Who do you write for?

[Zeb_Carter]

I write for myself. I write what I would like to read. I share with others. If they like what I write, great, if they don't oh well.

I do however, have some of my stuff out there for sale, it is also now available here. Do I make big bucks? Hardly. A few centavos a month if that much.

 

[yowser]

I am not quite convinced by someone who says they only write 'for me.' Maybe 95% but not completely, otherwise why post to Lit or anywhere else? Writing is complicated, but always a communication.

One cannot be an exhibitionist without a voyeur out there somewhere.

But the writing urge is immensely complex, and defies easy analysis.

I write to:

Explore (people, places, situations)

Extend boundaries (nearly infinite)

Develop and hone a craft (words, syntax, rhetoric - like any creative act, photography, music, etc, you can always improve)

Connect (to others)

It is best when a reader goes 'yes, I know that person' or 'clever plot twist' or otherwise expresses appreciation for the work (and it is work) involved. And the urge is a restless beast.

 

[Enchantment_of_Nyx]

I am not quite convinced by someone who says they only write 'for me.' Maybe 95% but not completely, otherwise why post to Lit or anywhere else? Writing is complicated, but always a communication.

One cannot be an exhibitionist without a voyeur out there somewhere.

But the writing urge is immensely complex, and defies easy analysis.

I write to:

Explore (people, places, situations)

Extend boundaries (nearly infinite)

Develop and hone a craft (words, syntax, rhetoric - like any creative act, photography, music, etc, you can always improve)

Connect (to others)

It is best when a reader goes 'yes, I know that person' or 'clever plot twist' or otherwise expresses appreciation for the work (and it is work) involved. And the urge is a restless beast.

I'd disagree with that if you're talking about writing alone. If you're talking about writing and publishing, I see your point, but I think there's more to it.

Writing is an excellent way to process one's own thoughts and feelings. Self-expression doesn't need an audience. People write journals they never show to anyone. Emily Dickinson wrote reams of poetry that she never published. (She tried, was rejected, but continued to write anyway, I believe without further attempts at publication.) Her sister published her work after her death, and now I'm not sure you can get through high school in the U.S. without reading at least one of her poems. I know there have been other authors who did the same, but I'm blanking on them right now.

As far as publishing goes, there are multiple motivations that come into play. Unless someone is writing strictly for commercial interest, I agree with you that it's about communication. Even erotica often has something the author is trying to share beyond the sex. The sex within the story can be a gift to be shared as opposed to something that gives an exhibitionist thrill. You may be projecting a bit with regard to the exhibitionism. But I'm sure you're right that literary exhibitionism abounds.

However, even if one only wrote to satisfy an exhibitionist bent, wouldn't one still be writing for one's self? If you get too far down into the weeds, no matter who your target audience is, you're writing for yourself, whether it be to improve your work, communicate something or because you're chasing stats. All of the motivations you described are in things you are doing for yourself.

I don't think people are being disingenuous when they say they are writing for themselves. They are writing for themselves, to satisfy any of multiple needs.

 

[Zeb_Carter]

I am not quite convinced by someone who says they only write 'for me.' Maybe 95% but not completely, otherwise why post to Lit or anywhere else? Writing is complicated, but always a communication.

One cannot be an exhibitionist without a voyeur out there somewhere.

But the writing urge is immensely complex, and defies easy analysis.

I write to:

Explore (people, places, situations)

Extend boundaries (nearly infinite)

Develop and hone a craft (words, syntax, rhetoric - like any creative act, photography, music, etc, you can always improve)

Connect (to others)

It is best when a reader goes 'yes, I know that person' or 'clever plot twist' or otherwise expresses appreciation for the work (and it is work) involved. And the urge is a restless beast.

It is about communication. It's about telling a story. Most of mine are stories I have a need to tell. I used to, before computers, write them out long hand. Good grief. I have never put those on a computer. The first stories I wrote using a computer were done way before there was every a place like Lit. I wrote them just to see how I did.

Now I write because I like to write. If Lit. or other places weren't around, they would never see the light of day. Like I said, I write stories I would like to read and I write for myself. Being able to publish them is just a bonus.

If other's like them, great. If they don't, I couldn't care less.

Hows that for communication for you?

 

[Phantom300]

I started out writing solely for me, just to get the stories, images, dreams, or fantasies out of my head.

After I wrote a couple of pieces, I was fortunate to get mostly positive feedback. I liked seeing a new comment on my work. And it became that I was writing more like 50/50 for me / for the reader.

 

[karaline]

Whenever this question, or one like it comes up, I think about it a lot, but as a lurker who doesn't often post on the Lit forums, I don't think I've ever answered it before.

