I’m going to pose a racy question about sex scenes in non-erotica books to my readers. (Yes, I posed this to FB earlier, but then I realized I could be much more specific on my blog! Though I’m having a fun exchange on FaceBook if you want to join in.) I write sci-fi, and so yes, I’m talking about sci-fi. Gritty dark science fiction.
Oh my gosh, I see stamens, how risqué!
In general, if you read a book that has a sex scene (In this case a married couple on their wedding night) Do you want to see a second sex scene or is one enough? Or since there is only one sex scene in the manuscript would you prefer it just blacked out prior to intercourse?
Since both characters are inexperienced, it’s pretty tame and there is some important dialogue, cultural stuff prior and during and after the act. I don’t want it to be gratuitous either, but it is a big deal for both the groom and the bride. I would also it is one of the most sweet scenes in the book because they care about each other. Nothing we would call kink of any sort is shown.
An example that doesn’t tell you much is prior to intercourse: a priest and wedding guests bless the marriage bed and then the groom unbraids the bride’s hair in front of the assembled crowd. They cheer then the bride and groom at left alone.
If you read Other Systems, you know the sex scenes I wrote there was a bit of foreplay and kissing, but the scene was blacked out prior to actual intercourse, but in this new book I thought the intercourse made the scene better.
(Unless it is going to turn readers away…then it is bad!)
I’d love anyone’s opinion whether they have read my stuff before or not.
So 1) Do you like sex in non-erotic books?
2) Do you think a wedding night is gratuitous sex?
3) If I show the wedding night, will you be disappointed there is no more sex shown in the book?
ZB's Blog of Awesomeness 
Posted by John W. Howell on September 29, 2013 at 6:12 pm
Well written sex scenes without the usual clichés that are part of the character development are always welcome. How much is too much? That depends on the character and plot. If you make your point with one my belief is you move on. The real point is the scenes should be a natural development. In your example you have a wedding night are there no other natural opportunities for man and wife to be involved physically again in the whole story? If there is you question is answered.
Posted by zbpublications on September 29, 2013 at 6:27 pm
There are other times, but no times that seem as natural as this one does. Also though the ideas of sex permeate the book, this is the first time either character has had sex so it is a big deal for both of them.
As I said this morning to a twitter commenter: I promise the words throbbing or sixpack abs will not part of this scene. 🙂
Posted by Denise DeSio on September 29, 2013 at 11:21 pm
Go for it! Denise
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