Lesson 2: More Than Just Sex??
In this lesson, we will look at how characterization and plot factor into your erotic story. While the sexual act and sensual imagery are the primary focus of erotica, for most publishers, there must be strong characters and a plot that has a beginning, middle and end. Then we will look at examples of erotica used in contemporary romance novels and practice writing an erotic scene for a publisher of romantic fiction.
Sex in Romance Novels
Most romantic novels published today have some erotic content. Sexual tension builds up between the heroine and her prince charming as the novel progresses. They share the long, passionate kiss, have a few close encounters, before their attraction culminates in a final shared sexual experience.
The choice of the right words, the creation of any erotic image is especially important in romantic fiction. “Dirty” words and use of clinical terminology rarely appear in purely romantic fiction. The lingering touch, the intense gaze, the hint of sexual arousal, and subtle innuendos are the staples of the sensual erotic fiction in the romance genre.
The passage below is taken from my romantic suspense novel, Guesthouse , published by Awe-Struck Books in February 2000:
"This time she was prepared when his mouth captured hers. She parted her lips, allowing his tongue to invade her moist, warm mouth. She could feel his heart pounding, as his chest pressed against hers, nearly in time to the powerful throbbing between her thighs. His hand slipped under her t-shirt, lightly caressing her heaving breasts. The sensation of his hand on her bare skin was nearly more than she could bear. A low moan escaped from deep down inside her as his lips blazed a trail down her neck.
His strong arms captured her, pulling her on top of him. She straddled his waist, feeling his hardness crushing against her. Her body responded to his touch, hungry for more. It had been so long since a man had held her, had been one with her. She wanted Daniel, never wanted this moment to end. But she was afraid. It was all happening too fast, and he was definitely in control of the situation.
Her entire body was on fire with desperate desire. All the reason why she shouldn’t be doing this flashed through her mind. They had just met. He was her patient. They were both lonely, had been betrayed by someone they loved. Daniel’s hands, his gentle touch did wonderful things to her. But she knew what was happening between them was wrong. She had never given in, no matter how her body had cried out for pleasure. Mark had been her first and only lover—and that had not been until after they were engaged.
But this was somehow different—felt so good, so right. Despite their differences, they were drawn to each other like powerful magnets. Lauren wanted nothing more than to make love with Daniel. She could feel her resolve slipping away. Her body, her primitive animal lust was more powerful than her rational mind….
She was ready to make love with Daniel, to give herself to him, when he suddenly pulled away from her. He pushed her aside as though she was an insignificant object and hoisted himself from the sofa into his wheelchair. Without saying a word, he headed toward the door. Lauren could not fund the words, could not understand his unexpected retreat.”(p. 59)
YOUR TURN
Using the example above, create your own erotic scene that would be acceptable for publication by a non-erotic publisher. Note that in soft core erotica, the pace of the action is very important. Your characters are usually not having a "quickie". Rather, you must choose words that slowly build the sexual tension, paint the sensual picture for your readers. If you are having difficulty with this exercise, refer back to the words and phrases created in Lesson 1.
