I think one of the things I love about romance is the anticipation of a couple getting together. I love watching the spark ignite between two people, see as they slowly circle closer together–looks, touches, small smiles that draw them in. Throw in the excitement of an external plot and you won’t have me moving until I know how the story ends.
This is a hard thing to do well as a writer. I know myself I sometimes struggle writing the sexual tension between my hero and heroine. If on top of that, if I’m trying to add in a layer of emotional turmoil, then this can really slow me down. But I love writing in layers, love trying to get down deep to the spark between the characters and fan it. Some of my favourite authors do this and I’m always in awe when I read (re-read) their stories.
I’m also now convinced this is why I’m drawn to certain shows on TV. While I love a good story, there has to be something about the characters and their relationships with the people around the to keep me coming back. Case in point, I’m enjoying Terminator: The Sara Connor Chronicles. Good acting, lots of action. But I missed Monday’s show and didn’t even realize it until this morning. There isn’t that connection to the characters that I normally have when I’m passionate about a show. Compare that with Torchwood, Doctor Who, House, NCIS, or any of the other shows I’m hooked on, and instead I’m anticipating when the next one will be on. (Side note: new Torchwood on tonight. WOOHOO 
).
This is the same with my favourite authors. Kelley Armstrong, Colleen Gleason, Margaret Moore, Red Garnier, etc, I find myself waiting, drooling over when their next book will come out. They can get down to the heart of their characters and make me care about what is going on.
That is the type of writer I want to be, and what I’m constantly working toward. It’s a challenge to do it well, but I’m not going to stop until I get there. This is also why I’m hyper crititcal of my own writing. I read it and sometimes I can’t help but think there is that spark missing sometimes. But that’s what second drafts are for.
What is it about a book, story, TV show, etc, that really draws you in?
my baby boy turns 11 today (how can this be???) and these days, i look at the issue of depth in tv shows through the filter of what he likes to watch. all manga, all the time. what strikes me most is their LACK of depth. *sigh* but it inspires him to do a lot of art, so i bite my tongue…
For me it’s more of a sense of tormented struggle for the two characters toward intimacy. Different than romantic tension, for sure, though it’s a piece of that puzzle.
A well-written plot is tops for me. I must like the action, keep in suspense on what’s going to happen next, draw me into the conflict.
You are you goob!! You’ve got the tension, why do think I can’t wait for your next one?
Oh I can go on add nauseum about the Sexual Tension on Torchwood and Dr. Who. FOREVER, I love me some sexual tension. LOVE it. Makes me feel young and fluttery again.
And I should add I get to pre read them!!!
LOL Amy you are sweet. And thank you!! I really try hard to pull it in, but I’m never sure if it’s coming across right. It’s silly, but I think as writers we are our own worst enemies!
I love good sexual tension, like Sam and Diane. God, wasn’t that great?
I love character. In books and shows. But it sure is tough to put it all together when writing.