tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post330176834954200215..comments2023-12-21T04:19:28.747-06:00Comments on Romantic Suspense Author, Sandra K. Marshall: Is Sex Necessary to a Story?Sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-72920614536249620522009-06-09T12:24:40.490-05:002009-06-09T12:24:40.490-05:00Hey, Angela,
Good to see you. You're right i...Hey, Angela,<br /><br />Good to see you. You're right if the sex has to do with the plot, which it does in Addiction, it has to be there. <br /><br />Thanks for your comment.Sandyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-48754496880810047842009-06-09T12:22:27.956-05:002009-06-09T12:22:27.956-05:00Stacey,
I have written both ways, too, and like y...Stacey,<br /><br />I have written both ways, too, and like you it depends on if it helps the growth of the character.<br /><br />Thanks for your comment.Sandyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-47095093771107607942009-06-09T12:20:10.356-05:002009-06-09T12:20:10.356-05:00Carol,
I totally agree that it depends on the gen...Carol,<br /><br />I totally agree that it depends on the genre. <br /><br />Thanks for stopping by.Sandyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-8185910429944496452009-06-08T23:42:05.938-05:002009-06-08T23:42:05.938-05:00This is such an interesting thread. I think that i...This is such an interesting thread. I think that it took me a while to realize that it's not about the market, but the characters. I do appreciate a good sex scene in a book if it makes sense, and I'd feel the book misses something if it is left out. And now that is how I view this particular topic when I write. Like you said, it's all about the characters - but also about the plot/situation.Angela Guillaumehttp://www.angelaguillaume.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-864841426498096212009-06-08T22:30:37.662-05:002009-06-08T22:30:37.662-05:00I've written stories with sex and without. It...I've written stories with sex and without. It all depended on whether or not the sex made sense between the characters and if it furthered their emotional growth (even if it was later in the story and not at that particular moment).Stacey Joy Netzelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13908548379784017162noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-2955342741128767612009-06-08T18:12:16.606-05:002009-06-08T18:12:16.606-05:00I think it depends on the characters, the story, t...I think it depends on the characters, the story, the genre, and the writer! So many factors. When I write erotic romance as Mia Varano, of course there had to be sex - that's what readers want and expect from an erotic romance. But instead of plain old sex scenes, I like to put my characters in interesting sexual situations - a male strip club, on a boat with power games going on, at a an erotic house party. Some of the most highly charged sexual tension can come from books with no sex scenes at all. It all depends...Carol Ericsonhttp://www.carolericson.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-7229189229754773382009-06-08T16:40:18.277-05:002009-06-08T16:40:18.277-05:00Chiron,
I have to disagree with you on one thing....Chiron,<br /><br />I have to disagree with you on one thing. It's not up to what the writer wants to do. It's up to what is needed for the character. <br /><br />I didn't include sex because it was fun, but because it was a part of this character. This character is not me nor was it a self-discovery journey for me. This character was based on a young woman I met many in my early 20'sSandyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-91770512686335168082009-06-08T14:40:16.972-05:002009-06-08T14:40:16.972-05:00Hey Sandy,
Ironically, I've faced the exact o...Hey Sandy,<br /><br />Ironically, I've faced the exact opposite issue--being told even that I needed to step out of my 'comfort zone' and include sex scenes. *laughs* It just goes to show everyone has an opinion, eh?