'Formal' vs 'informal' bdsm stories - what do you prefer to read?

[Brunne]

It's been some time since I was involved in the bdsm community, but I have to admit many of my fantasies still revolve around D/s themes. I was never a part of what I would call the more 'formal' scene...collaring, bdsm events, using all the terminology etc. The concepts of D/s have always stuck with me, however, in a more 'informal' way, you might say.

I'm assuming that at least some of the people in this forum write and/or read the stories in the bdsm category, so I have a question for you, as I'm starting to write more bdsm-related stories myself.

I've noticed that a lot of the top-rated bdsm stories seem to be about the more 'formal' side of things - situations from 'the scene', complicated interchanges in dungeons and people being punished etc.

Is there any interest in stories which are more from the perspective of partners finding each other, and pursuing a more instinctual form of D/s...i.e. discovering it for themselves as they go along without being a part of 'the scene'?

(Apologies if this isn't the right forum to post this in!)

 

[janeyruth]

In my opinion, those BDSM "journey" stories are boring. I prefer the fantasy adventure type stuff like this or this

Just my personal preference...

 

[ownedsubgal]

Is there any interest in stories which are more from the perspective of partners finding each other, and pursuing a more instinctual form of D/s...i.e. discovering it for themselves as they go along without being a part of 'the scene'?

yes. the reason the fantasy/scene type stories are more popular is because they do not require a real interest in or knowledge of D/s or BDSM as a way of life. those of us who live and breathe this, not for kinky sex and games but because we simply cannot tolerate anything else, would very much appreciate more stories out there which deal with reality. but in comparison the other side, we are few.

 

[Stella_Omega]

It's been some time since I was involved in the bdsm community, but I have to admit many of my fantasies still revolve around D/s themes. I was never a part of what I would call the more 'formal' scene...collaring, bdsm events, using all the terminology etc. The concepts of D/s have always stuck with me, however, in a more 'informal' way, you might say.

I'm assuming that at least some of the people in this forum write and/or read the stories in the bdsm category, so I have a question for you, as I'm starting to write more bdsm-related stories myself.

I've noticed that a lot of the top-rated bdsm stories seem to be about the more 'formal' side of things - situations from 'the scene', complicated interchanges in dungeons and people being punished etc.

Is there any interest in stories which are more from the perspective of partners finding each other, and pursuing a more instinctual form of D/s...i.e. discovering it for themselves as they go along without being a part of 'the scene'?

(Apologies if this isn't the right forum to post this in!)

Absolutely, there is an interest.

Write what you want to read, and you will find readers who were looking for it too.

 

[DVS]

I think, as long as the story is well written, there is room for both. Everybody fantasizes, so there's a place for that and there are people just starting out who enjoy reading about journey stories, too. But, basic porn, a story that has no defined characters, no plot has no use in erotica. It has a place, just not here. You can find the basic jerk off story in many places.

I can only write about things I would enjoy doing myself, or have enjoyed myself, so I like to think they tend to be more true to life. I also enjoy playing with newbies so I've written stories about the journey, too. Both of these types seem to be well received at Lit. But, the key to writing something that people will read is developing characters and making the story detailed and realistic. That way, the reader can get involved with the story and even pick a character to fantasize about.

I've read porn stories and they seem like someone chopped the storyline up. On one page, someone is tied up and immobile then a page or so later, they're up and walking around without ever being untied. There are people in sexual positions that would contort the normal human body. And on top of that, they seem to be able to do inhuman things in those positions. A lot of that is poor writing, but it's also editing to enhance a poor read. The result is basic porn that ends up on the back shelf in seedy book stores.

I don't think it's as necessary to write any particular kind of story as much as it's necessary to write one that people will read. Whatever you write, make the characters real, make the scene visually detailed and don't try to fool the reader. They are smart.

 

[Allyourbase]

I'm a big fan of first-time-kink type stories.

When I first came here, me and my partner were kinky pervs in bed, but had no clue whatsoever what was out there, what roles people would assume, what labels were used for what, let alone that we had any idea about munches, play parties or FetLife. For us a collar was a belt around the neck that aroused the crap out of us for some reason, and we were glad we had found each other.

