The switch from Fiction to Erotica...

[dripwithdesire]

Hi there!

Whilst somewhat new to this site, I'm not new to writing. I've written for years, and now have a degree in Literature with Creative Writing. Usually, I'll get inspiration in the middle of the night for random fictional pieces, but have never forayed into the world of erotica, however it is something i'd love to try.

Do any other avid writers out there have any advice for the journey into erotica?

 

[Stella_Omega]

Hi there!

Whilst somewhat new to this site, I'm not new to writing. I've written for years, and now have a degree in Literature with Creative Writing. Usually, I'll get inspiration in the middle of the night for random fictional pieces, but have never forayed into the world of erotica, however it is something i'd love to try.

Do any other avid writers out there have any advice for the journey into erotica?

Treat it like any other genre; the genre is central to the work.

My personal opinion: Erotic work must deal with sexuality, and should be a turn on for the reader, the same way that war novels are *about* war, and should make the reader focus on the issues of war. However there can be other themes as well-- and there should be. After a lifetime of reading and writing the stuff, I don't feel like the category as lit has it, is very important at all. I want to get someone's insights into the human condition, via the naked body.

Sex scenes are action scenes and can, (and IMO should) move the plot forward. Otherwise they sag around like tacked on fake flowers...

 

[oggbashan]

...

Do any other avid writers out there have any advice for the journey into erotica?

1. If you are writing erotica, make sure that the sex is an essential part of the story, not an optional add-on. If the story will work without the sexual component, then it is unlikely to be erotic.

2. For your first attempts on Literotica, avoid the Loving Wives category. Whatever you put in that category will be savaged.

3. Read some of the stories that are highly rated in each category to get a feel for what is popular.

4. Participate in the themed contests. The next one is Nude Day. National Nude Day (July 14)
themes: public nudity, exhibitionism, etc.
starts: June 20
closes: July 11
winners announced: July 18

Participation in the contests is an easy way for you and your stories to get attention, even if some of it might be unwelcome.

5. Be prepared for criticism, some of which is likely to be hurtful, painful, uninformed or just abuse. But some might be helpful and worthwhile even if initially unwelcome.

6. Anonymous can be a pain in the arse.

7. Read the sticky http://forum.literotica.com/showthread.php?t=118117Welcome Authors! Please Read.

 

[sr71plt]

If you've taken a creative writing class, I would think you'd have figured out that erotica is fiction.

But welcome to the boards while you're figuring that out.

 

[HeyAll]

It's the same as any other story, except the central theme is sexual in nature.

A story arc is always good. What makes the characters start to change? What triggers it? Do they like it? Are they uncomfortable? Hesitant? Then comes the pay off at the end, which is obviously the sex.

Best of luck!

 

[dripwithdesire]

If you've taken a creative writing class, I would think you'd have figured out that erotica is fiction.

But welcome to the boards while you're figuring that out.

Yes, I know that. I meant that it's entirely different writing erotica to say, crime...

 

[JackLuis]

Yes, I know that. I meant that it's entirely different writing erotica to say, crime...

Not the way some of us do it.

As Stella said,it's about sex and what sex makes people do, or not do, but the doing is more fun.

 

[sheablue]

I think the best way to start is by what turns YOU on. I don't always subscribe to the theory of "write what you know", but for the first few times, unless you are writing supernatural, etc, write from experience. Is there some taboo you secretly yearn to explore? A coworker or neighbor you ogle in secret? A fantasy you dream of making reality? An erotic dream (or nightmare) you had?

Even if none of these ideas flesh out into full stories, you could try one or two as starting exercises and see where it takes you.

Other than that, listen to Stell and Ogg ...

Good luck!

 

[sr71plt]

Yes, I know that. I meant that it's entirely different writing erotica to say, crime...

Well, whoever wrote your thread slug didn't seem to know it.

(And I write a lot of mystery erotica. That's not what distinguishes nonerotic fiction from erotic fiction. The emotions of sensuality--either there or not--is what distinguishes them)

 

[Stella_Omega]

Yes, I know that. I meant that it's entirely different writing erotica to say, crime...

IMO, it's exactly the same. Plots are driven by action and character growth, no matter what the specifics are.

Not the way some of us do it.

As Stella said,it's about sex and what sex makes people do, or not do, but the doing is more fun.

In a nutshell!

 

[Bramblethorn]

Sex scenes are action scenes and can, (and IMO should) move the plot forward. Otherwise they sag around like tacked on fake flowers...

Plot, or character, or pacing.

For me sex scenes are effectively a form of conversation (or as Jane Austen called it, "intercourse"). Sometimes they advance the plot (our heroine is now sleeping with her boss's daughter, which will have Consequences). Sometimes they give insight into the characters - "this woman wants affection but is afraid to ask for it". And sometimes the mood of the story just needs a relaxed interlude in between the more demanding bits.

