How Long Before You Get to the Action?

[slyc_willie]

I have a question for all you experienced authors. I am in the midst of writing a rather long and detailed erotic story that, while including small amounts of described nudity at first, does not get to the 'action' for quite a while.

By this I mean that the main character is described in detail -- nude detail -- almost right off the bat, but it is not until page 25 of my .doc file (about the middle of page 3 on Lit) that anything sexual really happens. I spend a lot of time describing what the character is thinking and what is happening in their mind.

I know there is an audience for such a story, but how long is too long when it comes to describing anything sexual or erotic?

I would love any comemnts or suggestions.

Slyc

 

[S-Des]

It's different for every writer and virtually every story. My most popular story is 3 Lit pages before the first sex scene (which is only a masturbation scene). The sex scene doesn't happen until page 5. My most popular LW story starts out with the wife in the middle of an orgasm while having sex with her husband. In general, I like to build up the characters first, so the audience has a reason to care about them. That makes the sex more interesting (at least in my opinion).

I know some writers who write non-erotic stories here (erotic in nature, but no sex) and score very well. There are others who write stories that are basically just a set-up for the sex scene. It's all in the story you want to tell. Just do your best to think it out from the reader's perspecitve. Will they care about the characters or not? Is it even important for them to, considering the sex involved? That's how you'll set yourself apart from others...finding your own style and voice.

Good luck.

 

[rgraham666]

Really can't say.

My most popular story, by views, didn't have any sex until page two on Lit. Or was it three? It's been a while since I read it. That piece is seven Lit pages long.

My most popular, by voting, also did not have any sex until page three. And it's six Lit pages long.

On the other hand, most of my 'short pieces of smut' don't do nearly as well. One just lost its H status. Sigh.

So for me, longer pieces with no sex until well in to the story do well.

 

[rachlou]

Really can't say.

My most popular story, by views, didn't have any sex until page two on Lit. Or was it three? It's been a while since I read it. That piece is seven Lit pages long.

My most popular, by voting, also did not have any sex until page three. And it's six Lit pages long.

On the other hand, most of my 'short pieces of smut' don't do nearly as well. One just lost its H status. Sigh.

So for me, longer pieces with no sex until well in to the story do well.

My experiences are similar. I have written short stroke pieces that do little more than set a scene for the action but they haven't been as well received in terms of votes as the longer, more involved peices. I guess it depends on what your regular readers like to a degree. If I get into a story then I don't really notice whether or not there's lots of sex in it. I have read and voted highly on many that don't even have sex in them other than very superficial and non explicit stuff. If I enjoy the story, it doesn't matter to me.

Give it a whirl and see........

 

[oggbashan]

It depends on the reader's imagination.

If they don't use their imagination, some of my stories have NO sex at all.

Og

 

[TheeGoatPig]

My most popular story starts out with character discriptions and minimal background (a paragraph per character), then has a scene setup, jumps into the sex almost right away, and then the plot of the story starts. However, the sequels build up to the sex scenes a little slower.

Also, I have written stories that don't have any sex on the first few pages (not submitted to Lit yet), but will get down and dirty, and full of sex after sex after sex for pages on end when it does get there.

There is no rule, or guideline to help you out. Just write the story as best as you see fit, and if the characters end up fucking then "hooray!"

 

[3113]

Appetizers? Maybe a few drinks....

In almost every one of my stories, I've waited till page 2 ir not page 3 to serve up the main course. Of course, I have gotten comments/feedback now and then about "slowness." There are always those who get annoyed with authors for making them read for a while till they get some. The perversity of this is that there's no figuring out why they kept reading if all they wanted was a quickie It's not like Lit is short of stroke stories with lurid sex from the first sentence to the last.

These few comments, however, are far outweighed by readers who LOVE feasting on a good read. This is Literotica, after all, and those that come here are readers. They may or may not want to read a novel, but they LIKE to read. And they're willing to read. I suppose you could say that they get almost as much satisfaction from a good story as they do from good sex.

So, in my experience, readers here like getting to know characters and walking their way through a plot before hopping into bed with them. But there does have to be a story, not just 25 pages (3 lit pages) of characterization.

Also, just because you wait till the third lit page to get into bed with the characters doesn't mean you can't arouse the reader along the way. The protagonist can think about licking nipples or getting blown; he/she can look at someone and feel desire. You can also amp up the anticipation with a little foreplay. The written word is really wonderful for that--a kiss can have an incredible charge, a hand stroking a thigh under the table can leave a person short of breath, their underwear damp.

