This theme comes up in all sorts of genres and sub genres. eg. Romance, both contemporary and historical, maybe also in some science fiction.
Sexual
tension is a social phenomenon that occurs when two individuals interact and
both or one feels desire, but consummation is postponed or never happens.
Other thoughts: It’s
about the separation between a man and a woman as if there is a rope taut between
them. And like the surface of the water where every move sends out a ripple.
When this emotion is
one-sided it makes for a fascinating plot. How will he change her mind? Will
she eventually return his feelings? Is she unaware of his feelings and gives
him a hard time? Is she attracted to him, but he has eyes for somebody else?
In Christian novels we
show it begins with a strong attraction for that special person. From there it
may move to a physical wanting. This conflicts with the Christian’s code of
morals. Now that creates a whole lot of tension. Yet Christians do have that
inner guidance from God to enable them to resist such strong temptation. But
sometimes they make mistakes which leads them to seek forgiveness.
How on earth does the
writer bring them together? That’s where one scene after another unfolds. Without explicit sex, but with each
building on some frightening situation or disaster throwing them together in a
way that would not normally happen. Or sending them into another's arms that is
so wrong for them. Now how does a writer solve a mistake like that? Oh, so
many possibilities.
* Right now I have a teaser
of an idea for my next novel in which I am bound to make use of the
aforementioned. And I’d love some opinions dear friends ... writers or readers.
My
problem: My leading lady does not talk. Now I can’t make up my mind if it is because of:
1. 1.
a physical
accident
2. 2.
a
traumatic experience
3. 3.
a
dangerous situation where being able to talk puts her in jeopardy.
4. 4. she can
speak but chooses not to in order to get her own way about something
5. 5. any other
reasonable reason?
It’s vague, I know,
and yet I have to know why she won’t talk to get on with a plot. And of course,
she won’t tell me….I am only the writer. ( By the way, she lives in the late
1800s.)
Have you ever been
faced with a roadblock like this before you got into, or during your story?
If you have a
great idea, please email me at
ritagal (at) optusnet (dot) com (dot) au and I shall be extra happy to mention your input.
Like all romance writers, Indie publisher, Rita Galieh loves to feature sexual tension in her historical romances. She is now preparing another trilogy. Women With Spirit. Book I is finished, Book II is still undergoing its final editing. But Book III is not cooperating. That is, a heroine who refuses to talk!
Besides in print, each book of her Victoriana trilogy will be available online about mid-late February. For details see: www.ritastellapress.com .
