Wednesday, February 29, 2012

WRITING A LOVE SCENE FROM A MAN’S POINT OF VIEW

By E.J. Rand


I'm a guy, and not young, but if I say this is unique, well, so are each of you. Love scenes can be dull or without effect if there isn't a buildup. That means valid resistance from at least one party. The purpose of such a scene in non-erotica is not the use of genetalia but reaching an emotional state that evolves characters and plot and propels the reader forward. A way to create such a connection is by having the resisting one recognize what's going on. In your own lives, each of you might recall a moment of losing oneself in churning emotion--of concern--then gazing at the loved one and. . . . Do I need to add to the dots? Note the following from my novel #9:

...She waved him quiet.

"This is so difficult to put into words. I'm beginning to sense what I never had. What I never could allow myself to have. I'm different with you. You're in my thoughts, my dreams, as if. . . . So you tell me what this is."

He pictured himself with a tin helmet on his head and a lance in his hand, keeping a safe distance. "You don't need to feel obligated."

"Obligated? Phillip, you've saved me and I don't only mean from Fredrick." She got up, stepped over to his couch, and sat facing him. "You're a gift."

"He'd heard that from Diane. It's what you bring to the table, Aaron had told him.

"I'm so bad at this," Emma said. "What I'm trying to tell you is that I love you. How or why or how fast it happened doesn't matter any more. I love you, Phillip Lewis."

She reached out and touched his cheek. "We have tonight. Give us a chance and maybe I can save you."

If I found the place, would I recognize the face? the song lyric went, and he had, from the moment he'd seen her photo, and he passed beyond safety and reason but gazing at Emma he knew the fear meant nothing. Warmth poured into him.

There was no distance between them.



That waited for 322 pages. I don't need to describe that night--until the next morning. ###




Ed Rand has had four books published by Deadly Ink Press in his Reluctant Sleuth Mystery series, has gained four award contest honors for them, and has received an advance for a fifth novel. Rather than continue writing for a small publisher, he opted for more and has gone beyond the Reluctant Sleuth series. His novel #6, LABYRINTH, was a 2010 Killer Nashville Claymore Award finalist. But it needed work and Ed hasn't submitted anything to agents until this month, when LOVE HER TO DEATH, to which the above quote belongs, went out. He's 20,000 words into Novel #10. Ed lives with his wife Ellen. He loves writing, and her. Visit him at http://www.ejrand.com/.



 

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

THE WORKING MOM’S WRITING TIP

By Jennifer McAndrews



There’s a writer’s trick to keep you coming back to the page day after day: never end the day at the end of a scene. Leave a scene in the middle, and you’ll be eager to get back to writing.

This is why I left my hero and heroine in the lobby of a New York City hotel. They’ve spent the day together, and the hero has charmed the heroine. Initially not keen on him, he has won her over. Now, for the moment of truth. When he tries to kiss her, will she allow it? Or will she turn and run? Will she kiss him back? Or kick him in the knees?

After spending a full day at the office and stopping at the grocery for dinner fixings, I’ve got an hour to squeeze in some words before dinner. hero. heroine. Lobby. Longing looks. He reaches a hand toward her. The brush of his fingertips on her elbow urges her closer, urges her -

My daughter, genetically klutzy, crashes into the kitchen where I’ve set up my laptop. “Mama, when you went to the supermarket did you get me tuna fish?”

I assure her I did then reread my sentence to catch the flow again.

The brush of his fingertips on her elbow ur -

“Did you get the kind I like?”

I look up. “I got the kind that was on sale.”

Maybe it’s my glare, because she purses her lips and wanders over to stare inside the refrigerator in search of a miracle.

The brush of his fingertips on her el-

The kitchen door crashes open. Dogs rush into the room, leaping (little dogs) and wailing (German Shepherd. You have to hear the wail to believe it). Inside the door is college daughter.

“Why are you here?” her sister looks away from the fridge long enough to ask.

“Be nice,” I put in. “What brings you home?”

College daughter fights off slobbering dogs and says, “My Friday class was cancelled so I thought I’d come home early. Did I miss dinner?”

I turn away from the laptop so I have both girls in sight. “Dinner’s in half an hour - give or take. Can you close the refrigerator please and think about what you saw then decide if there’s something you like? And you, would you please go into the living room and take the dogs with you. I want to get this scene done, ok?”

“Okay, but Mom -“

“Tell me later.”

With a huff, I swing my attention to the computer screen, looking for where I left off.

The brush of his fingertips on her elbow urges her closer, urges her lioo48987hig 8348-ehhuag[pi6666666666666664983qhgmb iru89999999999999999999999999999999uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu99999999999999999999998888888888888888888888888888888888888888887

Yup. My daughter tried to tell me the cat was standing on the keyboard, but did I want to listen? noooo.

In short, my tip for how to write a love scene -- whether it’s a first kiss or a first night together -- find a quiet place to write in, preferably a place where no one can find you. Especially the cat.♥



Jennifer McAndrews is a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart® finalist and a two-time Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence finalist. She's taught writing workshops both online and at conference and looks forward to presenting at RWA National in Anaheim. Her humorous mystery DEADLY FARCE is available February 2012 from Avalon Books.

Monday, February 27, 2012

WRITING TIP: DO RESEARCH

By Ruth A. Casie


[When writing a love scene,] I do some research. One of my source books is THE JOY OF WRITING SEX by Elizabeth Benedict. When it's time to put pen to paper, I need to be in the mood. For me it's a combination of music, soft lighting, and closing my eyes to imagine what my characters are doing. I really need to get into their head.




