The best erotica writers take several factors into consideration when writing a story, from world building to the characters. They know that characters can’t be too simple, and they must also have conflict and resolution.
Sexual tension between two characters is amplified by the push-pull dynamics that must be resolved between them. Often, this involves the characters taking off their clothes.
Story arc
An erotic story is a story about love making. It can be about a young man or woman who has been away from his lover for eight weeks, or about a pair of lovers who have reunited for an eight-week work trip. Either way, it is an erotic story that builds throughout.
Sex scenes need to be purposeful and develop a character. The goal is to make readers want more of the story. While most erotic fiction stories are relatively short, 50,000 words is often enough. A sexual erotic story can have multiple sex scenes, but it should also follow a story arc, similar to an action movie.
The story arc begins with exposition. This part of the story introduces the characters, setting, genre, and general feeling of the story. It also sets up the inciting incident.
Tenderness
While many people consider pain and sex as incompatible, the relationship between pleasure and pain in a sexual context has long inspired artists and writers to explore the topic. One such example is Anne Desclos’ 1954 erotic novel, Story of O, which included explicit references to BDSM (Behaving Disciplinedly in Sexual Relationships).
Setting
When writing erotic stories, the setting of your story is one of the most important elements. Readers don’t want a boring, bland book; instead, they want to see the characters interact, develop, and change. The setting of your story should be one that allows readers to imagine the characters and feel their emotions.
The setting of an erotic story can be anything – from a moonlit beach to a penthouse hotel room. It can even be as simple as a soft rug in front of a crackling fire. The setting should be as subtle as possible; dim lighting and a nice, soft sound track add to the ambiance. Avoid using garish lighting or sexist sound effects.
