Chain Story - Matchmaking for the Shy

[TheRedChamber]

This is the spin-off thread for the chain story - Matchmaking Service for the Painfully Shy and Inexperienced.

The authors involved are Devinter, Joy_of_Cooking, Kelliezgirl, TheRedChamber, KumquatQueen, MrsMackenzie. While other people are welcome to watch and comment when appropriate, especially when the story gets going, please be respectful and limit your contributions if not directly involved.

Here's a helpful link to the previous thread.

Devinter has asked me to continue running the chain story. We will use the random order he has already created which was...

1 - First part - Mrs_Mackenzie.
2 - Second - Devinter.
3 - Third - Joy_of_cooking.
4 - Fourth - Kelliezgirl.
5 - Fifth - The Red Chamber.
6 - Final part - Kumquatqueen

Horsetrading is allowed. That is to say, if two people want to swap places and they're both in agreement, they can do. For example, I've said I wouldn't mind going first, but that's up to Mrs_Makenzie to give up, if she wants.

Worth pasting across is some information from Devinter on the original thread.

Warmest of welcomes to the team. I suggest that the way we run this thing - besides closely following the rules, of course - is that we discuss things amongst ourselves openly and allow everyone to voice their opinions and concerns. I want everyone to have fun working on this, not feel any sort of discomfort.

That being said; as earlier discussed, let us agree to avoid any extreme kinks. I do not want to hinder your creative process in any way - I believe in you all! - but let's make sure that there's also a clear red thread through the story, and that some of the characters introduced in previous chapters at least make an appearance in later ones, even if you do not wish for them to be the primary focus. A personal wish of mine would also be to include something erotic in each and every written part so that we can all demonstrate our talents at weaving words into sexual arousal. However, this is more of a suggestion than a rule, and if the narrative takes us in a different direction - well, then so be it!

Approximate length: 3k-9k word per chapter. As for fetishes and kinks, we've already discussed avoiding incest, NonCon, cuckolding or fetishized cheating, bathroom stuff, and mind control. If any of the teammembers would like to add other things to this list, or if there are other things you are uncomfortable with overall (such as non-sexual themes that would rip open old wounds, for instance) please speak up sooner than later - but also remember that just because another person wrote a scene including something you don't find appealing, that doesn't mean you have to follow them down that road. A non-sexual thing that I forgot to mention earlier - that I'd prefer - is to keep the story from becoming overly political, for instance. Simply put: Let's not jeopardize each other's comfort. You're all bright and reasonable people, so I think we'll be just fine.

As discussed previously, the first writer will have a calendar month to write their story. But before we start that timer, we'll have a short(ish) period to throw around some ideas.

 

[joy_of_cooking]

Shall we follow @Erozetta 's lead in the other thread?

And I figure we should introduce ourselves to get a better feel for each other's capabilities and comfort levels around writing and content?

 

[joy_of_cooking]

I'm probably the least established writer in this group. You can check out my profile but a lot of it is femdom shoe fetish stroke material. One of the reasons I volunteered for this was to push myself into new waters.

Positive feedback from previous stories:

1. imaginative world-building and unobtrusive exposition thereof
2. realistic portrayals of situations I've never experienced, based on research
3. making kinky sex appealing even to people who don't share those kinks

Negative feedback from previous stories:

1. poor characterization, or even no characterization
2. insufficient description of settings and sensory details (probably related to my aphantasia)
3. wordiness (I once cut a story 25+%)

Themes I have experience with: fetish clothing, food, femdom BDSM

Themes I'd rather avoid: incest, raceplay, successful noncon (as opposed to averted/subverted), scat, emotional sadism (as opposed to mutually enjoyable humiliation)

 

[Devinter]

Name's Devinter and I entered the chain story for the challenge of it all. I am the author of 'infamous' stories such as Girl Cum - which features all of you except Mrs_Mackenzie if memory serves me right. I've also written one or two serious stories - don't worry.