Ruth A. Casie, author of KNIGHT OF RUNES, has always had stories in her head. Encouraged by family and friends this ballroom dancing, Sudoku playing, aspiring gourmet has given way to her inner muse writing historical fantasy. Now, rather than write marketing and communications for corporate America, she writes historical fantasies about strong men and empowered women and how they cope with unexpected challenges. She hopes her stories become your favorite adventures. For more information, please visit http://www.ruthacasie.com/.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

WRITING TIP: KNOW WHAT DRIVES YOUR CHARACTERS

By Ursula Renee


After reading a number of books where the throbbing member entered the fluttering canal, taking her breathe away as the passion between them erupted into unspeakable depths, I began skipping the sex scenes in romances. It wasn’t that the authors were not creative. In fact, the scenes made nice instruction guides for the adventurous reader, who wanted to experiment in real life. The problem I had was that the scenes did not advance the story and would not have been missed if they had been eliminated from the book.

A romantic novel focuses on two people overcoming internal and external obstacles in order to be together. Every scene, including the sex scenes, should advance the plot, and not be thrown in as a filler or because it was expected.

Before writing a sex scene, I have to study my characters, learn what drives them, and figure out what they stand to lose and/or gain emotionally when they come together. Even if the characters are having sex to satisfy a physical need, I have to understand why they choose that moment to give into their urges – what prevented them from doing so earlier or waiting until later? Using what I learn about my characters, I continue the characters’ development during the sex scenes by focusing on the emotions rather than the act.

As I eventually discovered when I found a book that forced me to read every word, the most powerful sex scenes are the ones that allow the characters to grow.



Ursula Renée is the PRO Liaison for RWA NYC. She writes historical romances and romantic thrillers. When she is not writing, she enjoys photography, drawing and stone carving.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

WRITNG TIP: THE POWER OF LOVE

by Maureen Osborne



The lovers I write about are from different racial and social backgrounds.

Before writing a defining love scene, I enjoy taking my characters to a place that will test their differences and what they believe of the other. They will find healing and/or understanding in that person. Whether the following scene is one of raw sex or tender caresses, the characters will be transformed.

In a recent story, I wrote of a black woman hiding behind the wealth and power of a husband in a marriage of convenience. When she survives an explosion in a foreign hotel, she finds heat and vulnerability with of a man who will not settle for convenience. He will make demands of her time, her body and her future.

Love scenes whether raw or tender are intimate conversations between characters that take a story to another level and beyond.




Maureen Osborne is a member of RWANYC Chapter who writes historicals and erotica.

Friday, February 24, 2012

FALLING IN LOVE...WITH A ROMANTIC RENDEZVOUS

By Anne Elizabeth


I remember the very first assignation I ever wrote. It was cheesy! Definitely, very silly. And, it was, unfortunately, horribly ordinary.

The reason it was so flawed was...that it did not strike an emotional chord with me. A love scene must feel REAL to the writer. TANGIBLE. PALPABLE. And, practically able to LEAP off of the page and be performed right in front of your eyes. Am I being too dramatic? Perhaps. But, how can you expect a reader to relate when you cannot do so yourself?

So, jump into the scene! Get messy! Pretend you are a participant; maybe this is one of your wildest fantasies. Or, take another approach and allow your characters the privilege of playing their own roles their way. Whatever you do – however you envision it – make the action FLOW, be as authentic as possible, and remember to give it your own individual flare. Add a dash of your heritage, culture, or favorite region of choice for pizzazz.

Do you want a tip on how to get started? I use the following procedure to guarantee that a scene feels sincere to me. Here are the steps:


1) I ask myself, if the physical logistics work? Is it really sexy if she has to go through ten different Yoga poses just to kiss him? Or, is it better if she strokes her fingers over his lips, testing the softness, before she lays her lips on his.

2) Check the pacing: does the pace plod along or does the romance build to a climatic moment creating a page-turner?

3) Responses and Environment: Are the characters responding in a manner that is true to their personality and is the setting or location actually romantic?

4) Have I hit the dramatic moments that need to contribute to the overall character development and journey, and

5) Is it satisfying? Afterward – after it is written – I read it aloud or ask a friend for a critique. Being honest is vitally important. If I love it and my readers love it, then I’m pleased with the outcome. If no one loves it, go back to the empty page and start again.

Everyone has a different process, and this is mine. Making a love scene resonate leaves a lasting impression, one that will be remembered and associated with your story for all time. So, get out there, be bold, and experiment, and always remember to make it flow. Lastly, always do it your way. ♥



Anne Elizabeth is a romance author, comic creator and columnist for Romantic Times and Publishers Weekly magazines. Her third graphic novel, POWER PLAY, releases in October at the New York ComicCon. Anne Elizabeth’s next West Navy Seal book, A SEAL WITH A HEART, releases in December. Visit here at www.anneelizabeth.net.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

WRITING TIP: LISTEN TO YOUR CHARACTERS

By C.H. Admirand


The love scenes in my books are part of the progression of the arc of the romance between my hero and heroine. I listen to my characters and have learned that when they are ready to make love, the scene flows and the sparks fly! If I try to force it too early to fit in with a suggested submission guideline, then it NEVER works.




C.H. Admirand writes western romance novels. Her latest, DYLAN, can be previewed at her website, http://www.chadmirand.com/.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

WRITING TIP: SETTING THE MOOD

From Karen Cino



Writing love scenes can be really challenging. When writing a love scene, I turn on romantic music, light a candle and put myself into the scene. To me, the intimacy before the making love is what takes my love scenes by storm. Touching, embracing and sweet kisses shows the inner emotions of my characters.



Karen Cino’s debut romance, ROSES, is out now from Secret Cravings Publisher. Learn more about Karen and her books at http://www.karencinobooks.blogspot.com/ and http://www.karencino.com/.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

WRITING TIP: REMEMBER WHO YOUR CHARACTERS ARE

By Isabo Kelly



In another blog post, I mentioned one of my tricks for writing loves scenes is to “fake it” when I’m not in a sexy mood. But that’s not the only tip I have to rely on when writing those intimate scenes.

