Oh, baby! The sizzle factor in fiction has hit the mainstream and is currently at its all-time high. Gone are the days when readers were relegated to storage closets to jam in a chapter on their lunch break, and authors have even started to ditch their nom de plumes (sorry, Grandma!). Sex scenes can be powerful moments when done right, but getting it right is the hard part. A poorly written bedroom scene will pull a reader out of the story. It's uncomfortable, it's yucky, and it's just plain weird. In knowing what to avoid, here are the six sure-fire ways to ruin a sex scene...

1. Holy Clichés, Batman!

In fairness, this applies to the book as a whole but seems to get a strong second wind with sex scenes. As a reviewer, the number of times I've had to claw my eyes back from the top of my head because “his throbbing member” or “her delicate flower” were in play, well, it's painful. Clichéd euphemisms for body parts and acts elicit unintended giggles rather than the intended steaminess. Yes, they were used earnestly in romance novels of yore, but today’s audiences expect more. We didn't come out of the storage closet for cheese. Instead, use language that’s unique to the characters and emotions involved, avoiding the well-worn phrases and words altogether.

2. Clinical Anatomy

If I want to read a science or biology book, I will. If I want to read a steamy romance, it better not be like a science or biology book. It’s important to describe physical actions clearly, but my gosh, do not use anatomically correct terms unless you are going for detached and cold. The purpose is to enhance the sensuality and intimacy of the moment. Instead of using the proper part names, zero in on sensory-driven language to keep the mood intact.

3. The "Ick" Factor

Beyond clinical terms, others have a similar way of turning readers off. Words like suckling, for example, tend to evoke images of babies or animals, making the scene feel more uncomfortable than intimate. Similarly, words like moist have become so meme-worthy way that they can no longer be taken seriously. Always consider the legitimate response that word choices will elicit, and don’t be afraid to seek feedback from trusted readers to gauge their reactions.

4. Overloading with Purple Prose

Sometimes, writers overcompensate by flooding sex scenes with excessive, overly ornate language. Long, extravagant metaphors, convoluted descriptions, and an abundance of adjectives can quickly become overwhelming. Phrases like “the moonlit symphony of their coupling” or “her velvet folds blossomed under his touch” risk overloading readers. Opt for descriptions that feel natural and appropriate for your characters and tone. Avoid making every sentence a flowery metaphor; subtlety can often make a stronger impact.

5. Ignoring Emotional Context

A great sex scene is never just about the mechanics—it’s about the characters. Failing to acknowledge the emotional context of the scene is a major mistake. Is the sex about love and tenderness, a moment of passion, or a power struggle? Whatever the moment, each of these should be reflected emotionally in the tone and actions of the scene. Trust that your writing to this point has been good enough that readers now care about your characters, not just their actions. Ensure that the scene serves the story by reflecting the characters themselves, which brings me to point six...

6. Losing Sight of the Scene's Purpose

Every scene in a story should serve a clear purpose. A sex scene is no exception. If it doesn't advance the plot, it doesn't belong in the work. An intimate scene should never feel gratuitous or out of place, disrupt the flow of the story, or leave readers questioning its necessity. Before writing the scene, ask yourself: What is the purpose of this moment? How does it serve the overall arc? Harness the power of the scene with purpose, and give your readers sizzle with scope.

And there you have it! Avoiding these six common pitfalls will make your scenes feel authentic and meaningful. Now, bring on the sizzle!