45 Responses to “Guest Author: Nalini Singh”

1. December/Stacia Posted: Sep 5th, 2007 at 1:10 am

   1 More buildup, more actual action. I want it all! I don’t mind having to wait a bit in the first book of a series as much (though I still prefer some sort of action), but I admit, in general I hate books with romantic plots or subplots that don’t have a consummation scene. I’d be furious if I sat through a whole single book or a series of books and got the door slammed in my face. Some authors can do it; Barbara Michaels/Elizabeth Peters never has more than a kiss and a few hints, but while I wish there was more, she doesn’t write that way and never has, and that’s okay. But in general…pah! I want my sex scenes! I think it’s possible to write a passionate story with passionate characters while still closing the door on the ultimate act, but I do think it’s a bit of a cop-out, and as a reader it would disappoint me. Of course it’s also possible to go too far in the other direction…:-)

2. Estelle Posted: Sep 5th, 2007 at 1:59 am

   2 I’m with you on this one Nalini. But there is one book that I love and in which we don’t really get the hot passionate love scene after many many pages and struggles and that’s Dorothy Dunnett’s Checkmate. It’s the last book in the Lymond Chronicles series. I’d say there’s about 3000 pages if you put the 6 books back to back and there’s only one little paragraph at the very end of book 6 when the ‘hero’ and ‘heroine’ come together for the first time. Well, I didn’t mind at all. The build-up was fantastic and all that came before was a wonderful and tragic backstory that gave even more depth to the romance, although the series itself is not a romance, it’s historical fiction. That’s the only exception I can think of though.

3. Nalini Singh Posted: Sep 5th, 2007 at 2:49 am

   3 December - but is it possible to have everything? (said in very wise voice) Estelle - I agree, it’s hard to find exceptions in terms of books written in our time. 3000 pages and only a para? I must look up these books. One thing that just struck me is that I love Bollywood musicals, love them, love them, LOVE them. And they never have consummation scenes - just all this throbbing passion. It works. I don’t want to see that onstage so to speak. Maybe the difference between a visual medium where things are defined and a written one where you can imagine what you like? Ok, I’m off to catch some zees. It’s almost 11pm Wed over in New Zealand. Chat to you guys in a few hours!

4. Lorelie Posted: Sep 5th, 2007 at 4:06 am

   4 Gawd, I wish it were already 11 pm Wednesday here. This is not shaping up to be a very good day. Anyway. I think for me it’s a genre thing. (Gah, genre, eek.) If I’m reading a romance, I don’t have to get a HEA but I need to believe in the strong possibility of it. And personally I don’t believe you can know if you’ve got a chance of making it through the long haul without knowing if there’s some magic between y’all.

5. Suzette Posted: Sep 5th, 2007 at 5:41 am

   5 First off, to be fair, I already have copies of both your books and although not signed, it’s only right not to be entered into this drawing. Give someone else a chnace. I love the build-up just as much if not more than the actual consummation. Some authors do such a fantastic job with the build-up that if they don’t have the actual consummation, I’m still happy. Heck, I started reading Harlequin Romance when I was in seventh grade(13 years old) and compared to stories out now, they were pretty tame. Yet, I still thought they were great. BTW, I look forward to CBI. Its on my list of books to be bought

6. Crystal B. Posted: Sep 5th, 2007 at 5:48 am

   6 I enjoy a book that has lots of sexual tension and buildup to the consummation. A book doesn’t have to be loaded with consummation scenes but if it is a romance I do expect it to have it in the book.

7. LesleyW Posted: Sep 5th, 2007 at 7:58 am

   7 I think some of it depends on the author, and some as someone else has said on the genre. For instance I’d probably want and expect more details in a romantic book and to see the consummation. I’m not really one for sweet romances. In other genres - In Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews there is no love scene between Curran and Kate. In fact I don’t think Kate’s too sure whether she likes him or not - but it’s in that ‘incredible sexual tension I’m not sure if I like you’ way. The chemistry between them leaps off the page. My fingers are crossed that there will be some kind of consummation in a later book. But I would rather have the door closed and use my imagination, than read something that was badly written because the author isn’t comfortable writing those scenes, and has included them because she feels she has to.

