Do you want your readers to feel the heat? Do you want to write scenes that make them tingle all over? Then you need to know how to create sexual tension. In this post, I’ll explain what sexual tension is and give you some tips on how to use sexual desire in your writing – whether a romance novel or a short story. So read on and get ready to ramp up the tension!
Start With a Scene That Establishes the Relationship Between the Characters
One of the most important aspects of writing sexual tension is establishing the relationship of the characters in the opening scene. This sets the stage for the rest of the story and gives readers a sense of what to expect.
There are several ways to do this, but one of the most effective is to have the characters interact in a way that builds sexual tension from the beginning.
This can be done through dialog, body language, or even a simple look. It’s important to clarify that there’s something between the characters, even if they don’t know it themselves yet. This can be through subtle hints.
You need to build their connection in a way that makes it clear that there’s more than friendship possible between them.
One way to do this is to start with a scene that tells their story together. This can be something as simple as a shared childhood memory or a past romantic encounter. The important thing is that you make it clear that there’s a strong bond between the two of them that goes beyond the purely physical.
Another way to begin a scene that establishes the relationship between the characters is with an encounter that unsettles one or both.
This can be a misunderstanding or an argument that quickly becomes heated. In any case, this first encounter should give the reader the sense that there’s an underlying attraction between the two characters, even if they aren’t yet aware of it themselves.
From there, you can experiment with different scenes and interactions that slowly build the sexual tension between the two. Intimate moments, furtive glances, and unspoken words can be used to create a subliminal sexual tension that will keep your readers eagerly turning the pages.
If you can do that, you’ve laid the groundwork for sexual tension that’s both believable and compelling.
Create Romantic Tension by Bringing the Characters Into a Close Relationship
One effective method is to bring your characters together in a small space. Whether they’re sharing a small space like a car or an elevator or working together on a project, this closeness can create a spark of attraction – revealing their sexual chemistry – or reinforce one that already exists.
Of course, not every character is interested in every other. That’s why it’s important to consider who’s attracted to whom before putting them together in a small space. Confinement does not mean physical intimacy!
Once you’ve figured that out, you can increase the tension by having them rub up against each other, exchange long looks, or even engage in some playful banter. Just ensure you don’t overdo it – too much tension can quickly become overwhelming. Remember that sexual tension must build slowly and not boil over from the start.
Note that sexual tension isn’t the same as sexual attraction. Sexual tension is a slow burn; it’s the smoldering awareness that something might happen, while sexual attraction is a more immediate reaction.
To create sexual tension, you need to give the reader enough information to entice them without giving too much away.
What’re the characters thinking and feeling? What do they want from each other? By raising these questions, you create a sense of suspense that keeps readers turning the pages.
Use Dialog to Hint at What’s Going on Beneath the Surface
When creating sexual tension, dialog can be a powerful tool. By hinting at what’s happening beneath the surface, you can create a sense of tension and help your readers see the characters in a new light. Here are some tips:
- Use suggestive language. Instead of simply describing what the characters are doing, use language that suggests more. For example, instead of saying, “He kissed her,” you might say, “He pressed his lips to hers, enticing her with the promise of more.”
- Let body language speak for itself. In addition to words, body language can also hint at sexual tension. Describe how the characters stand or sit and use specific details to create an image in the reader’s mind. For example, you might say, “She stood close to him, so close that she could feel the heat of his body. Her heart raced as their eyes met and held.” Small touches can be micro touches and mean everything emotionally.
- Use silence to heighten the tension. There are times when silence speaks louder than words. When a character struggles with her feelings, you should let her remain silent instead of forcing her to speak. Not only does this increase sexual tension, but it also gives the reader a chance to figure out the character’s feelings for themselves.
- Use loaded questions. When you ask a question, it can be taken as a prompt to tell something about yourself. For example, if a character asks about their partner’s past relationship, it’s not only a prompt to talk but also an opportunity to reveal something about themselves.
- Hide true feelings. When writing sexual tension, characters may not be aware of their feelings. Perhaps a character is convinced that they aren’t attracted to another when they are. They may try to fight the attraction, or they may shy away from the other character, but the tension is there anyway, even if they don’t realize it.
- Use cryptic allusions. You can also use cryptic allusions to hint at a possible deeper meaning, a romantic relationship in the offing. For example, you might say, “They looked at each other, a silent affirmation passing between them.” The reader will interpret this as a reference to something else.
- Use sexual innuendo. Whether you want to imply that your characters are attracted to each other, or you just want to emphasize sexual tension, innuendo can be a fun way to do this. You can make the reader blush with words like “heat” or “desire,” or you can be more direct by saying, “His gaze burned into her” or “She felt his gaze like a touch.”
- Reveal something personal. To create sexual tension, it can be helpful to reveal something personal about one of the people. This doesn’t have to be anything serious, just a secret or hidden truth. This creates a bond between the two and shows what’s at stake if there’s more than friendship between them.
- Use descriptive language. To set the scene properly and build sexual tension, use descriptive language. You can use metaphors to suggest passion or depict the physical reaction by describing skin, heat, etc.
