Creating Sexual Tension Is Not About Graphic Scenes

I am always amazed, after I read books that have been listed by reviewers has "HOT" that these books are far from it. Apparently, to many reviewers, creating a "hot" book is about how many different positions and scenarios the author can put the characters in. Creating sexual tension is a book is really not so much about the number of scenes, or the actual bedroom scenes, but what happens when they are not "getting busy."

It seems that many authors believe that sexual tension is that "morning after" regret of what they did. Although this can be a tense moment for the characters, especially if they were with someone who was questionable, or if they think they "crossed the line" this really isn't the tension that is going to build to a great read. In situations like this, what you are really seeing is a complication between the characters and not a real conflict. Getting through this is really a matter of a simple conversation. OK. maybe the conversation is not simple, but in terms of plotting, it really is that simple.

Creating true tension is getting the characters close to each other, build up that heat and tension, and then back off. The goal is to get the readers to this point of thinking they were "so close." In many ways, this is like a great roller coaster. You think, as you head up that hill, that this is going to be the big drop, and then the architects simply drop you down a little. Close, but not the "big one."

That feeling  you are trying to get is that same feeling you have (or had) when you were first with someone in a dating phase. That tension of wondering if now is the right time for: the kiss, the next step, the saying of the "L" word.

I should also note this feeling is not that cliche phrase we see so many authors use. "When she reached for the cup and their hands touched, there was a spark of electricity." This is a spark only. The tension you are trying to work toward is that turbulent feeling you have that lasts for a long time.

Don't get me wrong here. I am not saying that stories should be free of those "hot" scenes. What I am saying is to make those scenes count. Make those scenes the true "ultimate release" for the characters and make the feeling truly a memorable experience for the readers.