THE BLACK JEWELS TRILOGY-Daring You To Read

THE BLACK JEWELS TRILOGY by Anne Bishop-Daring You to Read

Every Thursday, Tynga at Tynga’s Reviews host DARING YOU TO READ. Friday March 9, 2012, The Reading Cafe begins a week long tribute to the fabulous author ANNE BISHOP. We are DARING YOU TO READ: The Black Jewels Trilogy

DONT FORGET OUR INTERVIEW WITH –ANNE BISHOP- Wednesday March 14, 2012

The suggested reading order from Anne Bishop’s website:

Daughter of the Blood (Book 1)
Heir to the Shadows (Book 2)
Queen of the Darkness (Book 3)
The Invisible Ring*
Dreams Made Flesh
Tangled Webs
The Shadow Queen**
Shalador’s Lady** (sequel to The Shadow Queen)
Twilight’s Dawn

*The Invisible Ring is a standalone novel which could be read before or after the trilogy.

**The characters in The Shadow Queen and Shalador’s Lady are connected to the main characters in The Invisible Ring.

DAUGHTER OF THE BLOOD
Seven hundred years ago, a Black Widow witch saw an ancient prophecy come to life in her dazzling web of dreams and visions.

Now the Dark Kingdom readies itself for the arrival of its Queen, a Witch who will wield more power than even the High Lord of Hell himself. But she is still young, still open to influence–and corruption.

Whoever controls the Queen controls the Darkness. Three men, sworn enemies, know this. And they know the power that hides behind the blue eyes of an innocent young girl. And so begins a ruthless game of politics and intrigue, magic and betrayal, where the weapons are hate and love–and the prize could be terrible beyond imagining.

HEIR TO THE SHADOWS
The Blood have waited centuries for the coming of Witch, the living embodiment of magic. But Jaenelle, the young girl prophecy spoke of, is haunted by the cruel battles fought over her future power. For not all the Blood await her as a savior. Some dismiss her as myth. Some refuse to believe. And some would use her, making her a puppet to their whims.

Only time, and the love of her guardians, have healed Jaenelle’s physical wounds. But her mind is still fragile, amnesia providing a shield from the terrors of her childhood. Nothing, however, can shield her from her destiny. And soon the day of reckoning will come. When her memories return. When her magic matures. When she is forced to accept her fate.

On that day, the dark Realms will know what it means to be ruled by Witch.

QUEEN OF THE DARKNESS
Jaenelle Angelline has made her Offering to the Darkness, and reigns as Queen of Ebon Askavi. The Shadow Realm lies under her protection. No longer will the corrupt Blood slaughter her people and defile her lands. But where one door has been closed, another may be opened…or broken through, and Jaenelle must unleash the terrible glory that is Witch to destroy her enemies once and for all.

Even so, she cannot stand alone. Somewhere, long lost in the madness of the Twisted Kingdom, is Daemon, her promised Consort. His unyielding love for Jaenelle will complete her Court and secure her power. Yet, even together, their strength may not be enough to stave off their enemies.

In the end, only Jaenelle’s greatest sacrifice will be enough to save those she loves…
CLICK HERE FOR: Anne Bishop Website

CLICK HERE FOR: Tynga’s Reviews

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Sherrilyn Kenyon Freebie to Fans

Sherrilyn Kenyon Freebie to Fans

Sherri Kenyon is giving her fans a gift.  She tweeted one of her earlier short stories “A Dark Hunter Christmas”.  On her Website, you can click on the excerpt of the book, and the entire story will be there for all fans to access.

http://www.sherrilynkenyon.com/book/dark-hunter-christmas/

 

Available Formats:

Online or in The Dark-Hunter Companion. To read online, please click “Read Excerpt” on the left under the book cover. There you can read the whole story in its entirety.

 

 

Original Publication Date: November 01, 2003

Setting: Modern New Orleans

This is the special Christmas story that features the gangster Gallagher and Simi when Gallagher is temporarily relocated to New Orleans to help battle Daimons.