One of the other things I have to remind myself of with every book and even every love scene is that these two characters (or more if you’re writing ménages) are their own individual selves. They’re coming to this scene with their own personalities, baggage, agenda’s, and expectations.

After awhile, if I’m not carefully, sex scenes can start to feel alike—there’s only so many positions and possible things to do during sex! So I always have to remind myself to think like the characters and bring their histories and personalities into the scene. Their emotional issues are more important in writing the scene than the actual act itself, and that’s how I try to keep my scenes unique and interesting as well as sexy.

I still slip, but by remembering to see the scene through my characters’ filters and not my own, I hope I manage to write unique scenes each time. At least, that’s the goal.




Isabo Kelly’s latest fantasy romance, BRIGHTARROW BURNING, from Samhain Publishing, does have a lot of sex scenes for a novella. She tried very hard to make each one unique. For more on Isabo’s books, visit her at http://www.isabokelly.com/, follow her on Twitter @IsaboKelly, and friend her on Facebook www.facebook.com/IsaboKelly.

Monday, February 20, 2012

WRITING TIP: KEEP IT SEDUCTIVE, BUT NOT VULGAR

By Michael Molloy



First and foremost, I have a simple rule of thumb when it comes to composing a love scene for any of my works: keep it seductive, but not vulgar. Unless you’re writing erotica (count me out on this one, please), there is no need to get too graphic with your readers. C’mon, they get it.

Think of a glass of fine merlot wine. Now you could gulp it all down in one fell swoop. I suppose if you want to experience a quick buzz that would be the way to go. But, if you’re like me, you want to take one little sip at a time and allow the nectar of the vine to slowly swish around your teeth and gums before swallowing it. That is the perfect analogy I can come up with when it comes to the ideal love scene. Give your readers small increments leading up to the point of romantic rapture. In other words, don’t hit the readers over their heads with a sledge hammer.

It’s best to build up to the sensuous moment. Yeah, this is coming from a guy. But, hey, your audience is female and this is what most women love to read when they fantasize their own ideal moment of intimacy. Take my latest project, “The Diamond Man”. My main characters, Jim and Anne, have a delightful picnic together in a park, whereby they take turns reciting romantic poetry while indulging on wine, cheese, and fruit, go to a boutique where Jim playfully pulls the brim of a summer hat over Anne’s eyes when she takes too long to decide upon purchasing it, and share coffee at Anne’s apartment before leading up to their heated kiss and eventual lovemaking scene in her bedroom. All of these elements are layers pointing towards the ultimate steamy moment. In my opinion, that is the best way.

Another thing, please refrain from mentioning unnecessary specifics in your intimate encounters. Give the illusion of what’s happening. If you want to embellish it, how about mentioning satin sheets, lit scented candles, or rose petals across the pillows? Allow the reader to envision herself what’s happening. For example, in the aforementioned passionate encounter between Jim and Anne, I write, “…and she absorbed his masculinity.” There, that’s all you have to do. Let the reader imagine the rest. One thing you will never see me use in any story I write is the use of the P word and the V word. Unless it relates to a heinous crime in a suspense or mystery novel, there’s no need for it. Leave it out. Just be suggestive. Your audience is too savvy and intelligent for the need to become edgy.

There’s also nothing wrong by injecting a little humor in your love scene. Let’s go back to that encounter between Jim and Anne in her bedroom. After their passionate exchange and discussion about a few topics, Jim comments on a birthmark Anne has below her left shoulder. He explains that his ex-wife has one, too. “It’s right next to her…uh…right next to her…” Jim deliberately doesn’t complete the sentence, causing Anne to at first gasp. But then she smiles at the reference. Again, the reader knows what you’re implying.



Michael Molloy is a big fan of authors Stephen King, Tom Clancy and Frederick Forysth. He didn’t get the writing bug until about 12 years ago. Michael was influenced greatly by an English teacher he had during his years at Stuyvesant High School -- the late Frank McCourt (ANGELA’S ASHES). In 2009, he self-published his novel, DEUTERONOMY: THE NEW TEN COMMANDMENTS. He is currently shopping around a romance novel, THE DIAMOND MAN and a thriller called, SADISTIC PATTERN. Michael has also written a screenplay, “Simon Rockets”, which got as far as talks with Hollywood producer Beau Carson (“The Tempest”). To learn more about him, visit him at http://www.authormichaeljmolloy.com/.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

WRITING TIP: HOW NOT TO WRITE A LOVE SCENE

By Mageela Troche




1. Don’t write a love scene when you’re ready to rip off someone’s head and drink their blood.

2. Don’t write a love scene when your single on Valentine’s Day and if you’re ready to shred every paper heart with your teeth.

3. Don’t write a love scene when right after a root canal, came from the bank or received a letter from the IRS.

4. Don’t write a love scene when you’re drunk. You’ll only have to deal with the dread morning after just as in real life.

5. Don’t write a love scene when you have no interest in being sexy back and if it by chance did return, you might strangle it with your bare hands.

6. Don’t write a love scene when you’ve stuffed yourself at a Super Bowl party or dinner or anytime you have to unbuckle your pants.

7. Don’t write a love scene after you’ve visited your parents, grandparents or anyone that you wouldn’t share sex stories with.

8. Don’t write a love scene after reading about sex. All the romance is lost and no one care about Item A inserted into Slot B.

9. Don’t write about a love scene when if you used he parted her feminine petals or his iron hard shaft

10. Don’t write a love scene if your hero and heroine don’t have magic between them. It never helps a novel or the reader.