8. shuzluva Posted: Sep 5th, 2007 at 9:43 am

   8 Nalini, I don’t want to say too much here since I’ll be reviewing Caressed for Bam. However, I’ve always found that a strong buildup of tension and excitement (as well as teasing, taunting and all of those Happy Fun Ball things), usually leads to a more explosive payoff, and I think I enjoy that the most. Of course, I really like it when the payoff is actually there. I wouldn’t want the door slammed in my face!

9. deemer Posted: Sep 5th, 2007 at 10:34 am

   9 Hmmm. . I dunno. I like action as much as the rest of you, but I really really need the buildup in order to appreciate it. I hate those romances where the two main characters get it on after the first page. And then keep getting some in more creative ways until, by the end of the book, they’re using plants and MacGyver tools to get the job done. Some of my favorite romances, actually, are where the hero/heroine were married and now divorced, or are estranged, and the book begins with them meeting again. Pow - you’ve got tension, remembered passion, and when the characters finally do get back together. . .wow. But that’s just me. I’m a sap. What can I say?

10. Bettie Posted: Sep 5th, 2007 at 11:43 am

    10 As far as the position of the bedroom door, some of my favorite books and most of my favorite movies keep the bedroom door firmly closed, but that doesn’t mean they don’t imply all kinds of sexual tension. Like Bollywood films, classic movies are good at this (probably because both had to get around censors). My fave example is “The Lady Eve” where Barbra Stanwyck’s character seduces Henry Fonda’s character by, among other things, having him choose a pair of shoes for her, and put them on her. Talk about Freudian implications! Every time I watch that movie, I’m surprised at what it gets away with. When it comes to books, tension and longing are tricky to write well. Writers have to build, and when they’re looking to catch the eye of a browsing reader, exposition and layered character development may make for a tougher sale. Writers run the risk of exhausting their reader’s patience if they take things too long. It’s a tough balance, but it has it’s rewards. As a reader, I will always admire/adore/happily shell out $7 to a writer who manages to pull it off.

11. pingback: Posted: Sep 5th, 2007 at 11:46 am

    11 Wednesday Web Wanderer « miladyinsanity […] Nalini Singh is guestblogging at Bam’s, and doing a giveaway. She told me that “Flattery will get you many things.” If the many things is defined as “an ARC for every book she writes for the rest of her life,” I shall be content. *g* […]

12. Cherie J Posted: Sep 5th, 2007 at 12:16 pm

    12 I want the buildup before the consummation. If the sex happens within the first few pages I feel cheated unless it is a friends to lovers story. For me. it is all about the story, not the sex. A book does not have to have any sex at all for me to love it.

13. Kimberly Posted: Sep 5th, 2007 at 12:43 pm

    13 I’m surprised and pleased to note that somebody mentioned Barbara Michaels/Elizabeth Peters before I did. Most of the actual sex in her books takes place off stage (and, in the case of the Amelia Peabody series, her discreet allusions to her marital activities are part of the fun), and that has never bothered me. Probably because I started reading her when I was a prudish cheerleader. I think I may be more patient with the build up side of things than some because I read a lot of fantasy series. If there’s been sexual tension between two characters, I don’t mind waiting for physical contact until book two.

14. Amy S. Posted: Sep 5th, 2007 at 1:05 pm

    14 I’ve read a good book where the only thing the hero and heroine did in the book was kiss. Instead of having the sex scenes in the book, the author had it lead like they were going to but kept it out of the book.