Written as a gift for DH fans, it originally appeared in the back of the first edition of Dance with the Devil. It’s found in its entirety in The Dark-Hunter Companion.Please click “Read Excerpt” on the left. There you can read the whole story in its entirety.

Reported by Marcie
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RAPTURE by JR Ward -Cover Reveal

RAPTURE by JR Ward

RAPTURE by JR Ward

THE FALLEN ANGELS series (#4)

RELEASE DATE: September 2012

FROM THE COVER: Seven Deadly Sins….And seven souls that must be saved

Out of the wickedly inventive imagination of No.! New York Times Best Selling Author JR Ward, comes a world where sin and salvation collide in a battle for the future of mankind-where a cynical fallen angel struggles against the seven deadly sins and a demon’s lure of seven chose souls. Mels Carmichael, reported for the Caldwell Courier Journal, gets the shock of her life when a man stumbles in front of her car outside the local cemetery. After the accident, his amnesia is just the kind of mystery she likes to solve, but she soon discovers they’re over their heads with his past. Over their heads with passion too…as shadows walk the line between reality and another realm, and her lover’s memory begins to come back, the two of them learn that nothing is truly dead and buried. Especially when you are trapped in a no-holds-barred war between angels and demons.With a soul on the line and Mel’s heart at risk, what in heaven-or in hell-will it take to save them both? Proves that JR Ward’s talents don’t stop at vampires.

FROM: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rapture-Novel-Fallen-Angels-4/dp/074995700X/ref=pd_rhf_gw_shvl12

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Interview with Shannon K. Butcher

Interview with Shannon K. Butcher

As most of you know, The Reading Cafe has featured the amazing Shannon K. Butcher this week. You have been able to read reviews on some of her books, to give you an idea on what you are missing, if you have not read them. We have also given an insight into Shannon with her Biography, as well as a detailed listing of all her novels. Now without further ado…..let us begin the interview.

Hi Shannon, we are thrilled to have you here with us today.  Thank you taking the time to answer our questions.  THE READING CAFÉ  and its’ members are looking forward to our interview with you.

Shannon: Thanks so much for hosting me! I’m glad to be here!

TRC:  We have already posted your biography,  so we will skip the usual question of telling us about yourself. 

TRC:  Your husband, Jim Butcher, is a very successful writer.  How has the duality of 2 successful authors in the same household affected the family dynamics?

Shannon: This is one of those mixed blessings. We both work from home, which means there’s always someone working in the house, and we often have deadlines at the same time, which can be stressful. Jim usually writes at night, and I usually do most of my work during the day. Our poor little dog works around the clock, keeping our toes warm no matter the time of day. He’s a real trooper!

On the other hand, since we both do the same job, we really get each other, and understand the pressure, stress, and joy that come from being an author. We also have the luxury of spending a lot of time together, and if we feel like going out on a date in the middle of the day, we can.

TRC: The Sentinel Wars series is very popular in the field of the paranormal genre.  How did you come up with the idea for the series?  With our Theronai Warrior heroes,  Sanquinars,  and the evil Synestryns.

Shannon:  It’s always hard to explain where my ideas come from, but my brain is like a big pot into which I’ve thrown years of tabletop gaming, live action role playing games, bad sci-fi movies, and awesome books. Every once in a while, something cool bubbles to the top of the brain soup. The Sentinels world was like that. After I had the initial idea, it took a couple of years to really iron it out and make it cohesive.

TRC:  Bound by Vengeance was a special novella released as an eSpecial in February.  Was there a reason behind this special, especially with Dying Wish a month away?

Shannon:  The Sentinels world is filled with smaller stories that may never make it into the books. Whenever I have the opportunity to tell a shorter story, I try to use that to squeeze in just a little bit more. The eSpecial novella was one of those awesome chances to give readers another story, so I jumped on it. As far as the timing goes, that’s really not up to me. I just write the books. 🙂

TRC:  How many books do you anticipate for the Sentinel Wars series, as Dying Wish is the 6th book.