I write because more than anything else, I want to be _a_good_writer_ and ultimately by continuing to write, I'm trying to perfect my art as much as possible.

I don't know how to answer this particular version of the question. I don't attach to much value to the scoring system, and although I love a nice comment as much as the next person, I've rarely received constructive feedback from my readers. I'm too cripplingly self conscious to invite it from other writers. Consequently, I can't really measure my success through Lit.

So, I think I write for myself?

 

[R. Richard]

I try to write fir those who will buy my stories from pay publishing sites.

 

[joeyjax]

I'm not sure if any of this will make sense, but I'll try anyway.

It's not that I never dream but it seems like I rarely do. It's possible I just don't remember them once I've awakened. In any case, I've long suspected I've missed out on the benefits of dreaming (coping with life stress, fending off depression, etc.).

So I write, at least in part, to approximate what I feel like I'm missing from not dreaming. And I actually find that when I'm really deep into writing something, I vaguely remember dreaming about it, too.

There are a few recurring dreams I still remember from childhood (more like nightmares, actually), but not much else.

When I write, I get to enter a different world of my own making, and while there, I sometimes work through some things I'm actually dealing with IRL. Kind of what I think dreaming is supposed to do.

See, I told you it might not make sense.

That said, there's nothing better than an encouraging comment or PM from a reader, and I'm constantly trying to be a better writer so that my stories/poems are relatable, enjoyable, etc. to the reader. It kills me when I find a typo or other issue after publishing because I know how distracting they can be to a reader. So 'why I write' is most definitely not 'all about me'. The reader matters a lot to me, too.

 

[yukonnights]

I'm not sure if any of this will make sense, but I'll try anyway.

It's not that I never dream but it seems like I rarely do. It's possible I just don't remember them once I've awakened. In any case, I've long suspected I've missed out on the benefits of dreaming (coping with life stress, fending off depression, etc.).

So I write, at least in part, to approximate what I feel like I'm missing from not dreaming. And I actually find that when I'm really deep into writing something, I vaguely remember dreaming about it, too.

There are a few recurring dreams I still remember from childhood (more like nightmares, actually), but not much else.

When I write, I get to enter a different world of my own making, and while there, I sometimes work through some things I'm actually dealing with IRL. Kind of what I think dreaming is supposed to do.

See, I told you it might not make sense.

That said, there's nothing better than an encouraging comment or PM from a reader, and I'm constantly trying to be a better writer so that my stories/poems are relatable, enjoyable, etc. to the reader. It kills me when I find a typo or other issue after publishing because I know how distracting they can be to a reader. So 'why I write' is most definitely not 'all about me'. The reader matters a lot to me, too.

I think you made perfect sense. I took a peek at you stories and can only say that whatever you're doing it seems to be working. Congratulations for you success in both writing for your own well being and for obviously bringing something good into the lives of those who have found your stories.

While I was poking around I also dropped by karaline's story file and was blinded by the red that painted almost, if not all, of her stories.

Since the Lit Forum is so limited in the number of participants, checking out the "quiet authors" makes me think of the number of people who's lives have been touched in a positive way thanks to Literotica. Counting both readers and authors, millions have been given something meaningful and tangible. That's something the owners must be proud of — they should be.

 

[gunhilltrain]

That said, there's nothing better than an encouraging comment or PM from a reader, and I'm constantly trying to be a better writer so that my stories/poems are relatable, enjoyable, etc. to the reader. It kills me when I find a typo or other issue after publishing because I know how distracting they can be to a reader. So 'why I write' is most definitely not 'all about me'. The reader matters a lot to me, too.

I write for myself, but then I publish it so others can read it. Otherwise it would only be known to me, and what's the point of that? And I'll accept any praise I can get.

Charles Bukowski had an interesting take on his own work:

“Basically, that's why I wrote: to save my ass, to save my ass from the madhouse, from the streets, from myself.”

 

[joeyjax]

I think you made perfect sense. I took a peek at you stories and can only say that whatever you're doing it seems to be working. Congratulations for you success in both writing for your own well being and for obviously bringing something good into the lives of those who have found your stories...

...Charles Bukowski had an interesting take on his own work:
“Basically, that's why I wrote: to save my ass, to save my ass from the madhouse, from the streets, from myself.”

First of all, look at me! I just learned how to 'multi-quote'!

Thanks yukonnights, sometimes the smallest comments can make big impacts and that was very encouraging to me.

And gunhilltrain, that's a great quote. I hadn't heard that one before. I do feel 'healthier' (mentally/emotionally) since I've started writing (which hasn't been very long), so maybe it's actually helped to keep me out of the madhouse.

 

[Kumquatqueen]

I write for me, partly to see what comes out. I wasn't too surprised when a character cried on another about infertility; I was more surprised when a story turned into a history of the age of consent across the UK.