An Air Force brat, Mageela landed in New York City and wanted to leave the same day she arrived. Yet, with her stubbornness, she learned to like the place and the librabries were the main reason. Learning to read at four-years-old, she decided to be an author and an actress. Once in college, she changed her life plan in the pursuit of money. After all, college loans must be repaid. With life's twists and turns, she returned to writing and focused on the romance genre. She joined RWA in 2004 and soon discovered RWANYC. Mageela Troche is a PRO member and placed 2nd in FTHRW Wallflower Best Love Scene, has published various articles for her local chapter and their blog besides having her own. She is 2012 Vice President for RWANYC chapter and currently research, writing, revising--the cycle of writing.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

WRITING TIP: BE INTIMATE WITH YOUR CHARACTERS

By Teresa Miñambres



Writing a love scene is writing about an intimate mood. The first thing you must do is forget that you will eventually have an audience. You must be intimate with your characters and feel their emotions as well as the sensual textures that their bodies are experiencing.

When I listen to writers complain about how difficult it is to write a love scene, what I often hear is that it is embarrassing because others, strangers, will read it. You have to get over this shyness. Especially if you are writing erotica, you have to stop blushing.

Focus on describing the smells, the inner hunger, the feelings that make you overcome you shyness and fears, the yearnings that your partner pulls out of your sole and most of all the joining, the oneness that roars through you and causes you to experience a physical joy and pleasure like no other.

To write a good love scene you, the writer, must fall in love with the moment and the actions taking place in that moment. Forget the audience. Become one with your characters and convey their joy and pleasure as they learn about their lusts, their desires and the surprise and wonder which their love is.

Write the scene from both points of view and then blend them so that the whole experience can be viewed and felt. You should always remember that making your audiences feel what is happening in the scene is a very important objective in our story telling.




Teresa C. Miñambres works for New York City Transit currently, and, in her former life, she graduated with a Masters Degree in Spanish European History. She is working on two historical romances, one set in Texas and one set in Colorado; both involving Spanish land grants, which the heroines had inherited. Teresa's heroines and heroes are strong, opinionated and very sensual.

Friday, February 17, 2012

FIRST BOOK, FIRST LOVE LESSON

by Thea Devine



I've written and talked about this moment in my early writing life before this, but it truly define how I approach writing love scenes.

In that first book I had created a situation where the hero was going to take the heroine against her will, even though there had been a fair amount of tension building between them for various reasons that could lead to an explosive sex scene.

But, novice that I was, I kind of got that if my hero forced the heroine in any way, there was nowhere to go with the story. She'd be backed into a corner, with no control, no recourse, no help, totally at his mercy and whatever he chose to do, and there would be nothing but regrets, recriminations and no place for her to go in the aftermath.

Why I chose to have her put her hand between his legs at that crucial juncture is a decision lost in the mists of time. What is important is that as I wrote that scene, I saw that instantly the power shifted. Suddenly they were equals. My heroine (and I) saw she could affect the hero just as much as he could her and in a very potent way. And that was -- they were equals and now the decision to have sex was in her hands, not his.

It changed everything, that scene, and has informed everything I've written since. I set my I set my own ground rules for the erotic component early on: The heroine will always have some control. The hero won't force her or hurt her. They'll be together at the end. They'll be in love or on the cusp of it.

However the crux of all that is something a reader keyed into a long time ago in an on-line discussion -- that is, that my heroes and heroines are always trying to get control over each other. She will not be submissive, and he will not be dominated, and that organic pull and tug drives the plot and the love scenes. They are, as I've often said, going the same way but in opposite directions.

The eroticism of that doesn't necessarily play out in the naming of body parts. It could be a look, a touch, something not said but known, a memory, an acknowledgement, the reader witnessing of moment of pure yearning that seemingly can never be satisfied, or the realization of a love that cannot be. Those moments can be as every bit as erotic as any graphic sex scene.

Giving my heroine control in that first book meant she had some power over the hero which she then used to buffer her lies and further her own plans and schemes. It was nothing I plotted intentionally; it came out of that one scene where, for reasons I'll never remember, I let my heroine take control.

I learned a lot, writing that first book, which was rated "very spicy" by Romantic Times. It set the stage for every love scene I've written since. *



Thea Devine's books defined erotic historical romance for which she was honored as a Romance Pioneer by Romantic Times. Her first book, SHAMELESS DESIRE, was published in 1987. Her 25th novel, THE DARKEST HEART was a June 2011 release from Gallery Books. She's currently working on the sequel.  Visit her at http://www.theadevine.com/.


  

Thursday, February 16, 2012

WRITING TIP: THINK ABOUT YOUR CHARACTERS

By Addison Fox



Think about your characters when writing a love scene. Why are THESE two people together? What makes their romance unique and dynamic? Use those reasons to individualize a love scene that could only be meant for them.



Addison Fox can’t remember a time when words weren’t part of her life. An avid reader, she can be found with a book in her hand nearly every time she has a free moment. Her next release is an April 2012 e-Special from Penguin, WAVE OF MEMORIES, and continues her Sons of the Zodiac series. You can find out about this and all of Addison's upcoming books at http://www.addisonfox.com/. Friend her at www.facebook.com/addisonfoxauthor.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

WRITING TIP: GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO BE WILD AND CRAZY

By Hope Tarr



Save any angst for later--after the love/sex scene is written. For now, turn off your internal editor to get the first scene draft done. I always give myself permission to be as wild and crazy, outlandish and 'out there' as I like on a first draft. Revisions are time enough to consider your target audience, the 'heat level' of the imprint or line, and beyond all, what you feel comfortable assigning your name to.



Hope Tarr is the author of VANQUISHED (Kindle Top 100) and TEMPTING (digital reissue this February 2012). Hope is also a co-founder of the popular Lady Jane’s Salon. Visit her at any and all of the following sites: http://www.hopetarr.com/, http://www.writernyc.com/ & http://www.ladyjanesalon.com/.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

CELEBRATE ROMANCE: WRITING THE LOVE SCENE IS ABOUT BACKGROUND, EXPERIENCE, AND SETTING

Happy Valentine’s Day from the Board and members of the Romance Writers of America New York City Chapter. All this month, we are Celebrating Romance by bringing you writing tips from our members on How to Write a Love Scene. Happy Reading!