Strengths:

• Creative and versatile. I have written stories across most genres by now, erotic or otherwise.
• Quick and efficient. On a good day, when I'm in the flow, I can easily produce 10k words. Average is about 5k when I have time to spare to the craft.
• Have been told that I am good at combining emotional storylines that grip at the heart with sex scenes that still make people feel hot and fuzzy.
• Multiple of my posted stories feature fetishes that I do not have myself. I'm able to - through basic research - understand what it is about a certain kink that makes people tick.

Weaknesses:

• Verbose, and in love with adverbs.
• Things other than the creative aspect of writing - such as doing research, or especially editing - bore me to death. I have over twenty finished stories that just needs to be edited to get posted, and I can't bring myself to do it.
• Not a native English speakers. Causes some of my sentences sound a bit wonky, I would assume. I don't even see it myself though. Ignorance is bliss?
• Stubborn, and thus unwilling to change my ways in order to become less verbose, and less in love with adverbs.

A large majority of my posted stories have gone into Incest or Fetish, which we're going to avoid this time around. I do not foresee this being a huge obstacle, though. Outside of Literotica, I write primarily Fantasy and Science-Fiction, as well as non-fiction texts and books. Perhaps that's why I dislike doing research when not on the clock.

Despite how I may come across at times, I believe I'll be easy to work with. I've helped a lot of Author's Hangout people with their stories over the past year or so, and my input seems to have been appreciated and warmly welcomed. Additionally, I've spoken to a few of you behind the scenes, and you've assisted me in kind. I feel very comfortable with this group of talented author's and I would be surprised if we do not manage to create something we can be proud of in the end. Let's help each other out when needed, and enjoy the process of this event that Mister Red has organized!

 

[TheRedChamber]

I go by the screenname of TheRedChamber and have been writing stories on Lit for about 2 years now.

Strengths
- For this event, shy and inexperienced characters fall right in my wheelhouse.
- I've written at least one work in nearly every catagory on Lit (The desire to do Chain Stories came from it bugging me that it was probably never going to happen)
- Typical works range from outright humourous to fun and frothy.

Weaknesses
- I'm a plotter through and through, so we'll see to what extent the chaos of a Chain story unbalances me.
- Not necessarily the best at long descriptions or big emotional scenes.

I don't really have many taboos except for incest (which I have written but never rarely again)

 

[TheRedChamber]

Whelp, this thread has gone quiet quickly. It's not a measuring contest, but the other thread has 33 replies to our 4.

@mrs_mackenzie, what are you feelings about going first?

 

[pink_silk_glove]

Whelp, this thread has gone quiet quickly.

What do you expect? It's a story for the painfully shy. : P

 

[mrs_mackenzie]

Sorry for the slow response!

I'm Mrs Mackenzie and I've been writing erotica on and off since about 2020. I've also previously written science fiction and romantic thrillers. I volunteered for the chain story idea because I like writing shorter length fiction and collaborating with others will no doubt help me to improve!

Strengths:

• Most of my writing falls under the heading of 'realistic' rather than fantasy or magical, which I think suits this story premise.
• I've written a (fairly) broad range of stories at this point and I feel quite comfortable with most categories.
• I personally really enjoy writing compelling and interesting characters.

Weaknesses:

• Not as good at planning out and following through on long, multi-chapter works with ongoing themes.
• Can sometimes need quite a while to actually get things written down.
• Get in my own way with writing more experimental things which don't necessarily play well to readers.

I am perfectly happy with the list of kinks to avoid.

As for going first, I do have an idea of what I could begin with, but I am not fussy. @TheRedChamber if you have a strong preference for going first, be my guest, but I am also very happy to do it if not.

 

[Not2Pervy]

Well well imagine my surprise to see this here. I posted this, not as a chain, but as a story idea, back in April. https://forum.literotica.com/threads/matchmaking-service-only-for-timid-people.1608171/

The idea basically died there, with only 3 responses. I’ve actually written about 4K words on it so far, but it’s been slow going.
So I will be very curious to see how y’all take my simple idea and run with it.

What I have written so far does not exactly follow the original idea I sketched out, but does very much follow that highest level concept. I’m not even sure I will finish it. It scopes out to me very much like a series, whereas I typically prefer to write stand-alone.