I did start posting on Lit as a way to find similar authors and stories that I'd like to read (ditto this forum), which has worked quite well, but also for the other people looking for similar stuff. Getting the odd comment like "This is one of the most genuinely queer and delightful stories I've read on this whole damn site" encourages me to keep writing for my own weird niche.

 

[gunhilltrain]

.

And gunhilltrain, that's a great quote. I hadn't heard that one before. I do feel 'healthier' (mentally/emotionally) since I've started writing (which hasn't been very long), so maybe it's actually helped to keep me out of the madhouse.

I definitely feel better too.

William Faulkner had a good one:

“If a story is in you, it has to come out.”

 

[yowser]

One of the built-in thrills of writing is that for a time, you get to be God.

Create a universe, populate it with sentient beings with desires and troubles and flaws, stir a bit and all sorts of things happen.

And going back to joeyjax's earlier thoughtful post, maybe even dreaming it all up. Remarkable.

 

[jack30341]

I don't see it as either/or, and I never have, and I never will.

When I started writing and publishing stories here in 2016, it was to scratch an itch I'd felt for a while, having been a longtime reader of stories at this Site. I had no idea how my stories would be received, but I wanted to publish them anyway. I'm still scratching that itch. I write stories I want to write.

But I see publishing a story as a communicative act, between me and my readers. When I write, I want to communicate whatever it is I want to say in the best way possible to reach my readers. I respect them. I'm mindful of them as I write.

I try to write the best story I can write. Whether it's for me, or for readers, I don't know -- I suppose it's some sort of combination. I don't fret about it, one way or another. I just keep trying to write the best story I can.

This ^ .

 

[EmilysJournal]

At the present time I write for myself. It helps me cope I guess with ideas and fantasies that I could never let actually happen.

Someday though I would like to write for an audience, and if I become better at writing, maybe get published. I have a lot of barriers to that though. I still live with my family, so I have to write in secret and with a lot of distractions which really effects my writing in a very negative way. I do hope to become a better writer though, and I suppose that in addition to letting a secret living in my head come to some sort of life, it also gives me a place to practice writing.

 

[awired50]

Several reasons. Sometimes to create role play scenarios for us to play out. Sometimes to document things that I have experienced. Sometimes to further a fantasy.

 

[gunhilltrain]

First of all, look at me! I just learned how to 'multi-quote'!

I figured it out too. You open the thread in a new tab while keeping the first one open. Then you copy the quote from the second one and paste it into the first.

 

[Enchantment_of_Nyx]

I figured it out too. You open the thread in a new tab while keeping the first one open. Then you copy the quote from the second one and paste it into the first.

There's an easier way. See that box just to the right of the one that says "quote?" It's square shaped and has quotation marks on it. It's the multi-quote feature. Just click that on every post you want to quote, and then click the "reply" box to the left at the bottom of all the posts. When the screen changes to your reply box, every post you checked with the multi-quote feature will already be quoted for you.

 

[Wifetheif]

I recently joined literotica and have been a writer of hard core BDSM for years. Typically I use Pages on iPad so also add images and gifs so can in effect turn out to be a graphic novel.

The writing has always been exclusively for me, wtitten by me, for me. Never of course published. Literally dozens of ideas, crazy amount. A lot of it very, very dark.

I have written quite sensual stuff too. Suitable for here arguably. But a few really strong story ideas to sustain a long ongoing series.

So first couple of submissions later, 2 rejections. One in particular just not suitable for here in reality (real character and way too selfish non consensual ). The second though a redraft, same basic story but written better. More suitable for here. A better lit erotica offering.

Then the wait - is it good enough - chapter one is key. I write on and write four more chapters easily in same vein. Still waiting.

Then Chapter 1 published, then chapter 2.

I get a follower, I get some likes.

So now I am writing for others. They have a lot to look forward too. That’s not as arrogant as it may sound. It’s just what I think for those who enjoyed part 2.

And yes a lot more to come.

So now I am not just writing for myself, I am writing for others. I write all the parts, all the characters, I love to create great characters, that people can relate to. They need to come across as real, authentic. Characters you can emote with.

So who are you writing for?

As of now, I am writing for you

EDIT - this means at least 4 others currently based on the follows

Brutal One

I used to write just for me. Then I discovered a well-paying niche fetish market, so now I write for my fans on Amazon first and to please myself second. I view Literotica as my "training wheels" phase.

 

[oggbashan]

As I said above, I write for myself and to satisfy my demanding Muses.

Only when I have posted a story on Literotica can I forget it and move on to the large pile of incomplete stories. I'm driven to complete and get yet another one out of my system.

