Workshop: Writing Hot, Delicious Love Scenes
November 2009, online
Instructor: Nicole North
Do the love scenes or sex scenes in your romance novel lack that magical spark and sizzling heat that
makes the reader go WHEW!!? The romance genre has exploded with bonfire-hot romance and erotic romance novels
and novellas over the last few years. In this workshop we'll explore the many aspects of fantastic, hot and delicious love
scenes, whether you write mildly sensual romance or erotic romance. We'll look at the best ways of writing those all-important love
scenes that take your characters to the next level of their relationship.
Topics covered:
Leading up to sex
Interweaving emotion and sex
Differences between romance and erotic romance
Choosing your words
Kissing during sex
Sexy dialogue
Humor during sex
Sexual positions
Personalizing your love scenes
Sensual settings
Seducing the reader
The hero
The heroine
Fantasy
Historical vs. contemporary love scenes
Determining placement
Progression from one love scene to the next
Oral sex
Avoid sex cliches
Sex and conflict
Written and multimedia examples
Please note: this workshop does not deal with pure erotica or alternative lifestyles. The lessons and
examples contain graphic language and frank discussions of sexuality. Only those age 18 and over are permitted to
enroll.
This is an interactive online workshop with exercises and critique/ feedback from the instructor on your
written love scene. Workshop will be conducted via a Yahoo group. Lessons will arrive at your email inbox.
What students have said about my workshop, Turn Up the Heat:
"There was so much to like. I thought the lessons were terrific -
easily understandable, useful, and fun as well. The mix of text and video examples were wonderful -- teaching while entertaining.
I learned so much. Your interactive teaching skills were equally as great (what energy! what kindness!) and I truly appreciated
your insightful, instructive critiques. I think you have a knack for putting together a lesson that is well balanced, instructive,
and just plain fun to read. This was one of the best workshops I have ever taken. Thank you so much, Nicole. You are a rare
breed -- a talented writer, a superb teacher, and a kind person. I feel lucky to have been able to take your class. Thank
you for the terrific learning experience."
~Alison
"Waaaaaoow. Seriously, I've learned a phenomenal amount about
good writing, not just the hot stuff. Nicole, you are an excellent editor without being harsh or overly critical. You were
the real sparkplug for this workshop, and I will take any that you offer in the future." ~Bart
"I really enjoyed this
workshop. It's only my first one so I have no real basis of comparison, but I think it's been a blast! I really looked
forward to each new lesson and writing 'challenge.' There was a lot of info in each lesson, but the timing was good - i.e.
a few days to process each one and apply it worked very well for me."
~Allison
"Because of this workshop,
and the excellent info, feedback and support, I was able to complete my first chapter, map out subsequent chapters, and actually
make a tangible move to get going on my story. I have already recommended your workshops to all the authors I know, even the
ones already published. I have already signed up for another of your workshops as well. Personally, I think you
are a gifted writer and instructor, and I would be tempted to take any workshop you offered. " ~La-Tessa
"I felt comfortable
sharing my work and feel that many scenes from my manuscript are much better from taking the class. I truly appreciate the
amount of time you've invested in this workshop."
~Sara
"[I liked] the fact that you were extremely positive, but
also honest with us. When my scene wasn't up to par, and you told me that, that was the most helpful thing you could
have done. You didn't wimp out, but instead tried to help me fix the problem. Sign me up for ANYTHING you teach, the
moment you even think about it! You have the patience of a saint and have done so much to make us all better, more polished
writers. Since I'm a new writer, and this was my first workshop, I had no idea what to expect. Needless to say it's
far exceeded my expectations. But judging by the comments of everyone here, this has been a unique experience for ALL of us.
Nicole's constant attention, detailed instruction, personal concern, and genuine interest in all of us, and our writing, has
really been remarkable." ~Chris