15. Nalini Singh Posted: Sep 5th, 2007 at 1:06 pm

    15 Lorelie - I agree about the genre thing. I read a lot of thrillers, and most of them have a romantic subplot, but it doesn’t bother me if there’s very little hero/heroine contact in general - I don’t go in with those expectations. Suzette, thanks for being so generous. (Hope you enjoy CBI!). I read Sil Romances, too, and you’re absolutely right, some of those books are chock-full of tension. I think the best books in that line put so much into what might be considered ordinary touches and/or gestures. Crystal B. - would it matter what kind of romance? Lesley, I loved Magic Bites,too. Talk about animal attraction! But you make a good point - not every author is comfortable writing full on scenes. And I think fade-outs work, if you give the reader enough to have them imagining the rest. What do you think? Shuz, ooooh, so, did you like CBI Deemer/Cherie J, I’m with you there. It’s the rare book where there’s instant sexual contact and yet I believe in the love story. I want to see these people interacting more beforehand. And as an aside, I wrote a separated couple coming together in Secrets In the Marriage Bed. Very interesting book to write, because these two know each other, and yet they don’t. Bettie, I’m with you - I’ll follow a writer a long way on the faith of a promise, especially if they make me believe in the buildup. Kimberly - do you think fantasy readers will generally forgive a longer wait? I read a ton of fantasy, too, and usually, the books aren’t stand alone, so plot threads can go on much longer.

16. Nalini Singh Posted: Sep 5th, 2007 at 1:07 pm

    16 Amy S - did you want more? Or was knowing there was more enough?

17. shuzluva Posted: Sep 5th, 2007 at 1:12 pm

    17 *Evil laughter* You’ll find out soon enough!

18. C.M. Posted: Sep 5th, 2007 at 1:14 pm

    18 To me, build up is so much more important than the consummation. It’s what gets me hot, what gets me cheering for the characters. I tried the Blaze Harlequin line and because it felt like there was a lack of buildup, I didn’t like the few books I picked up. Build up is key. I don’t know if I’d mind if someone slammed the bedroom door in my face (I suppose it depends on how the author handles it) but I sure want my build up.

19. Nalini Singh Posted: Sep 5th, 2007 at 1:16 pm

    19 Oh Shuz, that’s just mean *g* CM, if I had to choose, I’d take buildup over a full scene, too. Belief in the couple is what matters for me.

20. Teresa W. Posted: Sep 5th, 2007 at 1:53 pm

    20 I love reading books that have alot of passion in them. As an avid reader of all genres I’ll read just about anything as long as it’s a good read.

21. April Posted: Sep 5th, 2007 at 2:10 pm

    21 The buildup is better than the consummation, and here’s why: The possibilities implied in a buildup are endless, the potential so perfect, so varied, so tempting, so mind-blowing. The imagination is really almost the only sense you need, and since there are no limitations, it could lead to anywhere you want. By comparison, the consummation has already eliminated the other possibilities and narrows everything down to the actual physical senses, the actual physical deed. It’s a “they do this” compared to the “they could do this, or this, or even this!” And if the reader has imagined something better than what actually transpires? The consummation can end up being only a disappointment.

22. Kimberly Posted: Sep 5th, 2007 at 2:14 pm

    22 To answer your question, Nalini, I do think fantasy readers might forgive a lot of buildup, especially they know ahead of time that what they’re reading is a series. I’m trying to remember back to the Belgariad by David Eddings. In my recollection, the hero and heroine Garion and Ce’Nedra took awhile to consummate their relationship—then again, they were also both kids.

23. Sue A. Posted: Sep 5th, 2007 at 2:17 pm

    23 I just want to spend time with the characters and witness the development of the relationship. The consummation is just the cherry on top.

