Sunday, March 9, 2014

Hot...Cold or Turn Me On...Turn Me Off

Being a romance writer, I'm concerned with hot -- a lot! A turn of words can really ramp up the hot factor for a book, movie or song. And I'm not speaking exclusively about sex, although there's always that factor in a romance whether implied or graphic. The way words come together can warm your soul...and your comfort zone.

The other day, a song writer friend of mine asked the question on Facebook "what's your favorite song?" I answered Steamer. Not too many know this song unless you're a Jimmy Buffet fan. And Jimmy didn't even write it. Another friend responded that my answer surprised her.  It made me think about why I would consider it my favorite love song - I'm not sure some would consider it a love song. It all boils down to the turn of words the writer used. They evoke such an image for me that I swoon every time I hear that certain verse. That is exactly what I strive for in writing - to evoke an image that leaves the reader hot.

Think about your favorite book. I'll bet there is that one passage, or several passages, that put you there...made your temp rise...warmed your soul...that swoon factor.

That certain verse from Steamer by Jimmy Buffett:
 
I remember that river
First time we made love
Oh, I still kinda shiver a little
At what I'm thinkin' of
How your dress it just floated
All down around your knees
And I held my breath, my God, my girl
'Cause I could not believe

(Side Note: Today is the big birthday party for my only grandchild. It's her first birthday and the celebration is a couple of hours from my home. So if you leave me a comment, which I will totally enjoy reading later tonight, I won't be able to respond right away.) 

Although I didn’t start out to write romance, I’ve found all good stories have to involve complicated human relationships. I’ve also learned, no matter a person’s age, a new discovery is right around every corner. Whether humorous or serious, straight contemporary or suspense, all my books revolve around those two facts.

I blog on the 9th and 24th of every month at http://rosesofprose.blogspot.com
I blog about prairie life and writing at http://brendawhiteside.blogspot.com/

9 comments:

Margo Hoornstra said...

Have a great time at the birthday party. A real milestone turning one. You're right. It's not so much what's being described, but how the words come together to bring out the emotion in us.

Brenda Whiteside said...

Thanks, Margo!

Jannine Gallant said...

What wonderful lyrics. Really set the mood. Yep, we can only try (really hard) to do that when we write.

Leah St. James said...

Agreed, terrific lyrics. As with everything else, my tastes have changed since I was first in love many (many) moons ago. What I thought "hot" then read a bit pornographic to me now! :-) Hope you had a wonderful day at your granddaughter's first birthday!

Diane Burton said...

Those lyrics are great. Enjoy the birthday party!

Laura B said...

As a student of psychology, I found your closing comment profound. There really is a human element in every good story and being part of a relationship is a very human need. Loved the post, thanks!!!

Brenda Whiteside said...

I am home and exhausted but so fun to watch my granddaughter dive into her first cake!

Thanks for all of your comments. I'm glad you enjoyed the post.

Unknown said...

Aw, what a fun day I bet it was with your grandbaby! Those lyrics are fantastic. I am jealous when writers, whether its of songs or books, can use words so beautifully. Enjoyed the post!

Brenda Whiteside said...

Thanks, Alicia.