How to Write Sex Scenes

Sex scenes can be tricky to get right, and boy, we know a bad sex scene when we see it!

Sexual behaviour is such a big and important part of human experience – so it has a place in our stories - but sex scenes can be done well or excruciatingly badly.

How To Write Sex Scenes shows you how to take your passionate prose from cringy to captivating.

It explores what sex scenes should and shouldn’t do. It digs into the how and why of sex in your story and shows you how sexual scenes enhance our understanding of characters and power dynamics.

Join novelist & poet Anne Kennedy to analyse what makes a great sex scene – and investigate why terrible sex scenes just don’t work.

You'll try out some sexy writing exercises of your own (any sharing optional) and we'll help you conclude what type of sex scenes you want to use in your work.

Even if your story doesn’t call for sex scenes specifically this is one writing skill that is super useful to have in your back pocket.

And you can join us online from anywhere! The workshop is live streamed via Zoom.

About Workshop Tutor: Anne Kennedy

Anne is an Auckland poet, fiction writer, screenplay editor and teacher, having taught at the University of Hawai`i and Manukau Institute of Technology. Her most recently published books are Moth Hour (AUP) and The Ice Shelf (VUP).

In this workshop you will learn:

• What works and what doesn’t work in a sex scene

• How to avoid sex and romance cliches.

• The biggest mistakes you can make in your sex scenes

• How to use point of view in your sex scenes

• What your sex scene can achieve in the story

• How to use setting in your sex scenes.

Zoom attendance link will be sent to participants on the day before the workshop.

Facilitators: Anne Kennedy, Presented by Kathryn Burnett

Got questions about this workshop? Get in touch

Presented by: Kathryn Burnett and Beginner's Guide Writing Workshops

Kathryn is an award-winning screenwriter who has worked in the NZ television/film industry for over 20 years. She has significant television and film credits and has developed numerous television series for NZ’s major production companies. Her most recently produced TV credits include – “Fresh Eggs,” (TVNZ) “The Sounds” (Acorn TV)and multi-award winning series “The Cul de Sac.” In 2019 she co-wrote TVNZ telefeature "The Tender Trap" and is currently on the development team for an HBO sci-fi series , an Australian rom-com series and has a comedy series in development with Warner Brothers. READ MORE ABOUT KATHRYN

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FAQs:

Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?

Age minimum is 18.(But get in touch if you'd like to discuss!)

What is your cancellation/refund policy?

If the event is cancelled by organiser, participants will receive a full and automatic refund. If cancelled by the participant - cancellation must be at least 7 days prior to the event to receive a full refund. If cancellation is less than 7 days - a 50 % fee refund or a workshop credit is available. NB: For live events - if cancellation is less than 48 hours prior to event no refund will be issued.

What do I need to bring?

Pen and paper , good internet connection and your computer.

Is my registration/ticket transferrable?

Transferrable to another person - yes. Another event - no. (But please check with us.)

Do I have to have my printed ticket at the event?

No, you'll be on our list. The name on the registration/ticket doesn't match the actual attendee. Is that okay? Yes. (We will check but people often buy this workshop for someone as a present.)

Where can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Email us, right HERE