Alexâs Guide To Writing Smut
Ma'am please bestow upon me your amazing smut writing ways! đ©Your smut scenes are always top tier and I'm so jealous! I feel like all of my smut writing ends up turning out sounding the same.
Awwwh Lau đ„čđ„č Thank you babe, thatâs so sweet of you - youâre so kind to me â„ïž
And I was going to joke that I have no idea how I do it (and that is true to an extent - lots of it just happens in the moment!) but real talk, writing smut is one of the things I find MOST difficult in writing. Itâs so time consuming to get it right, or it is for me anyway!
But hereâs how I try and approach it⊠apologies Iâm chatty and this got a bit long but I hope itâs useful to you and others!
Alexâs Guide To Writing Smut
Understand the context
1. Whatâs the vibe? Why are they having sex?
Is it angry/angsty/longing/needy/soft/sweet/something else I canât think of right now? How are the characters arriving into the smut, because it totally shapes how you think about the tone of the scene and how the actual act will play out. Angry rough fucking is not the same as soft, we just woke up and I need you again sex. And that doesnât need a tonne of exposition to set out in the story but you, the author, need to know where itâs coming from.
2. Whatâs their relationship?
Like above, sex between people who have been together for ages is different from sex with someone new(ish). Of course you can still surprise each other in a long term relationship but new relationships are all about discovery. And this affects how they communicate during the act itself, and how comfortable they might be together (as well as in voicing likes and dislikes). Also, a one night stand wonât be the same as a pairing who are a couple, and not all of those are born equal - is it a one night of fun or is that we only have one night, because we shouldnât/canât do this, but I love you? Those bring very different energies!
Creating scenes that feel ârealâ
4. Limbs logistics
This is the stuff that takes me the longest because Iâm a weirdo and I like to be able to properly picture who and whatâs where at any given moment! Do think about whether itâs physically possible for his hand to be there if it was just somewhere entirely different. And donât be afraid to have a little fun with it if your setting allows a bit of real life challenges. Getting stuck or whatever and giggling about it is so human and relatable and will add realism.
3. Use ALL the senses.
Obviously this is an important tip for writing generally but if you want to build a sensory picture and create intimacy itâs extra important in smut writing. Smut writing isnât just describing where all the limbs and appendages go - if you want it to be immersive you need to go beyond that and explore how the characters FEEL and what else they are experiencing:
- Smells in particular are especially evocative and unique. They stir up emotions and or create a sense of safety.
- Think about how you describe the different kinds of touches (again, all relates to knowing your context). Not just stimulation touch but how they hold each other, breath on skin etc. Are they gentle or rough. And most importantly, how does it feel - both touching and being touched.
- Donât forget about taste - you donât have to major on it if it gives you the ick but itâs part of the sexual experience so donât forget to consider how it might be useful to include.
- Sound allows you to convey emotion with and without dialogue. How does their voice sound? When youâre pressed together can you actually feel the sound? You can use this to show progress too as they get closer to climax. (That feels so wrong to write in a non-smut scene context!)
5. Choice of positions/ sexual acts
My personal preference is starting with foreplay cos I enjoy writing the build up, but sometimes (back to context again!) that doesnât make sense for your pairing. Deciding what they actually do during the smut scene totally depends on all the stuff in the section above. For example, are they short on time? Do they have all night? Is it the only night they might ever have and so they want to do everything you can think of? All of these will affect what kind of sex they have and the kind of energy they bring to it.
I rarely sit down and plot this out (but Iâm not a plotter anyway so thatâs just me) - I write what feels right in the moment because Iâve focussed my effort on knowing WHY these two particular people are having sex. Allow the context to guide what feels natural and have fun with it.
6. Dialogue
I used to write with hardly dialogue during smut because it made me uncomfortable trying to squeeze it in, but Iâve got better at it as Iâve written more. So I think you have to do what feels right for you, as the writer. But also, once again, you need to know what your characters would do. Are they talkers? Is one of them noisy but the other is the silent type? Does one have a filthy mouth that makes the other weak and they like to use that against them? Do you want to include a praise kink or someone who gets off on being humiliated (donât forget AFTER CARE!). All of that affects what kind of dialogue you might have.
Personally I still tend to keep it quite limited (writing Emmett and the whole âhaving to be quietâ is my fav kink of the moment!). Instead, I focus more on the senses side of things, and let them get a bit lost in the pleasure inside their own heads. And instead of external dialogue, I often opt for more internal chat about how the other person and what theyâre doing makes them feel. And how they feel is influenced by, you guessed it, the context!
