Spice can get a bad rap when it comes to fiction. If you have ever read or even dabbled in writing fanfiction, then you know that well-done spice is no easy feat. It is also critical to understand the difference between writing smut and writing spice. Spice is simply the element that turns fictional romance up a notch, taking a scene from playful to steamy. Depending on the genre, spice can add to existing reader interest. With the following tips, you should be able to craft a story that is spicy enough to keep readers invested in every page of your story.

Avoid Cliches

Everyone who enjoys romance has seen or read about a hot shared moment between two characters. If a make-out in a car, or a walk on the beach sounds familiar, that is because it has been done time and time again. If you don’t want a reader to hit snooze when two characters become involved with one another then stray from the first few ideas that come to mind when writing spice. If the plot of the story is original then the opportunities for creative ways to spice up a relationship should come naturally.

Don’t Skimp on Details

Some people think that spice comes easily to a writer, at least with a little imagination, but finding the descriptors to an act of intimacy should be just as juicy as the act itself. Writing spice should leave little to the imagination because it should be used as a method for character building. For example, I don’t learn much about two characters who have romantically intertwined and ride off into the sunset. However, a romantic moment can be an opportunity for a character to reveal parts of their psyche that may otherwise be hidden. Details, big and small, can take a scene that’s get repetitive, such as two characters sharing a kiss, and make each moment stand out by using vivid descriptors.

The Slow Build

The best spice is believable. Any story that gives a too much context about characters getting together is a disservice to its readers. In the same way, throwing in random intimate moments might not be as effective as slowly building chemistry between two characters. If the author begins with a longing gaze which progresses to the touching of hands and can build up to a steamier scene, then the reader will be extremely motivated to keep turning the pages. There is nothing more frustrating than an author who builds anticipation for a couple to finally be together and then the reader gets left on the other side of a closed door.

Age is Not Just a Number

Because spice is not supposed to be too raunchy in terms of sexual content, then it is the authors responsibility to remember the age of the audience as well as the characters in the story. This connects with the aforementioned point to be realistic because readers will know what behavior a 14-15 will partake in and how that differentiates from 17–18-year-old characters. For believability and to avoid being cringey, keep the characters’ passion suited to the age being conveyed.

Be Realistic

Think about a natural progression of intimacy in a relationship when writing spice. Readers of this genre probably know firsthand what a first kiss is like or making eyes at someone therefore they also know the unlikelihood of having a spicy moment in certain places and times. Our fantasies are rooted in reality which is not to say that two characters’ encounters can’t be exciting, but to keep readers with a visual they can follow there should never be too much straying from reality.

Character Development

Writing spice is an effective, while unassuming, way to create character development. For example, you have an emotionally damaged character who moves slowly when opening up to another character. This might look like being only physical without emotion or being afraid to move beyond handholding in a relationship. Through the progression of the story, these acts could change and therefore signify the growth of a character. For example, the character who once feared intimacy now feels safe in the other character’s arms or the character who realizes they need emotional connections.