I have too many story ideas - every day! I could start a dozen new stories each and every day but I have to force myself to concentrate on finishing and posting one before I can move on.

I tried reducing the heap by posting my heap of part finished stories as:

https://www.literotica.com/beta/s/oggbashan-stew-pt-01 and the other three but that was only a temporary relief.

 

[Omenainen]

To appease my demons

I write to process my shit. Writing is the form of art that’s most natural to me. First few erotic stories I wrote was because I’ve got these characters I’m writing about and I wanted to see what would happen to them in an alternate universe if they’d met in that point of time or hadn’t screwed that chance up etc. Sorta give them the chance I felt they deserved outside my actual storyline. They ended up being erotically loaded and I thought I’d try to write smut to see if I could. I’ve been reading here off and on for years, so I thought I’d try if I could do it myself. I think I could, to some degree, so I decided to publish them here.

Some have mentioned they’re striving to be better writers. I’m not. I mean it probably will happen as a side product, but that’s not my aim. Firstly English is not my native language and so there’s a limit to what l will ever be able to express in a language that’s not the one my soul speaks. Secondly I write to fulfill a very certain emotional need, to get my specific fix, and that probably doesn’t lead to the best possible plots. To boil it down I love my characters and I can’t bear to see them hurt to the extent a better plot might require.

As to why I post my stories here. I’m hoping to reach people, give something back for all the years I’ve been just reading. I personally don’t think my sex
scenes are anything very interesting, I don’t masturbate to my own stuff, but that’s partly because I like some element of surprise and it’s really difficult to surprise yourself. I have to wait to forget the details of some of mine and give it a go.
Because yes, I do read my own stories, that’s sorta the idea of writing them in the first place. But I do hope some other people get off on my stories. Now a quick count tells me my stories published thus far have been read approximately forty thousand times. If we assume even one in a hundred was wanking to it, it would equal four thousand orgasms, and that’s a hell of a lot more than I could probably produce in a lifetime in a more traditional way. I haven’t published or tried to publish any of my non-erotic stuff anywhere, because I think it lacks purpose. I don’t have any great message, just trying to scratch my own emotions itch, so I don’t see the value to anyone else. Now writing erotica, though...there definitely is a purpose.

Now that I have started publishing it has chance my writing. I’m like a kid in a candy store, spewing out stuff for this category and that, just to see what I’ll come up with. Maybe it serves to let me grow, maybe it won’t, I don’t think it’s even important. If I want to do it, why not? I don’t suppose I’ll be writing this for years and years but who knows, maybe I will. I don’t think it’s necessary to think that far ahead. I’ll be writing something, anyway, because that’s the way I live.

 

[Enchantment_of_Nyx]

...Because yes, I do read my own stories, that’s sorta the idea of writing them in the first place. But I do hope some other people get off on my stories. Now a quick count tells me my stories published thus far have been read approximately forty thousand times. If we assume even one in a hundred was wanking to it, it would equal four thousand orgasms, and that’s a hell of a lot more than I could probably produce in a lifetime in a more traditional way. I haven’t published or tried to publish any of my non-erotic stuff anywhere, because I think it lacks purpose. I don’t have any great message, just trying to scratch my own emotions itch, so I don’t see the value to anyone else. Now writing erotica, though...there definitely is a purpose...

That's the most interesting take on the stats I've ever seen.

 

[SimonDoom]

Because yes, I do read my own stories, that’s sorta the idea of writing them in the first place. But I do hope some other people get off on my stories. Now a quick count tells me my stories published thus far have been read approximately forty thousand times. If we assume even one in a hundred was wanking to it, it would equal four thousand orgasms, and that’s a hell of a lot more than I could probably produce in a lifetime in a more traditional way. I haven’t published or tried to publish any of my non-erotic stuff anywhere, because I think it lacks purpose. I don’t have any great message, just trying to scratch my own emotions itch, so I don’t see the value to anyone else. Now writing erotica, though...there definitely is a purpose.

.

It is interesting to speculate about how many people have achieved orgasms to one's stories. I know from comments I've received that some have to mine, and I'd be lying to say it doesn't please me or that I don't write, at least in part, to provide that sort of, ahem, public service. So if I'm being honest I'd have to say that's one of the things for which I write erotic stories.

 

[Omenainen]

Addition...

To add to my thought of “orgasm count” I wanna state the obvious, which is that the numbers don’t matter. Even if just one person ever got off to something of mine it would be one more that would’ve happened without publishing something. And even if it was none, I’m free to imagine it happened. Kinda my way of bringing more good things into the world.

And yes. There’s more to enjoying erotic literature than orgasming, but it’s so nicely concise that it feels more easily measurable than, say, how many have enjoyed something I write.