Lit taught me a lot. Like, a LOT. Still, it was the forum that did that, and not the story section so much. I bumped up against that same lack of stories that reflected my experience. I tried to write some of my own fiction that plays with that (*points down* linkies in sig.). Half of them are not formally bdsm-themed and edgy on the reluctance part, so those fitted better in 'nonconsent/reluctance'. You might want to keep that in mind when you explore pushing boundaries in a story that is not explicitly formal bdsm.

I, for one, would enjoy to see some of what you're planning to do.

 

[Edith_UK]

Write it, I'd read

 

[Brunne]

those of us who live and breathe this, not for kinky sex and games but because we simply cannot tolerate anything else, would very much appreciate more stories out there which deal with reality. but in comparison the other side, we are few.

I think this might be part of the reason I wasn't as interested in 'the scene', actually - though saying that there were many things that intrigued me. My experience was more about the day-to-day dynamic.

Write what you want to read, and you will find readers who were looking for it too.

Thanks Stella_Omega, that is very encouraging. I suppose there is no better way to confirm that you're not alone in something than to share the fantasy with others.

I don't think it's as necessary to write any particular kind of story as much as it's necessary to write one that people will read. Whatever you write, make the characters real, make the scene visually detailed and don't try to full the reader. They are smart.

Thank you DVS, this sounds like very good advice.

I tried to write some of my own fiction that plays with that (*points down* linkies in sig.). Half of them are not formally bdsm-themed and edgy on the reluctance part, so those fitted better in 'nonconsent/reluctance'. You might want to keep that in mind when you explore pushing boundaries in a story that is not explicitly formal bdsm.

I, for one, would enjoy to see some of what you're planning to do.

Thanks Allyourbase That was the other debate I was having with myself. If a story isn't 'scene'-related, would it be accepted as a bdsm story, or would it fit more naturally into one of the other categories. General edgy 'kink' can sometimes fly just fine in Erotic Couplings, but sometimes there are real complaints. I'll try it out and see what happens.

Write it, I'd read

Thank you Edith_UK!


Thanks all for your encouraging words and advice (and honesty about what you like/don't like). I'll see how it goes and update you

 

[Brunne]

Just an update - first chapter of my first story is up and can be read here:

http://www.literotica.com/s/under-my-skin-ch-01

Would be very interested in any thoughts you all have - thanks!

 

[Primalex]

Would be very interested in any thoughts you all have - thanks!

I hate stories in first person.

(with very few exceptions)

 

[Brunne]

I hate stories in first person.

(with very few exceptions)

I know, it's not for everyone. I'm not usually a huge fan either (though I will make an exception for Charlotte Bronte). I thought I'd give it a try - I usually write/read third person.

 

[graceanne]

I rarely read books in the bdsm category, because if you've read one 'first time' bdsm story you've read them all.

 

[Stella_Omega]

I rarely read books in the bdsm category, because if you've read one 'first time' bdsm story you've read them all.

As Prince once put it-- there's joy in repetition.

(Wow and holy fuck, there's some good music in those related links)

 

[graceanne]

As Prince once put it-- there's joy in repetition.

(Wow and holy fuck, there's some good music in those related links)

Eh. I get bored pretty easily.

 

[Brunne]

I rarely read books in the bdsm category, because if you've read one 'first time' bdsm story you've read them all.

Seriously?

Is everyone really that jaded?

 

[graceanne]

Seriously?

Is everyone really that jaded?

How long have you been reading the 'first time' stories? Cause I've got ... 11 years? reading stories on this forum, and it's rare to find a 'first time' story that's not been told. Not impossible, but very rare.

 

[Brunne]

How long have you been reading the 'first time' stories? Cause I've got ... 11 years? reading stories on this forum, and it's rare to find a 'first time' story that's not been told. Not impossible, but very rare.

Sorry, didn't mean to jump on your comment.

Surely if a story's told well, it won't be boring? Badly told, badly written or just plain boring stories I can't stand either, whether they be 'first time' or otherwise.

 

[Stella_Omega]

How long have you been reading the 'first time' stories? Cause I've got ... 11 years? reading stories on this forum, and it's rare to find a 'first time' story that's not been told. Not impossible, but very rare.

