We all know the Outlander novels are full of sex scenes. Just what makes them so good? Diana Gabaldon shares her tips and advice.
The Outlander novels (and the series) are packed with sex scenes. That’s not surprising considering the type of people Claire and Jamie are. They’re in love with each other and like to show that physically. Just what goes into making these sex scenes work? Diana Gabaldon shares all.
Town & Country had the chance to ask Diana about these scenes and how she makes them work. What she had to share may surprise you, especially if you’re a fanfiction write that enjoys creating the R-Rated content.
It’s not about the body fluids or the physical action. That just helps to set the scene and the connection. Gabaldon shares that real intimacy and good writing comes from the emotions and feelings throughout the scenes, which makes every scene unique even if they’re set in the same place.
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Comparing Claire and Jamie to Ana and Christian from 50 Shades of Grey, she made it clear that substituting names just wouldn’t work. Ana and Christian don’t have what Claire and Jamie do. At the same time, Claire and Jamie wouldn’t fit into Ana and Christian’s world. Their connections are entirely different, making their whole scenery and writing style unique.
Gabaldon shares that if a scene can only work with two specific people in, she believes it’s probably a good scene. It doesn’t matter what the overall storyline is and whether people enjoy the actual writing style. It’s the connection within the scene and the way the emotional connection suits the characters.
It’s a beautiful comment when you think about it. While comparing the two novels, she’s complimented 50 Shades of Grey by saying that Ana and Christian’s scenes are only for them.
Keep doing what you’re doing, Diana! We all love it!
Outlander Season 4 premieres on Nov. 4 at 8/7c on STARZ. Outlander Book 9, “Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone,” will likely be out sometime next year.