Sexual Tension

As predicted, I'm totally stuck on chapter five. It's so frustrating, especially since I'm in a writing challenge right now. Even with an outline, I've slowed to a crawl. I pretty much have had to skip that chapter and move on to chapter six because that's when some of the paranormal elements kick in. Chapter four forces the hero and heroine together. Chapter five is where they're really supposed to let the sparks fly between them. They're supposed to be drawn together despite their differences and the danger of their situation. By the end of the chapter (per my outline) they're supposed to kiss, then the heroine is going to withdraw. This rouses the hero to his senses and they go to separate corners. Then it all goes to hell in chapter six and I'm good with that. That's when the sex becomes unabashed, possessed, sex goddess sex. There's no time for navel gazing, just raw sexual consumption.

As time goes on, I'm getting better at writing the sex, but not so much the sexual tension. How long can a heroine really stand there, agog, thinking about the hard, masculine ripples of the hero's biceps? How many times can her eyes run down the flat muscles of his stomach, pausing momentarily to blush at his hot package of love that will no doubt inspire her to frenzied climaxes within only a few more chapters? How often can the hero or heroine *tingle* deep inside with a longing they've denied themselves for far too long? How long can they internalize why they shouldn't give into the temptation? The air buzzes with a sexual electricity between them. Her nipples peak and press against the tight fabric of her blouse, betraying her arousal to the man she's trying to resist...

Blah, blah, blah. I'm over it. Maybe I'm missing something. Maybe I need to read more and see how others do it. The problem is that others seem to do it so seemlessly, I don't even notice it when I'm reading. If the book is good, I just skip right along and craft is the last thing in my mind. Then when I try to do it, it sticks out like a sore thumb (pardon the pun).

I know I can't be the only one with this problem. What am I missing here? Any suggestions? If you're currently writing, is anything giving you fits?

SP

Guest Blogger: Betina Krahn

Today's blogger won the Rita last summer for Best Short Historical Romance, but her career is taking a turn in a different direction and she's sharing about this with us today. I straightened up the playground, put more wood on the campfire and got things all toasty warm for today's guest blogger. Please give a big Writing Playground welcome to Betina Krahn.



BETINA’S BLAZING!

When I started writing, I was enthralled by the impact of words. . . by the way they could reach into a reader and make something visceral happen. The way they could make someone laugh, cry, tremble in fear, or even get turned on sexually was magic to me.

Well, a whole lotta books later, I’m still amazed by it. And I’m at something of a turning point in my career. And I’m turning to you for help.

Which would you rather read, a sexy book or a funny book?

You see, I’ve contracted myself for two Blazes and I face the prospect of having to turn up the heat in my writing. I fully intend to do my part to keep the BLAZE line ablaze. (I’m considering it a personal as well as a writing challenge!) But there are ways to heat things up and ways to heat things up. Most of the sex I’m into these days has an element of fun or playfulness in it. . . writing wise, of course. That’s just my personal preference. And I’m wondering if there’s a way to heat up funny love scenes.

So here’s the question: Have you ever made mistakes or gotten the giggles in the middle of making love? And do you think it always wrecks the mood? Could it potentially make you feel closer to the guy—assuming that you’re already fairly close and that he’s not furious that you’re laughing during his big moment. If it does ruin the mood, would you be willing to buy that a “ruined mood” taken in stride could bring two people a lot closer together?

And here’s another question: Do you think that “bad sex” is ever appropriate or even good in a book? Can “bad” love scenes still be sexy. The only “bad love scenes” I can recall happen to be in Jenny Crusie’s books. And they’re hysterical. Not, however, wildly sexy. Anybody else you know write bad sex with a verve? (In fairness to Jenny, the couples always end up with great sex later in the book—it’s just the opener that is a disappointment for the heroine!)

What makes a love scene memorable for you? Do you like characters who talk all the way through a love scene, or do you want them to keep their traps shut?

Sigh. I think I might have to do some more research. One of the “erotic advice” books I just got has a chapter on “spreadables.” I was floored. “Philly” brand cream cheese with pineapples. . . in the BEDROOM? What the heck do you do with the crackers?

Enlighten me. What makes a book a BLAZER for you?



One lucky commenter today will win a copy of Betina's Rita-winning book THE BOOK OF TRUE DESIRES. I just read this and you're going to love it! Great hero and heroine, wonderful setting, lots of adventure and, of course, a HEA.


You can visit Betina online at her website, http://www.betinakrahn.com/ and she blogs regularly at Riding with the Top Down. They ride around in this cool convertible and have hunky guys and everything. It's a cool place to hang out.


P.S. We need to catch up with posting come contest winners, so here goes. Shari and Theresa N are our Valentine's winners, and Crystal GB is the winner for Kerrelyn Spark's book from a few weeks ago. Please contact Angel with your full name and snail mail information. All winners have 7 days to claim their prizes or forfeit the prize.