WritING the Love Scene is About Background, Experience, and Setting
By Catherine Greenfeder


In WILDFLOWERS, Johanna is a virgin heroine, a minister’s daughter, and Ryan is the experienced mountain man-turned-trail guide who must help her and the other pioneers survive the trek on the Oregon Trail. Ryan brings out Johanna’s passion and during their adventures along the way.

In my paranormal romance, SACRED FIRES, Casey, engaged to a man she doesn’t truly know, finds a tender yet passionate lover in Miguel, another man, who is her soul mate. Their lovemaking takes place in a way that parallels their past lifetimes. So a jungle, the garden, and a beach in Mexico provide the romantic setting.

There is sex and there is lust. Sex used as a weapon is not lovemaking but it can aid the plot. Grizzly Dugan in WILDFLOWERS, attacks a Pawnee squaw who fights him off. This is brutal and raw. It mirrors his persona and contrasts with the hero’s tenderness with the heroine. In SACRED FIRES, the antagonist engages in erotic sex with his mistress and misuses sex magic. This contrasts with the more spiritual and romantic nature of the hero and heroine’s lovemaking style.

To me lovemaking needs to fit the story and show how the characters care about each other.



Catherine Greenfeder writes historical and paranormal romance. Her published books include ANGELS AMONG US, WILDFLOWERS, and SACRED FIRES. She is currently writing a YA paranormal featuring a teenage medium and a ghost and a paranormal novella featuring a werewolf and a Wiccan.



Monday, February 13, 2012

WRITING TIP: USE THE FIVE SENSES TO PAINT A PICTURE

From Del Carmen


When writing a love scene always incorporate the five senses – touch, smell, taste, sight, hearing – to paint a full picture. Using all the senses heightens the sexual tension and makes for a better seduction, not to mention surrender!




Del Carmen’s “Ride A Cowboy” was published in the WOMEN IN LUST anthology (Cleis Press, November 2011). It was reprinted by Penthouse in their February 2012 issue. Visit Del Carmen at http://www.mydelcarmen.com/.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

TEN WAYS TO SPOT A SOCIOPATH (AKA CON-ARTIST) ON YOUR FIRST DATE

by Dr. Annabelle Charbit



What makes a sociopath?

There are people in the world who don't care about love, and who feel no remorse, empathy or emotional attachment to others. They don't even know what these feelings are. These people are called sociopaths. Most people think of a sociopath as a deranged serial killer, but, with 4% of the population having the character traits of a sociopath, most sociopaths never physically harm anyone. Sociopaths do however ruin lives, empty bank accounts, and cause untold emotional trauma, using simply the fact that they don't care.

The Absence of Feelings.  Sociopaths may seem to laugh or cry but they present with no depth of emotion. While easily provoked to frustration or rage, their display of feeling is little more than a momentary, isolated temper tantrum. To the sociopath, other people are tools to get them what they want: money, sex, a job or other possessions. They live in their own amoral world where nothing they do has any consequences and where they owe no one anything. They have no empathy. Thus, they elude all responsibility for their actions, and can easily turn the tables, blaming their partner without guilt or shame.

The Relentlessness of Deception. Sociopaths lie all the time. As they don't view their spouse as a thinking, feeling person, they do not see this behavior as wrong. Their only quest is to serve themselves and, if this entails lying, cheating or even murder, they will do so. If one catches them in lies, they are brilliant at changing the subject, placing the onus on the other person, denying their involvement or trying to make their spouse seem crazy. They are even good at deceiving the police and the court system; sociopaths rarely end up in prison for their actions.

The Impulsiveness of Action. Sociopathic individuals rarely plan ahead. They undertake actions on the basis of momentary whims, often devious ones. Every act seems isolated in its own amoral universe. Thus, they cannot keep promises or repair the damage they've caused to others. When they lie, cheat or steal, the act exists solely for them; they believe it should have no repercussions or real world effects. They often appear to have "forgotten" they did something shortly after it happened. Their need for excitement encourages them to get involved in one night stands, shady deals and ill advised engagements.  Sociopaths have no sense of commitment to their spouses, any children they may have together or the future.


How to spot a sociopath?

Sociopaths have impressive social skills, thereby making them extremely hard to spot. They are charming, funny and exciting. This is why we need to be aware. If your new romantic interest exhibits all or most of the following behaviors, be careful. He or she might be a sociopath.

1) Charisma and charm. They’re smooth talkers, always have an answer, never miss a beat. They seem to be very exciting. Their manners are impeccable; they are well groomed; they fulfill the codes of romance and courtship to a tee. They are likely to be eloquent talkers who lace their speech with impressive sounding facts and figures. They may be fun, laugh a lot, or sweep their partner off their feet with their sweetness.

2) Enormous ego. They act like the smartest, richest or most successful people around. They may actually come out and tell you that.

3) Overly attentive. They call, text and e-mail constantly. They want to be with you every moment. They resent time you spend with your family and friends.

4) Jekyll and Hyde personality. One minute they love you, the next minute they hate you. Their personality changes like flipping a switch.

5) Blame others. Nothing is ever their fault. They always have an excuse. Someone else causes their problems.

6) Lies and gaps in the story. You ask questions, and the answers are vague. They tell stupid lies. They tell outrageous lies. They lie when they’d make out better telling the truth. If you probe deeper, you’ll find that their stories never stack up.

7) Intense eye contact. Call it the predatory stare. If you get a chill down your spine when they look at you, pay attention.

8) Move fast. They quickly proclaim that you’re their true love and soul mate. They want to move in together or get married quickly.

9) Pity play. They appeal to your sympathy. They want you to feel sorry for their abusive childhood, psychotic ex, incurable disease or financial setbacks.

10) Sexual magnetism. If you feel intense attraction, if your physical relationship is unbelievable, it may be their excess testosterone.