What to do when it all feels a bit too âsameyâ
So to Laurenâs original ask about scenes feeling overly similar - especially when youâre working with the same set of characters in a long running series. I have this all the time, especially with my Lockdown series because those two are just feral for each other! To tackle getting stuck in a rut, hereâs what I think about:
Surprise, surprise, itâs all about CONTEXT again!
Ok yes, you only have so many sexual acts and positions to work with. And not everyone wants to write all the kinks in the land, I know I donât! But what is different every time is why your couple is having sex - whatâs led to/inspired that moment and how are they coming into the scene. So I refer you back to the very first section - understand the scenario and mood youâre trying to create. You can stack the different acts however you like but the energy and emphasis and emotion your characters bring to that should inherently make it feel different each time.
If you want a real life example, check out the smut scenes in this mini series - they fuck in every chapter but each time the context and how the characters come into the scene is different, so (I hope!) the smut reads differently.
And finally
Do not underestimate the power of a little humour! Real life sex can be funny. Itâs intimate and, lots of the time, with someone you are (or want to be) very close to. They are moments of physical and emotional connection. Let the people be people. Donât make it all perfect all the time. Life isnât like that! đ€
Other useful resources
How to write smut by @youneedsomeprompts
Smut terminology study
Useful smut language/sound descriptors
Really good guide to smut terms
âïž Found this helpful? Why not buy me a coffee? - Ko-Fi
Awesomely cute dividers by @firefly-graphics
More Posts from Mammonsbride1 and Others
How to write smut ?
(@urfriendlywriter | req by @rbsstuff @yourlocalmerchgirl anyone under the appropriate age, please proceed with caution :') hope this helps guys! )
writing smut depends on each person's writing style but i think there's something so gut-wrenchingly beautiful about smut when it's not very graphic and vivid. like., would this turn on a reader more?
"he kissed her, pulling her body closer to him."
or this?
"His lips felt so familiar it hurt her heart. His breathing had become more strained; his muscles tensed. She let herself sink into his embrace as his hands flattened against her spine. He drew her closer."
(Before proceeding further, these are all "in my opinion" what I think would make it better. Apply parts of the advice you like and neglect the aspects you do not agree with it. Once again I'm not saying you have to follow a certain type of style to write smut! Creative freedom exists for a reason!)
One may like either the top or the bottom one better, but it totally depends on your writing to make it work. Neither is bad, but the second example is more flattering, talking literally. (Here is me an year after writing this post, i think, either is amazing, depending on the context. the type of book you're writing, your writing style and preferences!)
express one's sensory feelings, and the readers will automatically know what's happening.
writing, "her walls clenched against him, her breath hitching with his every thrust" is better than writing, "she was about to cum".
(edit: once again, hi, it's me. Either is amazing depending on ur writing style. Everything at the end is about taste.)
here are some vocabulary you can introduce in your writing:
whimpered, whispered, breathed lightly, stuttered, groaned, grunted, yearned, whined, ached, clenched, coaxed, cried out, heaved, hissed
shivering, shuddering, curling up against one's body, squirming, squirting, touching, teasing, taunting, guiding, kneeling, begging, pining, pinching, grinding,
swallowing, panting, sucking in a sharp breath, thrusting, moving gently, gripped, biting, quivering,
nibbling, tugging, pressing, licking, flicking, sucking, panting, gritting, exhaling in short breaths,
wet kisses, brushing soft kisses across their body (yk where), licking, sucking, teasing, tracing, tickling, bucking hips, forcing one on their knees
holding hips, guiding the one on top, moving aimlessly, mindlessly, sounds they make turn insanely beautiful, sinful to listen to
some adverbs to use: desperately, hurriedly, knowingly, teasingly, tauntingly, aimlessly, shamelessly, breathlessly, passionately, delicately, hungrily
he sighed with pleasure
her skin flushed
he shuddered when her body moved against his
he planted kisses along her jawline
her lips turned red, messy, kissed and flushed.
his hands were on his hair, pulling him.
light touches traveled down his back
words were coiled at his throat, coming out as broken sobs, wanting more
he arched his back, his breath quivering
her legs parted, sinking into the other's body, encircling around their waist.
+ mention the position, how they're being moved around---are they face down, kneeling, or standing, or on top or on bottom--it's really helpful to give a clear picture.
+ use lustful talk, slow seduction, teasing touches, erratic breathing, give the readers all while also giving them nothing. make them yearn but DO NOT PROLONG IT.
sources to refer to for more:
gesture that gets me on my knees !!
(more to comeee, check out my hot or kisses prompts on my master list!)