 

[sr71plt]

The sex scenes have been there in novels for centuries. What's being done in erotica now, however, is to actually play them out in the book rather than go off stage or suddenly become very vague or euphemistic as was mostly done before.

And what I call literary porn, and am trying to do, takes the traditional novel content and just makes the sex scenes that now are on stage really, really graphic.

 

[NaokoSmith]

Hi there!

Whilst somewhat new to this site, I'm not new to writing. I've written for years, and now have a degree in Literature with Creative Writing. Usually, I'll get inspiration in the middle of the night for random fictional pieces, but have never forayed into the world of erotica, however it is something i'd love to try.

Do any other avid writers out there have any advice for the journey into erotica?

Hullo dripwithdesire, good advice above! I started writing romance and slid disgracefully into erotica over a period of time, sometimes it takes a while to get really into the action. Initially I thought my stories were terribly naughty! then I did some reading around and realised they were pretty tame, LOL. Practice makes perfect , and actually few people on here care about perfect, if you can make your stories hot/hard/wet/horny readers are very happy with your practice attempts.

This is a great site to practice writing erotica, you get more feedback than anywhere else although some of it can be a bit strange (see other threads). Stick around here on the Authors' Hangout and read some other threads, many of them are for fun and some are for heavy flirting and then there will be a few most days that are about serious writing issues where you can learn a lot.

Don't worry if anyone posts weirdness or starts fighting in your thread, that's just their way. Hopefully soon there will be a spam thread and I'll make fritters again, they will go and have breakfast and settle down. There is little real meanness on here, just some people who like their fun a bit feisty. Don't take anything too seriously.

Many of us practice flirting, er I mean writing in a serious yet titillating erotic manner, in the threads on here - not just the Writers' ones in the sub-board above, we have a giggle in party threads. Feel free to come in, pull up a chair and have a virtual drink.

BTW, you can also pick up an editor in the volunteer programme who could help advise you on whether you can spice your stuff up, or if it's already in the five chilli department and ready to be uploaded and go wild in submissions. Good luck!


(will you get into that daquiri, banana!)

 

[slyc_willie]

While I agree that erotica is all about focusing on the sexual acts, there is an abundance of stories on this site which would work just as well without descriptive sex scenes between characters. Technically, those aren't considered erotica, I suppose, but they have a place and a following. Quite a few of my stories would still be viable without the sexual component; including sex in those stories, however, is a lot like describing the graphic detail in a murder scene or car accident. The detail isn't necessary, but it adds to the story.

I see it this way: popular fiction has a wealth of graphic descriptions for just about everything, except erotic acts. Sex is as much a part of life as death, so why the apparent prejudice against detailed erotic content? I could write a story that goes into detail about someone cutting off someone else's head, and it would be considered mainstream; I describe a scene about a woman giving a man a blowjob, and the whole story is suddenly considered erotica and therefore off the map.

I'm digressing from the point, I know. So I'll just say that, while genuine erotica consists of stories in which the sexual acts are a necessary and integral part of the story, there is room to write stories that are not 'technically' considered erotica, but still have erotic content, and will therefore appeal to readers of the genre.

 

[bashfullyshameless]

Hi there!

Whilst somewhat new to this site, I'm not new to writing. I've written for years, and now have a degree in Literature with Creative Writing. Usually, I'll get inspiration in the middle of the night for random fictional pieces, but have never forayed into the world of erotica, however it is something i'd love to try.

Do any other avid writers out there have any advice for the journey into erotica?

Remember that people pick up erotica because they want the erotic content, but they generally still want some kind of story. All those normal rules apply.

In most fiction, when things get hot and heavy between characters, there is usually a fade to black. Erotica doesn't give you the fade; it gives you the exposition, or the "action" scene as was previously noted here. You need the choreography, and that choreography has to mean something.

That action comparison really fits, and if you'll bear with me through a potentially juvenile analogy...

We all know that pro wrestling is staged. Many fans would argue that you don't REALLY come to love it UNTIL you know it's fake. You then begin to love it for the show. Every good "match" TELLS A STORY. There's the grudge, sure, or the goal chased by one wrestler or another... but there's also the physical story of the twisted ankle, or the bruised rib or the nagging injury that one wrestler or another must overcome. Very little of this is told through dialogue; it's mostly told through action.

A good sex scene is a LOT like that. Sex just for the sake of sex may or may not appeal to some readers, but as a writer, you know what is filler and what isn't. If you can TELL A STORY with the sex itself, then by all means, write that story. Sex can be about the emotional dynamic between the characters. It may be about one character's hang-ups, or trust issues, or learning to establish intimacy. Maybe it's a matter of "I never enjoyed X until I was with him/her." If you don't have anything to say with a particular sex scene, it may be a little boring. "Fade to black" has its uses. But if you're up for writing erotica, then chances are you feel like you have something to say within that genre, right?


