Elements of Fiction

[BlackSnake]

Editor, can you help us poor little ol'writers out more. We sit down at the computer and begin to pound out word after word, phrase after phrase, sentence after sentence trying to convey a single idea in a paragraph trying to make the readers see what we are saying.

The ideas come across better for some than for others. We of use know the basic structure and others don't have a clue. We need your help.

"Help me, please. My cat is stuck in the tree."

Some of us authors find ourselves stuck in a tree. We are not all professionals, we just like telling a story that we think is good. We do, however want to be great. Could you help us out more with the techniques of writing?

Points of View: Who speaks? To whom? In what form?

When you edit, do you give the writer this type of help? We're not going to ask, because we don't know to ask, we don't know if we can get it, and/or we think we got it down.

Do you give a critical analysis?

What about the basics? Do you look for and point out story form and structure?
Is there a conflict, rising actions or complications leading to a crisis, and then falling actions to a resolution?

We sometimes need more than proofreading, grammar, and spell checking. Let's face it, anal people cry over spelling errors anyway. We are on a porn site looking to blow our wads.

 

[LadyCibelle]

Editor, can you help us poor little ol'writers out more. We sit down at the computer and begin to pound out word after word, phrase after phrase, sentence after sentence trying to convey a single idea in a paragraph trying to make the readers see what we are saying.

The ideas come across better for some than for others. We of use know the basic structure and others don't have a clue. We need your help.

"Help me, please. My cat is stuck in the tree."

Some of us authors find ourselves stuck in a tree. We are not all professionals, we just like telling a story that we think is good. We do, however want to be great. Could you help us out more with the techniques of writing?

Points of View: Who speaks? To whom? In what form?

When you edit, do you give the writer this type of help? We're not going to ask, because we don't know to ask, we don't know if we can get it, and/or we think we got it down.

Do you give a critical analysis?

What about the basics? Do you look for and point out story form and structure?
Is there a conflict, rising actions or complications leading to a crisis, and then falling actions to a resolution?

We sometimes need more than proofreading, grammar, and spell checking. Let's face it, anal people cry over spelling errors anyway. We are on a porn site looking to blow our wads.

All editors are different but a "good" one will answer and adress all of this without you having to ask.

I know when I edit that I "thoroughly" edit. As I said in my editor profile I'm NOT just a proofreader so I go more in depth with my editing.

But as I said...no two editors are the same and some won't be as thorough as others...you simply need to find one who suits YOUR needs.

 

[BlackSnake]

It would seem that the editor becomes sort of a mentor. Not to teach the author how to write, but to be the little bird on the shoulder watching out....

 

[snooper]

The trouble is, the more I try to do this, the less likely it is that my efforts will even be acknowledged, let alone get any thanks.

If I point out anything like "How does this character know this?" or "She can't do that; she's still tied to the bed. He doesn't untie her for another six paragraphs", I know I am practically guaranteed no response from the offended author.

 

[BlackSnake]

The trouble is, the more I try to do this, the less likely it is that my efforts will even be acknowledged, let alone get any thanks.

If I point out anything like "How does this character know this?" or "She can't do that; she's still tied to the bed. He doesn't untie her for another six paragraphs", I know I am practically guaranteed no response from the offended author.

I'm hoping that you won't give up trying. I'm mean, I am Lit's worst when it comes to posting a story before its been edited. Because, you guys are available I'm becoming more patient and getting my stories edited before submitting them.

I hope that you great editors will ask for stamps of approval. I think it will add to the quality of the stories posted.

 

[LadyCibelle]

The trouble is, the more I try to do this, the less likely it is that my efforts will even be acknowledged, let alone get any thanks.

If I point out anything like "How does this character know this?" or "She can't do that; she's still tied to the bed. He doesn't untie her for another six paragraphs", I know I am practically guaranteed no response from the offended author.

Hey Snoop

Have you gotten in my mind lately? What you are saying was and still is one of my biggest pet peeves....you do what you've been asked to do and the writer takes offense at your comment and/or suggestion and either doesn't respond to what you have to say or cry foul to everyone and anyone who'll listen

 

[LadyCibelle]

I'm hoping that you won't give up trying. I'm mean, I am Lit's worst when it comes to posting a story before its been edited. Because, you guys are available I'm becoming more patient and getting my stories edited before submitting them.

I hope that you great editors will ask for stamps of approval. I think it will add to the quality of the stories posted.

From your mouth to Lit God's ears Snakey

 

[BlackSnake]

Ever listen to yourself? That's not a bad idea. We complain about stories taking too long in the approval process. Why not have an editor give it a look see before it can be approved. Lit seems to scan for underage sex and extreme violance, what about scanning for structure....just thinking

 

[Lonely Knight]

Being new to Lit I am still aimlessly wandering around the hallways. As such I really don’t know how everything actually falls in place, nor the hierarchy and site abilities of the various levels of people/staff here.

I am guessing that the Volunteer Editors have no ability to do much else other than to assist those of us who request their services. Hopefully someone in the higher echelon of the site will at some point glance through here and see this.

Personally I don’t feel that waiting a few days to see ones story posted all that big a deal. But what if there were a means of shortening that time? Let us surmise that the Editors are following generally accepted posting rules, as set by the site for content and explicitly forbidden scenes. Once a story has been fully edited, and both Author and Editor have accepted the final product, might there be a “fast track” means of getting the story posted, perhaps the next day?

Were I the site owner, or one of those who have the daily task of reviewing stories, I personally would give this much consideration. After all, not only has the story has already been checked for forbidden elements, likely their primary reason for review, but it has also been edited, something that in my mind certainly would lend itself to a higher quality submission. In addition to those reasons I would also think that this would reduce the workload on someone higher up the ladder.