Other Words for "Look" + With meanings | List for writers
Many people create lists of synonyms for the word 'said,' but what about the word 'look'? Here are some synonyms that I enjoy using in my writing, along with their meanings for your reference. While all these words relate to 'look,' they each carry distinct meanings and nuances, so I thought it would be helpful to provide meanings for each one.
Gaze - To look steadily and intently, especially in admiration or thought.
Glance - A brief or hurried look.
Peek - A quick and typically secretive look.
Peer - To look with difficulty or concentration.
Scan - To look over quickly but thoroughly.
Observe - To watch carefully and attentively.
Inspect - To look at closely in order to assess condition or quality.
Stare - To look fixedly or vacantly at someone or something.
Glimpse - To see or perceive briefly or partially.
Eye - To look or stare at intently.
Peruse - To read or examine something with great care.
Scrutinize - To examine or inspect closely and thoroughly.
Behold - To see or observe a thing or person, especially a remarkable one.
Witness - To see something happen, typically a significant event.
Spot - To see, notice, or recognize someone or something.
Contemplate - To look thoughtfully for a long time at.
Sight - To suddenly or unexpectedly see something or someone.
Ogle - To stare at in a lecherous manner.
Leer - To look or gaze in an unpleasant, malicious way.
Gawk - To stare openly and stupidly.
Gape - To stare with one's mouth open wide, in amazement.
Squint - To look with eyes partially closed.
Regard - To consider or think of in a specified way.
Admire - To regard with pleasure, wonder, and approval.
Skim - To look through quickly to gain superficial knowledge.
Reconnoiter - To make a military observation of a region.
Flick - To look or move the eyes quickly.
Rake - To look through something rapidly and unsystematically.
Glare - To look angrily or fiercely.
Peep - To look quickly and secretly through an opening.
Focus - To concentrate one's visual effort on.
Discover - To find or realize something not clear before.
Spot-check - To examine something briefly or at random.
Devour - To look over with eager enthusiasm.
Examine - To inspect in detail to determine condition.
Feast one's eyes - To look at something with great enjoyment.
Catch sight of - To suddenly or unexpectedly see.
Clap eyes on - To suddenly see someone or something.
Set eyes on - To look at, especially for the first time.
Take a dekko - Colloquial for taking a look.
Leer at - To look or gaze in a suggestive manner.
Rubberneck - To stare at something in a foolish way.
Make out - To manage to see or read with difficulty.
Lay eyes on - To see or look at.
Pore over - To look at or read something intently.
Ogle at - To look at in a lecherous or predatory way.
Pry - To look or inquire into something in a determined manner.
Dart - To look quickly or furtively.
Drink in - To look at with great enjoyment or fascination.
Bask in - To look at or enjoy something for a period of time.
finding out making up whole detailed scenarios with fictional characters in your head is a âsign of mental illnessâ
If you ever feel sad, Just remember this picture exists.
Charlastor Week 2021:
Day 2: Protection!
How to write a smut scene
requested by: @my-shields-are-down (a long time ago, sorry I only got to it now)
What goes into the writing of a sex scene?
details to incorporate:
the initiation: e.g. playful banter, small hints, the first touches
the sensations in their stomach, their chest, and their skin
the way their breathing changes during the intimacy
the feeling of the other's hands, mouth, and skin
the way the other's scent and sounds affect them
the moment they realise they've reached the point of no return
a basic insight into their positions (mention when it changes but you can still keep it a minor part in the text)
possible dialogue (there can be as little or as much dialogue as you want):
... during the initiation:
"Do you know what it does to me when you are wearing this?"
"I have a little idea for us two."
"You know, you're driving me insane, do you?"
"I know what you're up to. I can see it in your eyes."
"Right now?"
"Right here?"
"Do you really want to?"
"I like that."
"You know I can resist you."
"I could never say no."
"Will you indulge me?"
... during the act:
"That's all could think about the whole day."
"That feels good!"
"Yes, like that!"
"Right there!"
"Hmm!"
"Yesss!"
*incoherent mumbling and moaning*
"Do you like that?"
"You make me feel so good."
"Don't stop!"
*calling the other's name repeatedly*
"You're doing so good."
"Oh, God!"
"Dear Lord!"
... after the act:
"Did you like it?"
"That was very nice."
"Come here!"
"You're so soft and cuddly."
*terms of endearment*
"That was amazing!"
"How are you doing?"
"Is that alright for you?"
"You were phenomenal!"
"I didn't know you could do that!"
"Let me take care of you."
â include humour and jokes that fit your characters to make the scene more natural and familiar
words to use...