Please do go ahead with your plans. But I do feel the need to lay down a public marker here so that if I finish my story in progress I would hate to be accused of plagiarism, even of the idea.

This site should definitely be big enough for all of us. Best of luck!

 

[Devinter]

@Not2Pervy - Whilst I got the idea from my "book of prompts", which is where I put any sort of thoughts down which might be interesting to weave a story around some day, it's entirely possible that your thread subconsciously influenced my wording of the work-in-progress title because I do skim the story ideas forums every once in a blue moon. I do not remember reading your thread, but I might have!

However, I started writing a story on this theme back in September of last year which turned south real fast, because in that story the painfully shy protagonist had been signed up for the service by his own mother as a sort of blind-date experience, and when he went on the date it was in fact his own mother that showed up to date him. It never made it past the 2k word mark, and that was probably for the best.

I wouldn't worry about the two stories - the one we'll create, and the one you're working on - ending up overly similar in the end. There's probably a few stories on the website already about shy people and dating services too. But the prompt is so "open" that it could go a thousand different directions. I hope you finish your story!

 

[TheRedChamber]

As for going first, I do have an idea of what I could begin with, but I am not fussy. @TheRedChamber if you have a strong preference for going first, be my guest, but I am also very happy to do it if not.

Nope, I only have 'an idea' as well. You were chosen to go first, so you can go first. I'm also going to leave it to you how much you want to share with the group right now about your idea or how much you want to surprise us.

 

[Devinter]

I'm also going to leave it to you how much you want to share with the group right now about your idea or how much you want to surprise us.

I agree with this. @mrs_mackenzie - Whilst this is a "group project" of sorts, the first part is yours to create as you see fit. The idea isn't for all six of us to work on all six parts, really - though you can of course still reach out and ask questions if you need assistance along the way. Just please create a solid opening that sets the scene and that the next writer - me, in this case - can continue onwards from.

But you write what you want to write. Want to set the whole thing in a dystopian future society of some kind? Go for it. Want to set it in a fantasy world where half the people in the matchmaking service are centaurs? Why the heck not! Want the 'matchmaker' to be the god of love from some ancient religion? I'm fine with that. Or you can, of course, keep it 'normal' as well. There's nothing wrong with that at all. I just don't want you to feel restricted.

And keep us updated on how the whole thing progresses, hmm?

 

[mrs_mackenzie]

I will put together a plan over the next day or two and decide whether I want to share or surprise or what.

And of course I'll keep you updated.

 

[Kumquatqueen]

Hi, I'm KQ and another one who tends towards somewhat realistic stories with detailed characters. People say dialogue is a strength.

I like putting two characters together and wondering what would happen if they met, hence the idea of going last.

 

[Kelliezgirl]

Sorry, been a busy Independence Day weekend for me, so I'm a bit late to the game.

So intros...

Fairly new to Lit, I've been posting stories for 9 months or so.

Strengths -
- Character development
- mostly realistic stuff, with a little magical realism

Weaknesses
- Not really into any of the harder kinks
- sometimes get stuck on "now what?"

I decided to participate because I think picking up someone's thread and running with it will make for a fun challenge, as well as setting up the next author for success.


As for the story...

I talked to Devinter about this a bit, but my thought was having our cast of characters all end up on a singles cruise, by hook or by crook. With a nod to Not2Pervy's idea maybe someone got signed up by their mom who knows.

Perhaps have each of us create a character and do a short back story of a few hundred words that concludes with their arrival at the ship. Think the opening of Fantasy Island, with our matchmaker in place of Mr Roark.

From there it can go in whatever direction we want. As long as we make a good faith effort to have them all interact to some extent we can avoid the "creature of the week" while still having a decent sized cast to work with.
The matchmaker sets up Alice and Bob. Afterwards Alice confides in Chelsea about the date, and then goes on a date with Derek... we can interconnect them throughout the story because they are all in the same geographic location and a captive audience.

Perhaps one of the characters is actually a ringer who works with the matchmaker to draw people out of their shells.