If you give the reader a few appetizers, maybe a cocktail or two, they'll happily wait for the main course

 

[Roxanne Appleby]

The very first thing the reader should see on opening the story is a description like that on the inside of a hardcover dust jacket. In it you should inform the reader that there is no sex until page three, "in the paragraph that begins, 'He gazed lustfully into her limpid pools."

I have a 9-lit page lesbian incest epic with no sex until most of the way down page 3 (and then almost pure sex from that point ). It has over 60k views, 125 votes, and an H. Only one reader complained that my opening note is a spoiler (it does tell quite a lot - see below). How much to include in that note is a judgement call, and I'm satisfied with the one I made. But absolutely tell the strokers where to go - they are people too, and this is a porn site.

Preface: The sex in this story begins on page three, in the section titled, "Mom's seduction," and the mother-daughter incest begins on page six, in the section titled, "The most forbidden fruit." Between these scenes is one called, "I'm going to fuck your daughter now . . ."

 

[slyc_willie]

So, in my experience, readers here like getting to know characters and walking their way through a plot before hopping into bed with them. But there does have to be a story, not just 25 pages (3 lit pages) of characterization.

I feel that the story I am writing does just that; provide a plot as well as give access to the main character's mind. Now into fifty pages and more, I look back at what I have already written, thinking if I should cut it down a bit. But I really can't see anything that I should leave out, so I will keep it the way it is.

I suppose, ultimately, it does not really matter how the story is received or whether or not it wins that 'H.' It is the writing that is important.

If any of you have read my stories, you'll notice I tend to get to the sex fairly quickly in most cases. Most of my tales are not so much erotica as pure sex stories (although semantics could be argued on that point). Still, I have included elements of romance in some and like to think that all of my characters have a viable reason for engaging in sex, other than because they were simply horny.

I suppose I will just have to wait and see what happens once the story is posted.

Thanks for all the feedback. I will continue with the story as is. Although, I am not quite sure which category it would fall. It is quite unusual and has a pretty bizarre -- if erotic, I think -- premise. Essentially, it is about a man who is transformed into a woman, then finds out he is able to switch back and forth.

I am not sure if such a story has been written before, but with half a million plus stories posted on Lit, I doubt my concept is original. Very few are. It will be interesting to see how it is received.

Lol. Can't wait for the trolls to read this one . . . .

 

[slyc_willie]

I guess it depends on what your regular readers like to a degree.

And that is the reason I asked for advice. All of my stories thus far have been highly voted, which has done amazing things for my writing ego. Last time I checked, all twelve of my submissions were rated 'Hot.'

But most of those were 'stroke' stories. My reader base thus far seems to consist greatly of those looking for a quick fix. Still, I am encouraged by the positive comments I have received considering my ability to give my characters personality and delve into the whys of their actions, rather than just depict them as indescriminate fucking machines.

Again, I appreciate the responses. Especially from you, Rachlou. I have always enjoyed your imagination. You're one of the reasons I kept coming back to Literotica before deciding to post my own stories.

Slyc

 

[TheeGoatPig]

It is the writing that is important.

Indeed. Even when what we are going for is pure stroke, the writing should come first and foremost. It's what brings the content across to the reader.

Still, I have included elements of romance in some and like to think that all of my characters have a viable reason for engaging in sex, other than because they were simply horny.

Not mine. They don't care so much about feelings and romance. They just want sex

 

[3113]

Although, I am not quite sure which category it would fall. It is quite unusual and has a pretty bizarre -- if erotic, I think -- premise. Essentially, it is about a man who is transformed into a woman, then finds out he is able to switch back and forth.

Category wise...probably transexual/transgender or Sci-fi/Fantasy. Those are the categories where you'd find the most readers interested in that kind of story.

Then again, if you find that it goes on long enough you might just want to put it in Novels.

 

[slyc_willie]

Then again, if you find that it goes on long enough you might just want to put it in Novels.

I just might . . . I am on page 64 right now, and I still have quite a bit left to the story.

 

[Stella_Omega]

I feel that the story I am writing does just that; provide a plot as well as give access to the main character's mind. Now into fifty pages and more, I look back at what I have already written, thinking if I should cut it down a bit. But I really can't see anything that I should leave out, so I will keep it the way it is.

I suppose, ultimately, it does not really matter how the story is received or whether or not it wins that 'H.' It is the writing that is important.

