New here, nervous

[Ellelis75]

I've been reading on Literotica for quite a while and just recently registered and submitted a story. I have no problem with getting feedback from the site and readers. What I am experiencing, and I am baffled by it is a weird nervous/exposed feeling when it comes to sharing the story with people I'm close too. Shouldn't it be the opposite?

Anyone else experience this kind of thing when y'all first started posting stories?

 

[sr71plt]

I get that feeling even with mainstream works, so, no, I don't think it's a strange feeling to have. Welcome to the story file.

 

[Angellica1612]

I love to have my stories read on here, but I've never shared them with anyone I know in my real life. Someday I hope to be published (don't we all) and I'm nervous to think people I know will read sex scenes I wrote. Guess I'll cross that bridge when and if I come to it. So, no, what you're feeling is not weird. And it's better to write, submit, and read feedback from people you don't know, so you can improve your writing skills and your confidence. Have fun, and I'm looking forward to reading your stories. Welcome to Lit!

Angel

 

[autoplot]

Not really. I only share my erotic stories with strangers, never people I know. *shrug*

 

[lovecraft68]

I have no issue letting someone I know read my stuff. I have noticed however, that people who know me, even those who enjoy erotica seem awkward reading things from someone they know.

Maybe because it confirms the rumors that I really am that twisted.

Welcome to the Authors Hangout BTW

 

[Ellelis75]

Thank you guys so much. I've never done anything like this before so am kind of excited. I had no plans on writing anything but get so much enjoyment from things I've read so thought I'd give writing one a try. I'm sure the fact I've never done this before will be evident, but got so much enjoyment from doing it.

I e-mailed it so a very important person and he said, yeah, it's good but I skipped the first three paragraphs. I was a bit set back. I'd have no problems reading input from readers but the offhanded tone and dismissing by him was really...can't describe.

Oh well. We'll see.

 

[PennLady]

Hi and welcome.

My advice (fwiw) is -- don't get too wrapped up in the feedback. Ignore the trolls and enjoy the praise, but remember that you don't know any of these people. If you post more, you'll be able to tell who's worth listening to and who isn't. Good luck!

 

[RunningJib]

Me too

Hello and welcome.

Took me awhile to submit a story and like you, I too was very nervous.

Submitting a story is very daring. I can understand why anyone would be nervous being as you've just exposed your psyche to the world.

Let me know when it's been posted.

 

[SamScribble]

... and he said, yeah, it's good but I skipped the first three paragraphs. I was a bit set back.

Now that's what I call useful feedback.

A common fault among new writers is to sit there revving the engine for a while before they take off. As a number of writers and editors (including Elmore Leonard) have observed, the way to keep a story moving forward is to leave out the bits that readers skip.

Welcome to the AH. And good luck with your writing.

Sam

 

[Boxlicker101]

I've been reading on Literotica for quite a while and just recently registered and submitted a story. I have no problem with getting feedback from the site and readers. What I am experiencing, and I am baffled by it is a weird nervous/exposed feeling when it comes to sharing the story with people I'm close too. Shouldn't it be the opposite?

Anyone else experience this kind of thing when y'all first started posting stories?

Hello, Elle, and welcome to Literotica and the Authors' Hangout. That is a very normal feeling. Some relatives by marriage know what I do here, but neither my brothers nor their wives nor anyone else "back home" knows about it, unless they have deduced it from reading my stories and poems. It's not a secret; I just haven't told anybody.

 

[autoplot]

My advice (fwiw) is -- don't get too wrapped up in the feedback.

Agreed. If you're posting your stories here, write for yourself above all.

 

[Ellelis75]

Thanks again. What a warm place. I have a very open mind so will look forward to all feedback. It just flowed for me and has the dynamic that appeal to me. I know how individual it can be but the experience itself was pleasurable so figure I've already gotten something good from it!

Not to mention the chance to talk with people that enjoy some of the same things and get exposure to new things. I know this may sound crazy but in all the time I've read here I've never considered I'd have a chance to actually "talk" with the people whose work I enjoy so so much.

 

[Derroreaper]

Howdy,

Just remember the statements about feedback or comments. As a new writer here, you can get some pretty harsh comments, and if you aren't used to the crap some of these yahoos post, it can be a bit disheartening.

On the bright side, of the six or so weeks I've been posting stories here, the constructive, and the warm comments I've received, have driven me to write and submit more of my work.

Good luck!

Derro

 

[jomar]

Thanks again. What a warm place. ...

Welcome to the AH! And if you've been lurking for awhile you probably know to wear armor if you visit the GB and to take unicorns and rainbows if you visit the Playground.

 

[litfan10]

Hey there Elle! Welcome to the AH. Definitely put your stories in your sig line so we can read them. Enjoy the place and never feed the trolls!

