Tutorial Tuesday - The Naughty Bits: Pulling a Double

A rule I’ve heard when it comes to writing is to make sure that at least two things are going on at once.  Such as during dialogue, incorporate action.  During exposition, insert some characterization.  During sex, have something else happening at the same time.  Yes, even sex has to pull double duty in your story.
I covered this a little bit last week when I discussed how characters must want something besides just the physical thrill of getting it on.  Besides the wants, what other things can the sex scene show us?For one thing, it can bring character strengths and weaknesses to the fore.  From the selfish lover who ignores her partner’s pleasure in achieving her own to the selfless girlfriend who incorporates every trick in the book to satisfy hers; sex should tell us more about the people we’re dealing with.  Is Ms. Perfection more worried about how she didn’t get a chance to shave her legs today than enjoying her carnal encounter?  Is Mr. Lack of Self Esteem apologizing for his mere seven inches of manhood?  Is Ms. Obsessive-Compulsive thinking about her to-do list while her partner sweats to make her come? In Alien Embrace, Rajhir and Flencik’s differing personalities are highlighted as they make love to Amelia.  Rajhir is commanding and take charge, while Flencik’s softer mien comes through:                Flencik covered her face with kisses.   “It will no hurt in bad way, little one,” he said.  He cupped her head in his hands and smiled gentle reassurance.  “Relax.  Enjoy.  You discover great pleasure.  We satisfy needs you are no told.”            “I’m not allowed.  It’s against Earth law to ...”            “We are no on Earth,” Rajhir said, his tone no-nonsense with finality.  He pressed himself against her, and his slick members inched their way into her, forcing past the tightness.  His hands gripped her hips, holding her still for his invasion.                The sex scene is also a good way to bring to a head all that has brought the characters to this point.  Are they delighting in being together after a long separation?  Realizing with disappointment that this was not what they were hoping for after all?  Wondering what in the world they’re doing here having sex with this person?In Alien Rule, Jessica’s temper keeps getting her in trouble with the Imperial Clan.  Pissing off Prince Egilka, who already doesn’t like Earther women, has resulted in him taking her to a private place where he can show her the error of her ways.  Both are in for a surprise when anger turns into arousal, leading them to knowing each other better than either had planned or wanted:Egilka withdrew moments later, holding her swaying body upright.  His long fingers ran over her lips.  “Soft,” he breathed.  She closed her eyes, enjoying the butterfly sensation of such a delicate touch.  Swept up in the bite’s euphoria, she ran her hands over his torso.  He was the tallest of the clan, his muscles leaner than the other two.  She liked the sinuous feel of him.He bent towards her, and she lifted her mouth to his.  His lips stroked over hers, and his mustache and goatee were luxuriant against her face, not bristly as she’d expected.He kissed her with slow tenderness, as if savoring a fine wine.  As his lips moved over hers, her lower body tightened in anticipation.  His hands cupped the back of her head.  She wrapped her arms around him, feeling the hard muscles of his back.  She traced the line of his spine with her fingertips as his hands drifted down her neck, shoulders, and back.  His touch slid over the roundness of her buttocks and pulled her even closer to himself.His tongue slipped into her mouth.  He savored her so thoroughly she was left gasping.  She’d never expected gentleness from one of his kind.  He stepped back and tugged at her blouse, untucking it from her skirt.  She raised her arms over her head, and he lifted the fabric from her.  She shivered, the brisk air chilling her.“I’ll warm you,” his voice soothed.  She sensed movement in the dark, heard small sounds as he undressed.  His arms came around her to wrap her in his embrace, and she snuggled into the heat of his bare skin.  His penises were hard against their bellies, sandwiched between their bodies.He returned to sipping kisses from her lips while his hands busied themselves with her bra clasp.  He set her breasts free, and the soft mounds flattened against the steel of his chest.Jessica’s hands roamed everywhere she could reach, seeking to devour him with touch alone.  Egilka’s body was a delight, his hot skin smooth and corded with ropey muscle.  She couldn’t get enough of feeling his hard body against her.
The sex scene can also be a jumping off point for what comes after in your story.   The way a character feels she’s being treated by her lover will go far in how she relates to him in the future.  Think about how a woman who was made love to with apathy will cope afterwards with a non-sexy, but intellectually stimulating person who adores her.  What about the guy who has caused her no end of grief in her professional life, but behind bedroom doors is the greatest lay she’s ever had?  What cans of worms will these scenarios open once the sex is done?In Alien Salvation, inexperienced Lindsey doesn’t expect much when it comes to sex with the Kalquorians.  When they prove to be adept and conscientious lovers, her reluctant attitude about the three men changes.  This sets the tone of the book as their relationship grows.
Both shuddered as the last spasms rippled through their bodies.  Japohn pulled free of Lindsey, laying her down fully before crashing onto the bed beside her.The other two Kalquorians joined them, laughingly applauding as they too lounged on the bed.   Lindsey found herself sandwiched between Japohn and Bacoj, with Vax curled against Bacoj’s back.  They snuggled with her like a litter of companionable puppies.            Lindsey wondered how long it would take them to repair their ship and continue on their way.  She found herself hoping it might be awhile.  She wouldn’t mind hanging out with this particular clan a little longer.
Have your sex scenes pull a little extra weight for your story, and you’ll find them not just fulfilling but exceeding expectations.  As the saying goes, ‘double your pleasure, double your fun’.
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Published on August 21, 2012 06:20
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