What's your favorite piece of feedback received?

[PeytonMirabelle]

I received some particularly-nice feedback recently--and by "nice," I mean the reader enjoyed one of my stories. It always nice to have one's ego stroked.

Let's share something positive: what's been your favorite feedback about your writing that you've received? Was it something particularly kind or flattering about a story or character? Was it great insight that helped you write better? Did you get it here on the site?

I love good-new stories, so please share.

 

[ChasPHX]

Great idea for a thread.

I haven't been publishing here very long, just a few months, so not a lot of history. But I did get a series of fun comments on my story All Day Opposite. In that I/T story, a brother and sister play a game where everything they say has to be the opposite of what they mean, and the first one to slip up loses. Well, a few readers actually played the game in the comments, saying how much they did not like the story, how they thought it was boring, not hot, etc. Of course they eventually came clean about playing the game, so I got the joke. It was cute and engaging and I appreciated the effort.

And here's some great feedback I got when I used to write broadcast news that has stood me pretty damn well in my other writing endeavours: always use specific, concrete nouns; use aggressive verbs; avoid adjectives and adverbs.

It's amazing how following those simple guidelines will really tighten up your writing and make it very action-oriented, sharp and clear.

Looking forward to what others contribute here.

 

[davion2308]

Nothing stands out

Not specific comment stands out for the positive but any time I hear "I had an orgasm thinking about what you wrote and the scenario," that just gives me a good vibe. I like that I'm giving orgasms to other people through my creation and the words I select.

One of my favorite feedback comments was a negative one. I deleted the message a long time ago but the person told me that I was good at writing and they enjoyed the story but I rushed it. They told me to take my time getting around to the sex and if I had only developed the characters and the situation more, they would have absolutely loved it.

"It was okay but you can do better, so do better," or something close enough.

That has made my stories go from 2k-4k range to 6k and more and my scores have been up since then.

Thank you for the criticism, kind stranger.

 

[DarkWhispers2U]

So far I've only published for the 750-word challenge back in February. I was surprised to get any comments at all, really. One reader called my piece From a Distance 'Stunning', another wished they could give it ten stars. I realize they were also authors participating in the challenge, but them taking the time to comment was deeply appreciated.

 

[yowser]

It is rare for a writer, when reading specific praise for his or her work (not just a generic 'great stuff!' or the like), not to get a little flutter of pleasure generated somewhere within them. It may not be the reason that we write, but when someone recognises something publicly, it is sweet.

My best feedback has come from other authors, but even stray anonymous comments can be welcome, and surprising.

This is from my House of Doors entry (anonymous)

'Very beautifully written in a style not often found today. On this site, my interest in the stories doesn't usually last until the final paragraph, but I couldn't stop reading this. Sensual, poetic, and classic. Unforgettable.'

 

[oggbashan]

This one:

I'm impressed
by Anonymous user on 02/09/2004
I'm a married female in her 30's, currently on anti-depressants that made my sex drive go fron 55mph to maybe 5 at best. (With my husband using every trick in the book--so to speak--at once).

That was well written, imaginative, and sexy. Plus, I think someone just FLOORED the gas pedal to the metal. Thanks. I needed that. Writer? Try to publish! You can do it.


It was on this story:

https://www.literotica.com/beta/s/bagged-at-the-opera

currently rated 3.90

I was surprised that this story had that effect. I consider it an average one of my stories and the rating is about right. As another comment said:

All I can say is that it's nice to have admirers.

 

[HeyAll]

These two, because of how detailed they are and because I always try to create something new with each story.


Every Story Gets Better
One of your best Hey All. I love your stories, the variety of themes and your imagination. A strength of your writing is that you weave together good detail on the characters, you hook us to who they are and the sex itself is so HOT in part because of the character development. You are my new Fav' Author.

Exceptional creativity
This story demonstrates that author HeyAll, after scores and scores of stories over time, still has creative fire to write such a novel story that is so fresh, sexy, and extremely arousing. Story is well paced and loved the blending three side narration. Thank you very much for making our weekend as my wife joined to thank you. During these stressful times, you rekindled our imagination with a sensual plot. Much appreciated.

 

[SyleusSnow]

It seems many writers here get negative comments, but I've been lucky and only had nice comments so far (bet that'll change if I ever published in the snake pit of Loving Wives).

A while back, I received this one:

You write with such humanity and sweetness, a wonderful open heart. There's a place in the world for your stories. Give us more! Don't stop! So much of what I read here is sick at its core, but your tales are full of hope and love. Thank you!

