Question for readers and writers...

[Grace]

Hello. I have a quick question for the group. I wrote two contemporary romance books with steamy bedroom scenes, but the newest idea to pop into my head is paranormal (vamps and weres) and I was just wondering...do I still put as many sex scenes in the book? What do the readers of paranormal want? I understand that everyone has their own preferences, but I'm just looking for some honest feedback. Thanks!

[Stacy]

Hi there! Personally, I don't mind those scenes in paranormal/horror books I read. Several of my favorite series actually have quite a bit in them. I think it all depends on how it all flows together. It the sex scene makes sense and fits then great. If it's out of place or just in there for the sake of having a sex scene then I'd rather it be left out. If that makes sense.

[Sam (Rescue Dog Mom, Writer, Hugger)]

Congratulations Grace! I agree with Stacy and would like to add that it also depends on the audience you want to reach: Adult, New Adult, Young Adult. I state this because some authors use different pen names for different audiences.

[Charlene]

As a reader, I don't mind sex to enhance a scene, but I've noticed lately a tendency to make the steam the story, rather than a plot. I would rather see a well developed plot and storyline than to feel as if I'm invading someone's privacy.

[Krysta]

I agree with several others, in that if the steamy scenes don't take away from the plot, or aren't just random romps...go for it!

I don't mind adult scenes if they're built up well and are a part of the story, but without taking over.

[Grace]

Great advice. Thank you all very much!

[Garnell]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I read your question to mean if you should have as many steamy sex scenes in a book involving vampires or werewolves as you did in your contemporary novels, and the answer is yes! I love paranormal romances and I think anyone who loves the genre would love to see a vampire get down and dirty, that is part of the appeal. But I agree it has to flow naturally in the story and not detract from or take the place of a good plot and interesting characters.

[Marie]

What Garnell said :)

[Chessela]

I think it really depends on what audience you're trying to reach. There are fans who specifically want erotica. On the other hand, there are people that just don't like explicit sex scenes at all. I would imagine if you want to be under the PNR umbrella go for steamy but not explicit, and if you want to go straight erotica then have all the fun you want!

[H.C.]

I generally stay away from sex scenes in my book and leave it as either implied or a statement of sex without the minute grunts and groans (see what I did there?). It's mostly because it doesn't fit the overall spirit of the novel(s), though.

I can write sex scenes, but I can never tell the line between erotic and pornographic. Crossing that line'll squick your readers real quick.

[Rebecca]

Hi, Grace--
In general, adult PNR readers skew toward sexy. Take a look at some of the big names and you'll see what I mean.