Some doctors call them sociopaths; others refer to them as psychopaths. Either way, the terms are used to describe individuals who have a range of personality disorders. These people are NOT certifiably mentally ill; they are biological carriers of socially and personally problematic traits. Such traits may have been manifested from childhood in acts of cruelty to animals, property or people. These characteristics can disrupt relationships, create financial and emotional crises, and, at their worst, lead the person to callously undertake acts of vandalism, theft, rape or murder. Being aware what constitutes a sociopath can help one resist their charm and the errors inherent in establishing a life with them.

Sociopaths know exactly what they are doing, and most of them never kill anyone. But they are social predators who exploit just about everyone they meet. They have no heart, no conscience and no remorse.

You can’t ‘cure’ a sociopath or help them to see the error of their ways. They can’t see the world as we do, and the only thing you can do, is save yourself and walk away.♥



Dr. Annabelle Charbit grew up in London, UK, and has been writing since 2006. She holds a PhD in Neuroscience. Annabelle is also a playwright and a journalist. Her comedy play, Sound Advice, was performed by CP Theatre Productions in London. In 2010, she wrote for TheFrisky.com, an online magazine who commissioned her after noticing her blog, Crazy in a Crazy World. A LIFE LIVED RIDICULOUSLY is Annabelle's first novel. Visit her at http://www.ridiculouslife.net/.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

WRITING TIP: BUILDING INTIMACY BEFORE THE LOVE SCENE

By Lena Hart



Reading a wide range of authors, particularly in the genre I’m writing in, helps me recognize what’s within my comfort zone as a writer when I’m crafting my own love scenes. One author I find myself referencing the most is Linda Howard because I like how she brings alive the chemistry between the two hero and heroine, making their connection (in and out of the bedroom) sensually intense and hot.

At the 2010 RWA National conference, she held a workshop on “The 12-steps of Intimacy”, which described the steps a writer should take to build intimacy and sensual tension between their characters. Below are my notes from the workshop.


The 12-steps of Intimacy:

1. Eye to Body Contact (the “once over”)

2. Eye to Eye Contact (followed by a smile if its instant attraction)

3. Voice to Voice (reacting to the other’s timbre)

4. Hand to Hand Contact (men can improvise by touching arm or elbow)

5. Arm to Shoulder (is not sexual but brings the bodies together; think movie theater arm stretch)

6. Arm to Waist Contact (sexual move to get closer to intimate parts)

7. Mouth to Mouth Contact (kissing reinforces the sexual bond)

8. Hand to Head Contact (usually occurs during a kiss; signals a major intimate move)

9. Hand to Body Contact (usually touching the breast)

10. Mouth to Breast (can lead to sensitivity or orgasm)

11. Hand to Genital (major bonding happening here)

12. Genital to Genital (full intercourse; solidifies the emotional and physical intimacy)



These steps can be used all in one scene but work best when weaved throughout the story, effectively building sexual anticipation and unforgettable love scenes.



Lena Hart is an unpublished author of sensual romances, and is currently looking for a home for her contemporary novella. She’s editorial assistant for the RWANYC newsletter, and is working on several literary projects while obtaining her MA in English Language & Literacy. To learn more about Lena and her work, please visit http://www.lenahartsite.com/ and http://lenahartsite.com/blog.html

Friday, February 10, 2012

CELEBRATE ROMANCE: TOP TEN MOVIE KISSES

Join RWANYC in their month-long Celebration of Romance.  Below are our members' picks for the Top 10 Movie Kisses ever.


Rick and Ilsa from "Casablanca"


Rhett and Scarlett from "Gone With The Wind"


Jack and Rose in "Titanic"


Johnny and Baby in "Dirty Dancing"


Sam and Molly in "Ghost"


Milton and Karen in "From Here to Eternity"


Bud and Wilma in "Splendor in the Grass"


Ralph and Meggie in "The Thorn Birds"


Keith and Watts in "Some Kind of Wonderful"


Denys and Karen in "Out of Africa"


CELEBRATE ROMANCE!
  


Thursday, February 9, 2012

WRITING TIP: MY OWN LOVE SCENES MAKE ME BLUSH!

By Suleikha Snyder


Honestly, writing a good, sensual (and spicy!) love scene is the bane of my literary existence. All those limbs flailing around and body parts interlocking and things getting all hot and wet and throbbing... it's definitely provides a challenge! I always feel awkward and ill-equipped, and sometimes I can't even go back and read love scenes after I've finished them. Yes, my own love scenes make ME blush!

So how do I keep from shying away while writing the nitty-gritty naughtiness? Well, I really try to get into my characters' heads and empathize with how badly they want each other. Is it angry sex? Is it reunion sex? Are they sad, wistful, longing? I try to imagine the urgency, the emotional build-up, and have it culminate in a passionate clinch...or perhaps just the barest, lightest, touch. I let my hero and heroine (or hero and hero) dictate how far they want to go. I focus on what their hands are doing and how they look at each other. And when it comes to gettin' down to the actual business, sometimes I'll put on a sexy song like Paula Cole's "Feelin' Love" or Sarah Fimm's "Be Like Water" and just let my characters take over!



Suleikha Snyder is the author of SPICE AND SMOKE (Samhain), HEART MURMURS (The Wild Rose Press) and “Surrender with a Twist” in SUITE ENCOUNTERS (Cleis Press). Learn more about her at http://suleikhasnyder.blogspot.com/, http://www.facebook.com/suleikhasnyder and http://twitter.com/suleikhasnyder.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

NO GRATUITOUS SEX

  
It’s February – the month of love. RWANYC is celebrating with a month-long promotion on How to Write a Love Scene – writing tips from our authors of contemporaries, historicals, sci-fi, erotica, YA, confessions and everything in between. And on Fridays, we’ll post list of our members’ Favorite Declarations of Love, Love Songs, Lovers and Kisses. Join us in our Celebration of Romance.



