How to make your e-mail sizzle

A romance writer offers tips for composing sexy messages.

Updated:: 2009-11-01 23:32

Published:: 2004-01-13 00:00

By: Dee Van Dyk

Making your e-mail sizzle

Are you looking to fan the flames of a long distance romance, or just sending out some preparatory sparks for a romantic night with your partner? Either way, consider using romantic e-mail to stoke the fires of passion. Here's how:

1. Warm up your message
E-mail is a great medium because it's faster than snail mail, but don't take shortcuts when writing your message. Start and end messages by making a personal connection. "Dear Ted..." and sign off with a bit of a flirtation... "Thinking of you" or "Passionately Yours..."

2. Try text tips
Initially, it can be difficult to put your thoughts and feelings in a message. If you can't find the right words to convey your intentions, borrow from the masters. Romantic websites abound, offering the shy writer great quotations and inspiration, as well as tips on kick-starting your romantic life. Be sure to check out the following websites:

TheRomantic.com

InspirationPoint.com

St. Valentine's Love poems

Daily Love Poems

Spice up your mate's inbox with romantic electronic cards — but don't limit your romantic thoughts and greetings to Valentine's Day. You can personalize your message at the following websites:

VirtualKiss.com

E-Cards.com

3. Crank up the heat
Increase anticipation with a few provocative suggestions. While you may not want to give all the hot details in e-mail, the mere mention of an event or an article of clothing can do the job. Remember the black silk teddy you wore last Valentine's Day? Chances are, your partner does too.

Sometimes the right word is an emoticon. You may already be familiar with the smiley :-), but consider using the more flirtatious wink ;-) to set the tone of a comment or suggestion: "I'll wear the black outfit from last Valentine's Day. ;-)"

Just how much "heat" you want to put into your e-mail will depend on what you're comfortable with writing, how you feel about e-mail privacy — or lack thereof — and what your mate enjoys. Whether it's light romantic banter or spicy erotica depends on the recipient and only you can know for sure what works best.

4. And finally . . .
A word of caution: E-mail sent to company e-mail addresses may be monitored. So be discreet or stick with a personal e-mail account whenever you can.

Faster than the speed of conventional post, more mutually convenient than the telephone, e-mail offers a high-tech way to send your message home.

Read our 6 tips for reviving the romance in your relationship.

The author, Dee Van Dyk, is the winner of the 2001 Judith Bowen romance writing contest and a two-time semi-finalist in the Romance Writers of American Golden Heart contest. She's also a founding member of the Alberta Romance Writers' Association, and an incurable romantic.

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