The whole vs. the sum of its parts

Joined
Aug 3, 2012
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18
Hello everyone,

I wanted to preface this by saying a quick hello, this is my first time "joining the forum/discussion world of Literotica. :)

I have been a member with Lit for awhile and have submitted a few stories as well as illustrations of my own. In the process of my story writing I find myself building upon one particular "base story" and filling out additional "chapters", if you will, of said story. Those stories do typically receive good comments/ratings but I have had readers comment that it would be interesting to see them woven into one continuous story. While I will agree the idea has merit, it would result in more of a novel rather than a short story. My question is this:

How long is too long for an online story?

With everything combined it would likely end up being around 8-10 pages and that, to me, seems to be more than bit much. I personally would give up on it well before the end unless I had the expectation pre-set, like when you buy a book and have at least a real expectation of how long it really is. I would definitely appreciate some perspective from other authors.
 
Nothing's too long for online as long as you divide it in chunks--and apparently 8-10 Literotica pages (with 10 pages being nearly a novel in e-book terms in it's own right) isn't too long for posting at Literotica. Some claim they manage to keep a healthy reading audience even at that length.
 
Welcome to the Chaos that's AH.
I find anything longer than three or for Lit pages is too long (it's pain in the eyes).
I commend carving it into on-line chunks about that long.
Good Luck
 
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I think you can overcome any issues with length by having the first couple of chapters be relatively short and stand alone?
 
Length means very little. It is PACING that's most important.

There are 3 hour movies that sail by, 1 1/2 hour movies that are a grind. If it's entertaining, people will commit to anything within reason )and 10 pages is certainly within reason around here)

I think your bigger problem is bolting together parts that weren't crafted with each other in mind. There's likely to be some redundancy but even if not, making it all flow well will take work (and you seem less than thrilled to do so)

Personally, I'd write something else entirely. There's always more stories to tell and the newness keeps your motivation up.

People will always clamor for this and that. Sometimes is more a compliment than an actual request.

Go where your passion leads you. Writing without interest equals uninteresting writing.
 
Super late, but thank you :)

I've been so distracted lately, forgive my late reply. Thank you for your feedback, all of you. I think looking back at it I will leave it as the separate parts.

I think that trying to drill down details for go between's to link the parts together may detract from the over all story.

I appreciate the insight, all.

Thank you again.
 
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