HOW TO WRITE A LOVE SCENE
By Kate McMurray


The best love scenes are never just gratuitous. They should be hot, yes, but they should mean something, too. Love scenes are not a place to take a break from storytelling, they should contribute to the storytelling. They should move the plot forward in some way or show us something important about these characters. They should be just as crucial to your story as any other part of the novel, the sort of thing the reader can't just skip.

The way to make a scene hot is to really get into the characters' heads. What are they thinking? What do they feel, both physically and emotionally? Be specific. Things don't just feel good or pleasurable, because those words are vague. Specific adjectives can really make a scene a visceral experience for the reader. It's hot and sweaty. Backs arch, skin tingles. There's pain or softness or or warmth depending on the circumstances.

In a romance novel, these scenes aren't just "Wham, bam, thank you, ma'am." Sex can be gratuitous, but it's also an expression of how these two characters feel for each other, so it can be deep and emotional at the same time that it's down and dirty.

And, above all, sex is messy and fun. There aren't always fireworks and waves crashing—sometimes there's laughter. Sometimes there are tears. Sometimes it's great and sometimes it's a disaster. But life's that way, too. And that's the way sex should be in a novel—it should show the lives of these characters just as surely as their actions outside of the bedroom do.♥


Learn more about Kate McMurray and her books at http://www.katemcmurray.com.



AND COME BACK FRIDAY, February 10, for RWANYC’s Favorite Love Songs.

Monday, February 6, 2012

LUST SCENES?

by Lise Horton



I write super-hot love scenes. I especially like writing kink like ménage and BDSM, and the hotter and more graphic, the better. During a recent discussion a fellow author said that “sex scenes aren’t love scenes”. I feel I must respectfully – and strongly – disagree. Admittedly, what is “romantic”, or “sexy” to one reader, is not to another, so bottom line is to each her own! (And isn’t it great? Plenty of readers for everyone!)

For those who do not read erotic romance, with its full-contact, graphic sex scenes, they may not immediately appear to be all about love. In some cases in fact, the story may NOT begin with a couple (or more) who are already “in love”, or already falling emotionally, before they indulge in the physical; one difference from less steamy romances. But they are always people who are embarking on a relationship because of an immediate attraction or growing into a committed love relationship, even if it may stem from an initially sexual relationship. I think it’s important to note this initial attraction is unlike anything they’ve ever known – there’s chemistry, but also something “more”. This lets a reader know which way the wind WILL soon be blowing, emotionally.

I strive in my stories - complete with HEAs – to illustrate just how romantic, emotional and psychologically satisfying a sexually graphic love scene can be. In order to convey this truth, I need to make sure my characters – and their actions - are immediate and believable. So I do tons of research about providing emotional and psychological detail in my characters and their love scenes.

For example, using kink means showing why my characters are kinky. How that sexual preference evolved, and how it ties into their emotional make-up. I have read a lot of kinky erotic romance that contains things I would not personally want to participate in. However, that doesn’t mean the author was not successful in making those scenes really hot and erotic for me! (I’m one of those whatever-blows-your-skirt-up kind of gals, after all.)

Or if I am using Dominance and submission elements (D/s) (I’m not a creative “switch” – my heroes are always the dominant ones, my heroines always submissives) I need to do a psychological study of my characters to show why they are the way they are. In particular, with a heroine who is a submissive (which can mean many different things, but it doesn’t mean that she is not a strong, independent character). Is she a submissive only in the boudoir? That means she can be a total take-charge woman in other aspects of her life. I love the dichotomy of a female who loves being controlled in bed, but woe betide the man who tries it any other time! Or is she a submissive personality 24/7, meaning that her hero will dominate her both in bed, as well as be her protector in life? I have a character in a current WIP that is a 24/7 submissive personality. She has been physically wounded, emotionally tormented, and is adrift and alone. Finding a masterful man who takes care of her and helps her regain her stability is a relief and a blessing for her. It is a big plus that he is a wonderful, caring lover who helps her understand her feelings in bed, allowing her to blossom and enjoy her true sexual nature. But my hero’s proclivities and motivations must also be made crystal clear. He is not simply a megalomaniac out to control a woman’s life. He will be the masterful man she needs, within the context of his dominant, protective nature, especially when it comes to their sex life. He is compassionate about her desires and dreams, and helps her achieve them. He doesn’t use force or coercion to make her do what HE wants!

I do a lot of research. I read BDSM lifestyle books. I read books on alternative sexualities and their psychological aspects. I also read a wide selection of erotic romance for tips and to see if other authors successfully (to me) create emotionally gripping, kinky characters.

Before writing, I create a character sexual biography for each protagonist. It contains every single element of my characters’ sex life, from family teachings, to religion, first lovers, as well as all the negatives – bad experiences, fears, taboos. I include “worldbuilding” elements which impact their belief systems, or dictate sexual development. When I get to “present” circumstances I clarify their likes, dislikes, desires, and their own feelings (Curious? Scared? Embarrassed?). I log possible reactions to new lover(s) and new sexual experiences. I catalogue how these events will change them, emotionally and psychologically – filling unfilled needs, resolving old issues, revealing new sides of their sexual selves. And I go in depth clarifying their motivation and conflicts as they apply to the sexual plot, as well as how they tie into the overall plot: Her growth and how she’ll be helped to surmount these conflicts to achieve happiness on all fronts.

Once I have a clear picture of exactly what the character is like I can make appropriate plot choices and/or appropriate choices for characteristics, and actions & reactions in sexual situations. My goal is to have honest, believable, understandable characters whom a reader can travel along with on the sexual journey - a journey entwined with the emotional and romantic one.

