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?
I used to be, but then I wrote a bucket load of them for no reason other than to write them.
ReplyDeleteNever put them in my final manuscripts, but it took the edge off. :-D
Practice makes perfect, right? I'm getting more comfortable with writing them. My genre of choice is romance/suspense so the main thing, I think, is to get the chemistry, the sexual tension ramped up...and go a little less hardcore on the sexual stuff. Anticipation is the key for me as both a reader & writer. Thanks for sharing, Misha!
DeleteAll of the puns made me chuckle. I had to work at writing sex scenes. First, the sex was implied. Then I wrote a little more and a little more. I don't think I could write full erotica, but I can get pretty descriptive. It took some time for me to get there comfortably, though.
ReplyDeleteI might have been better at writing sex scenes back when it all took place behind the closed bedroom door. lol Like you, I think I'll get more comfortable with these scenes with practice.
Delete"Blushing" at the memory of my MOM reading my first book knowing there was SEX in it. Then being shocked when she casually said, "You write it much better than Author X). MOM!! Geez! And my young teen Baptist cousins telling me their MOMs had my books tucked away on their nightstands . . .
ReplyDeleteI used to keep a few books "hidden" away! lol Those days are over, but I'd probably take a licking if Mom could read any of them. But then . . . who knows what she may have had hidden away?! ;)
DeleteLove the puns! I wasn't too worried about Mom reading my first book (she'd been reading romances for a long time) but my sure-to-embarrass mother-in-law? She said she liked the story. Great praise, indeed. Note: she didn't mention the sex scenes. LOL
ReplyDeleteThanks, Diane. Yeah...I imagine it would be awkward to have your mil reading those scenes. lol Sex scenes nowadays are so explicit that my mother would have tanned my hide if she caught me reading or writing them, no doubt. My how things have changed.
DeleteIn my second book, there are two kisses, and damn if they weren't difficult to write! I can't imagine doing more. Hats off to you.
ReplyDeleteLol, Alex! I actually find kissing hard to write also - and make it believable. I reread & rewrite trying to get the emotions right. It's all about the feelings for me. Thanks for stopping by!
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