How to Write Clean Yet Scintillating Romance

By: Mary Gray

Narrated by: Mary Gray

Length: 19 mins

Publisher's summary

Bodice rippers are some of the most lucrative books in the industry. So what if you write romance that isn't as steamy?

I don't know about you, but I love reading and writing kissing scenes. And I don't write explicit scenes with sex.

If you're the same way, then you've happened upon the right audiobook. In this brief nonfiction work, I'll cover how to write clean yet scintillating romance in ways you may not have considered. I'll share:

• The best piece of editorial advice I ever received (when my first publisher bought my first book from my first agent)
• A method I like to call action versus reaction
• How to escalate a kissing scene
• How to use rhetorical devices and setting to heighten heat

Are you ready? Grab your pens and pencils, jot down your notes in your favorite apps, or simply allow the juicy material to soak in.

©2018 Mary Gray (P)2018 Mary Gray

How to write kissing scenes

This is a very short book, basically an essay, but it does have some really interesting information. Going into it, I thought that when it referred to "scintillating romance", it was speaking more of the novel as a whole, but the book really only delves into kissing scenes. That's not a bad thing! This information is very useful! Basically, this book will teach you how to write a kissing scene that feels sexy even though there is no sex. The author diagrams numerous examples from her own books, and these concrete examples are very helpful.

Loved this book!

I really enjoyed this audiobook on craft. I listened to it twice. It’s like therapy just to listen to it

Calling All Published Authors!

Short and sweet. Easy listen with good advice about romantic chemistry. I just wish every author would use this advice if they’re trying to convey any kind of romance.

Yes, the advice given is for beginners, but it’s amazing how many published authors NEED to read this book.

too short

great content and examples, I only wish there was more advice. the title makes it sound like this "book" covers the writing of an entire romance novel, when in reality it only addresses kissing scenes

So great!

I love that this has an audio format. I was able to listen while I made dinner for my family. It was pretty hilarious for my 13yo and 11yo boys to come in from school and hear Mary's examples of scintillating but clean heat. I kept getting, "What are you listening to??" I'm just trying to write better romance!
I study a lot of craft books and I know I've touched on a good one when I get specific ideas for my own writing. Mary Gray's thoughts are straightforward and make sense and I'm anxious to sit down at my screen and make my romantic elements sizzle.

Good Information

WHAT IT'S ABOUT
Bodice rippers are some of the most lucrative books in the industry. So what if you write romance that isn't as steamy?

I don't know about you, but I love reading and writing kissing scenes. And I don't write explicit scenes with sex.

If you're the same way, then you've happened upon the right book. In this brief nonfiction work, I'll cover how to write clean yet scintillating romance--primarily, kissing scenes--in ways you may not have considered. I'll share:
* The best piece of editorial advice I ever received (when my first publisher bought my first book from my first agent)
* A method I like to call action versus reaction
* How to escalate a kissing scene
* How to use rhetorical devices and setting to heighten heat

MY TAKE
Warning--this is a very short book. That was okay by me because it focused on one element, and I think Gray provided some great examples. She narrated the audiobook and did a decent job of it. It felt a lot like I was in a class that she was teaching. I'll be listening to this again, probably every time I'm getting ready to write a kissing scene. lol

4 1/2 stars