Shannon:  I’m currently contracted through book 9. My hope is that I’ll get to write 15, but I could finish the series in 12 if I really had to—there would just be some characters whose stories would never be told. I don’t intend for this series to continue indefinitely—there is a definite end to the story.

TRC:  Dying Wish will be released in March 2012. Jackie and Iain are the hero/heroine depicted in this storyline.  Tell us a bit about Dying Wish, and the newest heroes.

Shannon:  Jackie was held captive by the Synestryn for two years, tortured, starved and used for her blood. Now that she’s free, all she wants is to go back to her old life. She refuses to accept that it’s not possible. Iain must protect her while she figures out that her life has changed. He has no interest in any kind of relationship with her—his soul is dead, and he is no longer capable of being the kind of man she needs. Circumstances tie them together, and Jackie’s learns that when it comes to Iain, things are not what they seem.

TRC:  The Edge series is a romance/suspense genre.  Which genre do you prefer to write and why?

Shannon:  I love writing both! The great thing about writing two sub-genres is that I never get bored. And I get to use skills I learn in writing one type of book on the other. I think doing this has made my paranormals more suspenseful and my suspenses more emotionally intense.

TRC:  How many books do you have planned for the Edge series, and what is next?

Shannon:  I’d like to write another two books in that series, and I hope to get the opportunity to do so.

TRC:  Are you working on anything new?  A new series?  If so, is it romance, paranormal, mystery?

Shannon:  I am working on something new, but it’s a big secret, and I’m not yet ready to share any details.

We look forward to finding out what your secret is.  Thanks again Shannon for being with us today.  We have enjoyed  having you here, and we wish you good luck with Dying Wish.

 

To follow or find out more about Shannon, below are links to visit her.

Website:  http://www.shannonkbutcher.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShannonKButcher

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ShannonKButcher!

******GIVEAWAY*****

 

Shannon is graciously offering a giveaway for one of our members.  We have a signed copy of the “Dying Wish” ARC (advanced reader copy) – see image on left.  This is a limited uncut print prior to the official book print edition.  Please note you must be a member of The Reading Café to have a chance to win. If you are not a member, please register today.  The contest will close midnight March 9, 2012.  Good Luck to all.

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Melisssa Mayhue News Update

Melissa Mayhue News Update

Direct from Melissa Mayhue’s website is news about her next book, in her new Warrior’s series:
The next book officially has a new [slightly different] title – WARRIOR REBORN. I’ve finished writing it, although I haven’t seen it back for the revision process yet. It still has a way to go, with an anticipated release date of November 2012. Just this week I got to see an advance sketch of the cover. Wowzers! It’s going to be wonderful! [Think grays and winter blues for this one!]

What’s happening between now and November? Well, for the first time ever I’m working on a short story. A tiny little thing to fit in between WARRIOR’S REDEMPTION and WARRIOR REBORN. And, much as I suspected, it’s HARD to write short!! It’s been keeping me so busy that I’ve hardly had time to attend to the website at all! This story will be released as an ebook only, so I’ll be interested to hear what you guys think about our doing this. Don’t have a target date yet, but do know it will be before November.Here is the blurb about Melissa’s first ever short story….
~3/02/2012
– Working on a short which will release between WARRIOR’S REDEMPTION and WARRIOR REBORN. Since this will be ebook only and maybe a fourth the length of the regular books, I struggled with WHO this story would be about. Most of the characters want a BIG story! 🙂 As it turns out, there was one little story lurking there in between the books. Remember Jeanne? The maid who became Dani’s friend in WARRIOR’S REDEMPTION ? Wasn’t it just SO sad what happened to her husband? She and Eymer had been married for such a short time. BUT… as is the case with many of the people who live in my world, their relationship wasn’t quite what it seemed… More on Jeanne later.

