[Note from Frolic: We’re excited to welcome author Logan Chance to the site today’ He’s talking all things sex scenes’ Take it away, Logan!]
People have an image of how a sexy scene is written by an author—they sit down at their desk, turn the mood lighting on, light a few candles and turn on soft romantic music. But, is that really how a romance author writes a steamy sex scene? You know the kind, the scene of all scenes that gets your blood pumping and do I dare say, juices flowing.
For most authors, it’s not.
Not even close.
The reality is mayhem. Most authors are not full-time writers and are writing scenes late at night when the whole house has fallen asleep.
Some authors are even writing these naughty scenes while at work, or on their lunch break. I know, say it isn’t so.
But, whatever the case may be, writing a sex scene can be hard, no pun intended.
Maybe you’re an author who feels you have written every type of sex scene out there. I often hear authors say, “There’s nothing my characters haven’t done in the bedroom.”
I know I’m one of these authors. Sometimes I feel like I’ll have to have my characters set each other on fire just to make the scene stand out.
But, never fear, no need to set characters on fire before they reach climax. I have a few tips and tricks that, hopefully, help get you out of the rut of writing a sexy scene. Or maybe, just help you write one because you never have before.
Whatever the case may be, here are some super top secret tips I personally use every time I sit down to write.
I hope they help you as much as they help me.
Tip #1: No Robotics, please.
This isn’t a game of Twister. I don’t need to know where he puts his hand, and where she puts her leg. If you feel yourself getting too (for lack of a better word) physical with your characters, you may need to take a step back and try another approach.
Readers don’t want to read a robotic sex scene. And what I mean by this is they don’t want to read the technicality of it all. If you find yourself focusing on your character’s movements, try adding in a heart pounding, or a blood pumping. Remember, your character is feeling emotions and sensations as they have sex with their partner.
They aren’t just giving you a play-by-play of how it’s all going down.
One little trick I like to play around with is, for every one movement of someone’s body, I throw in two sensory reactions.
Example: He moves his body over mine, causing my heart beat to skyrocket and my blood to pump faster through my system.
See, how I use some sensory reactions to enhance the scene? Of course, a content editor can bring this sentence even more to life. So, if you feel yourself getting a little too robotic with your writing, try to spice things up with what I like to call some sensory add-ons.
Tip #2: Get The Music Right
Many people have asked me what type of music I listen to while writing a sex scene, and no, it’s not Sade or Barry White. (Who?)
No, I actually listen to fast-paced, instrumental music. You can go to YouTube and search epic playlists, or movie score soundtracks. I also like battle scene music for movies. Music that pumps and beats.
Like when you’re watching a movie, and they’re at the final battle, and everything comes to a crescendo ending. And cymbals crash. Yes, I’m being serious. Don’t knock it, until you try it.
Some authors insist on writing when it’s super quiet, but if you find yourself struggling to get through writing an erotic scene, try cranking up the epic warrior music to see if it helps.
My trick is this—I turn the music up (or use headphones so as to not disturb other people in your house) and then I open up my doc, and start typing. I go as fast as I can, not worrying about typos, or misuse of words. I just type as quickly as I can, focused on the scene in front of me.
Remember, unlike in the bedroom, speed is the key.
Now pump up the music and get writing.
Tip #3: Buzz Words
Yes, there are certain buzz words to aim for in a steamy scene. And no, moist isn’t one of them.
Most times, you can do a simple Google search for sexy words. Here’s a few to get you started:
Passionate
Sizzling
Pumping
Hammering
Craving
And honestly the lists on the internet goes on and on. Get creative. Make words up. Just let loose and let the (for lack of a better phrase) juices flow.
Tip #4: Make Sentences Different Lengths
In writing, things can become monotonous very easily, and the number one way to kill a sex scene mood is boring sentences.
This little exercise was taken from @nofluffwriter, and I think it shows perfectly why your writing should be unique to you.
Mix it up.
This sentence has five words. Here are five more words. Five-word sentences are fine. But several together become monotonous. Listen to what is happening. The writing is getting boring. The sound of it drones. It’s like a stuck record. The ear demands some variety.
Now listen. I vary sentence length, and I create music. Music. The writing sings. It has a pleasant rhythm, a lilt, a harmony. I use short sentences. And I use sentences of medium length. And sometimes when I am certain the reader is rested, I will engage him with a sentence of considerable length, a sentence that burns with energy and builds with all the impetus of a crescendo, the rolls of the drums, the crash of the cymbals- sounds that say listen to this, it is important.
So be sure to mix up your sentence structure. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and try a new style of writing.
Tip #5: Just Get Jiggy With It
Yes, you read that right. Get jiggy with it. No, I don’t mean get up and dance. (Although, you should be taking breaks every hour for circulation and health, but more on that topic in another post.) You should just have fun with your scene.
Get nasty.
Let your freak flag fly high.
Remember, you’re writing the rough draft. Changes can be made. This isn’t set in stone. Delete. Move things around.