24. SweetNSourGirl Posted: Sep 5th, 2007 at 2:35 pm

    24 Build up of tension or a mind blowing sex scene? Hmm….Can’t I have both? In all seriousness, though, the implied steaminess is way better. You know that chess scene in that movie, who’s name escapes me at the moment, but the pieces look like various body parts and it’s all sexy, damn I love that. The “Giggle” factor is what makes romance fun! If I’m not giggling like a schoolgirl throughout the romance, I probably will forget it as soon as I finish it. I’m fickle like that. But there has to be some sort of pay off, at the least a really hot kiss. Kisses are worth reading a book for. Although admittedly, I’ve yelled at many a book with this classic phrase “THAT’S IT?” Of course, if the story’s good enough, I’ll love it no matter how many or how few “lurve” scenes there are.

25. Jambrea Posted: Sep 5th, 2007 at 2:48 pm

    25 I really like the build up and enjoy it when it plays out, but I think the build up is just as important, if not more so, then the the actual consummation. I do think I would be a little let down if there was all the build up and by the end of the book there was no consummation.

26. Kat Posted: Sep 5th, 2007 at 3:56 pm

    26 In a romance genre novel, I expect a pay-off. Elsewhere, I would only expect it if the love story is a strong element of the book. In either case, the pay-off has to be consistent with the build-up. If the build-up is very sexual, then the bedroom door closing would irritate me a lot. I’ve gone the other way, too, where I thought there was TMI on the bedroom scenes for a particular novel. KarenS had a similar question about slamming bedroom doors a few weeks ago, and my answer is the same. In a romance (genre) novel, I want to read about everything that affects the way the hero and heroine relate to each other. Closing the bedroom door tells me that the author thinks their sexual encounters don’t change their perceptions of each other and themselves. To me, those are not the kinds of heros and heroines I want to read about. If the sex means something to the characters, then it should be shown. That said, how explicit this should be is a more subjective issue. I guess that would depend on what the author is trying to show. As to build-up … I love it! That’s the most delicious part of reading romances.

27. christi Posted: Sep 5th, 2007 at 4:11 pm

    27 i think build-up is part of what draws me to romance novels but only if it’s done right. there can be times where it seems forced or just wrong or too fast or something that makes you wonder what these two people are even doing together and then there can be times where it seems to go on for too long and by the time they do get together you hardly seem to care. but if it’s done right (and that can be tough) then i could sit through a book where the end is only suggested, but not too often (what can i say, i like a REALLY hot book too).

28. Catherine Posted: Sep 5th, 2007 at 5:13 pm

    28 When I was younger I would read Harlequin books that showed very little physical contact. I was still in love with them. However, as I got older and got into relationships I realized how much sex really has to do with a relationship. I want the build up (I feel faintly sleazy reading books where characters get down right after meeting) but I also want to see at least a little sex. I just can’t believe that their relationship will work if I don’t see that they’re compatible in all ways. Added to that is the fact that sometimes sex scenes show more insight into the characters. If the guy is totally overbearing and “we’ll do it how I want and you better get off on it” then I see more into his personality and realize that he probably isn’t the healthiest person to be with. (I don’t like the uber alpha males, they make me want to find someone to kick their asses) That sort of rambled. Hopefully it made sense. All in all I want build up and sex. If it’s a series I don’t mind a bit of a wait, but if it’s a stand alone I feel cheating because there’s no continuance in the works.

29. MG Braden Posted: Sep 5th, 2007 at 5:19 pm

    29 As someone who normally writes what is called “sweet”, but is usually just not consomated on screen so-to-speak, I think you can have a ton of passion in novels that don’t show everything. I had one reader say the scenes I did have showed hot chemistry. You need to show the connection. It doesn’t have to be shown by actual sex. I’ve read a lot of really good books that do this. Of course, I’ve read a lot of bad ones too, where there was a lack of any chemistry whatsoever, and I was wondering why this couple was even together. As has been said, build-up is key. It’s rather like foreplay. OK, yes, I’ll admit that orgasm is pretty great, but without the tension leading up to it, it wouldn’t be half the fun. Wow, I’m talking about orgasms on blogs now. That’s what happens when a sweet writer is contracted to write an erotic romance! Everything runs amuck (sp?)… LOL

30. Jenny Posted: Sep 5th, 2007 at 6:25 pm

    30 As a reader, I prefer buildup as well as the payoff (consummation) although I’ve read a few passionate romance without the latter.