Reported by Miranda
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Shannon K. Butcher Bio-Book List

Shannon K. Butcher Bio/Book Listing


Shannon K. Butcher Biography
Since launching her career in 2007, award-winning author Shannon K. Butcher has penned more than eighteen titles, including the paranormal romance series, the Sentinel Wars; the action-romance series, the Edge; and a handful of romantic suspense novels and works of short fiction. Being a former engineer and current nerd, she frequently uses charts, graphs and tables to aid her in the mechanics of story design and to keep track of all those pesky characters and magical powers. An avid beader and glass artist, she spends her free time playing with colored glass and beads. You can find her online at http://shannonkbutcher.com/.

 

Shannon K. Butcher Bibliography

The following list contains novels by Shannon as well as a listing of anthologies in which she has a short story.

Paranormal Romance

The Sentinel Wars
There are worse ways to die…
They are the Sentinels. Three races descended from ancient guardians of mankind, each possessing unique abilities in their battle to protect humanity against their eternal foes–the Synestryn

Burning Alive (May 2009)
One warrior must fight his own desire if he is to discover the power that lies within his one true love…

For too long, Helen Day has been haunted by visions of her own death, surrounded by flames as a dark-haired man watches her burn. So when she sees the man of her nightmares staring at her across a diner, she attempts to flee–and ends up in the man’s arms. There, she awakens a force more powerful and enticing than she could ever imagine.

The instant the Theronai warrior Drake touches Helen, the anguish he has borne for years fades away. He is determined to know why this beautiful, fearful woman has such power over him. The answer lies in his very blood–and in Helen’s as well. For together, they may become more than lovers–they may become a weapon of light that could tip the balance of the war–and save Drake’s people… ‘Til death…

Helen shivered and heard a small moan lift from her mouth. Every cell in her body stood at attention from that one little touch. Her skin grew warm and her abdomen tightened against a jolt of heat. She wanted something she couldn’t name. Needed it. It wasn’t just desire. It went deeper than that. Bone deep. Soul deep. He had something that belonged to her and she wanted it. Even if it killed her.

His lips slid over her cheek, barely touching. Maybe not even touching, just stirring the fine hairs along her skin. Whatever he was doing, it was wonderful, fear or not. She felt like she was being filled up with energy. She felt more alive than she ever had before.    All from a barely-there touch from the man who would watch her die…

Finding the Lost (November 2009)
Now a young woman must put faith in a warrior whose power frightens her even as it draws her in.

Andra Madison knows that monsters are real. She’s been fighting them ever since her family was victimized by the Synestryn eight years ago. Now she’s devoted to finding children who’ve been abducted by the Synestryn. When she gets a call about a lost little boy, she tracks him to a warehouse on the outskirts of town, where she’s aided by a trio of human men…or so she thinks.

Paul has been searching for centuries for a woman like Andra. To find her, he strikes a bargain with a bloodhunter that could cost him his life.  Now his desire for Andra threatens to destroy his much-needed control. Against her wishes, Andra agrees to join Paul on a journey fraught with danger–one that leads directly to the Synestryn.

Running Scared (May 2010)
One Sentinel’s survival determines the fate of them all.

Lexi Johns has one purpose: to free her best friend from the hands of the Sentinels. And Zach, the Sentinel she has been running from for months, has one goal: to convince her that their destinies are entwined. For the magic that Zach has absorbed could destroy him if he doesn’t find the woman who can channel it for him. And he knows Lexi is the one.

From an early age, Lexi has been taught to fear the Sentinels. And now she is an agent of a group out to destroy them. So when Zach finds her, it is Lexi’s chance to strike at the heart of the Sentinels. But, as Lexi sees Zach’s courage, selflessness, and honor, she begins to doubt her beliefs — and is faced with an unbearable choice.

Living Nightmare (November 2010)
One Sentinel’s burning loyalty and love may prove to be her greatest weapons.

