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What do you think the most important thing to remember to includ when writing erotica

Thread starter barbilarry
Start date Oct 28, 2009

barbilarry

I just wanna write

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Oct 28, 2009

#1

I am stuggling with this a little. (sometimes a lot) I have read conflicting opinions on what to include and what to not include. My question is this. What are the top five things you think are important when writing in the erotica genre? Thanks for any input.

Jane

Aggy B.

Not as sweet as you think

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Oct 28, 2009

#2

Not to be an ass, but they are much the same as any other genre.

1. A main character who seems real and is someone we can identify with and want to see reach their goals. (On rare occasions you might succeed with the opposite: a main character we loathe so much we want to see them get what's coming to them.)

2. A believable dilemma/situation/person/thing that is blocking your MC from achieving their goal(s).

3. Consequences for the MC not achieving their goal. (Usually referred to as "high stakes" because it is best when it is something that seems like it will be earth shattering. Sometimes though it may be a simple as not getting to the rock concert in time to see one's all-time favorite band.)

4. Complications arising from the MC's attempts to overcome the complications preventing him/her from achieving their goal. (Usually things get worse - way worse - before they get better.

5. Butt smex. HAH! Kidding. That's SP's line. So, an end to the story which follows the middle which follows the beginning.

The romance and candle lit dinner that turns into hot sex in the back yard. Or the rain drenched walk that turns into hot sex in the pool shed. Or meeting an ex-boyfriend that leads to a fight that turns into really hot make-up sex in the restaurant coat closet is all just details that come after the previously mentioned elements.

But then. I'm new to this side of things. I could be wrong.

YAwriter72

someone let me off this crazy ride

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Oct 28, 2009

#3

Don't leave out the tension. God I hate when the characters just do it continuously page after page. That's not erotica, that porn. There is a sensuality to erotica, but imo its the build up that makes it that much better. Deny them until the reader is screaming for them to do it, then throw one more obstacle in their way!

Misa Buckley

Extraordinary Romance

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Oct 28, 2009

#4

Well-rounded, believable characters with layers and flaws. They should also have a life outside of the love interest.

A plot that includes action outside of the bedroom. And I don't just mean outdoor sex - there should be a story to your story.

Sex scenes that advance the plot and aren't just there for titillation (though that's a good added bonus). Motivation, motivation, motivation.

Sex scenes that do not read like an instruction manual.

A good conclusion, though this does not have to be a "happily ever after" for the couple. But an ending that leaves the reader satisfied (read that however you want, lol).

barbilarry

I just wanna write

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Oct 28, 2009

#5

Thanks Aggie,

You not being an ass. I'm afraid I had some really big misconceptions when writing erotica. I have tryed very hard to change this way of thinking. Reading everybody elses work has helped greatly. An example is the last two pieces I have written for practice. The called for milder words than I wrote. (cock, cunt, pussy) To name a few. I thought because it was erotica those words had to be incorporated. I read a post, I think on this thread that was discussing words that were hated. Or something like that.

So even though I did not feel the stronger names for the anatomy were right, in the kind of story I was writing, I used them. In my opinion that weakened the effect I was trying for.
I think I am mixing up what kind of words belong in each diferent type of story. Does that make sense?

Your top five were very, very helpful and I appreciate your answer. I love this genre and I want to write it correctly. And still have fun.

Hugs,
Jane

barbilarry

I just wanna write

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Oct 28, 2009

#6

YAwriter72 said:
Don't leave out the tension. God I hate when the characters just do it continuously page after page. That's not erotica, that porn. There is a sensuality to erotica, but imo its the build up that makes it that much better. Deny them until the reader is screaming for them to do it, then throw one more obstacle in their way!

Thank you YAwriter. I think you nailed another of my problems and misconceptions. When I started writing the practices that is exactly what I did. All sex, no story. And especially, no tension. Your answer help me very much.

Hugs,
Jane

Brindle Chase

Dancing on the edge

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Oct 28, 2009

#7

plot that encompasses the build up of sexual tension... rationalizes release (sex scene), then creates new or more tension... more release... etc... until the plot arcs, then resolves and hopefully includes more tension, with release. Rinse, repeat as needed...

Last edited: Oct 28, 2009

barbilarry

I just wanna write

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Oct 28, 2009

#8

misaditas said:
Well-rounded, believable characters with layers and flaws. They should also have a life outside of the love interest.

A plot that includes action outside of the bedroom. And I don't just mean outdoor sex - there should be a story to your story.

Sex scenes that advance the plot and aren't just there for titillation (though that's a good added bonus). Motivation, motivation, motivation.

Sex scenes that do not read like an instruction manual.

A good conclusion, though this does not have to be a "happily ever after" for the couple. But an ending that leaves the reader satisfied (read that however you want, lol).[/QUOTE

Thank you misaditos. Although I haven't written anything in a bedroom yet, I did keep them where ever I happened to write them doing the deed. Instruction manual? Yeah, that would be me writing a scene. No wonder I struggle so much. Thank you for you input. Much appreciated.

Hugs,
Jane

barbilarry

I just wanna write

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Oct 28, 2009

#9

Brindle Chase said:
plot that encompasses the build up of sexual tension... rationalizes release (sex scene), then creates new or more tension... more release... etc... until the plot arcs, then resolves and hopefully includes more tension, with release. Rinse, repeat as needed...

Thank you Bridle chase. Your suggestion will work really well in practices as well as other writing. I am going to practice writing scenes containing tension. I think that may be one of my weakest areas of writing. You help is much appreciated.

Hugs,
Jane

Last edited: Oct 28, 2009

scarletpeaches

Banned

Oct 28, 2009

#10

Aggy B. said:
5. Butt smex. HAH! Kidding. That's SP's line.