31. Pamk Posted: Sep 5th, 2007 at 6:52 pm

    31 Yeah I thnk so if the book is well written and there is a definite HEA. As long as I am not left hanging I am fine. But I would love to have the consummation too lol.

32. Nalini Singh Posted: Sep 5th, 2007 at 7:25 pm

    32 Teresa - I think that’s a really important point - the writing. A good writer can make you accept all sorts of things. April - yep, yep, yep. Kimberly - I read the Belgariad a looooong time ago, so my memory isn’t so good on that, but I’d have to agree with you. As a fantasy reader myself, I’m willing to wait. Have you read Anne Bishop’s Black Jewels trilogy? The wait is so worth it. Sue - me too. I think that’s why the sex in the first few chapters so rarely works for me. I want to know why these people are together first. SweetNSourGirl - what movie is that? I feel a deep curiosity! Jambrea / Christi - I think it’s a fine line, isn’t it? After a certain amount of buildup, you can’t get away with just a kiss. I guess it would depend on the level of sensuality in the book as a whole, too. Some books are just more sensual, love scenes or not. Kat / Catherine - that’s a crucial point IMO. I try to always keep in mind that every scene contributes to the story, even the love scenes. How the hero/heroine interact in this sphere can tell us so much about their relationship - as a reader, if the scene is there simply to be there, I’ll often skip it. I need something more there, some contribution to the overall story of their relationship. MG - LOL! It’s a slippery slope… Jenny/Pamk - these days we don’t have to choose one or the either, but I wonder if in the past, writers of romance wanted to write those bits but didn’t because of the culture of the time period?

33. Cathie Posted: Sep 5th, 2007 at 9:29 pm

    33 Hi Nalini! I think there can be stories with passionate love without the scenes, but I wouldn’t call it passionate. When I see that word, I expect that I’ll see that with the characters that the scenes are going to be physical and emotional. So for me, I’d maybe call a read where we may have some tension but not the scenes, more like a romantic love, rather than a passionate one. I have read books that had quotes on the cover and info on the blurbs on the back of the book about the “characters having a sizzling attraction where they are unable to be alone without coming together in smoltering scenes”, or something like that, that tells us we are going to have a read with the characters giving us the behind closed doors. So when I see that. I know thats what I’ll get. But if I don’t get that, and just get really high sexual tension and the door closes with me outside, I’m disappointed because i’d think I was lead to a wrong assumption. I want to promises that the cover and the blurb and all give me. I read lots of sweet romances where I know that I’m not going to have the scenes together, like in a tradional regency, but I will feel that tension with them that is more stronger on the love and promises of the wedding, etc. So I can have the tension, but I want the tension to pay off in the sensuality that is promised. But so true like others say, its the story we want, and I do! I love unique reads! I love so much I learn even by reading the books because I didn’t know much about mythology, but now I love Greek god reads. I learned it all through reading ebooks! And I want the romance too, thats why I read romance suspense, etc, instead of straight suspense. Loved this topic. Its hard to put into words, but so many great comments here

34. Cathie Posted: Sep 5th, 2007 at 9:39 pm

    34 Nalini, I wanted to say too that totally excited about this one, you gave us a great tease with letting us know that the build up leaves us with a firestorm! Thats a great quote from you! Too, I have to say, they’ve given you awesome covers!! You happy with them too?

35. Mardel Posted: Sep 5th, 2007 at 11:04 pm

    35 I like some build up, even a lot sometimes (when there’s not a lot of obvious, lame dialogue with it). The suspense is fun. Though sometimes all the great build up and sexy suspense will be ruined by the “purple prose” description of the sex itself. Or with all the great build up, disappointingly vanilla sex is all you get. Sometimes you need suspense, and then something different, something…..spicy. Yeah, hot and spicy. I haven’t yet read your books. I think (and I know this is wrong) that I let some of the more dramatic titles put me off. It’s a little embarrassing sometimes when your kids pick up a book and start teasing about the cover, title, or worse yet when they open it and start reading aloud. They always read a passionate scene! Kids are so much fun.