- Use body-related language. Words that refer to the body, such as “hands,” “mouth,” and “body,” can be suggestive. Make sure you choose the right words and don’t use them too often. Stay away from words that have sexual connotations; they’ll only distract from your text.
Write Hot Scenes That Make Your Readers Blush
First, it’s important to remember that sexual tension isn’t just about the physical attraction between two people. Love interest is also about the mental and emotional connection they share. What’re their hopes, dreams, and fears? What forbidden desires are they trying to control? When you deal with the psychological aspects of your characters, you can create scenes that are much more than just physical encounters. You need to dial into the underlying emotion shared by the characters.
Second, don’t be afraid to get a little naughty. A few well-placed swear words can heat your love scene. And if you’re feeling bold, you can always add a few descriptive details to get the romantic scene going. Just don’t overdo it – a little goes a long way when it comes to writing hot scenes!
Remember that a sex scene is as much about the build-up as it’s about the climax. Don’t skimp on the details! Take your time and give your characters the time they need to build to a satisfying climax.
Example:
Bridget put one foot on the floor, followed by the other. She stood up and pulled down her nightgown to cover her thighs. She was tempted to look over at Cole, but she knew that if she did, she’d see the hunger in his eyes, and she’d lose her nerve.
A few simple sentences can convey the tension her character is feeling. Notice how she feels both “tempted” and “nervous,” how her feelings affect her body, and that she tries not to meet his gaze. By describing the details of this scene, you can create an image in your reader’s mind that’s both hot and sweet.
Building Sexual Tension Until It Explodes
When writing a story with sexual tension, it’s important to let the tension build slowly until it reaches a boiling point.
You can do this by gradually increasing the physical closeness between the two characters, as well as their flirtations and innuendos.
It can also be helpful to create conflict or tension that keeps the reader on edge in anticipation of what’ll happen next. The most important thing is to keep the tension going as long as possible so that it feels like the pent-up energy on the page is about to explode when the characters finally give in to their desire.
- One way to build sexual tension is through foreplay. As in real life, foreplay in your story can be a slow burn that gets hotter and hotter until both characters are ready to explode.
- Another way to create sexual tension is to have your characters tease each other-whether it’s verbal banter or playful physical touching; this ramps up the tension until it becomes unbearable. You can also use internal monologs to build sexual tension – have your character think about what she’d like to do to her partner, or describe how hot and aroused she’s.
Whatever method you choose, keep the sexual tension going until your characters finally give in to their desire!
End the Love Story With a Satisfying Resolution
One of the most important aspects of writing sexual tension is a satisfying resolution.
Unfortunately, many authors rush the resolution, leaving readers disappointed and unresolved. If you want to avoid this pitfall, there are a few important things to remember.
- First, it’s important that your characters can communicate with each other. This communication can be verbal or nonverbal, but it should help clear up any misunderstandings or miscommunications that may have led to the sexual tension.
- Second, make sure your characters are on the same page emotionally. If a character still harbors feelings of anger or resentment, the resolution will likely not be satisfactory.
- Finally, don’t be afraid to show physical closeness between your characters. This can be a simple hug or kiss, but it should help show that the sexual tension has been resolved.
Let the Reader See Into Their Thoughts and Feelings
When you’re writing a story, it’s important to let the reader into your characters’ thoughts and feelings. This is especially true when it comes to sexual tension. By letting the reader see what your characters are thinking and feeling, you can create more tension and anticipation.
Here are some ideas for letting the reader in on your characters’ thoughts and feelings when writing about sexual tension:
- You could use a first-person perspective. This allows the reader to dive right into your protagonist’s thoughts and feelings.
- Use vivid images and descriptive language. This allows the reader to imagine what your character is thinking and feeling.
- Use dialog. By having your characters speak their thoughts and feelings aloud, you can give the reader a direct glimpse into their minds.
- Be specific. The more accurately you describe your characters’ thoughts and feelings, the more real and believable they’ll seem to readers.
- Use internal conflict to show how a character is conflicted about his or her feelings.
What Does Sexual Tension Feel Like?
When writing about sexual tension, it’s important to capture the feeling of intense anticipation and longing that comes with wanting someone.
This can be conveyed through physical descriptions, dialog, and changes in character behavior. For example, you might describe a scene where the person you desire can’t take their eyes off the person they desire or in whose presence they fidget or blush.
Are her palms sweating? Is his heart pounding? Does she feel a blush spreading across her skin? Does he feel a tingling in his groin? All of these physical reactions can be a sign of sexual tension.
In addition, they may also feel a strong mental connection to the other person. They may be fixated on the other person’s every move and hanging on their every word. They may also feel a strong desire to be close to the other person, to touch them, and to be touched by them.
Alternatively, the sexual tension between two people may be mediated by playful banter or an electrical charge from a casual touch.
By conveying the feelings of excitement and anticipation that accompany sexual tension, you can create an intense emotional experience in your fiction writing for your reader.