Does erotica need more conflict within sex scenes?

[ronde]

I find it difficult to imagine how there could be any actual conflict in a consensual sex scene, tension perhaps if one partner agrees but is secretly unsure. Outside of that, the scene would seem to be more rape or abuse to me than sex.

There does need to be some conflict and tension in the plot of the story though. Conflict and tension is present in almost all best-selling novels because real people don't just meet and then quickly fall into bed together. There needs to be something in the plot that brings them together and then some sequence of events that ultimately lead to the realization that sex is something they want to share. That can be a conflict they manage to resolve in some way or the tension caused by the need to become closer coupled by the feeling they really don't belong together. Readers want to feel that conflict and tension and then read how the conflict and tension are resolved. No romance novel would be complete without the characters secretly thinking they love each other and then some set of circumstances that pulls them apart only to be joined again in a later chapter.

 

[djrip]

I find it difficult to imagine how there could be any actual conflict in a consensual sex scene, tension perhaps if one partner agrees but is secretly unsure. Outside of that, the scene would seem to be more rape or abuse to me than sex.

There does need to be some conflict and tension in the plot of the story though. Conflict and tension is present in almost all best-selling novels because real people don't just meet and then quickly fall into bed together. There needs to be something in the plot that brings them together and then some sequence of events that ultimately lead to the realization that sex is something they want to share. That can be a conflict they manage to resolve in some way or the tension caused by the need to become closer coupled by the feeling they really don't belong together. Readers want to feel that conflict and tension and then read how the conflict and tension are resolved. No romance novel would be complete without the characters secretly thinking they love each other and then some set of circumstances that pulls them apart only to be joined again in a later chapter.

Well examples have been given like a man trying not to orgasm, incest participants struggling with the taboo nature of incest, a sub going back and forth about whether to use their safe word...

 

[EmilyMiller]

I find it difficult to imagine how there could be any actual conflict in a consensual sex scene, tension perhaps if one partner agrees but is secretly unsure. Outside of that, the scene would seem to be more rape or abuse to me than sex.

There does need to be some conflict and tension in the plot of the story though. Conflict and tension is present in almost all best-selling novels because real people don't just meet and then quickly fall into bed together. There needs to be something in the plot that brings them together and then some sequence of events that ultimately lead to the realization that sex is something they want to share. That can be a conflict they manage to resolve in some way or the tension caused by the need to become closer coupled by the feeling they really don't belong together. Readers want to feel that conflict and tension and then read how the conflict and tension are resolved. No romance novel would be complete without the characters secretly thinking they love each other and then some set of circumstances that pulls them apart only to be joined again in a later chapter.

The main tension in my sex scenes is of the guy’s frenulum.

Em

 

[Euphony]

I find it difficult to imagine how there could be any actual conflict in a consensual sex scene, tension perhaps if one partner agrees but is secretly unsure. Outside of that, the scene would seem to be more rape or abuse to me than sex.

Conflict can be as small as a an anticipated experience not meeting expectations. Not being compatible, body/shame issues cropping up, pacing, foreplay (or lack thereof), communication, connection, physical sensations and/or orgasm not measuring up.

Maybe not the draw to some but I find the imperfect sex/negotiations of lovers who have finally secluded themselves through significant effort more interesting.

When it's realized the issues are coming "from inside the (relationship's) house" there's a whole different set of problems to deal with less external forces to offload the conflict issues on. (think about how young but ill-suited lovers fight to stay together b/c external forces (parents/friends/etc.) point out the reality they aren't particularly compatible.

Sex is fraught with all sorts of conflict possibilities beyond the opening consent negotiations.