Hi...

[PhillippaT]

(If this is the wrong place to post this, then please move it ).

I found this site online a couple of months ago, and found I really liked reading some of the stories. After talking to my prents about them - (I think they like them too ) - they both suggested that I try and write a story of my own, for many reasons...

I have to say that I'm not the most emotional person out there. In fact I've had quite a few problems when it comes to expressing my emotions properly - my Dad is a musician and is a very logical/analytical person, and my Mum is a professional Martial Artist, again, very methodical - (perfect co-ordination/spatial awareness) - etc., so you can see why I can have problems with that.

I tried to write a story a long time ago, but it never came out right, and although I've been planning on going back to it, I think it's going to take a while before I'm ready.

I started to write another story, and got to part (chapter) 4, before I finally thought about reading some of the writers guides you have here. I think they've helped quite a lot, which is great.

However, I still, really, think that I could do with some proper feedback before I go any further - knowing what sort of level of content I need to aim for, for each and every chapter to follow. I don't think writing any more until then will actually be a good idea.

With that in mind - what is the best way to get some quick feedback? I've tried approaching a couple of the volunteer editors etc. (the first two that said they accept fantasy/lesbian stories), but have no idea how long it will take.

Would it be quicker just to post the first couple of parts and then see what people think? If I submit them, would I be able to then submit the improved versions to replace the old ones, or would it have to be something seperate?

Of course, my biggest fear at the minute, is that my story and way of writing isn't sexy/erotic enough - I could really do with some reassurance about that, or some more hints/tips about how to change it...

I'm really not quite sure what to do. Help?

 

[TheeGoatPig]

I am not able to help you (I'm more of a forum whore than an author lately), but I would like to welcome you to the AH and Literotica in general.

 

[Anna_Malia75]

(If this is the wrong place to post this, then please move it ).

I found this site online a couple of months ago, and found I really liked reading some of the stories. After talking to my prents about them - (I think they like them too ) - they both suggested that I try and write a story of my own, for many reasons...

I have to say that I'm not the most emotional person out there. In fact I've had quite a few problems when it comes to expressing my emotions properly - my Dad is a musician and is a very logical/analytical person, and my Mum is a professional Martial Artist, again, very methodical - (perfect co-ordination/spatial awareness) - etc., so you can see why I can have problems with that.

I tried to write a story a long time ago, but it never came out right, and although I've been planning on going back to it, I think it's going to take a while before I'm ready.

I started to write and story, and got to part (chapter) 4, before I finally thought about reading some of the writers guides you have here. I think they've helped quite a lot, which is great.

However, I still, really, think that I could do with some proper feedback before I go any further - knowing what sort of level of content I need to aim for, for each and every chapter to follow. I don't think writing any more until then will actually be a good idea.

With that in mind - what is the best way to get some quick feedback? I've tried approaching a couple of the volunteer editors etc. (the first two that said they accept fantasy/lesbian stories), but have no idea how long it will take.

Would it be quicker just to post the first couple of parts and then see what people think? If I submit them, would I be able to then submit the improved versions to replace the old ones, or would it have to be something seperate?

Of course, my biggest fear at the minute, is that my story and way of writing isn't sexy/erotic enough - I could really do with some reassurance about that, or some more hints/tips about how to change it...

I'm really not quite sure what to do. Help?

My suggestion would be to get a beta reader or two first (rather than an editor) to give your writing a once-over. I'd be happy to take a look at what you've written so far; why don't you look at my stories and find out whether I'm the sort of author you think might be compatible with. Then you could get it edited, post the first part, and start a thread in the story feedback forum asking for feedback.

Feel free to send me a private message (assuming you've enabled that ).

 

[PhillippaT]

How do I get a beta reader?

I'll be sending you a PM then

 

[Anna_Malia75]

How do I get a beta reader?

I'll be sending you a PM then

That's what i would be. Less than an editor, more than just a reader. Someone to give your story a second read and make some broad suggestions. I tried to PM you, but couldn't find a link. To enable it, you need to go to "User CP," up there on the left, and then "Edit Options." In the area labeled "Messaging and Notification," you'll find a box to check to enable Private Messaging.

 

[freshface]

Welcome to the AH.

It looks like you've already attracted a beta reader. I would recommend that you turn on Private Messaging, as that is the most common way for editors and beta readers to contact you. To do this, click on User CP at the top right of the page and then Edit Options. A little way down the list is a check box for enabling Private Messaging.

You may find that you attract an editor along the way or that Anne_Malia recommends one. If not, the best way to find one is to start a thread in the Editor's Forum. The Volunteer Editor program is a great resource, but some of the listings are old and inactive. If you do post in that Forum, they generally like to know how many words are in the story, the category, and what sort of help you are requesting. It sounds like you want help with character development, story flow, etc. as well as spelling and grammar.

You can always edit a story after it's posted and resubmit it. When you do this, the story release date stays the same and the story retains any votes and comments it might have received.

 

[PhillippaT]

Welcome to the AH.