 

[mrs_mackenzie]

I talked to Devinter about this a bit, but my thought was having our cast of characters all end up on a singles cruise, by hook or by crook. With a nod to Not2Pervy's idea maybe someone got signed up by their mom who knows.

Perhaps have each of us create a character and do a short back story of a few hundred words that concludes with their arrival at the ship. Think the opening of Fantasy Island, with our matchmaker in place of Mr Roark.


From there it can go in whatever direction we want. As long as we make a good faith effort to have them all interact to some extent we can avoid the "creature of the week" while still having a decent sized cast to work with.
The matchmaker sets up Alice and Bob. Afterwards Alice confides in Chelsea about the date, and then goes on a date with Derek... we can interconnect them throughout the story because they are all in the same geographic location and a captive audience.

Perhaps one of the characters is actually a ringer who works with the matchmaker to draw people out of their shells.

If everyone else is happy with the idea of a single's cruise then I can work with that.

 

[TheRedChamber]

If everyone else is happy with the idea of a single's cruise then I can work with that.

It would be fine with me. Which is to say I'm neither particularly for or against the idea.

 

[Devinter]

If everyone else is happy with the idea of a single's cruise then I can work with that.

I am happy with that idea, and I think it's great that @Kelliezgirl forwards ideas and suggestions to assist you with your process, but ultimately the choice is yours. If you have a different idea that you feel would be better, then by all means, run with your own. Your name was drawn first, which gives you a lot of power to influence this story's direction. That is your privilege. Don't feel obligated to go with someone else's ideas if you do not desire to do so.

 

[Kelliezgirl]

Just to echo what Devinter said, I'm just tossing out an idea. I'm good with whatever you decide.

 

[mrs_mackenzie]

I've run through a number of iterations for ideas for this and I am trying to keep it grounded in as much reality as possible, but I also don't want to make it too difficult to follow for the next part.

So far, I've stuck with two rules:

• The chapter has to have some erotic part in it
• It shouldn't be a 'standalone' chapter with some kind of slight link to the next part; the next chapter should be able to follow on narratively.

However I'd appreciate some feedback before I go any further.

Meet Zach: recent college grad who's good with numbers, good with computers, but spent the past four years obsessed with the fantasy media franchise Sparks of War and can't remember the last time he spoke to a woman who wasn't his mom.

Meet Heather: just celebrated her 40th by finally divorcing her good-for-nothing husband after discovering his affair with a woman living down the street. She's ready to date again, but there's just one problem. She hasn't been on a date since she was sixteen and has no idea what to do.

I thought I'd introduce these two characters (not finalised yet, will no doubt add more detail) and have them go on a date set up by the matchmaker. Then hopefully subsequent chapters can pick up their stories and introduce more characters as appropriate.

I thought the matchmaking service itself would specialise in unorthodox matches, given the unique challenges of their clientele, and perhaps introduce a 'head' of the agency who's responsible for the matching, but I'm concerned that this might distract from the narrative. I'm finding it difficult to find a natural way to include the matchmakers in the story without using a mass of exposition or a completely separate narrative strand.

Any advice or feedback?

 

[TheRedChamber]

That sounds fine to me. If you introduce the matchmakers and one pair of male/female characters then it will allow others following on to introduce their own other matching characters. If you want to have a matchmaker, and I think it's a good idea, you can either set it pre-Internet or have it as some kind of personal service where the matchmaker wants to know people personally.

You could make it some kind of local small-scale operation. Maybe a cafe wants to increase business by running a dating-service for patrons around Valentines day. As it's only just getting off the ground it could explain why Zach and Heahter are the first match - no-one else has signed up yet.

 

[Devinter]

@mrs_mackenzie - I think that sounds great so far! This "Sparks of War" is a fictional thing, correct? I tried Googling it and I got a bunch of hits related to Star Wars but I believe it's because it's the name of a quest or game-mode or something in one of the videogames, so certainly quite obscure. Just double-checking.