Hey!

:rant:

I would say same as any other genre. An emotional connection with the reader.

And, because it's erotica, his/her lover.

Or lovers. :e2brows:

:e2brows:

(Aggy: my NaNo novel will have butt smex. I may ask you to beta it).

Leukman

Pernicious...n'stuff.

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Oct 28, 2009

#11

What do you think the most important thing to remember to includ when writing erotica

The 'e'.

Aggy B.

Not as sweet as you think

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Oct 28, 2009

#12

scarletpeaches said:
(Aggy: my NaNo novel will have butt smex. I may ask you to beta it).

Should I be scared? Or excited? Or maybe a little of both?

scarletpeaches

Banned

Oct 28, 2009

#13

It's a M/M erotic romance. With two threesomes in it. So you decide.

Aggy B.

Not as sweet as you think

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Oct 28, 2009

#14

scarletpeaches said:
It's a M/M erotic romance. With two threesomes in it. So you decide.

*shock* *horror* *shock*

Kidding. Despite my totally whitebread background, I'm really, really, REALLY hard to offend/shock. Well, unless the writing's bad. (Not saying yours is, just saying, in general.) Actually, it's bad writing that the author insists is "nearly publishable" that gets to me.

barbilarry

I just wanna write

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Oct 28, 2009

#15

scarletpeaches said:
Hey!

I would say same as any other genre. An emotional connection with the reader.

And, because it's erotica, his/her lover.

Or lovers.

(Aggy: my NaNo novel will have butt smex. I may ask you to beta it).

Thank you scarletpeaches. I am missing the mark with connecting. Any hints to make that connection or is it something I lack in my emotional makeup. I am beginning to wonder about that. I sure can't draw from a loving personal relationship. Cause by damn, it aint happenin'. Anyway I appreciate your help.

Hugs,
Jane

barbilarry

I just wanna write

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Oct 28, 2009

#16

Leukman said:
The 'e'.

OOPS. i AM HAVING A WEE PROBLEM WITH SPELLING TODAY.

Hugs,
Jane

Last edited: Oct 28, 2009

scarletpeaches

Banned

Oct 28, 2009

#17

Well you're asking a woman who's never been in love herself!

Hmm...I honestly don't know how I do it. I guess I write about my fantasy men without deifying them, if you see what I mean? Admirable qualities without being perfect.

Writing about the kinda sex I WISH I had.

And I give my characters a reason to be together - not just sex for its own sake. And I like tension. They want to be together, or...well, to put it bluntly, sometimes they want to fuck NOW NOW NOW but can't. Desperation can be sexy.

dolores haze

international guttersnipe

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Oct 28, 2009

#18

Whe reading erotica or hot romance I've gotta say it's not the sex scenes I enjoy the most. It's the build-up, the sexual tension that you can cut with a knife that really gets me.

barbilarry

I just wanna write

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Oct 28, 2009

#19

Thanks again. I will maybe have to write about fantesy lover. I have had some really hot fateseys. I could probably come up with some good stuff if I used them. Or maybe some ex-lovers. That would maybe be fun. Thank you for you wisdom. It is always appreciated.

Hugs,
Jane

thethinker42

Abnormal Romance Author

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Oct 28, 2009

#20

I agree with everyone else who's said tension. That is so, so important. Especially tension that keeps going even after they've had sex...I'm so sick of stories that fall flat once the characters...well...fall flat.

I also agree with sex scenes that actually DO something for the story. If a sex scene, like any other scene, can be removed without damaging the story, it doesn't belong there. Just because it's erotica doesn't mean the sex should be gratuitous.

barbilarry

I just wanna write

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Oct 28, 2009

#21

dolores haze said:
Whe reading erotica or hot romance I've gotta say it's not the sex scenes I enjoy the most. It's the build-up, the sexual tension that you can cut with a knife that really gets me.

Thank you for the imput. I think I am starting to get it. I definately need to work on my build-up. When I first started writing erotica a long time ago it was sorely lacking (that era) In anything but sex, and a lot of it. Not any story to speak of, no emotions, just any and all kinds of sex. Sorta sad now when I think about it. Thanks again.

Hugs
Jane

barbilarry

I just wanna write

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Oct 28, 2009

#22

thethinker42 said:
I agree with everyone else who's said tension. That is so, so important. Especially tension that keeps going even after they've had sex...I'm so sick of stories that fall flat once the characters...well...fall flat.

I also agree with sex scenes that actually DO something for the story. If a sex scene, like any other scene, can be removed without damaging the story, it doesn't belong there. Just because it's erotica doesn't mean the sex should be gratuitous.

Lori, Thanks. Maybe I will put some of my scenes from my finished WIP and see if they are up to snuff or need to be written over. Is learning how to create tension something you just know or can it be learned with practice?

Hugs,
Jane

barbilarry

I just wanna write

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Oct 28, 2009

#23

Lori,
What do you mean by, Do something for the story. I'm clueless. Do you have an example of what you mean? Just wondering.

Hugs,
Jane

scarletpeaches

Banned

Oct 28, 2009

#24

*steps in*

I say you can learn it, for sure.

Think about what makes YOU want someone, and how you'd feel if that were delayed or denied for whatever reason. It'd drive you mad wouldn't it?

AND...likely you'd want them even more...

thethinker42

Abnormal Romance Author

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Oct 28, 2009

#25

barbilarry said:
Is learning how to create tension something you just know or can it be learned with practice?

Practice practice practice.

I posted a while back about something SP and I did to really get the hang of tension and sex scenes, and listed several scenes from films that are worth watching. That post can be found here. I highly recommend watching all the videos listed and observing what works and what doesn't.

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