Got to admit it's a classic, but it's also a great commentary. If you want to do something that goes into the same amount of detail as a Dresden book or a Blake book (I'm using those as contrasts, not suggesting they're the same), it becomes almost easy. It's trying to be inbetween/your-own comfort level that sucks. If you're actually writing a 'real-time' erotic scene and trying to set the mood, your choice of adjectives [and choice of where to use them all] can really set you apart.
To expand upon the given article: 'Pulsing' and 'Throbbing' are used. Thing is, word connotation and synonyms are you friends, so maybe consider gentler things like 'trembling' or a more time-distinct thing like 'tremor'. But, no mattr what main adjective you use, throw in a 'gently' in front of it and you have a, er, better image. I can't say I've seen such in the real world, and must admit I hope never to, but take it for what it is. The idea is that the occasional addition of an extra flavor adjective, or concious choice not to use it, can help set the mood without ruining it with strictly accurate scientific descriptions
A conscious style choice actively uses the referred to 'cop out' but doesn't make that the end of it. Without actually describing the erotic [or smut
] scene there are many fun ways to tell what happens through character interaction that can be erotic in a different way. A specific example I'm thinking of comes from the "Wheel of Time" series. Without spoiling things in case you haven't read them and are into epic fantasy like me, one of the male characters references how he'd enjoy staying to have his back clawed again with a pointed heat in his eyes. This brings a profound blush and fidget from his partner who quickly changes the subject. Without once having an actual bedroom scene between them, a moment of definite heat (and possible humor, depending on the reader) has been introduced. You'll notice this is also a Hamilton writing trick, and doesn't have to even hold a hint of humor. The erotic mood is set simply by Anita imagining/remembering sensations that don't require a full explanation of the nasty.
In case you can't tell, work is WAY boring right now. So there's my $2 :