36. Heather (errantdreams) Posted: Sep 6th, 2007 at 5:50 am

    36 I think it’s *possible*—I believe that anything is possible given the right author—but I really prefer to have that consummation and avoid books that don’t provide it. By the way, I first heard of your books just a few minutes ago on the Dear Author blog, in fact, and even before I dropped by here I put them on my wishlist at Amazon. I love the idea of paranormal romance desperately, but I’m so sick of seeing the vampire/werewolf concept that it’s a delight to see something wholly different.

37. Shaneh Posted: Sep 6th, 2007 at 5:58 am

    37 First off, like another responder, I have all the Psy books and have even won an advanced copy of CBI, so please don’t enter me into the contest. I love a good romance and my definition of good almost always includes sex. I am a picky reader and I want both the long intense buildup and the mind blowing “wish that were me” sex scenes. I read cross all genres and I don’t mind when the build up takes you through several novel. The best example I can think of is between Anita Blake and Jean Claude in the Anita Blake series by Laurel K Hamilton. The tension was incredible, frought with doubts and anger and some very sweet moments and now they go at it like bunnies. LKH newest books come off like soft porn but as a dedicated reader I don’t mind because I know the road her characters have taken to get to this point. My on screen needs are the complete opposite. I like all the same build up, but Hollywood sucks at love scenes. My favorite movie just curls my toes at the end. Bridget Jone’s Diary. I love the scene where Bridget and Mark kiss at the end. There has been all these dramatics throughtout the movie and Mark (on the surface) seem like a bit of a prig so when she says “Nice guys don’t kiss like that” and he replies with a “Yes, We Fu*^ing do” and swoops down for another steamy kiss, I just melted. Which brings us back to Nilani’s origianal post. Pride and Prejudice is my all time favorite book hands down as well as the BBC production being my favorite movie. (I admit it I adore Colin Firth and would take him home with me if I could) Nilani, your books are perfect. Your build up is intense and while different in each book, perfectly appropriate for your characters and the love scenes are HOT HOT HOT!!!

38. Karen Posted: Sep 6th, 2007 at 8:10 am

    38 Personally I love the buildup. It really doesn’t matter to me whether it ends with a sex scene or the implication of one. Sometimes, if not well written, the sex scene can actually spoil the moment. I hate it when I read a book that is building up and then the consumation is lame. Don’t get me wrong I lurve me some well written sex scenes too. So ok I love me some build up in my books, The ending however can be either way as long as it is well written.

39. lisabea Posted: Sep 6th, 2007 at 8:29 am

    39 First off: I loved Simon. You really did his disability/ability justice by not moving too quickly. If the lovin had commenced early on in the story it wouldn’t have been believable. These characters had ground to cover before a love scene could occur. Things had to play slowly and because of that, the tension was wicked Hot. And tension is a good, good thing. Like Brenna said, “Baby, you heard of foreplay?” I will tell you, however, this book has left me longing for Hawke’s story. Any input on when his story will be out?

40. BevL(QB) Posted: Sep 6th, 2007 at 9:37 am

    40 I try to find out before I read a book whether it’s spicy or not. Then, it just depends on the genre whether I will go ahead and read it. It also depends on whether the lack of spice means it’s sweet. I don’t do sweet. For instance, there’s a bazillion historicals out there. I prefer the spicy ones, so that’s what I look for. Same with Paranormal Romances. In Urban Fantasy, spice is just an enjoyable bonus- I don’t necessarily expect it. It’s the world building and action that take center stage, not relationships. However, I DO want some sexual tension.

