I love romance! I love it in my novels, my movies, my own writing, and especially in my marriage;) I’m a huge fan.
But as writers, it’s a fine line we walk between “appropriate” and “titillating.” We want our romantic scenes to be attention-getting. We want to emotionally engage our readers.
I’m often torn between pleasing a mother who wants me to “make the kissing scenes good” and keeping the scenes appropriate for my 12-year-old friends and 15-year-old daughter. So how much is too much?
Too much information can produce a physical response, a thrill that runs from your lips to your toes. At times, my temperature has significantly risen as I’ve finished reading a romantic scene from a “clean” novel. Although the feeling is pleasurable, do I want my young daughter to have the same response? And is it really appropriate for me either?
I’ve appreciated guidance lately from new guidelines from “For the Strength of Youth” on “Entertainment and Media,” “Sexual Purity,” and “Dating.”
https://www.lds.org/youth/for-the-strength-of-youth/entertainment-and-media?lang=eng
https://www.lds.org/youth/for-the-strength-of-youth/sexual-purity?lang=eng
https://www.lds.org/youth/for-the-strength-of-youth/dating?lang=eng
As I edited my new e-book “MASTER OF EMOTION” for final publishing, I actually cut a few scenes and moments that might have approached my line between”appropriate” and “titillating.” Better safe than sorry, I decided. But my line might be different from someone else’s. So what do you think? How did I do? If you haven’t read “MASTER OF EMOTION,” yet, you might want to take advantage of the $.99 price this month.
So, to you other “clean” writers out there: Where do you draw your line between “appropriate” and “titillating?” How do you balance creating an emotional response and a physical response?
I would love to hear your thoughts and comments.