Then I ramp up the fun and make sure everything is hot hot hot! Because, after all, as a famous hedonist once said, “Too much of a good thing can be wonderful!”♥



Lise Horton is the new RWANYC Chapter President. She is currently writing in her two favorite genres, and keeping abreast of the fascinating changes in the world of publishing. Find out more about the industry on her blog, The Publishing Game, http://publishinggame.blogspot.com/

  

Saturday, February 4, 2012

WRITERS DIVIDE ON BLACK VS INTERRACIAL ROMANCES

 By Lena Hart

Last month, I scoured the internet trying to find information on how interracial (IR) romances were trending in today’s market. Since those are the type of stories I’m interested in writing, I figured I’d get a sense of how IR romances were selling. Generally, IR romances seem to be thriving with small print publishers and e-pubs, and growing some traction with more well-known publishing houses. However, what really caught my interest was a forum I happened to find myself in where several black and IR romance writers had plenty to say about the subgenres and why they think one is thriving over the other.

I was fascinated to see how candid the conversations were but what stuck out the most to me was the collective belief that IR romances where doing better than black romances because the stories were more “relatable”. IR writers argued the opposite, stating IR romances were not selling because they couldn’t relate to a larger audience. This was an interesting theory considering paranormal are dominating the market right now and if readers can relate to vampires and werewolves, I can’t see why they couldn’t connect with a black protagonist.

Many discounted this idea as well. They believed instead that, thanks to Hollywood, black romances weren’t doing as well as they should because there was a preconceived misconception from readers that black romances were of the “street urban” variety. It was further interesting to see that some IR writers shared this same prejudice of black romances.

I believe their bias stemmed from being kicked out of writer groups because their stories weren’t realistic enough for black readers to relate to or didn’t represent the black community authentically. Because of these critics they believe that they need to infuse more “urban elements” into their story in order to appeal to black audiences so they decided not to write exclusively about black characters. They broaden their character’s backgrounds, experiences, cultural view to appeal to a wider audience.

These conversations went on for many threads but it was refreshing to see that, in the end, the majority of IR writers didn’t harbor such stereotypes. They write about interracial couples because that’s what they liked to read and thus that’s what they choose to write. As a romance reader, I appreciate the variety our genre offers and as a writer, I love to create a world where two people fall in love despite the odds.

Whatever hue my characters happen to be, I fully intend to flex my creative muscles and explore my range as a romance writer. For now, I’m just happy to see IR romances doing fairly well in the market and hope it continues to grow in popularity. I’d like to hope it finds a place in the mainstream market someday. Until then, I’m happy to keep writing it.♥



Lena Hart is a romance writer with her first interracial romance novella currently submitted for publication. She is also the editorial assistant for the RWANYC Keynotes newsletter and is working on several literary projects while obtaining her MA in English Language & Literacy. To learn more about Lena and her work, please visit her at www.lenahartsite.com.
  
 

Friday, February 3, 2012

CELEBRATE ROMANCE: TOP 20 LOVE SONGS

    
The Romance Writers of America New York City Chapter and its members are Celebrating Romance all month-long. Here are their selections for Top 20 Love Songs. Play them for the One you love.





1. “You’re the First, You’re the Last, My Everything” by Barry White (anything by Barry White, really!)

2. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston

3. “It’s Your Love” by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill

4. “The First Time I Saw Your Face” by Roberta Flack

5. “I’ll Be” by Edwin McCain

6. “At Last” by Etta James

7. “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?” by Van Morrison

8. “Breathe” by Faith Hill

9. “Dreaming of You” by Selena

10. “Save the Best for Last” by Vanessa Williams

11. “Kiss From a Rose” by Seal

12. “All My Life” by K-Ci & JoJo

13. “When a Man Loves a Woman” by Bryan Adams

14. “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers

15. “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel

16. “Shameless” by Billy Joel

17. “I’ll Be There for You” by Bon Jovi

18. “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion

19. “Always on My Mind” by Willie Nelson

20. “You are the Sunshine of My Life” by Stevie Wonder


 

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

CELEBRATE ROMANCE: HOW TO WRITE A LOVE SCENE BY SYLVIA HALLIDAY

 
It’s February – the month of love. RWANYC is celebrating with a month-long promotion on How to Write a Love Scene – writing tips from our authors of contemporaries, historicals, sci-fi, erotica, YA, confessions and everything in between. And on Fridays, we’ll post list of our members’ Favorite Declarations of Love, Love Songs, Lovers and Kisses. Join us in our Celebration of Romance.



HOW TO WRITE A LOVE SCENE
By Sylvia Halliday


Frankly, I find that writing these scenes can be boring, after the "will-they, won't they" lead-up in previous chapters. So I try not to be preoccupied with "body parts". Instead, I concentrate on their brains, so that the sex scene has a larger purpose than just getting their bodies together. I find that the mechanics become secondary, their emotions paramount.

An innocent girl new to sex? She makes a funny, awkward comment that makes the hero laugh and love her even more.

She's in love with him? Then she has joy or even tears at the culmination of her deepest desires.

She's hot for his body? Then she feels relief and gratitude, and does or says something special to show him how pleased she is.

Insecure? She withdraws emotionally after the act, afraid he's not satisfied. If he loves her, he reassures her.

Angry? Upset? Then the sex becomes fierce, violent, resulting in a defiant affirmation of her love.

Sometimes (and often in the same scene) it's the hero who feels these emotions, adding another dimension to the story.

When you approach the sex scene, don't think about what they will DO, think about how they are FEELING at the moment. There are just so many ways to describe the physical act, but there are dozens of different emotions at play that will make the scene memorable.♥



Sylvia Halliday has also published under the names of Ena Halliday, Louisa Rawlings and Sylvia Baumgarten. As Ena Halliday, she launched the now defunct Tapestry Line. She has written for Pocket, Kensington and Harlequin. Sylvia is working on a new Historical series and a Chick Lit with her daughter, Julia. Friend Sylvia at http://www.facebook.com/SylviaHallidayAuthor


COME BACK FRIDAY, February 3, for RWANYC's Favorite Love Songs.