What Is Sexy?
Posted by Joanne Rock in Joanne Rock, tags: age of innocence, reviews, sexy
What is sexy? You’d think a Blaze author would be able to answer this question. After all, our series bills our stories as red-hot reads, and all the authors aim to fulfill that promise. On the surface, we can all answer the “what is sexy” question, but what I find interesting about the question is that we would answer it in all different ways.
Whereas we all agree—basically—on what is scary or what is sad, there is a lot more wiggle room when we try to pin down what’s funny or what’s sexy. I think that’s why dark, serious artwork (film/books) more often receives critical acclaim. Critics from all walks can agree on what makes for a poignant premise. But our funny bone—like our sense of sexy—is more individual. I think that makes it tougher to write a film/play/book with a fun or sexy premise that receives 
glowing reviews. Just ask Shakespeare. His tragedies are the most critically lauded and frequently produced while his brilliant comedies require more work to successfully appeal to audiences. And even when they are well done, not everyone appreciates the nuanced humor that occasionally was very relevant to the era.
So writing sexy is a tough thing to do and have universal appeal. Sure, sexy can mean explicit sex. But not always. Consider the film version of The Age of Innocence. One of the hottest scenes involves the unbuttoning of a glove. It’s been sixteen years since I’ve seen the movie, and trust me, the glove stays with you. On the other hand, I also find something like The Thomas Crown Affair sexy, with more overt love scenes and a strong focus on physical desire. But sexy is in the eye of the beholder. My husband 
thought The Age of Innocence was a snooze and the New York Times Review called The Thomas Crown Affair “an allegedly steamy love story … proof that sex can be in the head.”
How, then, does a Blaze writer ensure a sexy story for a red-hot read? I’m asking you. What elements make a book (or a movie!) sexy in your opinion? Is it the characters? The situation? The play of repressed emotion as in the quiet sexiness of Age of Innocence? Or love scenes early and often?
***Visit with me on the boards today and I’ll give on random poster a copy of my new Blaze, the universally acknowledged sexy Sliding Into Home.***
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I thinks it’s all in the context of the story. The repressed sexual feelings are better suited for historical works (that’s not to say that I don’t want sex in historical romances – I do! – it should just develop in time) and contemporary novels sex can come sooner but the sex should not dominant the story and always convey the emotions of the hero or heroine.
And on the other end of the historical spectrum, I’m working on a Viking story for Blaze Historicals right now. Nothing repressed there! It’s interesting how the sexual behavior from culture to culture and time period to time period varies so tremendously. It’s an interesting indication of their world view.
Sounds great – love Viking historicals – and you are so right – nothing repressed there.
The connection and interaction between characters to me is sexy. The characters can be loving, tender then the next hot passion takes over.
I like how the hero finds himself vulnerable inside but hides it from hie heroine until he just can no longer resist her and gives into temptation and falls head over heels for her with no reservations and no regrets!
NOW THAT IS SEXY with a capital “S”.
Hi Nicole! I totally agree, and yet even after penning many, many books, it’s somewhat a mystery to me how that “connection” really happens. What makes some characters come alive so well and spark off each other so easily? I think some of it is really being able to see/understand/empathize with each character. When they are really well developed characters, we stand in their shoes (both as writers and as readers) most easily and feel what they feel.
I think it’s a combination of the characters, how they interact and the situation they’re in. Plus, the characters have to be comfortable in whatever they’re doing, like a woman wearing something sexy. If she’s uncomfortable, maybe always pulling a top up or walking funny from high heels then it’s not sexy.
I agree. It’s the characters and how they react to each other in various situations.
For me, it’s the connection between characters. Sometimes, all you need is a look to make something sexy. Although, some actual sex scenes are good too.
Hi Joanne! Sexy can be so many things. I appreciate the lead-up to the big love scene(s) rather than having it occur too early and often. (Besides, I would hope that in “real life” there is a bit of a lead-up before the love scene!) I appreciate the words the most. I just read a scene where it said, “She gulped.” Those two little words alone have imagery that boosts what the character says next. Amazing. Some people take a paragraph or a page to evoke those same feelings. Have a great weekend!
Great example!! I always enjoy those story moments where a few words say sooo much.
It’s definitely character based. The confidence, the chemistry, the back and forth banter… those moments of longing and attraction… and the caring small gestures that come out of it that just tell you “they care.”
But nothing gets me more than the little things, one single action like brushing hair away from the cheek, cupping the face, or that lean in sexy almost kiss that never quite connects. My favorite though is that line… you know the one. That single, simple line stripped of everything but honesty that just grabs your heart and doesn’t let go in an ultimate, swoonworthy moment.
I’m always reminded of Desk Set with Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn where, after he explains how he almost got married once to a model he had nothing in common with (which he discovered through her very long rambling letters about nothing), he arranged for his friend to keep her company during the war and they ended up getting married. Hepburn gets up to go and he catches her arm, looks up at her and says, “I bet you write wonderful letters.”
Swoooooon!
That’s sexy.
Julie
I agree with the others…. It has to be the connection and interaction of the characters.
I think the characters are what make a book or movie sexy, but the plot definitely plays a big role, too. It’s how the characters react to each other and the situation that can make them sexy.
Interesting comments. I like getting to know the characters before there’s a love scene.
Totally agree that The Thomas Crown Affair is sexy and steamy.
Intense chemistry, that spark that attracks you to another person, makes you want to connect with them. I usually like to see a relationship develop over time, but in romance novels ..swept away is OK!
I like humor too.
Congrats Patsy!!! Enjoy!!!
Congrats Patsy!