OK so writing “romantic” scenes doesn’t come naturally to me, the whole thing makes me blush. In fact, I feel awkward just writing this post. While writing the one romantic scene in my book, I snorted and laughed with every word and key stroke and couldn’t stop thinking about what my family would think of me.
I was so embarrassed writing that one scene that I couldn’t even finish it. I have ignored the unresolved encounter until the very last moment, and now that I’m editing, I can avoid it no longer.
I’m not even sure if it’s the best thing for my book. I surely can’t market it for young adults any more, which means I might have to ramp up the steaminess to attract a slightly more mature audience.
It’s not only the words I’m finding difficult, it’s making sure that the right amount of reality and heat is radiating out of every word and sentence.
To help you understand why I’m finding it really hard to write this particular scene, you need to know that I was brought up in a very sheltered family. I wish I could be as bohemianly cool and knowledgeable to the ways of the world as some of my friends. Alas, I never will be, which is why I’ll be asking my beta reader to help me with my romantic scenes.
All I can offer in advice is to read a ton, like an actual ton of romance stories in the particular genre you’re writing in. While I don’t write historical fiction, I’ve been stocking up on my favourite historical quill romance novels as I prefer the slightly more traditional and romantic overtones evident in all their scenes.
If you’re looking for some actual advice on how to write a sexy scene, check out these links that can offer far more wisdom on the topic than I:
Romance Australia explains the romantic genres very well on their website (in case you’re not sure exactly what it is you’re writing): Romantic Genres
Writing World has a fantastic article that I’ve read more than once: Twenty Steps to writing great love scenes
And there are heaps more, just search in that little google box and hope no one looks at your search history!!
As for me I’ve decided to keep my scenes nice and sweet so that I can market for all age groups, no use trying to be someone you’re not 🙂
The Cat's Write 
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