 

[Angellica1612]

Me again If you need help putting links to your stories in your sig, Darkinaid is the resident expert and is very, very helpful and supportive. And the most important thing you need to learn is that the iggy button is your friend. And the first one who it should be used on is Scouries. Happy writing!

 

[Ellelis75]

Thank you again. I'm not sure what GB is...or the iggy button. I think I'll do ok with harsh criticism. I don't take much personally. I do have a question. My story isn't published yet but it shows 44 views. Who can view it if it's not published yet?

This has been already a really wonderful experience.

 

[PennLady]

Thank you again. I'm not sure what GB is...or the iggy button. I think I'll do ok with harsh criticism. I don't take much personally. I do have a question. My story isn't published yet but it shows 44 views. Who can view it if it's not published yet?

This has been already a really wonderful experience.

The GB is the General Board, another area of the forums. I don't look at it much myself.

As for the views, that's a glitch in the system. You may see the number go up before the story is posted.

 

[Zero_Nullnix]

I've only just started submitting stuff to L, although I've been a reader here for years. Similarly, today was the first time I visited the forum.

At the moment I have no intention of sharing my erotic ramblings with anyone I'm close to in the "real" world. If they should stumble across my stories here then that's fine, but I am not sharing the fact that I've started writing erotica. Not because I'm ashamed of the niche from a literary angle, but because I'd be embarrassed for my friends and family to know, or suspect, my fetishes and fantasies.

Although, personally, I think erotic writing deserves to be taken as seriously as any other genre, I am very conscious of the snobbery and elitism that pervades the literary world. The bulk of my professionally published work over the last 25-30 years has been in SF/fantasy and dark fantasy: also genres that many writers hesitate before approaching without the protection of a pseudonym.

For whatever reasons, some of us are a little reticent while others (and great respect to them) are loud and proud.

 

[Ellelis75]

Ah, gotcha. This is my first experience with forums too. Even though I'm uber girlie I have this weird proclivity of loving to work on cars so lurk on car forums (ford mustang being my drug of choice) but have never posted.

When I stumbled onto Literotica a year ago I was so excited. I've always had these really wild and detailed fantasies. I actually feared a bit of a disorder but now am reassured I'm just fine. I have found as a woman that while men have been enthusiastic cheer leaders of my "twists" sadly it's also created some insecurity as well.

Newly divorced and mom of young little ones I'm taking my time so this outlet is a wonderful way to "play" safely.

 

[RedMonkeyButt]

I've been reading on Literotica for quite a while and just recently registered and submitted a story. I have no problem with getting feedback from the site and readers. What I am experiencing, and I am baffled by it is a weird nervous/exposed feeling when it comes to sharing the story with people I'm close too. Shouldn't it be the opposite?

Anyone else experience this kind of thing when y'all first started posting stories?

For me, this is a normal feeling. If the story has explicit sex in it, I use an editor online. My friends/family only read the fade to black stuff from me. I'm sure some of my friends know I write out the good stuff, but they won't ask to read it. It's just... awkward. *shrugs*

 

[Zero_Nullnix]

[...]Newly divorced and mom of young little ones I'm taking my time so this outlet is a wonderful way to "play" safely.

I see what you mean. I hope it continues to help.

I went through the newly divorced single parent thing (dad in my case) years ago. Not easy. I hope it all works out for you.

 

[Tio_Narratore]

Welcome to the AH, elle. By the way, has anyone told you about the photo requirements for new members? The three nude shots of yourself? One frontal, one rear, and one of your choice. We're looking forward to seeing you here ...

 

[RockyMountainErotic]

I must say I tried to share these stories with my wife and she thought it was just weird. "No one I know writes this sort of this" she said. Of course when I asked how many people she had discussed porn viewing, sexuality and sexual practices with, besides me, the answer was none.

I wonder if others feel the same. Sometimes you have a story that just needs to come out. She has no problem with my other writing, which tends to non-fiction, but stuff here, she thinks is odd.

 

[RedMonkeyButt]

I must say I tried to share these stories with my wife and she thought it was just weird. "No one I know writes this sort of this" she said. Of course when I asked how many people she had discussed porn viewing, sexuality and sexual practices with, besides me, the answer was none.

I wonder if others feel the same. Sometimes you have a story that just needs to come out. She has no problem with my other writing, which tends to non-fiction, but stuff here, she thinks is odd.

If I have a story that needs to come out, I write it.

I would like to think that if I ever had anything major published, my friends and family would just be happy for me and not read too much into it. But I can imagine the conversations if I ever got something like Succubus Rising published. Let's just say shenanigans would ensue. I don't want to have to answer whatever questions my family would come up with. Not saying I would be embarrassed - hell, I'd have a major piece published - but it would be awkward until it sunk in that I wrote fiction.