Pre-story question:

I have a story half-written, but that's okay, 'cause I was planning on posting it in chapter format anyway. But I *do* have a question regarding the pace of my story, as it is pretty slow.

See, I like a lot of character development. Making characters seem believable is important to me if any of the events thereafter are to seem just as believable, and I also think it enhances the emotional aspect of the overall piece.

On the other hand, I'm sure the majority of the readers of the library prefer some development, so long as it gets into the main element of the story (bdsm!) fairly immediately. Well, my story doesn't do that - and my question is, do you think that will affect its appreciation?

Should I warn potential readers that this story is sloooow?

There is a sex scene in the first chapter, but it's all consensual and non-kinky. Chapter five is where everything comes to a head.

Your input would be appreciated, community!

x

Depends on a few things:

First, how long are the chapters? If they're really long, that might be something that will lose some readers. If they're relatively short and what you have in those first four chapters is compelling, then you'll keep your reader's attention.

Second, is there sex in chapters 2-4? Because I can imagine some people just won't bother if there isn't. Of course, that's assuming you're intending on putting it on the stories site here. You can always add a disclaimer that indicates when the "good stuff" starts.

I like character development for longer stories, but short stories don't really need as much. If I'm going to bother to read something for more than five minutes, I want to be interested in the characters.

Finally, I rather like a mix of "vanilla" and "reverse peanut butter cup" in my stories, depending on the plot. There's a lot of stories out there and some people may not like a lot of the non-consensual stuff or the more serious stuff, so they may like the idea of having a story that develops more.

The most important thing is how you feel about it. If you're happy with it, then that's what's important.

Kadence, I think that there are a variety of different readers--thus a variety of different preferred styles. You won't ever please everyone, but if your story is good it will find its audience. Some prefer 1-dimensional characters and sex from the second paragraph while others complain when no background or "leading-up-to" events are described. Your story will appeal to the latter type of reader.

Maddie; I have to ask it.. what is "reverse peanut butter cup?"

A story should behave as the story dictates. Some stories are quick jolts to the groin and others are more cerebral. There are nights when one will do well for me and nights when the other is better.

My recomendation is to write your story - or let it write itself. Too many people get hung up, I think, on the sexual aspects of BDSM or D/s and forget the cerebral and other erotic elements. Furthermore, erotica does not have to contain any sex, whatsoever. It just needs life.

Sure, you may get some dings for your story not being sexual enough. However, enough of the patrons of this site are authors, as well as critics. These authors respect and enjoy a well crafted tale and will say so. I can tell you, too, that a review of an 8 by a quality author with commentary is far more uplifting than a review of a 10 with a "good story" attached to it.

I suggest you damn the torpedoes and operate at full speed. Write the tale that satisfies you. Submit it and take your hits as they come. For your pre-story synapsis you should write whatever you choose. But, above all, be as satisfied with your story as you can be before submitting it.

csr: Reverse peanut butter cup is how I refer to the extreme opposite of vanilla. They're both flavors of ice cream that I've found and enjoyed.

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Originally Posted by maddie

csr: Reverse peanut butter cup is how I refer to the extreme opposite of vanilla. They're both flavors of ice cream that I've found and enjoyed.

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Maddie, I love that term!

Kadence, I agree with what has been said above. It is your story, and though you obviously want to make your story a good one, you need to be happy with it. The more stories I write and submit to the site, the more I can see how different stories will attract different readers.

I used to worry about making my story suit the audience reading it, but know I just try to make it a story I would want to read. Do let the readers know it has a slow start and just see what happens.

Good luck and I look forward to reading your work.

Hi Kadence

I agree with aussiegirl. Write the story that YOU would want to read, don't write a different story just to please someone else. It also means, if you get criticism from others, you can just shrug and say "heh, I didn't write it for you".

Q

My thought is that we're writing for pleasure, not to make money.

Who cares what people think? Whatever you write, some will like, some will probably hate it.

Just write the sucker.


Tojo

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Originally Posted by Tojo

Just write the sucker.


Tojo

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Yes, it is important to have a sucker in every story. Make it so!

Haha.

Thanks for the input, guys. This issue has been bugging me a bit. I've written two stories already and tried to cut to the action fast - it didn't work out too well. Okay! I'm gonna write this *sucker* my way ;)

Working title is Darling Clementine. Watch this gap!

So glad you are going to write it your way.

Have fun!

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Originally Posted by Kadence

Okay! I'm gonna write this *sucker* my way ;)

Working title is Darling Clementine. Watch this gap!

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If the story is about a miner and his big foot daughter and the girl drowns at the hands of delinquent ducks I am going to be mighty disappointed.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kadence

See, I like a lot of character development. Making characters seem believable is important to me if any of the events thereafter are to seem just as believable, and I also think it enhances the emotional aspect of the overall piece.
x

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Kadence,

I'm fairly new to the site as a writer, but as both a writer and a reader, I rather enjoy the nuances behind the characters. I want to know, and more importantly, care about the characters instead of getting the 'wham-bam-thank-you-slave' (if you're lucky) stories that are so simple to write you could practically post a template.

The stories I write tend to deal with the psychology, the mindfuck if you will, the results of or the anticipation of the physicality rather than overt physical acts within the stories proper. As someone once told me, the best eroticisim is in the mind.

I look forward to reading your story when it's completed :)

hids

Oh yes Hids, I so agree with that. If you can get into the head of the reader and make them want to know more about the characters, you have done well.