Or, might it be that the Editors would not wish to have this ability?

 

[LadyCibelle]

Being new to Lit I am still aimlessly wandering around the hallways. As such I really don’t know how everything actually falls in place, nor the hierarchy and site abilities of the various levels of people/staff here.

I am guessing that the Volunteer Editors have no ability to do much else other than to assist those of us who request their services. Hopefully someone in the higher echelon of the site will at some point glance through here and see this.

Personally I don’t feel that waiting a few days to see ones story posted all that big a deal. But what if there were a means of shortening that time? Let us surmise that the Editors are following generally accepted posting rules, as set by the site for content and explicitly forbidden scenes. Once a story has been fully edited, and both Author and Editor have accepted the final product, might there be a “fast track” means of getting the story posted, perhaps the next day?

Were I the site owner, or one of those who have the daily task of reviewing stories, I personally would give this much consideration. After all, not only has the story has already been checked for forbidden elements, likely their primary reason for review, but it has also been edited, something that in my mind certainly would lend itself to a higher quality submission. In addition to those reasons I would also think that this would reduce the workload on someone higher up the ladder.

Or, might it be that the Editors would not wish to have this ability?

I cannot speak for other editors but I'd be happy to lend a hand in any way they (Lit's God) would deem necessary. I love what I'm doing, I'm good at what I'm doing (my own appreciation society ) and I wouldn't mind having this ability.

Some might think that it would increase our workload..but...why become an editor in the first place if you're not willing to work?

 

[BlackSnake]

One of the reasons I post stories here is to get better at it.

My first goal was to get the story out there where people can see it, but now I'm concerned about the quality of the works.

 

[snooper]

... I'd be happy to lend a hand in any way they (Lit's God) would deem necessary. ... and I wouldn't mind having this ability. ...

With power comes responsibility.

Will you stand up (in court if necessary) and defend your decision to allow a particular scene? Will you back your opinion with your wallet?

That is what the "Laurels" undertake to do when they post a story.

 

[LadyCibelle]

With power comes responsibility.

Will you stand up (in court if necessary) and defend your decision to allow a particular scene? Will you back your opinion with your wallet?

That is what the "Laurels" undertake to do when they post a story.

I absolutely agree with you Snoop...with power comes responsibility...and I'd be happy to have both.

Everything that you do comes at a price, be it a mother teaching your children wrong and right, a mechanic getting dirty repairing someone's car, or being an editor hacking off a story. We all have choices and decision to make...what I'm saying is that giving a bit more power to the "serious" editor would allow Lit's God more time for REALLY important things.

And yes I would stand up (even in court) and defend my decision. Court rooms have no secret for me so it wouldn't scare me one bit.

 

[BlackSnake]

Here's a big question. Can you help us put a lesson in our stories?

To educate and entertain....

 

[LadyCibelle]

Here's a big question. Can you help us put a lesson in our stories?

To educate and entertain....

Is the question directed at me????

 

[BlackSnake]

Is the question directed at me????

OKay, you can take on the question. Most of the stories I write are in the incest category, what can I do to educate readers about the subject, so they walk away feeling that they learned something other than how far they can shoot cum?

 

[jacuzzigal]

It would seem that the editor becomes sort of a mentor. Not to teach the author how to write, but to be the little bird on the shoulder watching out....

An editor is not a mentor in my opinion. That is what teachers and writing coaches are for. An editor helps round out the hard edges of a piece, help the writer see how someone not close to the piece could read it, turn a story around so the writer can see it from a different angle entirely - or even with new eyes, to help the writer more clearly define his or her creation. An editor is part of the refiner's fire that, hopefully, helps a writer examine and shape and strengthen his or her story until it sparkles like a diamond.

 

[LadyCibelle]

An editor is not a mentor in my opinion. That is what teachers and writing coaches are for. An editor helps round out the hard edges of a piece, help the writer see how someone not close to the piece could read it, turn a story around so the writer can see it from a different angle entirely - or even with new eyes, to help the writer more clearly define his or her creation. An editor is part of the refiner's fire that, hopefully, helps a writer examine and shape and strengthen his or her story until it sparkles like a diamond.

Well said...really well said

 

[jacuzzigal]

Well said...really well said

thank u

 

[LadyCibelle]

thank u

You are most welcome

 

[BlackSnake]

An editor is not a mentor in my opinion. That is what teachers and writing coaches are for. An editor helps round out the hard edges of a piece, help the writer see how someone not close to the piece could read it, turn a story around so the writer can see it from a different angle entirely - or even with new eyes, to help the writer more clearly define his or her creation. An editor is part of the refiner's fire that, hopefully, helps a writer examine and shape and strengthen his or her story until it sparkles like a diamond.

That is such an eloquent what of restating what I said. "sort of a mentor."

And if you two are finish hugging, how about my question, huh?

 

[LadyCibelle]

That is such an eloquent what of restating what I said. "sort of a mentor."

And if you two are finish hugging, how about my question, huh?

tsk tsk tsk Snakey, don't get jealous....you know I still love you best

 

[LadyCibelle]

Here's a big question. Can you help us put a lesson in our stories?

To educate and entertain....

And to answer your question....MHO is that yeah it's within an editor's role to help you put a lesson in your stories if that's what the writer wants.

I don't see why writers and editors can't sit down and bounce around ideas to find a way to put lessons in any given stories on the writer's plate.

Does that answer your question Snakey baby?