As a reader and author what do you consider too sexy? I have to admit that as a reader, I’m prone to skimming. That means, while I appreciate the good, steamy build up, I don’t really care to read about the consummation of the act. (I’m an adult, I get how the mechanics work. So, unless it’s a sex-how-to manual or an x-rated adult book, the mechanics only slow the story down for me). Therefore, as an author, I tend to write the steamy build ups and the glowing aftermaths; but, I leave the actual act to the reader’s imagination.
I suppose I could include all the details and let the reader decide for him- or herself whether to read it or skim past it, and I know there are plenty of authors who do just that. Yet, I can’t help thinking of all the interesting books and hunky/sexy characters that leave the reader at the other side of the bedroom door—such as Dirk Pitt, Stephanie Plum, or Rachel Morgan—and still manage to let us know that they are anything but celibate.
But, as a reader, I’ve encountered too many books where the story practically dies just so the author can throw in some gratuitous sex scenes. If I’m reading a murder mystery, I’m looking for clues so I can figure out who done it. Throwing in a hot, steamy roll-in-the-hay (while nice), is probably not providing any clues. Instead, it’s akin to flipping channels between an action/adventure movie and a chick-flick. Your reader is left going, Huh?
I also think a lot of how the scenes are written depend on the author’s motivation for including the scenes in the first place. After all, sex sells—we’ve all witnessed that in various forms and mediums. Yet, for me, I include sex scenes in my books only when they are intrinsic to the story and not because I want to sell more books. (Although, I suppose I might reconsider my position, if including more sex in my books might translate into the kind of sales that E.L. James had.) But even if adding more sex to my stories might help my sales, I’m still not sure that I would include the actual deed.
So, how about you? Do you include sex scenes in your book? And, if so, how far do you go?
Escorting the Dead 