<br /><br />First and foremost, it's about the story. Love stories aren't just about sex. When an author leans on sex to add the tension they're missing the point. Love stories are about finding what's missing in our own hearts, and in our lives, and through the interaction with another, finding love. <br /><br />That being said, love stories can range from sizzling to sweet depending on the interactions and what each character needs to find. Women's fiction, for example, might include the long-standing friendship between a group of women or the challenge of a sibling rivalry. Sometimes a stray dog becomes the catalyst for transformation in a person's heart. Truth is, the best love story is when a person discovers his or her true self as a result of this interaction. <br /><br />Many love stories include sex mostly because it's fun, not because the sex is an integral part of the story. In some cases it can be an easy way to ratchet up the tension—making the story about attraction rather than self-understanding. When the sex scenes are an integral part of the story it's a completely different situation. <br /><br />Interesting topic! For me it all boils down to one thing. What does the writer want to do? Because each story should be a journey of self-discovery for the author, after all. If a scene bores us, chances are it will bore our readers too. If we modify our style or choices simply for the purpose of pleasing the market or our critics, our writing will change from a journey of self-discovery to a boring jog on a treadmill. <br /><br />Just my opinion.<br /><br />Smiles,<br />Chiron O'Keefe<br />The Write Soul: www.chironokeefe.blogspot.comChironhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03350218547511690377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-79144226110464955102009-06-08T08:51:40.132-05:002009-06-08T08:51:40.132-05:00Hi Lyn,
I hear there is some debate among inspira...Hi Lyn,<br /><br />I hear there is some debate among inspirational writers on the need of love scenes. You are lucky they aren't necessary to your plots because they are difficult to write. <br /><br />Thanks for your input, Lyn.Sandyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-14897434465221794342009-06-08T07:47:51.500-05:002009-06-08T07:47:51.500-05:00Hi Sandra,
Since I write inspirational romances, s...Hi Sandra,<br />Since I write inspirational romances, sex scenes aren't necessary to my plots. It all has to do with what a writer is writing for which readers.<br />There is a romance for everyone.<br />LynLyn Cotehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11366375647118584580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-29200837808195829582009-06-08T07:13:31.229-05:002009-06-08T07:13:31.229-05:00Z,
I love your description about the difference b...Z,<br /><br />I love your description about the difference between sex and love scenes. Perfect, my dear.<br /><br />Thanks for coming by.<br /><br />HugsSandyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-34838217124254159812009-06-08T00:24:12.141-05:002009-06-08T00:24:12.141-05:00Hey Sandy
Great question, and my answer is, put i...Hey Sandy<br /><br />Great question, and my answer is, put it in if the story calls for it, and it will be different for every story because it pertains to the characters and every character is different. Same goes for every story. <br /><br />In the first book I wrote, I closed the door, because the market where it was published is pretty much a closed-mindset market. They know sex happens before marriage but don't go showing it. In my other books geared towards the American market, I've left the door open but the sex was neither gratuitous nor was it erotic in nature. It was a love scene, which can be a highlight in a romance.<br /><br />The difference many need to understand here is that sex when well-used in the story, like a plot point for example, can be a great tool. There's a difference between sex and a love scene inherent to a story. Sex is about the mechanics, while a love scene has the mechanics as the backdrop for emotions and character involvement. That's why it can look like a writer dropped a gratuitous sex scene in a story, because it has no involvement with the story per se.<br /><br />It then comes to mind that the way your characters are portrayed will also call for the type/frequency of love/sex scenes in the book. A story about a character who is a dominant, while not erotic in nature, will need some in-your-face sex scenes with the door wide open. A story about a regular girl and a regular guy will have a more toned-down sex scene. Think Basic Instinct versus Maid in Manhattan.<br /><br />It all depends on your story and your characters, and this every writer should know before penning down a sex scene.<br /><br />Hugs<br /><br />Z(Aasiyah/Nolwynn)Z(Aasiyah/Nolwynn)http://www.aasiyah-nolwynn.webs.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-3002886339547078772009-06-07T21:06:28.344-05:002009-06-07T21:06:28.344-05:00Thanks, Liena, for stopping by and posting your co...Thanks, Liena, for stopping by and posting your comment.Sandyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-35511909029452638892009-06-07T18:09:00.835-05:002009-06-07T18:09:00.835-05:00Great post, Sandy.