For nine years, Nika has had one goal: to save her younger sister from the Synestryn who hold her captive. Now the psychic bond Nika forged with her sibling is fading, and time is running out. But the one man who can unlock the power inside her left and never returned, leaving Nika alone to rescue a sister everyone else believes is dead.

Madoc swore to himself he would never enter Dabyr again. For his soul is nearly dead, and he fears what he might do to those he’s sworn to protect — especially Nika. If he accompanies her into the Synestryn realm, his forbidden desire for her may unleash the savage monster within him. But Nika’s need to rescue her sister is soon becomes intertwined with her passion for Madoc, while the a key to victory in the war may be within her reach…

Blood Hunt (August 2011)
Now, for one Sentinel, the only way to reclaim her forgotten past is to follow the blood.

Hope appeared out of nowhere, naked and alone, a woman without past. The only thing she knows is that she is imbued with a strange power. It’s in her blood. And two men want to possess it.

One is Logan, a Sanguinar demon-fighter who needs Hope’s essence to survive. As a vampire he’s well-equipped to find her a like-blooded mate whose progeny could sustain his race for generations. The other is Krag, a Synestryn lord whose desire is to enslave Hope, and drain her of the lifeforce. With it he could control humanity forever.

When Hope and Logan both fall prey to Krag, a powerful desire grows between them. But is it enough to thwart their captor’s diabolical plan and his demon warriors, and survive a vampire’s destiny written in blood?

Bound by Vengeance (February 2012)
The guilt that Defender Dakota Kacey feels about her brother’s death is all-consuming, making her determined to find and kill the demon who murdered him. But the leader of the Defenders is worried about what Dakota is capable of, and calls in Liam Lann to keep an eye on her. Dakota knows what kind of power a Theronai like Liam possesses, and agrees to bind herself to him if he’ll help her exact vengeance. But a bond to a Theronai is not a decision to make lightly, and as the search for the killer intensifies, Dakota will have to learn to trust Liam completely, or risk losing everything

Dying Wish (March 2012)
A beautiful but damaged Sentinel may be a warrior’s last hope…

Jackie Patton has been rescued by the Theronai from her captivity and torture at the hands of the Synestryn. All she wants is to be left alone, but that isn’t possible — not when she’s a potential match for the Theronai warriors who need a woman to literally save their lives.

Forced to choose, she unexpectedly selects Iain, a cold-hearted warrior who doesn’t want to be saved. Iain is convinced that it’s too late for him — that his soul is already as dead as his former betrothed, killed by the Synestryn. Still, he is the only man Jackie feels a measure of peace around, the only one she wants. But is Iain indeed beyond saving?

Falling Blind (April, 2013
They are the Sentinels. Three races descended from ancient guardians of mankind, each possessing unique abilities in their battle to protect humanity against their eternal foes: the Synestryn. Now a warrior must protect a strong-minded woman from an incredible evil….

A beautiful, independent Theronai, Rory Rainey knows that her attempts to be a warrior are futile—unless she can stop the demonic visions that torment her. Determined to be free, Rory sets out to find the mysterious guardian who can cure her, before she loses her sight—or her life. But Rory’s journey brings its own dangers when she is attacked by a pack of Synestryn sent by the demon lord Raygh.

Cornered and desperate, Rory narrowly escapes with the help of a sword-wielding stranger. Cain knows that Rory needs his protection to survive, just as he knows that her power is compatible with his own. And when Rory binds herself to Cain, the warrior knows he will do anything to keep her safe from the threat of the demon lord that pursues her….



Romantic Suspense

The Edge

Living on the Edge (March 2011)
After a devastating injury, Lucas Ramsay knows he’s finished as a soldier.But when the general who saved his life asks him for a favor, he says yes. All Lucas has to do is keep the general’s daughter from getting on a plane to Colombia — which is easier said than done…

Independent to the core, Sloane Gideon is a member of the Edge-a group of mercenaries for hire. But she’s not on the clock for this mission. Her best friend is being held by a vicious drug lord, and Sloane must rescue her — no matter how many handsome ex-soldiers her father sends to dissuade her.

