How to show a sex scene without turning away readers?

[zjwestbrook]

Right?! I read this thread just because I was so confused by the question.

[eicue]

What about using silhouettes only?

[mariusthered]

that is an idea i did think about and might use in the future. this thread is quite old now and i passed that scene i was taking about ages ago
if you want a look it's Here NSFW

[nedakasarova]

One of my favourite story arcs in Dark City Stories is a film noir style story and thus is full of nasty people and implied sex. When I get to that one, I will likely just publish a note directing mature readers to the Dark City Stories site at Weebly rather than publish it here.

[indagold]

First of all make sure it just does not happen like immediately with no explanation. Second of all be as tasteful as possible, less is more. Most times you don't even need to show it, people can get away with showing barely anything. Most of the time I find it usually never even furthers the plot along so figure out how to do it right.

Also people confused why sex scenes are more taboo than a fight scene.... you don't pop a boner when you watch a fight scene.

[TACOBERTO]

I figure if the sexual situations give more than just base "fanservice" but also strengthen the bond between the characters or villianize depending on the situation or if anything paints the personality of the characters involved it should be fine. Though even the smallest amounts tests Tapastic's content guidelines and the general audience of this website. It also works better if there is a lead up to it or some sort of justification for the scene. Basically, if there's more to it than just characters making the naughty.

The less it comes up the better usually unless you're making the next Sin City or something.

[KSlinger]

I think a good build up does a lot of the leg work when it comes to sex scenes in comics/books, just like it does in real life. It all depends what you want to get out of it. Is the scene supposed to turn the reader on? Turn them off? Demonstrate romance? Demonstrate impulsive behaviour?

If it's meant to be romantic and sexy prefacing the scene with tension will get everyone on board mentally, then when it comes down to the nitty gritty you won't need to show much of anything because people's imaginations will already be at work. Characters touching here and there, meaningful looks, sweet nothings, they all do the trick, and with enough of them used in the right way closing the scene with a shut door would be all you need to do to let them know what's happening on the other side.

Alternatively, if the sex scene is being used to demonstrate a different feeling (lonliness, desperation, whatever) cut the build up and dive straight in. Focus on the immediate before and after rather than a build up. A woman walking through a door, taking some money, a glass of water vibrating on a bedside table, and her leaving again are all you'd need.

In either case you don't need to show much of anything to get the point across, so if that's what you're worried about maybe consider how you can set up or close the sex scene to best facilitate your chosen feeling.