Sex is a wide open door in my ...Great post, Sandy.<br /><br />Sex is a wide open door in my writing. I find it very easy to write a sex scene and try not to put gratuitous sex into my stories. In my writing, they play and intregal part in character developement.<br /><br />Again, great post!<br /><br />Liena FerrorAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-19781858257479038092009-06-07T16:36:09.436-05:002009-06-07T16:36:09.436-05:00LOL
Dear Anonymous,
I think I know who you are. ...LOL<br /><br />Dear Anonymous,<br /><br />I think I know who you are. The question is: Is Sex Necessary to a Story meaning is sex necessary for the characters in the story. <br /><br />Thanks for coming by, Anonymous.Sandyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-30114446028468141832009-06-07T16:32:29.887-05:002009-06-07T16:32:29.887-05:00Sandi,
You're so right, and that's exactl...Sandi,<br /><br />You're so right, and that's exactly what I do. <br /><br />Thanks for coming by.Sandyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-37339666549276993212009-06-07T16:24:22.221-05:002009-06-07T16:24:22.221-05:00Sandy, you need to be more specific about " I...Sandy, you need to be more specific about " Is sex necessary". With someone else or by ones self? Please explain. I will then respond.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-64753467874348158002009-06-07T16:11:27.961-05:002009-06-07T16:11:27.961-05:00If the story calls for it, put it in. If not, the...If the story calls for it, put it in. If not, there's no shame in keeping it out. I've written stories both ways, and sometimes, the tension is more satisfying than reading about the actual act. It's all about the story and the characters. I say, don't sweat it. It's the author's call :-)Sandra Sookoohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08864799097052526762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-8797097244602821272009-06-07T15:36:06.449-05:002009-06-07T15:36:06.449-05:00Thank you, Christie. I'm glad you like my top...Thank you, Christie. I'm glad you like my topic. As writers, we can't hope to please every one with what we write.Sandyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-35561797798644675132009-06-07T15:34:19.696-05:002009-06-07T15:34:19.696-05:00Roy,
I finally got you here. lol Thanks for you...Roy,<br /><br />I finally got you here. lol Thanks for your comment. You'll just have to read Addiction when it comes out to see if it puts you Yawnsville. Smile.<br /><br />I totally agree there has to be tension in every scene.Sandyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-41980792043834041702009-06-07T15:31:13.481-05:002009-06-07T15:31:13.481-05:00T.J.,
Thanks for coming by. I agree with your co...T.J.,<br /><br />Thanks for coming by. I agree with your comment<br />about the sex scenes in Addiction were a plot point. <br /><br />You are much more than an editor to me.Sandyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-68999307647859918422009-06-07T15:27:32.818-05:002009-06-07T15:27:32.818-05:00Linda and K.T.,
Thanks for stopping by. K.T., yo...Linda and K.T.,<br /><br />Thanks for stopping by. K.T., you're right there has to be a reason for the sex. I would never use an under age character for a love scene. <br /><br />Linda, you're so right every book is different.Sandyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-20831423590231624112009-06-07T15:25:02.538-05:002009-06-07T15:25:02.538-05:00Thank you, Ana. I've read some of your storie...Thank you, Ana. I've read some of your stories, and I have never thought of them as erotica. There is always an important theme running through your stories.Sandyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-60778608348355550652009-06-07T15:23:16.582-05:002009-06-07T15:23:16.582-05:00J. Hali and Paris,
Thanks so much for stopping by...J. Hali and Paris,<br /><br />Thanks so much for stopping by. I appreciate your opinions on this topic.Sandyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01843816981385732033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4156580044494347982.post-88327783742108077202009-06-07T14:45:07.613-05:002009-06-07T14:45:07.613-05:00Sandy,
I wrote the sweet romances years ago and ...Sandy, <br /><br />I wrote the sweet romances years ago and even published one with Silhouette Romance. Now I write Single Title and sex scenes are present and on the page. I have learned that, for me, the scenes that bring my characters to life the most, are the scenes when they feel the most vulnerable. Who isn't vulnerable when the clothes are off? Not every writer wants to explore the relationship this deeply; not every reader wants to read it, and fabulous stories have been written that never included a sex scene. <br /><br />However, for me, the attraction, the desire, and the sex are all a part of my characters' story of falling in love.<br /><br />Interesting topic.<br /><br />Christie CraigAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com