Is there a sweet spot?

[do_ronron]

Ain't that a mean title? Makes you hope it leads to something really naughty. Truth be told, I had an opinionated question. Is there a perfect story length?

My answer: I'm not a strong writer but I know what I like. I have read tons of stories here. I find there is a perfect length but it is hard to describe in size. It isn't a word count. I would call it a slightly longer short story. I really don't care for novels, chapter XX, part ##, an epic saga. I have my own life and don't need to follow a character to the grave. I hate when a story gets to be too wordy with description or wrapped in vague details about unrelated non-sense. I don't need to walk right in to the good stuff but don't want to wait several paragraphs either. What do you think?

 

[PennLady]

Ain't that a mean title? Makes you hope it leads to something really naughty. Truth be told, I had an opinionated question. Is there a perfect story length?

My answer: I'm not a strong writer but I know what I like. I have read tons of stories here. I find there is a perfect length but it is hard to describe in size. It isn't a word count. I would call it a slightly longer short story. I really don't care for novels, chapter XX, part ##, an epic saga. I have my own life and don't need to follow a character to the grave. I hate when a story gets to be too wordy with description or wrapped in vague details about unrelated non-sense. I don't need to walk right in to the good stuff but don't want to wait several paragraphs either. What do you think?

An interesting title indeed.

I don't know about a perfect story length. I mean, I could say it needs as many word as it needs, although some people do go on too long.

I tend to post in roughly 10k-word blocks, which turns out to be 3-4 Lit screen pages. I know I don't usually have time to read more than that, so I generally don't like to make anyone else read more than that. My contest stories tend to be longer, though, more on the 5-6 page order, but they have to be one piece.

I'd check out the pages next time you read and see if you see a trend.

 

[Dragonlipz]

Ain't that a mean title? Makes you hope it leads to something really naughty. Truth be told, I had an opinionated question. Is there a perfect story length?

My answer: I'm not a strong writer but I know what I like. I have read tons of stories here. I find there is a perfect length but it is hard to describe in size. It isn't a word count. I would call it a slightly longer short story. I really don't care for novels, chapter XX, part ##, an epic saga. I have my own life and don't need to follow a character to the grave. I hate when a story gets to be too wordy with description or wrapped in vague details about unrelated non-sense. I don't need to walk right in to the good stuff but don't want to wait several paragraphs either. What do you think?

There is a sweet spot.

 

[TE999]

Ain't that a mean title? Makes you hope it leads to something really naughty. Truth be told, I had an opinionated question. Is there a perfect story length?

My answer: I'm not a strong writer but I know what I like. I have read tons of stories here. I find there is a perfect length but it is hard to describe in size. It isn't a word count. I would call it a slightly longer short story. I really don't care for novels, chapter XX, part ##, an epic saga. I have my own life and don't need to follow a character to the grave. I hate when a story gets to be too wordy with description or wrapped in vague details about unrelated non-sense. I don't need to walk right in to the good stuff but don't want to wait several paragraphs either. What do you think?

Short answer: No.

When you write, write what you choose. The reader will decide if it's the proper length. If you're writing a 'stroker', you can cut to the chase right away. If you choose to tell an actual story, wait for several paragraphs before your characters bump uglies. Some readers like a slow buildup to the action, others haven't the patience and they back click.

It is an intriguing title for an erotic story though.

 

[voluptuary_manque]

Are you writing a stroker? That's a sex scene with no particular relevance to anything. Are you writing an erotic story? That's a plot that has plenty of sex. I find that I write stories in which the characters engage in sex. Unfortunately for my scores and the impatient reader, the sex seldom shows up until well past the thousand word mark, usually the second or third thousand. My characters seem to have this odd craving for reasons for sex. I'm so ashamed . . .

 

[sr71plt]

4,137 words.

 

[SamScribble]

4,137 words.

Shame on you, Mr Pilot! This was a genuine enquiry from an aspiring writer. You might think it's amusing for an old hand such as yourself to mislead; but I think you should answer the question honestly. It's only 4,029 words.

 

[TxRad]

Shame on you, Mr Pilot! This was a genuine enquiry from an aspiring writer. You might think it's amusing for an old hand such as yourself to mislead; but I think you should answer the question honestly. It's only 4,029 words.

Butt, Butt, Butt....

It could be as small as three.

Oh, you mean a whole story.

It is what it is for the story to finish itself. Some people write long and some people write short but it doesn't really matter as long as the story is finished and right for the writer.

 

[do_ronron]

So close...

4,137 words.

You forgot to phrase in the form of a question. What is 4,137 words? I'll take Potent potables for $500.

 

[do_ronron]

Knowing is half the battle

Are you writing a stroker? That's a sex scene with no particular relevance to anything. Are you writing an erotic story? That's a plot that has plenty of sex. I find that I write stories in which the characters engage in sex. Unfortunately for my scores and the impatient reader, the sex seldom shows up until well past the thousand word mark, usually the second or third thousand. My characters seem to have this odd craving for reasons for sex. I'm so ashamed . . .

THOSE ARE YOUR STORIES! DAMN YOU!!! I pray there are support groups for your kind.

I kid. I swear I have read stories here with no sex on Lit. It's like that movie "Being John Malkovich." I know there is a link to a category and then a story that leads you to Highlights children magazine. So weird.

 

[estragon]

To Answer Your Question

A story should be like a thong--short enough to hold your interest yet long enough to cover what matters. I like your handle--reminds me of a song. "I met him on a Monday and my heart stood still--doodoo ron ron ron, doodoo ron ron...."