If any of you have read my stories, you'll notice I tend to get to the sex fairly quickly in most cases. Most of my tales are not so much erotica as pure sex stories (although semantics could be argued on that point). Still, I have included elements of romance in some and like to think that all of my characters have a viable reason for engaging in sex, other than because they were simply horny.

I suppose I will just have to wait and see what happens once the story is posted.

Thanks for all the feedback. I will continue with the story as is. Although, I am not quite sure which category it would fall. It is quite unusual and has a pretty bizarre -- if erotic, I think -- premise. Essentially, it is about a man who is transformed into a woman, then finds out he is able to switch back and forth.

I am not sure if such a story has been written before, but with half a million plus stories posted on Lit, I doubt my concept is original. Very few are. It will be interesting to see how it is received.

Lol. Can't wait for the trolls to read this one . . . .

I wrote that story back in 1976
From the other direction, though. Being so young as I was, it couldn't have been well-written, Once in a while I thikn I'd like to try it again.

I was going to say that my stories often start in the middle of sex, and then backtrack to the beginning, but upon checking I find that's not true. I do put some innuendo or talk, or teasing in as soon as possible. I try to leave NO doubt in the reader's mind that someone is going to get laid shortly.

 

[sethp]

a little while

It depends on the build up. there has to be build up. tension whatever. my stories and the stories I ready are always better with build up. so could be a few sentences, paragraphs, pages. but then again it depends what kind of story you are writing. mine are usually high on sex low on plot so my build up will be less than yours!

 

[rachlou]

Again, I appreciate the responses. Especially from you, Rachlou. I have always enjoyed your imagination. You're one of the reasons I kept coming back to Literotica before deciding to post my own stories.

Slyc

Awww thanks! Maybe we should form a mutual admiration society 'cos I really like your work too - Door to Door was a great story!

 

[Stella_Omega]

Awww thanks! Maybe we should form a mutual admiration society 'cos I really like your work too - Door to Door was a great story!

Is that right?
Willie, honey, if you're going to stick around- will you add a link to your stories in your sig line?
I'm off to look, but I'd be lazy if you let me...

 

[slyc_willie]

Many thanks

Awww thanks! Maybe we should form a mutual admiration society 'cos I really like your work too - Door to Door was a great story!

I am truly flattered, Rachlou. By all means, a little mutual mastur . . . eh, admiration is not out of the question!

As for you, Stella, here is a list of all my stories thus far. Two more are awaiting approval and I have several that i just need to finish up.

http://english.literotica.com:81/st...&author=slyc_willie&Submit=Search+The+Stories

 

[Dr_Strabismus]

Willie, you're a good porn writer. And from what I read, I'd guess you could attempt more considered stuff too. You definitely have a crisp, readable style -- and you're in control of the story all the way through.

 

[cloudy]

Sometimes I never get to the action.

Oh, in my stories? Same thing. *sigh* Story of my life.

 

[slyc_willie]

Willie, you're a good porn writer. And from what I read, I'd guess you could attempt more considered stuff too. You definitely have a crisp, readable style -- and you're in control of the story all the way through.

It's funny; when I first started writing these stories, it was a way for me to express my sexual fantasies. Having been published in the sci-fi genre several times under my professional pseudonym (alas, just short stories, although I have made the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction twice), and therefore accepted as a more or less 'serious' writer, I did not put too much thought into the plot of my erotic tales other than giving the basics.

But with all this feedback and encouragement, I think I will put more effort into my work from now on. That is not to say I will no longer write stroke stories -- we could all use a quickie now and then -- but I think I will enjoy writing longer, more involved and character-driven erotic tales.

Thanks, Strab, and everyone else.

Slyc

 

[3113]

It's funny; when I first started writing these stories, it was a way for me to express my sexual fantasies. Having been published in the sci-fi genre several times under my professional pseudonym

I'm a sci-fi reader...I'd be interested in reading your sci-fi. Can you pm to me your pseudonym?

 

[JamesSD]

How long into a sexual encounter should you wait before penetration?

It depends on your mood.

I think the key is build-up. If the reader feels a sense of building tension, they're more likely to wait for the "climax" and probably enjoy it more. But the story needs to be building to something. It's sort of like a good tease... it's more fun when you're pretty sure you won't be left high and dry.

I write mostly short stories (2-3 lit pages). Usually the sex starts at the end of the first Lit page, and continues from there. But it varies. Sometimes I jump straight to the action, then have plot, then more action. Other times I'll wait longer, or have a preliminary "teaser" scene.

It's also category dependant. Romance and Incest readers are more willing to wait than Group Sex.