...Also: the general rules of audience feedback still apply. Some readers will never feel like you've written enough sex. Some will feel like you've written too much. You will frequently get people complaining that your erotica is, well, erotica, and you'll be left wondering why they picked it up in the first place. (This happens to me a lot lately; I put out a non-erotic sci-fi novel on Amazon and it has done AWESOMELY, but then readers who liked it pick up my urban fantasy erotic novel and go, "What the hell with all the sex?" because they didn't read the warning label.)

Also, I would very much agree that Loving Wives is NOT the place to get your start here. It may be that there's just a couple of very angry readers out there who post multiple anonymous comments and it only SEEMS like the whole internet hates LW writers, but again, it doesn't make for a welcoming environment.

 

[sr71plt]

Remember that people pick up erotica because they want the erotic content, but they generally still want some kind of story. All those normal rules apply.

I wouldn't "remember" this because I see no basis for believing it where it concerns the Literotica audience (which claims to be an erotica site but that has a whole hell of a lot of straight porn on it--with a whole lot of readers reading it). What I see is as most popular are the strokers with a mere icing of story. I think you're posting from some highbrow notion that doesn't really pan out in the vast majority of Literotica stories and readers. I certainly don't think you can prove it in any way.

It's a nice goal for those wanting to write complete stories, of course.

 

[Bramblethorn]

Remember that people pick up erotica because they want the erotic content, but they generally still want some kind of story. All those normal rules apply.

I wouldn't "remember" this because I see no basis for believing it where it concerns the Literotica audience (which claims to be an erotica site but that has a whole hell of a lot of straight porn on it--with a whole lot of readers reading it). What I see is as most popular are the strokers with a mere icing of story. I think you're posting from some highbrow notion that doesn't really pan out in the vast majority of Literotica stories and readers. I certainly don't think you can prove it in any way.

It's a nice goal for those wanting to write complete stories, of course.

I don't think Bashfully's remark holds for all Lit readers. But there's certainly some truth in it, if the comments I get on mine are anything to go by.

I can't say what proportion of readers like my stuff, because only about 1-2% of views translate to votes, let alone comments. I assume there are a lot of people who read a page or two, decide it's not for them, and click off without expressing their opinion. But for the ones who do like it and comment, it seems to be mostly about story/characters. I have one chapter with no sex at all in it, and it doesn't seem to have suffered.

 

[sr71plt]

I don't think Bashfully's remark holds for all Lit readers. But there's certainly some truth in it, if the comments I get on mine are anything to go by.

Well, yes, some. But the assertion was a universal. (And very much wishful thinking, I think.)

I have a core of repeat readers who react to story and how the sex fit in. I have a much larger number of fly by "you made me come twice" comments, though. I can appreciate them both. I don't fool myself, though, that the first set is all that large in comparison to the second one.

And I purposely write to the differing interests too.

Let's get real.

 

[PayDay]

u ask'd.

Hi there!

hi.

Do any other avid writers out there have any advice for the journey into erotica?

It's all the same.

Sex scenes are action scenes and can, (and IMO should) move the plot forward. Otherwise they sag around like tacked on fake flowers...

Vouch.

It's the same as any other story, except the central theme is sexual in nature.

Halfway.

Not the way some of us do it.

I think the best way to start is by what turns YOU on. I don't always subscribe to the theory of "write what you know", but for the first few times, unless you are writing supernatural, etc, write from experience. Is there some taboo you secretly yearn to explore? A coworker or neighbor you ogle in secret? A fantasy you dream of making reality? An erotic dream (or nightmare) you had?

Ignore this drivel.

Hullo dripwithdesire, good advice above! I started writing romance and slid disgracefully into erotica over a period of time, sometimes it takes a while to get really into the action. Initially I thought my stories were terribly naughty! then I did some reading around and realised they were pretty tame, LOL. Practice makes perfect , and actually few people on here care about perfect, if you can make your stories hot/hard/wet/horny readers are very happy with your practice attempts.

Ignore this too. Self important drivel.

 

[danger2no]

hi.



It's all the same.



Vouch.


Halfway.







Ignore this drivel.



Ignore this too. Self important drivel.

Never thought I'd say this, PD, but I agreed with your comments 100%. Listen to Stella and Og. They are fucking brilliant and gave you terrific advice. Be sure to include copyright for your work. Too many writers complaining about their work being stolen from this website. TBF...this happens to many free content websites. Oh...just ignore Pilot. Sorry he was rude. Anyone with a brain knew what you meant.

 

[PayDay]

Never thought I'd say this, PD, but I agreed with your comments 100%.

s'ok... I'm used to it...

Listen to Stella and Og. They are fucking brilliant and gave you terrific advice. Be sure to include copyright for your work. Too many writers complaining about their work being stolen from this website. TBF...this happens to many free content websites.

Copyrights are for cheaters and thieves.

The founding Fathers did not copyright the DoI, they just signed it.

Oh...just ignore Pilot. Sorry he was rude. Anyone with a brain knew what you meant.

You do know, that sometimes, he drops epic wisdom, right?