If you’re writing a romance of any description, or even just a story with romantic undertones, chances are there is going to be kissing. And what’s so hard to write about a kiss, you might think. At least it’s not sex, right?
Well, surprisingly, kisses are harder to write than sex. They’re short, and everyone knows how they go. Describing the actual process (all that saliva, eww), really doesn’t lead to a romantic scene. You need something more. What I think really makes a good kissing scene, is the character’s emotions. So that’s what I try to emphasize in my scenes. Whether I achieve that or not, well, I’ll leave it to you to decide, with an excerpt from Reckless Rescue.
Background: Marlee and Tyris are pretending that they are in a relationship to stop the rest of the community from pressuring them. But, of course, there are questions as to whether their relationship is real or not. This scene is from Marlee’s point of view, and her mother is the one asking questions.
“You have to admit it’s a fair enough question. The two of you haven’t exactly been overly affectionate.”
“I didn’t realise that public displays of affection were necessary,” Tyris said. Thank goodness he was defending them, because she couldn’t think of a thing to say. “But if this can be solved by a simple kiss…”
He bent his head and all thought of her mother and defending themselves vanished. His lips crushed hers, and heat shot through her in an unexpected surge.
Her lips parted, and she rose onto her toes to bring herself closer. Of their own accord, her arms went around his neck. Tyris pulled her body tight against his with a hand in the small of her back. For some reason, her knees felt weak.
Pulling back, he stared down at her, his eyes dark with desire and flashing with frustration. Marlee caught her breath.
“Hopefully that should be sufficient proof,” Tyris said icily, “but if not, feel free to visit, and I’ll be happy to give a more intimate demonstration.” His arm didn’t leave her waist as he swept both of them towards the door, leaving her mother, mouth hanging open, behind them.
All this month I’m participating in the A-Z blogging challenge, writing a blog post for each letter of the alphabet, on every day of the month except Sundays. Check back regularly to see what else I have in store for you.
You have left me wanting to know more! Great writing
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
Fantastic post. Kissing is one of my favorite things to talk about and do (he he he). I enjoyed your excerpt too. I remember in Pretty Woman, Julia Roberts’ character wouldn’t kiss Richard Gere’s character because kissing to he was more intimate than sex. In some ways I think she’s right.
Mine too! And I remember that scene from the movie. I couldn’t agree more. A kiss can be the start of something, it often represents the cross from platonic to relationship, and getting it right is important.
That’s a killer kiss, Rinelle. I re-read the piece to see why it works for me, and I’d put it down to context – I often think about my writing in terms of content and context – and the fact that her mother is watching in the background, and then forgotten by both of them, is powerful.
Thanks! I do like the fact that the kiss starts out as simply a way to get her mother off their back, but turns into something more.
Great writing Rinelle – you make it look easy and I know it really isn’t!
Thanks MrKelly. Good writing should look easy, I think. But behind the scenes, it usually isn’t!
No, you’re right about writing kisses. You generally either go superficial, making it a generic kiss, or you’re describing tongues rubbing over canines, and nobody needs that. It’s difficult magic to catch.
from John at The Bathroom Monologues
Exactly John. Finding that in between point is the trick.
I liked that little scene. Kissing scenes are difficult to write and get the corrent emotions across.
Thanks Susan. Glad you enjoyed it.
Kissing scenes are definitely hard to write. Mine always feel so awkward. Sigh.
I think our own scenes always feel awkward. Maybe because we’ve read them and agonised over them too much? I’m sure they’re not as awkward as they seem.
I imagine writing about something as emotional as a kiss would be fairly difficult to express in words but you seem to have achieved your intention. Nice job.
Thanks for checking in,
Dan
Thanks Dan. Thanks for checking in back. 🙂
Kisses can be so romantic and so sexy. I haven’t written any love scenes yet, but it definitely could be a challenge.
It is a challenge, but one that is well and truly worth it! (And it’s fun, once you get over worrying about it.)
Brilliant, so well written!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
O my Rinelle, you make it sound so simple and sexy! Lovely intriguing excerpt thank you!