With little choice, Lucas tracks Sloane to Colombia-where she reluctantly allows him to aid her in her search. But as they grow closer to the target, they grow closer to each other. And before the battle is over, both will have to decide just what they are willing to fight for…

Razor’s Edge (November 2011)
“BURN EVERYTHING. THEY’RE COMING.”

Roxanne “Razor” Haught is used to being in control. An expert in stealth security for corporate espionage cases, Razor is all about setting traps for the bad guys. But suddenly she is the target. A mysterious man is following her. Someone has trashed her house, searching for something. Then there is the cryptic coded message from her army friend: “Burn everything. They’re coming.”

Tanner O’Connell has no intentions of leaving Razor’s side. Despite her objections to having a “babysitter,” his orders as the newest member of the Edge are to watch her back. Of course he can’t help watching a lot more than that. But with some brainwashed assassins after his partner, Tanner cannot afford to let his desire for Razor interfere with his duty. His special ops skills might be all that stand between saving Razor — or losing her forever…

The Delta Force Trilogy

No Regrets (February 2007)
No Surrender
Renowned cryptologist Noelle Blanche refuses to have blood on her hands. So when the military asks for her help in a covert operation, she refuses – until masked gunmen raid her home and threaten her life. Suddenly it’s all too clear that the blood spilled may be her own. Noelle has no choice but to trust the dangerous stranger sent by the military to safeguard her. A stranger who is everything she detests, everything she fears…and everything she desires.

No Looking Back
Former Delta Force operative David Wolfe thought he left it all behind—the horror, the hurt, the guilt. But now the men who savagely murdered his wife have set their sights on a brilliant cryptologist who can lead them to the cache of weapons they prize. As passion ignites between David and the woman he’s sworn to protect, what began as just a mission escalates into the fight of his life. But can he prevent history from repeating itself?

No Regrets
The last thing ex-cop Trent Brady needs is more blood on his hands. Yet when he catches Elise breaking into her sister’s house, full of reckless determination and fear, he knows she needs his help. But just as desire ignites between them, a twisted madman sets his sights on Elise. Hell-bent on possessing her for himself, this psychopath won’t rest until he has his perfect woman.

No Control (February 2008)
No Hiding
Lana Hancock knows all about danger — and betrayal. Eighteen months ago, she was captured by a terrorist group known as the Swarm while one of its member, a rugged man with sinfully dark eyes, did nothing to help her. Now when she’s freed and desperate to put it all behind her, the unthinkable happens. The Swarm is targeting Lana once again and the man who stood silently by has become her protector. But can she trust him?

No Escape
Delta Force operative Caleb Stone will never forget the hatred shining in Lana’s eyes. Ordered to take down the Swarm by infiltrating its ranks, Caleb couldn’t blow his cover to save her — no matter how much it haunted him. Now, gifted with a second chance, he vows to move heaven and earth to protect her…and fulfill her every desire. But the Swarm has reorganized. It’s more powerful than ever and hell-bent on revenge…

No Control

No Escape (September 2008)
No Hiding
Lana Hancock knows all about danger — and betrayal. Eighteen months ago, she was captured by a terrorist group known as the Swarm while one of its member, a rugged man with sinfully dark eyes, did nothing to help her. Now when she’s freed and desperate to put it all behind her, the unthinkable happens. The Swarm is targeting Lana once again and the man who stood silently by has become her protector. But can she trust him?

