Finding jewels in the sand

[holliday1960]

I'm wondering how authors feel about sharing or promoting stories others have written. Is it appropriate to recommend another author's works? I haven't seen a lot of praise on the AH boards for those jewels we run across from time to time. Is there a reason for that? If you know of someone's story that deserves a mention, would you mind to share it here? Thanks (in advance) for your input.

 

[sr71plt]

I'm wondering how authors feel about sharing or promoting stories others have written. Is it appropriate to recommend another author's works? I haven't seen a lot of praise on the AH boards for those jewels we run across from time to time. Is there a reason for that? If you know of someone's story that deserves a mention, would you mind to share it here? Thanks (in advance) for your input.

That's done a bit both in the Story Feedback forum and here. I'm sure it's appreciated by authors and readers alike.

 

[Handley_Page]

I'd recommend almost anything written by Ogg Bashan or Mistress Lynn.

 

[Bramblethorn]

I've seen one author bio to the effect of "I feel shy and self-conscious putting stories out here, so I've switched off feedback and comments because I can't handle that". So I'm guessing that author wouldn't want to be recommended here (otherwise I would, they write great stuff!)

But in general, I think most authors enjoy such praise and will take all they can get.

 

[oggbashan]

I'd recommend almost anything written by Ogg Bashan or Mistress Lynn.

"almost anything"?

Handley is being too generous about my stories. Some are crap still posted to remind me that I can do better.

 

[SamScribble]

I am generally a little hesitant to post recommendations. It's hard to second-guess others' tastes. One of the best things I have read in the past couple of years was written by JBJ, out resident grumpy old man. Can you imagine the trouble I'd find myself in if I started recommending his work?

 

[Carnevil9]

I think it's a fine idea to recommend authors and/or stories. But don't just say, "I liked such and such." We all have different tastes. Say what you liked about it so others can figure out if they would like it too.

 

[ElectricBlue]

Goes without saying to mention genre or, if the writer goes across several genres, to mention the subject matter of a recommended story. What's instant wet hot hard for some is run away quickly, never look back, for others.

 

[holliday1960]

I am generally a little hesitant to post recommendations. It's hard to second-guess others' tastes. One of the best things I have read in the past couple of years was written by JBJ, out resident grumpy old man. Can you imagine the trouble I'd find myself in if I started recommending his work?

First, let me thank everyone who has posted here so far.
This is what I mean, Sam. Putting personalities aside, I've read some really good works on here. There are as many different styles as personalities and you're absolutely right.
I've read some of JBJ's stories. They are wonderful to me because they are different. A lot of his stories are dark, but they are realism. Grumpy old man or not, you won't hear me say anything but I like his writing. Guess we will hang together, Sam.
If no one has read the stories in the Christmas Story submissions, here is one that I thought was very imaginative and well written. A lot of work went into it.
It is submitted by TamLin01 and it is a fun read.
https://www.literotica.com/s/christmas-with-the-devil

One jewel I discovered today was a huge surprise for me. It is a three part series and was one of the best stories I've read. (Ironically, it is by one of you who posted to this thread today and I should mention that readers have given it VERY high ratings. Part 2 stands at a 4.94 currently and that is impressive.) Now, you must stick with this story and it shouldn't be hard to do. Each part gets better as you go, and they are not overly long. It is a story with a very powerful message. This is not a new story but if you missed it, please, give it a whirl. Here are the individual links to each part.
https://www.literotica.com/s/rope-and-veil
https://www.literotica.com/s/rope-and-veil-pt-02
https://www.literotica.com/s/rope-and-veil-pt-03

Some stories I've read on Lit are not my usual fare for reading, but no one can take away from what a writer does when it is just plain good. If there is anyone who has found a niche for themselves, it is Pilot. Being a straight female, reading GM is a stretch for me. But, that having been said, sr71plt submitted a story in October that gave me a reason to sit down and examine what really constitutes good writing. The story is dark. Being about vampires, it should be. Vampires are not really meant to be cute and cuddly creatures. I know the genre may put some off from reading this, but for some of the newbies, I suggest it. It stands high in ratings for a reason.
https://www.literotica.com/s/a-question-of-restraint
Thanks everyone for contributing your suggested reads! I'll be checking them out.

 

[Hypoxia]

I like what I have written, and the writings and authors I have favorited.

YMMV. You are likely not wired as I am, and you probably like other stuff.

So, read everything, with a finger near the backspace key at all times.

But feel free to read my stuff, hey?

 

[CoffeeWithMonkeys]

I would recommend stuff if I could ever remember the names of stories or authors!

My memory is just really really bad. This is why all my stories I write I use the same names for the characters. If I deviate from my usual characters I get so confused!

 

[ElectricBlue]

Thanks for your commendation, Holliday, it is hugely appreciated. Amelia says thanks, too

 

[holliday1960]

Thanks for your commendation, Holliday, it is hugely appreciated. Amelia says thanks, too

You're welcome, electricblue. It's a beautiful story. Very powerful.

 

[holliday1960]

I think it's a fine idea to recommend authors and/or stories. But don't just say, "I liked such and such." We all have different tastes. Say what you liked about it so others can figure out if they would like it too.

Carnevil: I read one of yours this morning! It was indeed a 'ripping good yarn'! I can't help myself, I love silly little fun stories that have an underlying message.

 

[Zeb_Carter]

There was a thread around here somewhere that did just that. Anyone could recommend anyone else's stories. Now where did it get too?