Life will go on.
When I’ve hit the writer’s block on sex scenes, I sometimes open a new doc, and just start typing, not even thinking about what words are pouring out of me. Sure, many times we’re on deadlines and don’t have time to fool around, but trust me, your brain needs this.
Open a new doc, and just start writing a sexy scene. Pump up the music, and go. You’ll be surprised with what you may find when you go through and read it.
Occasionally, you may need to ask yourself a few questions:
What do my characters need right now?
Do they need nice, soft sex?
Or do they need more?
And well, it’s your job to fill it.
Enjoy writing. It should never be a chore.
About the Author:
Logan Chance is a USA Today, Top 20 Amazon, KDP All-Star, and KDP All-Star UK bestselling author with a quick wit and penchant for the simple things in life: Star Wars, music, and smart girls who love to read. He was nominated best debut author for the Goodreads Choice Awards in 2016. His works can be classified as Dramedies (Drama+Comedies), featuring a ton of laughs and many swoon worthy, heartfelt moments.
Connect with Logan:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Loganchanceauthor
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/loganchance85
Instagram: www.instagram.com/loganchance85
Newsletter: beardedgoatbooks.com/newsletter
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Never Kiss a Stranger by Logan Chance, out April 7!
Kiki
Ellis Atwood is the devil. Ok, maybe that’s too harsh. Ellis Atwood is ruining my life.
First, he demolishes a perfectly good wedding trellis. Second, he destroys a gorgeous doggie wedding that I spent ages planning. (I kid you not.) Third, he makes me feel all warm and fuzzy, and that is not ok. I prefer the cold and harsh way my fiancé makes me feel so much better. (wait, that didn’t come out right.) Fourth, and there is a fourth, he gets me all wound up and flustered. And last, when he unexpectedly kissed me it made me forget my own name, or the fact that I’m getting married…in a month. Please someone help me out. I’m a mess. Worst part is, Ellis isn’t the bad guy I first thought he was. And being forced to spend time with him is making me realize that he needs my help more than anything.
So what’s a girl like me to do?
Ellis
I’m only in town long enough to figure out a plan with my brother on how to save our brewery from the awfulness that is my father. Oh and be in a wedding.
Where I may or may not be crushing a little too hard on the bride-to-be. (spoiler alert, I’m crushing hard.) She’s really cute. Like seriously. And she has the cutest job, she’s a dog wedding planner. (I kid you not.) I can see why Henry loves her. I can see why everyone loves her. I can see why I’m falling for her.
I’m usually not a relationship-type guy. Call it picky or whatnot, but usually I get bored easily. So, my plan is simple. Spend as much time with Kiki (soon to be Faniki, I know) and hopefully get bored with her adorkable smile and sexy legs that go on for miles.
Then, I can save the brewery, be the best man of the wedding, and get my butt back to Chicago and away from the happy couple.
19 thoughts on “Tips for Writing a Steamy Sex Scene from Author Logan Chance”
This article was awesome Logan ty for all the tips and letting us get into your mind on how you come up with all your brilliant words
Great job
“Get Jiggy with it”
Loving the Gifs, they’re so Logan.
Tip #4 had me really thinking about how to word an email this morning, and I’m not even a writer, lol.
Lmao, yeah I had to add some gif’s. You know me too well.
You are so right about robotic sex scenes. When I start reading too many details about positions, I get sidetracked trying to imagine how they did that and suddenly I am no longer reading the story, instead I am figuring out if the characters could actually do that, physically, without being contortionists.
LOL, maybe that’s better for another story.
Loved this article! I am an avid romance reader and have always wondered how those sexy scenes are written. I may give it a go.
YES, do it. You may actually find you enjoy writing.
An avid romance reader here. Logan is on point with his tips.
I’m not a writer but as a reader it’s a great insight into how sex scenes are written. I’ve read a lot of sex scenes. Some good, some bad, and some impossible lol, so I’d say these are great tips!
Thanks for explaining your thought process while writing sex scenes. It’s very interesting. Answered a couple of questions I had! And Barry White…
Great tips Logan!
Great tips Logan Chance!
I love the humor Logan puts in his writing. Even when it’s giving advice on how to write a sex scene. Even though I am not a writer, I find it fascinating to see the process writers go through.
I found your tips to be insightful. If I was a writer, I would look at them to enhance what I had in mind because every little bit helps.
Thanks Logan, what a great article. I’d love to just sit down one day and just start typing to see what comes out…no pun intended.
Loved the article…
But gonna stick to what is best.
You write , I’ll read.
Prefer to leave it to the experts ❤️
I love this advice!! Fantastic article! Breaks down the nitty gritty of what can hold us up…Maybe I will give into my muses…
Love the post. Really helpful tips. As always, a pleasure to read whatever you write 😉
Secrets of The Master! Love learning a little of the process…. NKAS is funny and witty, as well as HOT! Logan Chance is The Best!!