...and more recently:

I've read too much on this site. Nothing as concise or classy, with seemingly-plausible character evolvement and simultaneous contrast of race, culture, country, business orientation, and (of course) the sexes. It reminds me of more famous authors who could polish a tale like I've read too much on this site. Nothing as concise or classy, with seemingly-plausible character evolvement and simultaneous contrast of race, culture, country, business orientation, and (of course) the sexes. It reminds me of more famous authors who could polish a tale like Chekov or Maupassant. Well done.. Well done.

Being compared to Chekov and Maupassant, masters of the short story, is a hell of a compliment, though utterly undeserved.

Is it just me or are the best comments always left by Anonymous? I can understand why, but damn it's frustrating not to be able to say thanks.

 

[Wifetheif]

I received some particularly-nice feedback recently--and by "nice," I mean the reader enjoyed one of my stories. It always nice to have one's ego stroked.

Let's share something positive: what's been your favorite feedback about your writing that you've received? Was it something particularly kind or flattering about a story or character? Was it great insight that helped you write better? Did you get it here on the site?

I love good-new stories, so please share.

I just posted my latest story in quite a while. It was in loving wives so I got a lot of flames. The best comment though was from someone who said my story was beautifully written, even though they did not like the scenario. You can't argue with that kind of critique. I'm a much better writer than when I started out. Some of my early stories make me cringe -- yet I leave them up, I don't know why.

 

[Phantom300]

I've gotten a couple of email feedbacks from readers with nice things to say about my stories. Those are always special, because the reader has to put in a tad more effort to send that. Much better than a comment IMO

As a result, I have sent a few emails to some to my favorite authors as well.

 

[BarracudaSwordfish]

A very nice remark from a gay lady that one of my lesbian stories was well-written and believable.

Another from a bi lady who hoped there was more to come as she loved the story.

Fair made my day, those did.

 

[Kumquatqueen]

I'd been a bit disappointed by low reader numbers for my first series posted recently - guess the GM crowd mostly like short and simple.

The few readers I did have seemed to like it, though few voted, but that meant it was a really nice surprise to get comments at the end:

1. "Was late for work today as had to complete the series. Awesome."

Then another:
'This story might set a new standard for Literotica quality.

Great storyline, dialogue, dialect, characters (I'm in love with Dan). No question, I will gladly read every word Kumquatqueen ever writes.'

I thought this was over-egging it somewhat, but the comment went on,

'Not only delightfully readable, but grammatical!'

I'm enough of a geek to find that even better praise! Really made my month.

 

[Omenainen]

My stories are (mostly) sweet and emotional, and it seems the readers that can stomach that much sugar also leave sweet comments. I haven’t had any negative ones, and many wonderful ones. I cherish each of them, but I’d say my favorite one is the one that said I’ve “captured the essences of love and old age”, based on the fact that I remember it by heart.

One recent one said that “the goodness of my spirit shines through” on a story where I leave my protagonist alone and crying, 2000 miles from home, so that feels like some kind of an accomplishment.

Not specific comment stands out for the positive but any time I hear "I had an orgasm thinking about what you wrote and the scenario," that just gives me a good vibe. I like that I'm giving orgasms to other people through my creation and the words I select.

This was what I had in mind, when I started publishing. I haven’t had any comments about anyone having orgasms, but a whole bunch of ones where readers say they’ve cried. Not exactly what I was going for, but hey, a reaction anyway. Guess I should write something less sad and more hot, if I wanted orgasms instead of tears. I’ll get it right one day.

 

[davion2308]

Experiencing Emotions

My stories are (mostly) sweet and emotional, and it seems the readers that can stomach that much sugar also leave sweet comments. I haven’t had any negative ones, and many wonderful ones. I cherish each of them, but I’d say my favorite one is the one that said I’ve “captured the essences of love and old age”, based on the fact that I remember it by heart.

One recent one said that “the goodness of my spirit shines through” on a story where I leave my protagonist alone and crying, 2000 miles from home, so that feels like some kind of an accomplishment.



This was what I had in mind, when I started publishing. I haven’t had any comments about anyone having orgasms, but a whole bunch of ones where readers say they’ve cried. Not exactly what I was going for, but hey, a reaction anyway. Guess I should write something less sad and more hot, if I wanted orgasms instead of tears. I’ll get it right one day.

If they come back to experience whatever emotions, you're succeeding. And how many people get emotional after good sex anyway? I equate it to being same cathartic release.

 

[AlexBailey]

This one floored me:

by Anonymous user on 09/25/2020
I have been waiting so eagerly for this chapter! This is easily my favorite erotic story that I've ever read (and I've been reading for -years-) and I'll be sad when its over but I look forward to seeing what else you write.
Thank you for putting this out here for us to read!!

