery. Of course, the fact that so many of the writers who follow me on social media have a million questions about writing sex the minute they find out that I write erotica under a pseudonym is indicative of a deeper issue… or two, in fact.
One, many writers want to be able to write about sex in realistic, honest, and compelling terms. Tw0, they feel ill-equipped to do so. Whether this is a lack of writing confidence or a lack of sexual information and confidence I can’t say, but I can provide six more tips for those looking to write great sex!
Don’t Be Afraid of Filth
Depending on the “rating” you’d give your story, e.g. adult/mature or explicit, I don’t expect you’ll be seeking erotica writing tips for a YA novel, you shouldn’t be afraid of a little vulgarity. While I wouldn’t recommend that you take your direction from porn, you should keep in mind that it is a part of modern culture. Most adults don’t expect to read about sex in proper medical terminology (too stuffy) or mild, childish euphemisms (somehow worse, and a little creepy depending on the language). Instead, they expect a certain level of vulgarity. If you cringe writing the word “cock” I’ll kindly suggest that erotica isn’t the genre for you.
Of course, getting “filthy” isn’t just about language, it can be about the content too. Hold your horses, there, I’m not talking about weird and wonderful kinks or hardcore acts; I mean actual messiness and dirt. If you’re writing about a couple who get… eh, Intimate, on a camping trip there’s no reason not to acknowledge the dirt, sweat, and bugs. Of course, I wouldn’t dwell on it - you want the scene to be sexy (unless you don’t, not all sex is sexy after all) and that means a certain amount of displacement from the reality of getting it on with pinecones jammed into your back.
“Lick, Laugh, Lust” aka Humor Belongs in the Bedroom
Sex is often treated as a deadly serious endeavour - as if a slight misstep will ruin the moment. While a mistake can certainly ruin a fantasy anyone whose been lucky enough to have a partner they feel really safe will could tell you that a mistake that ruins a fantasy doesn’t have to ruin the night. Laughter is good - it’s good for the body, our mental and emotional health, good for the soul, and I would say probably one of the best things for a relationship.
If you’re writing a sex scene to be arousing, laughter might not be the best medicine. If you’re writing a sex scene to inform character development and create an intimate relationship in the story, laughter could be exactly what you need. A slip of the hand, bashing teeth, leaning on your partner’s hair (even a queef or two) these things are indicators of the state of a relationship; if your characters can laugh it off and keep going, they’ll be showing a healthy, trusting, and loving dynamic. Read More
