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What makes a romantic scene genuinely sexy in audio?

 For me, it begins with character. What does this person want? What are they afraid to reveal? What changes between these two people because of this encounter? What it doesn't involve is heavy breathing and trying to sound "seductive." 

In this episode, we look briefly at the history of romance, from Jane Austen and the rise of modern commercial romance to ebooks, indie publishing, and BookTok. I also discuss how literature has given women a private place to explore desire, pleasure, and autonomy, even when those subjects were considered inappropriate for public conversation and spoiler alert, they still are today. 

We talk about familiar tropes and also touches on the continuing popularity of romantasy.

Finally, I explain my Shakespearean approach to steamy scenes.  I’m not trying to manufacture sexiness at the microphone. I’m trying to tell the truth about what’s happening between the characters.

Sources and further reading:

Romance Writers of America: Romance Trailblazers

Romance Writers of America: About the Romance Genre

Audio Publishers Association: Audiobook Sales and Consumer Data

Bloomsbury: A Court of Thorns and Roses

Content note: This episode includes a general discussion of sex, desire, erotica, and intimate scenes in romance literature. It does not contain graphic readings.

Good Aural is hosted by audiobook narrator and actor Brenda Scott Wlazlo. We talk craft, business, performance, and the weird little things that make an audiobook actually work.

Come hang out. Let’s talk about it.

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 website: Brendascottwlazlo.com

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