It looks like you've already attracted a beta reader. I would recommend that you turn on Private Messaging, as that is the most common way for editors and beta readers to contact you. To do this, click on User CP at the top right of the page and then Edit Options. A little way down the list is a check box for enabling Private Messaging.

Done that

You may find that you attract an editor along the way or that Anne_Malia recommends one. If not, the best way to find one is to start a thread in the Editor's Forum. The Volunteer Editor program is a great resource, but some of the listings are old and inactive. If you do post in that Forum, they generally like to know how many words are in the story, the category, and what sort of help you are requesting. It sounds like you want help with character development, story flow, etc. as well as spelling and grammar.

Well, I know I can spell, (and I'm not that bad at typing, so long as I don't try to do it too quickly ) - (I HATE typo's - (I'm a pretty good proof reader)) - and I don't think my grammer is too bad - though it really depends if the style I use spoils it or not. (I seem to like comma's for some reason).

Character development and story build up is something I've been working on though, after reading some of the guides. Just need to know if it seems I'm doing things ok.

You can always edit a story after it's posted and resubmit it. When you do this, the story release date stays the same and the story retains any votes and comments it might have received.

Cool - (my Mum hates it when I say that - got it off my Dad, and she hates him when HE says it too - I kind of say it out of spite now ) - thats nice to know

 

[matriarch]

Welcome to the AH, Philippa.

I just have to say how impressed I am, you told your PARENTS!!!! Wow. Nobody in my family, apart from my partner, knows that I write, and particularly not write on here.

 

[impressive]

Welcome and best of luck!

 

[scheherazade_79]

Welcome to the AH, Philippa.

I just have to say how impressed I am, you told your PARENTS!!!! Wow. Nobody in my family, apart from my partner, knows that I write, and particularly not write on here.

Ditto

Welcome to the AH, Philippa

 

[TheeGoatPig]

Welcome to the AH, Philippa.

I just have to say how impressed I am, you told your PARENTS!!!! Wow. Nobody in my family, apart from my partner, knows that I write, and particularly not write on here.

I have mentioned it to my parrents. I would never link them though...

 

[PhillippaT]

Welcome to the AH, Philippa.

I just have to say how impressed I am, you told your PARENTS!!!! Wow. Nobody in my family, apart from my partner, knows that I write, and particularly not write on here.

Well, sex has never been such a big deal with my Mum - except for the fact she never gets enough. (I don't either, but I do have a girlfriend, kinda - we're not sure about it atm). (She's been really busy because of her job - she works under contract to NATO mainly training hand-to-hand combat instructors, and also, unfortunately some field work 'now and again' - (she spent a year in afghanistan, and will be going back there soon - I guess when you are as good as she is you're bound to be in demand...).

 

[redpaint]

Welcome to the AH, Philippa

 

[buxxxom]

Hi, and welcome.

 

[jomar]

Hi and welcome!

 

[glynndah]

I'll be happy to read a section of your writings and give my opinion, too.

A for the little newbie from the good little witch.

 

[TE999]

Welcome to Lit and the AH.

 

[PhillippaT]

I'll be happy to read a section of your writings and give my opinion, too.

A for the little newbie from the good little witch.

Well - I've done four parts (chapters) so far - the first one is just an introduction and isn't meant to be erotic, and the next three parts are all different enough, that I thought I'd stop there and get some feedback before going any further.

Then question is whether 4 chapters are too much for you to review?

 

[_Lynn_]

Welcome to the AH

 

[cloudy]

Welcome to the AH, Philippa.

I just have to say how impressed I am, you told your PARENTS!!!! Wow. Nobody in my family, apart from my partner, knows that I write, and particularly not write on here.

My mom knows - no big deal with her, but yeah, you're right....it's very cool when people are comfortable enough to tell their folks.

Welcome Phillipa (love the name!)

 

[damppanties]

Well - I've done four parts (chapters) so far - the first one is just an introduction and isn't meant to be erotic, and the next three parts are all different enough, that I thought I'd stop there and get some feedback before going any further.

Then question is whether 4 chapters are too much for you to review?

Word count might be a better way of telling her how much she has to read and review.

Welcome to the AH.

 

[PhillippaT]

My mom knows - no big deal with her, but yeah, you're right....it's very cool when people are comfortable enough to tell their folks.

Welcome Phillipa (love the name!)

(2 l's and 2 p's ). They named me for my Mum's first boyfriend, who died in a car accident (Phillippe - (French)) shortly before she met my Dad, (which was the reason they met too).

 

[glynndah]

Well - I've done four parts (chapters) so far - the first one is just an introduction and isn't meant to be erotic, and the next three parts are all different enough, that I thought I'd stop there and get some feedback before going any further.

Then question is whether 4 chapters are too much for you to review?

Like Tom says, it does depend more on word count. You might want to read a couple of my stories (most of them are fairly short) to see if our writing styles mesh.

 

[CWatson]

I'll beta if you want.

 

[PhillippaT]

Well, Anna has made me realise that I need to go back to the drawing board, for the introduction if nothing else. I think it might take me a short while to get that to a stage where we'll be happy...