 

[holliday1960]

There was a thread around here somewhere that did just that. Anyone could recommend anyone else's stories. Now where did it get too?

I am assuming it died a slow and miserable death like this one is doing. (sigh) It was just a thought since the search feature isn't that great on here.

 

[JaxRhapsody]

I still haven't read anyones stories...maybe I should...

 

[Bramblethorn]

An interesting spin on it might be to only nominate stories that don't have a red H on them.

Speaking of which, I'll suggest: much of TessMackenzie's work. This is the author I mentioned up above, but now I check her bio again, I'd misremembered some of the "no feedback" bits; I think I'm okay to recommend it here.

What I like about her work: she takes stuff that could be a standard stroke premise (somebody proposes a threesome/woman gets invited along to a group sex party/woman sleeps with her best friend) and gives it much more psychological development than you'd expect.

I've been in RL poly relationships for most of my adult life, and she does a good job of capturing the sorts of uncertainties and boundary shifts that happen. That's not something I often see in fiction, so I really enjoy that she does it.

 

[holliday1960]

An interesting spin on it might be to only nominate stories that don't have a red H on them.

Speaking of which, I'll suggest: much of TessMackenzie's work. This is the author I mentioned up above, but now I check her bio again, I'd misremembered some of the "no feedback" bits; I think I'm okay to recommend it here.

What I like about her work: she takes stuff that could be a standard stroke premise (somebody proposes a threesome/woman gets invited along to a group sex party/woman sleeps with her best friend) and gives it much more psychological development than you'd expect.

I've been in RL poly relationships for most of my adult life, and she does a good job of capturing the sorts of uncertainties and boundary shifts that happen. That's not something I often see in fiction, so I really enjoy that she does it.

Thanks, Bramblethorn! I read two of her less read stories. I have to say that while I wouldn't call them literary greats, there was something about the style. She's just straight up and to the point. One I read was about 'hitting on a bartender'? Nothing deep; no double plot twist. It was just what it said. So, I enjoyed it. I will probably go back and sample some others later. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[holliday1960]

Well, folks...here's another one for your entertainment. It's called 'The Torch Singer' by lamoureuse
It's two chapters so far and for those who love a good romance story (submitted under erotic couplings however) this one sizzles.
https://www.literotica.com/s/the-torch-singer-ch-01
https://www.literotica.com/s/the-torch-singer-ch-02

 

[holliday1960]

For anyone who is interested, this was my first time (I think) reading in LW category. I found this and thought it was worth mentioning. The title is 'IF'. The author, I believe, is Girlinthemoon. Currently, it doesn't fit into the red H category, but I thought it was really good.
https://www.literotica.com/s/if-ch-01

 

[TxRad]

There are a bunch of excellent stories in LW's that will never see an H. Some will never see a 4.0. That's just the way things are.

 

[holliday1960]

There are a bunch of excellent stories in LW's that will never see an H. Some will never see a 4.0. That's just the way things are.

Well, it was suggested earlier in the post that perhaps some lower scored stories would be nice to suggest and I didn't look at the score on this one until after I read it. I would've expected it to be higher honestly. Maybe I should read more in LW, but I really didn't know what exactly qualifies a story to fall into that category. I still don't, but the story would be a mix of drama/tragedy I guess?

 

[NOIRTRASH]

I am generally a little hesitant to post recommendations. It's hard to second-guess others' tastes. One of the best things I have read in the past couple of years was written by JBJ, out resident grumpy old man. Can you imagine the trouble I'd find myself in if I started recommending his work?

I have an enviable reputation and no criminal history. I cant name one friend tho 99% of my life is spent doing good deeds. This week I took 3 feral cats to the vet for shots and sterilization. All the really nice people complain about the cat problem. Grumpy Jim strikes a match. And they hate me. In Grumpy World God puts work in our path, and some of us do the work. Most are simply nice and pleasant. But I don't think Jesus could pass my standards.

I can no longer read traditional books so I keep 300 books on Kindle. I buy new books each month and delete an equal number. No author escapes my standards, and I delete popular best sellers.

As for LIT, I haven't read anything by SamScribble, and no LIT stories are book-marked. Other sites offer better. But of all the LIT writers I've read TIO, GLYNNDAH, and HOLLIDAY top the list. And all three are in my IGGY HELL forever. But they write well.

 

[holliday1960]

I have an enviable reputation and no criminal history. I cant name one friend tho 99% of my life is spent doing good deeds. This week I took 3 feral cats to the vet for shots and sterilization. All the really nice people complain about the cat problem. Grumpy Jim strikes a match. And they hate me. In Grumpy World God puts work in our path, and some of us do the work. Most are simply nice and pleasant. But I don't think Jesus could pass my standards.

I can no longer read traditional books so I keep 300 books on Kindle. I buy new books each month and delete an equal number. No author escapes my standards, and I delete popular best sellers.

As for LIT, I haven't read anything by SamScribble, and no LIT stories are book-marked. Other sites offer better. But of all the LIT writers I've read TIO, GLYNNDAH, and HOLLIDAY top the list. And all three are in my IGGY HELL forever. But they write well.

Thank you Noirtrash, but I have stopped writing for now. Just don't have it in me to create right now. There are 2 of yours that I truly enjoyed. The one about the hanging, and the one about the prison work camp. Both very realistic. Thank you for your kind words.