41. Nalini Singh Posted: Sep 6th, 2007 at 10:16 pm

    41 Cathie - I so agree about delivering what’s promised. And yep, I love my covers! Mardel - LOL about kids reading the passionate bits! Heather - hope you enjoy my books. Shaneh - thanks!! And I have to agree with you - I loved the buildup with LKH…it was so slow and intense that by the time they touched, it was incredible. And that BBC adaptation of P&P - I ADORE it!! Karen - I think from the looks of things, if we had to choose, most of us would be in your camp, too. Lisabea - no specifics yet on when Hawke’s book will be but it won’t be tooooo far away! Bev - ST is sooo important, and I think sometimes books don’t work for me because there isn’t enough ST to justify a hot love scene. Great comments everyone. And smooches to Bam for inviting me to play on her blog.

42. Clare Posted: Sep 7th, 2007 at 4:54 am

    42 ..as usual I’m late to the party! Anyhow just wanted to say hi to Nalini I’m waiting on amazon for my CBI I agree with how MG put it. Without the foreplay; nothing! I also think calling the non-erotic/explicit romances ’sweet’ can be misleading. Pride and Prejudice is one of my favourite books but I’d not welcome an obvious modernisation that takes the reader further (I cringe at the thought of the erotica ’sequel’ available!) the tension between the characters conveys great depth and details. The secret for any great romance is the interaction. If you look at Sasha and Lucas in StS the interesting thing for me was what wasn’t said, how you could feel the attraction build before ever they came together. Probably why erotica leaves me cold. I like to get to know the characters and see the tensions between them. If well written a book can be explosive without venturing behind closed doors though depending on the voice of the story slamming the door could seem unnatural and leave a book feeling unfinished; can anyone imagine reading JR Ward with cutouts? For me the character building is worth more than any voyueristic element.

43. kardis Posted: Sep 7th, 2007 at 5:27 am

    43 I am not a big fan of the characters just jumping into bed right away, I want to see some build up. Ok, I want to see lots of sexual tension before the actual sex scene. One of the worst books I ever read (and it was a straight-up romance) had amazing tension between the characters and it took until almost the end of the book to get to the big scene. And the author slammed the door in my face, it was practically audible. Although I’m willing to grant that after all that building of tension a lame scene would have been even worse, but still, it could have been pretty fantastic. Thanks for the great article, Ms. Singh (even though it seems I got to it a bit late)!

44. MrsRony Posted: Sep 8th, 2007 at 4:58 pm

    44 Hi Nalini, I have to say the build up in CBI had me so tense that by the time we got to the consumation a feather could of knocked me over!! Hot does not even decribe it. You raised the bar in this book in both areas proving that we can indeed have BOTH!!!! Thank You. Your new faithful reader Mrs. Never settle for anything less than everything!!

45. Sherry Thomas Posted: Sep 10th, 2007 at 5:42 am

    45 I think it’s possible to have a passionate romance w/o on-page consummation. My example is Archangel by Sharon Shinn. However, such a story, like P&P, requires that the conflict be resolved before the bedroom door gently closes on us. For stories that are smack in the middle of conflict when lovemaking comes, whether it’s your-daddy-ruined-my-daddy-and-I’m-going-to-ruin-you-for-revenge, or it’s-just-a-marriage-of-convenience-but-omg-why-do-my-clothes-keep-falling-off, I’d better see something, b/c I can’t think of any other occasions where the emotions and awkwardness and potentials for change would be greater than during such times. Conversely, then, I require that my love scenes both serve as a payoff and work to further complicate the relationship. Because a love scene after which nothing changes doesn’t need to be there. A love scene after which all sexual tension dissipates means the story didn’t have enough emotional conflict going in. Boy I could go on and on. But I highly recommend anyone who writes on-page love scenes to use those as diagnostic tools of the whole manuscript. Because they are supposed to be both highlights and turning points, how much energy is carried going into and coming out of those scenes can tell you a lot about the state of your manuscript.