No Escape
Delta Force operative Caleb Stone will never forget the hatred shining in Lana’s eyes. Ordered to take down the Swarm by infiltrating its ranks, Caleb couldn’t blow his cover to save her — no matter how much it haunted him. Now, gifted with a second chance, he vows to move heaven and earth to protect her…and fulfill her every desire. But the Swarm has reorganized. It’s more powerful than ever and hell-bent on revenge…

No Control

Stand-Alone Novel

Love You to Death (September 2009)

Anthologies with a Short Story by Shannon

The Mammoth Book of Special Ops Romance (May 2010)

Dark and Stormy Knights (July 2010)

On the Hunt (February 2011)

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THE MAKING OF A GREAT SEX SCENE by Diana Gabaldon

THE MAKING OF A GREAT SEX SCENE by Diana Gabaldon

Bestselling author Diana Gabaldon on writing a great sex scene.

With the release of THE SCOTTISH PRISONER in November 2011 and THE OUTLANDER topping the number one position in virtually every romance reader  poll, who better than to ask about:  The Making Of A Great Sex Scene.

 

Where most beginning writers screw up (you should pardon the expression) is in thinking that sex scenes are about sex. A good sex scene is about the exchange of emotions, not bodily fluids. That being said, it can encompass any emotion whatsoever, from rage or desolation to exultation, tenderness or surprise. Lust is not an emotion; it’s a one-dimensional hormonal response. Ergo, while you can mention lust in a sex scene, describing it at any great length is like going on about the pattern of the wallpaper in the bedroom—worth a quick glance, maybe, but essentially boring.

So how do you show the exchange of emotions? Dialogue, expression or action—that’s about the limit of your choices, and of those, dialogue is by far the most flexible and powerful tool a writer has. What people say reveals the essence of their character.

Pillow talk

“I know once is enough to make it legal, but…” He paused shyly.

“You want to do it again?”

“Would ye mind verra much?”

I didn’t laugh this time either, but I felt my ribs creak under the strain.

“No,” I said gravely. “I wouldn’t mind.”

Now, you do, of course, want to make the scene vivid and three-dimensional. You have an important advantage when dealing with sex, insofar as you can reasonably expect that most of your audience knows how it’s done. Therefore, you can rely on this commonality of experience and don’t need more than brief references to create a mental picture. You want to anchor the scene with physical details, but by and large, it’s better to use sensual details, rather than overtly sexual ones. (Just read any scene that involves nipples and you’ll see what I mean. The writer either goes into ghastly contortions to avoid using the word—“tender pink crests” comes vividly to mind—or includes blunt and hideous detail, so that you can all but hear the panting. This is distracting—don’t do it.)

In essence, a good sex scene is usually dialogue with physical details.

Sensual details

“I’ll gie it to ye,” he murmured, and his hand moved lightly. A touch. Another. “But ye’ll take it from me tenderly, a nighean donn.”

“I don’t want tenderness, damn you!”

“I ken that well enough,” he said, with a hint of grimness. “But it’s what ye’ll have, like it or not.”

He laid me down on his kilt, and came back into me, strongly enough that I gave a small, high-pitched cry of relief.

“Ask me to your bed,” he said. “I shall come to ye. For that matter—I shall come, whether ye ask it or no. But I am your man; I serve ye as I will.”

And finally, you can use metaphor and lyricism to address the emotional atmosphere of an encounter directly. (This is kind of advanced stuff, though.)

Poetic lyricism

If she was broken, she would slash him with her jagged edges, reckless as a drunkard with a shattered bottle.

She raked his back; he felt the scrape of broken nails, and thought dimly that was good — she’d fought. That was the last of his thought; his own fury took him then, rage and a lust that came on him like black thunder on a mountain, a cloud that hid all from him and him from all, so that kind familiarity was lost and he was alone, strange in darkness.

Like that.

Gabaldon is the author of the Outlander series and has sold some 19 million books worldwide— not least because of her sex scenes.

The Scottish Prisoner, Diana Gabaldon, $33.
Chatelaine Book Club, Diana Gabaldon, The Scottish Prisoner

http://www.chatelaine.com/en/blog/post/35347–bestselling-author-diana-gabaldon-on-writing-a-great-sex-scene

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