The Insecure Writer's Support Group is a community of writers who share ideas and encourage other writers. It's a great place to express doubts and concerns as well as offer and receive tribulations and guidance from other writers. IWSG posts the first Wednesday of every month. I think you'll find it to be a great writer's resource that's well worth your time. Be sure to stop by and visit with some of the other IWSG writers/bloggers at IWSG Members.
Join me in thanking this month's awesome co-hosts:
Tyrean Martinson
Tara Tyler
Raimey Gallant
Beverly Stowe McClure
*First I'd like to offer hugs and prayers to all victims of Hurricane Harvey as well as to all those in the path of Hurricane Irma. The loss and devastation is simply heartbreaking. It really puts things into perspective, doesn't it? But as always, the resilience of the human spirit is simply amazing, as is the generosity and caring of people toward others in times of need and loss. Take care.
Question of the Month: Have you ever surprised yourself with your writing? (For example, by trying a new genre you didn't think you'd be comfortable in?)
Have I ever surprised myself? Good question. Does making myself blush count?
So here's the deal - I've never been at ease writing explicit love scenes...specifically erotic sex scenes. I'm more comfortable keeping the intimate details to the bare (pun intended) minimum needed while still selling the romance. However, as an avid reader of all genres of romance, I realize today's trend in writing love scenes leans heavily on more definitive details, on the mechanics . . . right down to insert bigger-than-life body part A into tightest-wettest-ever body part B and describe what happens! *Blush* Yeah. Not so comfortable writing those scenes. Notice I didn't say I don't read, write, and enjoy steamy reads . . . I do! Some of my favorite authors know how to bring the heat, and I enjoy their books immensely. However, I think it's probably my weakest area as a writer and definitely something I need to work on.
I'm pushing my boundaries and those scenes more than ever in my current w-i-p and yes, I've surprised myself as I'm slowly becoming more comfortable with it. It's not so hard (*groan* - pun not intended), but it remains a challenge for this ole southern girl as my Southern Baptist upbringing kicks in. I can still easily picture mama's stern look, reprimand ringing in my ears. (Sorry Mom - I remember you said nice girls don't act or talk like that, but things are a bit different nowadays - especially in a writer's world.) Recently, I worked on enhancing (seriously?) a couple of sex scenes I felt needed work . . . editing to build more sexual tension including sensual details of the act while still nurturing a deeper level of trust, love, and emotional intimacy between these characters. I'm pleased and a bit surprised to say I think I've done it! *Blush* I'll never be comfortable writing hard-core sex scenes, but I'm learning where my happy medium lies and stopping short of crossing a line that doesn't work for me. If it makes me blush, squirm in my seat, and/or fan myself, I'm getting it right . . . hopefully for both me and my readers.
How comfortable are you writing explicit sex scenes? Any pointers to share with those of us trying to learn?
Have you ever surprised yourself with your writing?