I like the characters. A recent grad student would be about 23ish, correct? That could certainly create an interesting dynamic. Making it small scale like TheRedChamber suggested is not a bad idea, although another potentially spicy aspect is that they get some sort of a 100% match pairing through some algorithmic test they filled in for the matchmaker, and that they otherwise perhaps wouldn't have considered someone in the age range of the other person. That would also put some pressure on the date - a perfect match! - which could be useful if that's a tool you feel you'd like to stick in the toolbox. Or would that be too predictable, perhaps? I reckon we could put an interesting spin on it either way.

As for the matchmaker; you could leave it fairly vague and let another author further down the road expand in that direction if they so desire. Don't feel forced to spend your entire first part on world-building. Enjoy the ride! The unorthodox matches appeal to me. I hope you keep things unfinished between Zach and Heather though, as I fully intend to continue onwards with your characters, and will do my best to continue with the same tone that you set for the story. Mimicking your writing style a little bit perhaps, whilst still keeping my originality. I might add one or two characters of my own as well, but not necessarily! A big part of the fun is that I am handed something and I have to make it work, even if it turns out to be nothing like my usual writing!

 

[mrs_mackenzie]

@mrs_mackenzie - I think that sounds great so far! This "Sparks of War" is a fictional thing, correct? I tried Googling it and I got a bunch of hits related to Star Wars but I believe it's because it's the name of a quest or game-mode or something in one of the videogames, so certainly quite obscure. Just double-checking.

I like the characters. A recent grad student would be about 23ish, correct? That could certainly create an interesting dynamic. Making it small scale like TheRedChamber suggested is not a bad idea, although another potentially spicy aspect is that they get some sort of a 100% match pairing through some algorithmic test they filled in for the matchmaker, and that they otherwise perhaps wouldn't have considered someone in the age range of the other person. That would also put some pressure on the date - a perfect match! - which could be useful if that's a tool you feel you'd like to stick in the toolbox. Or would that be too predictable, perhaps? I reckon we could put an interesting spin on it either way.

As for the matchmaker; you could leave it fairly vague and let another author further down the road expand in that direction if they so desire. Don't feel forced to spend your entire first part on world-building. Enjoy the ride! The unorthodox matches appeal to me. I hope you keep things unfinished between Zach and Heather though, as I fully intend to continue onwards with your characters, and will do my best to continue with the same tone that you set for the story. Mimicking your writing style a little bit perhaps, whilst still keeping my originality. I might add one or two characters of my own as well, but not necessarily! A big part of the fun is that I am handed something and I have to make it work, even if it turns out to be nothing like my usual writing!

Really appreciate your input, thank you!!

Yeah, Sparks of War is fictional. I don't like to use real-life franchises (e.g. Dungeons & Dragons) because it entails a lot more research and is liable to get pedantic responses from readers. The name is negotiable, of course, if it's too close to something in Star Wars.

I've never used Tinder or other dating apps so I hadn't really considered the algorithm approach, I really like that. I did think I could include some kind of 'hidden' or unexpected compatibility that the matchmaker knew but the characters didn't, but I wanted that to build naturally and not feel like a gotcha at the end. I'll give it some thought. I had thought that they could be sexually compatible (he's inexperienced, she's a willing teacher, something like that) but I'd like there to be something non-sexual or possibly even romantic...

If anyone else has anything to add, please do x

 

[Devinter]

Yeah, Sparks of War is fictional. I don't like to use real-life franchises (e.g. Dungeons & Dragons) because it entails a lot more research and is liable to get pedantic responses from readers. The name is negotiable, of course, if it's too close to something in Star Wars.

I do not think the name will be an issue. I merely asked in case I needed to get familiar with the basics of what it was all about. And you are right - using established real-life franchises can lead to a bunch of problems. "Actually, a druid can't cast Badger Form until his 6th level! For this I will give you 1-star." - Best to avoid that.

 

[Devinter]

@mrs_mackenzie - How are things progressing? Do feel free to reach out to anyone in the group, or to all of us as a whole, if you feel like you want a second pair of eyes to look over your work, ma'am. We're here to support you!