August Reset

Writing Intimacy Workshop, Questions for you, and client releases that are as hot as my steering wheel after an hour in the sun

Dawn Alexander

Aug 14, 2023

If you’ve talked to me this month and asked how I’m doing, my answer has been, “I’m melting.”

That’s fact.

It’s Texas. It’s August. It is surface-of-the-sun hot outside. ALL. THE. TIME.

Yes, it’s been this way my whole life. Yes, I’m still going to complain about it.

To top it off, I get to argue with a dog who doesn’t have a healthy sense of self-preservation when it comes to this heat. Don’t worry. That picture was taken at seven in the morning (before it hit 106) and she’s only allowed outside for less than ten minutes at a time.

Also, if you’ve talked to me in the past month, you’ve probably heard me mention that I am going to be “off” for this week.

I put that in quotation marks because I’m not really off. I’m focusing on all those little business-y things that I ignore because working on y’all’s stories is a thousand times more fun than updating my website.

But, alas, some of it has to be done. So I’m taking this week to assess and reset. We’ll see how that goes. I’d love your feedback below to help me decide on a few things.

Editing Tip

This month’s editing tip is that sex doesn’t always sell.
There needs to be a reason for that love scene in your book. It needs to fit the story, propel the plot, and feel authentic to your characters.

If you are writing a book and tossing in some naked time because “that’s what readers are looking for!” We need to chat. Seriously chat.

Are you sure that’s what your readers are looking for?

Are you sure they are looking for that kind of scene?

Y’all know I am all for reading whatever floats your boat. I am the last one who is going to shame anyone for any kind of sex scene. (*clings to her dark/alien/mafia romances*)

BUT

The scene has to feel authentic. It has to match the tone of the book. If your characters have said nary a swear word but are suddenly spouting off lines that would make the “I can’t believe it happened to me.” feature of Hustler, then you’ve got a problem.

The opposite is also true. If your characters have now been using the “f-word” like a comma and then suddenly start waxing poetic about manswords deflowering secret gardens, you’ve got a problem.

And for the love of all things holy, unholy, whatever fits your belief system, think about the practical side of things.

Does he have a gunshot to his ribs? Flouncing up and down is going to hurt.

Is grandma snoozing in the room next door? Maybe she shouldn’t be screaming his name.

Have they been working cattle all morning? Showers, people. They are a good thing.

And my personal pet peeve…

Did they both just wake up and start deeply kissing or jump right into banging away when no one has brushed their teeth or even peed? Just a quick trip to the restroom. That’s all they need.

Most of my clients who claim to be worried about writing sex scenes aren’t really worried about writing the sex. They are worried about writing the sex poorly.

With that in mind, I am joining up with the fabulous Roni Loren for a workshop this Saturday, August 19th at 11:00 am central time.

We will show how to develop the romantic subplot of any story as well as define heat levels and give practical strategies for creating authentic chemistry for your characters.

Writing Intimacy: Developing Romantic Subplots

If you are a romance writer, Roni has a class specifically for you starting this month!

How to Write Love Scenes that Readers Won't Skip

Can I ask you something?

As I mentioned above, this week is all about resetting my business plan for the rest of the year.

One of the things I’d really like to do is get a community going where authors can hang out, ask questions, and generally feel comfortable.

What is your preference for that kind of thing?

Do you mind one more?

What do you prefer when it comes to classes and workshops?

Client releases

Here is what my fabulous clients have out this month! Grab a story, get a drink, and find someplace cool to read!

A prodigious hacker, a shattered past, what will she sacrifice to uncover the truth?

The Duchess: A thrilling science fantasy prequel (Renegades Rising) by [Claudia Blood]

I fled minutes before my wedding when I learned my fiancé had been paid to marry me. Ten years, too many crappy exes, and one drunken decision later, I’m now his boss.