“Starside” Author Alex Aster Shares the Key to Writing the Perfect Spicy Scene (Exclusive)

**Alex Aster Unveils Her Adult Romantasy ‘Starside’ with a Unique Approach to Writing Spicy Scenes**

Best-selling author Alex Aster is stepping into the world of adult romantasy with her latest novel, ‘Starside’, set to hit the shelves on 31 March. Known for her successful young adult series, including the popular ‘Lightlark’ and the contemporary romance ‘Summer in the City’, Aster’s new endeavour promises to deliver a captivating tale that intertwines tension and romance.

At the heart of ‘Starside’ lies the story of Aris, a human orphan seeking vengeance against the gods she despises. Her journey through the magical realm of Starside brings her face-to-face with Harlan Raker, her towering and formidable enemy. The dynamic between Aris and Harlan is steeped in hatred, creating the quintessential enemies-to-lovers narrative that Aster has expertly crafted.

In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE, Aster shared insights into her writing process, particularly her approach to creating intense romantic scenes. According to her, the secret to writing steamy moments lies in maintaining strong emotional and physical tension between the characters. She asserts, “It means so much more to me when there’s so much tension and the characters have been through a lot together.”

Aster’s depiction of Aris and Harlan’s romance in ‘Starside’ is unlike her previous works. Even as they grow closer, their animosity continues to simmer beneath the surface. “I just think that there’s something so great about characters who actually still hate each other but cannot stay away from each other,” she muses, highlighting the complexity of their relationship.

To capture the fraught emotions and fieriness of their interactions, Aster crafted a nearly 15-page spicy scene early in her writing process. This strategic choice allowed her to establish and maintain the characters’ animosity throughout the narrative. By embedding this conflict into their intimate exchanges, the author ensures that the tension between them remains palpable and compelling.

Despite the lack of a universal formula for writing intimate scenes, Aster points out that in enemies-to-lovers stories, it is crucial to “keep the tension really strong.” She believes that if characters transition into lovers too swiftly, it can lead to a lack of excitement. In ‘Starside’, the element of duelling is a significant motif, serving as a reflection of the contentious relationship between Aris and Harlan.

As Aster elucidates, “I wanted to write it like a duel. It’s a duel between them and they’re kind of giving in, they’re surrendering in a way.” This metaphorical duel also connects to the book’s thematic elements, with swords emblematic of their ongoing conflict, prominently featured on the cover.

With ‘Starside’, Aster not only explores the tension inherent in a tumultuous relationship but also delves into profound emotional journeys. Her ability to marry these elements sets the stage for a compelling read that will resonate with fans of both romantasy and romance genres.

The anticipation surrounding ‘Starside’ is palpable, as readers eagerly await its release. Aster’s unique narrative style and her approach to layered character dynamics promise to leave her audience captivated. ‘Starside’ is available for purchase now at various book retailers, and it is poised to be a favourite for those seeking an exhilarating blend of romance and fantasy.

With unwavering enthusiasm, Aster invites readers into a world of magic, conflict, and heart-pounding romance, making ‘Starside’ a must-read for fans of her work and newcomers alike. As her journey into adult romantasy unfolds, it is clear that Aster’s talents will continue to shine brightly in the literary realm.