How to write a smut scene
requested by: @my-shields-are-down (a long time ago, sorry I only got to it now)
What goes into the writing of a sex scene?
the initiation: e.g. playful banter, small hints, the first touches
the sensations in their stomach, their chest, and their skin
the way their breathing changes during the intimacy
the feeling of the other's hands, mouth, and skin
the way the other's scent and sounds affect them
the moment they realise they've reached the point of no return
a basic insight into their positions (mention when it changes but you can still keep it a minor part in the text)
possible dialogue (there can be as little or as much dialogue as you want):
... during the initiation:
"Do you know what it does to me when you are wearing this?"
"I have a little idea for us two."
"You know, you're driving me insane, do you?"
"I know what you're up to. I can see it in your eyes."
"You know I can resist you."
"That's all could think about the whole day."
*incoherent mumbling and moaning*
"You make me feel so good."
*calling the other's name repeatedly*
"You're so soft and cuddly."
"Is that alright for you?"
"I didn't know you could do that!"
"Let me take care of you."
→ include humour and jokes that fit your characters to make the scene more natural and familiar
... to describe what their hands are doing:
... to describe what their legs are doing:
... to describe what their mouths/lips/tongues are doing:
... to describe the positions of their bodies (vaguely):
... to describe their movements:
... to describe the climax/orgasm:
pleasure washing over them
the different stages:
(a quick overview)
excitement/arousal: starts with stimulation (which can be physical, emotional, or mental)
plateau: arousal reaches a plateau, breathing quickens and gets uneven, abdomen and thighs tighten
orgasm: release of all the tension
resolution: the body goes into a mode of relaxation, time for aftercare
(you don't have to include all of them, you can include and exclude them the way you're comfortable and the way it fits the scene and the plot. sometimes not all stages are reached and even if they are, you don't have to describe them in great detail)
similar to my advice on how to write a kiss scene, focus on the sensations. what does it do to the person? how are they feeling and how are they reacting? this kind of scene can get a bit cold and distant when the description gets too 'technical' (and most of the time that's not what we want; however, it can be used deliberately as a device)
i know a lot of people are intimidated by describing and keeping track of the positions in a smut scene. while it shouldn't be too confusing for the reader, my personal advice is to not make the positions the primary role in this scene. if you're writing from the character's POV, describe what your character can keep track of (which - in a hazy state - can be quite little). stick with what the character can feel and only complement it with what could be crucial for the reader's understanding (read it to yourself and look if you can imagine their positions).
small details that the characters only notice in such intimate situations. details about the other's body: lines, fine hairs, scars. show how they fuel their adoration for the other. also minute details in the way their expressions and breathing change. let us see it through the other's eyes.
don't forget the aftercare. it makes not only your character but also your readers feel safer and more comforted. aftercare can look different from couple to couple, scene to scene. in general, it's time for relaxation and regeneration. you can incorporate softness, taking care of each other, praising, words of love and affirmation.
Smut scenes can vary greatly, so this isn't a post that provides for all possible scenarios. It's an attempt to give a first overview.
pixelskylines
romaincrisis
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