That’s an interesting question although I’m going to spin it a bit. What makes a good
first kiss? To me, a perfect first kiss is imperfect. It’s full of so many
conflicting emotions: excitement, nervousness, hope, fear of rejection, desire,
apprehension of making a mistake, anticipation, dread it won’t be what you were
dreaming of. My first kiss was all
of these things and in the end, uncoordinated. I had no idea what I was doing.
He had no idea what he was doing. But we managed a little kiss and it made us
happy. So incredibly happy.
And
that’s what a good first kiss should be—complicated but joyful. I keep this in
mind when I’m writing first kiss scenes and I look for this when reading teen
novels. I absolutely hate when first kisses in books are huge moments full of
eloquent phrases or uncontrollable passion or fireworks shooting everywhere
while a symphony is playing. That’s not a first kiss. And no matter how many
partners you’ve kissed, that first one with someone new is special, shy,
curious, overwhelming. First kisses should be quiet and sweet and I love how
they are handled in The Wolves of Mercy Falls series 
by Maggie
Stiefvater (Sam and Grace), Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
by J.K. Rowling (Ron and
Hermione) and The Song of the Lioness series
by Tamora Pierce (Alanna and
George).
by Maggie
Stiefvater (Sam and Grace), Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling (Ron and
Hermione) and The Song of the Lioness series by Tamora Pierce (Alanna and
George).
What do you think a first kiss should be like in a teen novel? Any
favorite scenes?
You expressed so well all the things that truly go into a first kiss. Loved your post!
ReplyDeletecomplicated but joyful. so true. And nice that you reference Sam and Grace. Their romance was always so sweet.
ReplyDelete"I absolutely hate when first kisses in books are huge moments full of eloquent phrases or uncontrollable passion..." I agree! I much prefer reading the awkward but sweet first kisses, like the one Evie and Lend share in Paranormalcy. Evie describes it as "learning how to kiss together", and I LOVE that. :)
ReplyDeleteI like your spin on this - awesome.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you, and it always bothers me in YA when the characters make huge, grand speeches and kiss like they've been doing it since they were kids. I like first kisses to be a bit more realistic when I read, even though occasionally I like the romance too. :)
ReplyDeleteHear hear! I love how you describe the first kiss. It should make you all nervous and tingly, not make you feel like you're on the cover of a romance novel! :) I'm hearing a resounding cry for more adorably awkward kissing from this RTW!
ReplyDelete