In other words yeah, you're a bit jaded.

 

[FurryFury]

I've enjoyed both but it is the rare BDSM story that really works for me. Most are just crap. Sez the woman with two BDSM BOTM clubs. LOL

 

[desertslave]

I just read your first chapter, and I think you're off to a great start!

 

[graceanne]

Sorry, didn't mean to jump on your comment.

Surely if a story's told well, it won't be boring? Badly told, badly written or just plain boring stories I can't stand either, whether they be 'first time' or otherwise.

If it's told well, then I'm less cranky about it, but still ...

Let's cover the majority of stories. PYL meet pyl. pyl shows PYL signs of submissiveness. PYL puts moves on shy pyl. pyl flutters lashes or whatever the author wants to show how shy and submissive they are, but succumbs because in fact pyl is a submissive and actually wants this. Sex and play of some sort or the other ensue. In the end pyl is speechless and PYL is still domly, understanding, and, of course, debonaire. The end.

In other words yeah, you're a bit jaded.

Eh. Possibly. Just a bit.

 

[desertslave]

Well, joy! I discovered the second chapter.

Yanno, I may get slapped for this, but honestly this is reading to me like 50 Shades IF it had been done right. It's a very good thing. I love your 'turns of phrase' and observations, and the little shards of humor about the whole thing.

Halfway through the first chapter I was PM'ing Himself with a link and a "you have to read this" urging. I don't often do that.

P.S. He's reading, says he likes it much, and is doing that evil chuckle of his that gets me wet.

 

[Brunne]

If it's told well, then I'm less cranky about it, but still ...

Let's cover the majority of stories. PYL meet pyl. pyl shows PYL signs of submissiveness. PYL puts moves on shy pyl. pyl flutters lashes or whatever the author wants to show how shy and submissive they are, but succumbs because in fact pyl is a submissive and actually wants this. Sex and play of some sort or the other ensue. In the end pyl is speechless and PYL is still domly, understanding, and, of course, debonaire. The end.
.

Okay, that sort of does make me gag too.

Of course...you can't get away from Boy meets girl (assuming a hetero, DM/sf story!), but fluttering lashes should most definitely be saved for 'Inspirational Romance' over the back of a church pew (imho)! And in terms of ending, the true story should be that the sweet little girl has a pretty hefty emotional hold over Boy and it ends with him starting to shit himself because he's in over his head.

A lot of the stories I've read with women having a submissive experience seem to be about more dominant women who have a desire to put aside being the 'responsible one' for a minute and let someone else take control for a little while. Maybe that's where some of the Daddy/little girl dynamic comes from, I don't know - it's not my thing. But being 'taken' also means there's no doubt in the woman's mind that she's desired.

For me, with a DM/sf dynamic, she has a whole lot more power in a submissive role because she's being herself, not escaping from herself, and that's the sort of story I'm personally interested in. And 'real' Dominant men (in my experience, that is) are rarely debonaire.

But maybe I'm just interested in reading/writing about people who's lives are as 'messy' as mine

 

[Brunne]

Well, joy! I discovered the second chapter.

Yanno, I may get slapped for this, but honestly this is reading to me like 50 Shades IF it had been done right. It's a very good thing. I love your 'turns of phrase' and observations, and the little shards of humor about the whole thing.

Halfway through the first chapter I was PM'ing Himself with a link and a "you have to read this" urging. I don't often do that.

P.S. He's reading, says he likes it much, and is doing that evil chuckle of his that gets me wet.

Oh gosh. Thank you. (and I mean that, like...THANK YOU!)

After some of the nasty down-voting and trolling I got from Ch 01, I thought I'd give the second chapter a try in a different category, but you saw how that ended!

So glad that it was actually enjoyed (and by both of you!!) because I loved writing it. It's the first thing I've ever had that sort of 'wrote itself'.

 

[Stella_Omega]

Yanno, I may get slapped for this, but honestly this is reading to me like 50 Shades IF it had been done right. It's a very good thing. I love your 'turns of phrase' and observations, and the little shards of humor about the whole thing.

This is a good thing, indeed!