Joy of Writing Sex

I've read more than a dozen books on writing, and The Joy of Writing Sex: A Guide for Fiction Writers is one of my favorites. I don't remember when I read the book, I don't even know what happened to my copy. But I clearly remember the good advice and two of the examples used to illustrate that advice.

Having read a few dozen (hundred?) erotic stories, I can safely say that most read essentially the same. You could copy the scene from one book to another with little to no changes.

Benedict describes how to write unique sexual scenes by basing the description in the characters' perceptions. One of the best examples is short scene described from a musician's point of view. The sex is described in musical terms of 'beat', 'harmony', and 'rhythm'. Another example is about an immigrant woman. The sexual scene, as described from her viewpoint, shows the contrast between the room she's currently occupying and where she previously lived.

I haven't done justice to the examples. You have to read them to see how they work and why they provide a unique reading experience. But I can tell you that Benedict's advice, writing in terms that are unique to your POV character, is good advice for any fiction writer. And her examples illustrate her advice excellently.

I recommend The Joy of Writing Sex to all aspiring writers (especially you guys at mcstories and mcforum.net)