How to write an erotic sex scene – that’s something that is usually in the back of your mind when you’re writing erotica for the first time.
I mean it sounds pretty weird, right? Write about two people doing it?
What words should you even use? And how long should the scene be? And should it be at the end of the story?
Well, don’t worry.
If you are new to writing erotica, this will be a very short and easy guide for you to follow on your next story.
The basics of the sex scene
Okay, let’s talk about the basics of your sex scene.
In general, the sex scene in your book should be near the end of the story (i.e. last third of the book).
You can have sex scenes before this point, but this should be the “main” sex scene.
Everything else before should have built up to this penultimate scene
Now, in terms of how long the scene should be…I generally recommend at least 20% to 30% of your book (if it is very short) and at least 1,000 – 1,500 words if you are writing a longer story.
The sex scene is very important because this is the main reason why a customer bought your book.
So you want to really put your best writing here.
5 ways to build sexual tension in your story
One of the best ways to win over repeat customers is to build sexual tension in your stories.
But wait…you’re probably saying “I have no idea how to do this!”
Don’t worry! You don’t have to be a good writer to build sexual tension. I’m not and I think I get the job done just fine!
I’m going to share 5 hacks I use to build sexual tension in my stories (especially during the sex scene).
They are all easy to understand and implement right away.
1. Eye to eye contact
They say eye to eye contact is the sexiest things possible!
Build this into your story. The main character and his/her love interest lock eyes and sparks fly!
This can also be used during a sex scene to make the moment more intimate.
Example: “My tongue explored Jenny’s lips. She was warm and gentle at the same time. I became lost in her eyes as we made love.”
And the beauty of this is that it makes the reader feel like they are “really there” in the same room as the main characters.
2. Eye to body contact
This is the best way to write a “first impression” scene (i.e. when characters/lovers meet each other for the first time.
Ideally you would use this technique early in the story in order to build sexual tension fast.
Think of this as the scene in the movie where you are “sizing up” someone that walks in the room.
Example: “I looked up and saw the most handsome man I had ever seen. He wore a simple black t-shirt that seemed one size too small. His muscles burst out from the seams and his wicked smile melted my heart.“
3. Hand to hand combat er…I mean contact!
A simple touch of the hand or arm is breaking the first boundary of physical intimacy – and it lets the reader know things are about to get crazy!
This should be used to build up a sex scene (or to use in a flirting scene earlier in the book).
Example: “I held Christine’s hand and led her into the bedroom. I didn’t let go until she was underneath me on the bed.”
4. Arm to shoulder contact
The man should put his arm around the woman’s shoulder. This is a gateway to more intimacy. You are within range to smell or kiss at this point!
Example: “James draped his arm over my shoulder. I leaned in close to smell his cologne. It smelled like fine Italian leather. My loins trembled wondering if he would go in for the kiss.”
5. Hand to head contact
Caress the other person’s face and look them in the eyes. Stroke their hair (especially while kissing!).
This is perfect during a kissing scene or to share an intimate moment directly after the sex scene.
Example: “I parted her hair away and went for the kiss. Our lips met before our tongues joined the battle.”
How To Write An Erotic Sex Scene – Final Thoughts
Overall, writing an erotica sex scene for the first time can be a little awkward and confusing.
After all, this isn’t the type of writing they teach you in school!
But if you follow this guide, you should be able to craft a steamy little sex scene to lure back readers.