 

[PoisonPen33]

Holy shit, that was hot. I usually prefer heterosexual to homosexual scenes, although FFM can be nice.

This just changed my mind. The entire storyline with Eleanor and Beatrix was one of the hottest scenes I've ever encountered. Well done. Keep it up.

As a straight male, I was worried about writing a halfway decent girl-on-girl scene. This comment was a booster shot of confidence going forward.

 

[TarnishedPenny]

How can one top, “Favorite story!” or, even better, “Favorite writer now!”?

They come rarely, but boy, do they make a difference!

 

[MelissaBaby]

On Mary and Alvin, Chapter 17


https://i.imgur.com/arJMx9S.png?1

 

[yowser]

On Mary and Alvin, Chapter 17


https://i.imgur.com/arJMx9S.png?1

Sweet...

 

[Rustyoznail]

I normally don't revisit my published stories after a while, but I noticed this one pop up a couple of days ago about my "Cricket, Anyone? India vs Australia" story.


"Mistbreaker 5 days ago

Would love a reversal of roles with same story theme !

Extremely detail oriented person. I feel the author is very successful professional. It is really great to see the Indian woman living her life and enjoying exactly what she likes. A rare kind of story- in the world where Indian woman does not explore/share their feelings fairly openly."

That was a real boost.

 

[vanmyers86]

Is it just me or are the best comments always left by Anonymous? I can understand why, but damn it's frustrating not to be able to say thanks.

Anonymous has been very good to me. This comment came in earlier today about a story I wrote more than a year ago; it not only praises my work, but defends me against a couple of critics who took issue with a scene in which one character has a partial meltdown after being physically threatened. I am comfortable defending myself and my work, but I find it so sweet when someone who doesn't even know me does so. I wish I could thank this person directly!

"Wonderful characters, great situations, and lovely writing
I agree with the last comment from Barry. All the stories you have posted have most engaging characters, and are excellently written in relation to plot, the way the characters are revealed, and the beautiful clear prose.

Kryssa's outburst seems to me to be perfectly in character. Throughout, she is shown as strong, direct, and possibly too much of a thinker, the latter partly to protect her emotional core; she has after all fallen for this woman from the first contact. To the two who object to it: I wonder if you simply can't take strong and rather dominant characters. Bullying is continual harassment, of whatever sort, including blowing hot and cold in a relationship and expecting the other party to suffer it in the hope that the beloved will come round. That is not the same as being uncompromising and decisive as Kryssa is in her outburst."

 

[Haulover]

I've had comments and emails saying that my writing is very 'literary', and the stories are very true to life.


But one comment stands out for mealso evolved into a brief email communique:

(My story has a sad ending.)

This reader's wife was dying of cancer.

My story reminded him of adventures he and his wife had shared, and the sad end of the story rang very true for him.

We shared a few memories, then communiques ended ... which brought a lump to my throat...

 

[BiscuitHammer]

While I'm used to gushy PMs and feedback (and suitably flattered), I have someone who has given me fanart of their favourite characters in one of my stories.

Another form of flattery I enjoy are requests from readers that they be inserted into whichever one of my stories they enjoy. I've done this for a few people already (I can think of three in three different stories published on here), but it means they enjoy what they read.

It probably also involves them wanting to be inserted so they can fuck whatever character they've taken a shine to, so I'm careful about that. A lot of my characters are happily married, tee-why-vee-emm (to quote Jeanie).

I've had people offer to pay me to write versions or scenes in my stories that I wouldn't publish on here, and while flattering, I haven't taken anyone up on that yet. Usually what they're asking for is illegal in modern conventions one way or another.

So I'd go with fanart and insertion requests. Those make me feel pretty damn good.

- The Mighty Biscuit Hammer

 

[vanmyers86]

While I'm used to gushy PMs and feedback (and suitably flattered), I have someone who has given my fanart of their favourite characters in one of my stories.

Another form of flattery I enjoy are requests from readers that they be inserted into whichever one of my stories they enjoy. I've done this for a few people already (I can think of three in three different stories published on here), but it means they enjoy what they read.

It probably also involves them wanting to be inserted so they can fuck whatever character they've taken a shine to, so I'm careful about that. A lot of my characters are happily married, tee-why-vee-emm (to quote Jeanie).

I've had people offer to pay me to write versions or scenes in my stories that I wouldn't publish on here, but while flattering, I haven't taken anyone up on that yet. Usually what they're asking for is illegal in modern conventions one way or another.

So I'd go with fanart and insertion requests. Those make me feel pretty damn good.

- The Mighty Biscuit Hammer

I have not achieved that level. It sounds awesome! Well done, you!

 

[TarnishedPenny]

Nope. No fanart for me. I am impressed!