... to describe what their hands are doing:
roaming
caressing
brushing
stroking
teasing
rubbing
massaging
squeezing
pressing into their skin
gripping
holding on to
cupping
flitting over
ghosting over
supporting
searching
travelling
mapping
tracing
tugging
twisting
rolling between
flicking
... to describe what their legs are doing:
locking
relaxing
tensing
shaking
looping
squeezing
tightening
gripping
... to describe what their mouths/lips/tongues are doing:
kissing
brushing
tracing
nibbling
licking
blowing
sucking
biting
panting
sighing
moaning
groaning
sweeping
swirling
crushing
... to describe the positions of their bodies (vaguely):
on top
beneath
riding
on their lap
straddling
hovering above
clutching each other
in the other's arms
enveloping
being all around
grinding
covering
... to describe their movements:
urgent
frantic
hectic
languid
slow
sensual
in sync
gliding
grinding
rocking
rhythmic
erratic
spasmodic
increasing
pumping
trembling
thrashing
shuddering
quivering
jerking
... to describe the climax/orgasm:
releasing
climaxing
spilling
clamping
bursting
erupting
chasing their high
pleasure washing over them
ejaculating
coming
falling into abyss
the different stages: (a quick overview)
excitement/arousal: starts with stimulation (which can be physical, emotional, or mental)
plateau: arousal reaches a plateau, breathing quickens and gets uneven, abdomen and thighs tighten
orgasm: release of all the tension
resolution: the body goes into a mode of relaxation, time for aftercare
(you don't have to include all of them, you can include and exclude them the way you're comfortable and the way it fits the scene and the plot. sometimes not all stages are reached and even if they are, you don't have to describe them in great detail)
focus on:
similar to my advice on how to write a kiss scene, focus on the sensations. what does it do to the person? how are they feeling and how are they reacting? this kind of scene can get a bit cold and distant when the description gets too 'technical' (and most of the time that's not what we want; however, it can be used deliberately as a device)
i know a lot of people are intimidated by describing and keeping track of the positions in a smut scene. while it shouldn't be too confusing for the reader, my personal advice is to not make the positions the primary role in this scene. if you're writing from the character's POV, describe what your character can keep track of (which - in a hazy state - can be quite little). stick with what the character can feel and only complement it with what could be crucial for the reader's understanding (read it to yourself and look if you can imagine their positions).
small details that the characters only notice in such intimate situations. details about the other's body: lines, fine hairs, scars. show how they fuel their adoration for the other. also minute details in the way their expressions and breathing change. let us see it through the other's eyes.
don't forget the aftercare. it makes not only your character but also your readers feel safer and more comforted. aftercare can look different from couple to couple, scene to scene. in general, it's time for relaxation and regeneration. you can incorporate softness, taking care of each other, praising, words of love and affirmation.
Smut scenes can vary greatly, so this isn't a post that provides for all possible scenarios. It's an attempt to give a first overview.
I hope this helps <3
angel!Y/N to Eve: Let me tell you something. Sex is not fun. Sex is wrong. Terrible. Immoral. So stop having sex with your husband. Let me shoulder the burden of sin. I will fuck your husband on your behalf.
Me when I canât find the very specific 100k slow -burn enemies to lovers, angst with a happy ending, award winning fic that my brain created during my before bed story time, realising I have to write it myself to be able to read it
Odysseus: *lying, traveling, stealing, etc*
Hermes, the god of all those things: YOURE DOING AMAZING SWEETIE
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Hello, Welcome in Twenty year old Woman universe i write for fun but English isn't my First language. Fandoms that i like: Hazbin Hotel Helluva Boss Potc Countryhumans HTTYD Burlesque Mlp Batim and Batdr FNAF Cuphead (The game) Mario Brothers (game, movie) Jurassic Park/World Lion King (1994) Sleeping beauty (1959) Peter pan (1953/2003) Descendants Who framed Roger Rabbit Miraculous Villianous Gravity falls OUAT Total Drama Island, Action, World Tour, Revenge of the Island DC Batman animated series 1992 and its sequels Marvel Creppypasta Harry Potter Muppets Corpse Bride Nightmare Before Christmas Frankweenie Book of life Musicals: Hamilton Mean girls musical and movie Heathers musical and movie Repo genetic opera Beetlejuice musical Horrors: Nightmare on The Elm Street IT Childs Play Alien Scream Terrifier Shop of Little Horrors Psycho Lamb Silent Stephen King Books IT Shinning Pet Semetery Christine Crow Beetlejuice That's all but theres more but i can't remember
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