First off I want to congratulate my friend Amy on her first sale to Ellora’s Cave!!! I’m so excited for her, and having read the story I can say you’re all going to love it. It will be a part of the Halloween Quickie series.
Second I have to say that I’m totally hooked on House. We’re just about done season one and so far I’m loving it. Not loving the blood, my husband tells me to duck, but the characters in the show totally rock. Hugh Laurie is amazing in the role, and the rest of the cast are perfect foils for him. I love his relationship with Cameron too. The sexual tension is played perfectly in season one, I hope they keep it up (shhh don’t tell me).
It got me thinking about writing sexual tension scenes. I’m a sucker for them in books and on TV shows. I think that’s one of the major things that will put a book on my keeper shelf, or a DVD box set on my shelf. I love to see strong characters struggle with their feelings for one another amidst chaos. The constant push-pull of wanting to give in but knowing they can’t. I think it was one of the major reasons I loved Stargate as much as I did (and they damn well better stick Jack and Sam together somehow or I’m going to scream!). The higher the tension, the more I’m loving it.
Currently I’m working on a story that really has me excited (and the main reason the Brava story I was working on got shoved to the back burner). In it I have my hero struggling with his need to be with a woman he barely knows and the circumstances that are forcing them together. I just finished a love scene where the tension was so thick I almost aborted them sleeping together. In the end they worked it out, but it was touch and go. I hope it comes across well because I really love the scene.
So what about you? What is it about sexual tension that keeps you reading? What are some of your favourite examples of books or movies?
THanks again Christine, you rock.
I totally had a crush on Hugh Laurie from his Blackadder days. I’ve loved him for a long time. I have to check out House, one day.
As for sexual tension, I think my favorite example is the Colin Firth Pride and Prejudice, the smoldering looks he gives Elizabeth, makes me get butterflies every time. I think that’s what I love about sexual tension, the fluttering feeling I get when I read it. I honestly love a great, built up sexual tension scene more than a sex scene somedays. The build up is really worth it.
Love, Love, Love House. And the amazing thing is that his character gets better as the series progresses. Maybe “better” isn’t the right word because we actually see him get worse. They never sugar coat his character. It’s a good thing he’s so smart and saves lives, otherwise he’d be a real ass.
I’ve seen hit-and-miss episodes of “House” and I love it every time I catch it. Hugh Laurie is a gem.
As for sexual tension examples, let’s see: I really loved the tension in “Remington Steele” and “Moonlighting”, until I felt the same way about my now-husband. I remember saying to my friend, “Why is it so great on TV and so painful in real life?”
And “When Harry Met Sally”, once they realize they have a thing for each other - especially the New Year’s Eve party. Awkward!
Flirty sexual tension, there’s a good scene in “The Bounty” when Mel Gibson sees the native woman returning his feelings in a series of close-ups. Always loved that.
I am drooling here, Christine. I cannot wait to read that story!! =) I’m happy it’s turning out well!!
Right now I’m struggling with my JEWEL OF THE NILE QUICKIE. The darned thing is having trouble REMAINING a quickie. Dang the back story anyway! LOL!
The tension keeps me reading because the payoff is delicious. especially when its in a series of stories like Rachael Morgan.