Is too much back story a problem?

[Amazement]

Ok, I'm writing a story that will hopefully be posted on this site, but it's my first try, so I want to make sure I get everything right. For the story I'm writing there is alot of background info and alot of stuff that sets the situation, is this bad? It's not short, in fact, it's quite long, but I like background story, sometimes I even get a bigger kick out of it than the sexual part of the story. So do I write a story that caters to my taste with lots of background and info on the characters, or one that just jumps into things? The story loses alot of impact without it, but has the same effect in the end with it. Any help is well appriciated.

 

[Weird Harold]

Ok, I'm writing a story that will hopefully be posted on this site, but it's my first try, so I want to make sure I get everything right.

I'm currently without an editing job.

It all depends on what the back story is, how it's presented, and whether all of it is relevant. Every story is different, and without seeing how it fits together, it's hard to say "this is too much" or "this isn't enough."

 

[KillerMuffin]

A lot of that depends on the story. When it comes to what we've come to call "build up," there is no right answer. Be aware that a lot of readers will skip build up and look for sex. I would suggest that you write what you think needs to be written, then go back and cut what doesn't move the plot forward. No matter how necessary it may seem.

 

[cymbidia]

I say write what you like and to hell with everyone else. If you're just beginning, and you're already concerned about writing to suit everyone else, you're going to have ulcers before you hit Story #3.

With that said:
1. Weird Harold and KillerMuffin are two of the best Volunteer Editors at Literotica. Take their advice before anyone else's. And USE THE VOLUNTEER EDITOR BEFEFIT THAT'S AVAILABLE TO YOU FOR FREE HERE AT LITEROTICA.
2. Almost no one reads my stories so maybe just maybe my advice isn't all that good for "normal" erotica writer types like you may be. ~wink~

 

[Mickie]

Backfill

Especially in an erotica site, you do want to be careful how you present background, otherwise known as backfill. Too much in the beginning will have a reader clicking out of your story to find one with more sex. If you have a lot, you might want to try beginning with the action (usually sex) and filling in the background through dialogue and/or thoughts from the main character. Try to avoid a lot of it at once, and 'feed' it to the reader in small bits.

Hope this helps -- and good luck!

Mickie

 

[Chanson_bleu]

I'm currently without an editing job.
[/B][/QUOTE]
Amazement: this is an offer you CANNOT refuse. The first chapter of my first (very long) story was just posted. WH spent an incredible amount of time helping me with it. It has paid off with excellent reviews so far.

I recommend you do your homework about punctuation and dialogue before submitting it to an editor so as not to waste his/her time. The best part is having an unbiased opinion about plot and character development. Authors (I know I'm guilty) are often too close to see if what they wrote makes sense to a reader.

FWIW, my story has some long stretches without sex. If someone isn't into that, that's fine. I'm hoping that my story and characters are strong enough to make some people want to read the *boring* parts. I did, however, go all out in the naughty bits department in Chap. 1. Gotta dangle that bait, you know! You might want to consider a bang-up intro and get into background later.

You have to write for fun, for yourself, or it's not worth it! Go for it!

 

[Ulyssa]

Job Half Done.

FWIW, my story has some long stretches without sex. If someone isn't into that, that's fine. I'm hoping that my story and characters are strong enough to make some people want to read the *boring* parts. I did, however, go all out in the naughty bits department in Chap. 1. Gotta dangle that bait, you know! You might want to consider a bang-up intro and get into background later.

You have to write for fun, for yourself, or it's not worth it! Go for it!

Silly you, Chanson_bleu you only went half way--what's the point of "dangling that bait," if you don't stick a url there to tantalize the always curious, but basically LAZY folk among us.

 

[Chanson_bleu]

Re: Job Half Done.

Silly you, Chanson_bleu you only went half way--what's the point of "dangling that bait," if you don't stick a url there to tantalize the always curious, but basically LAZY folk among us.

*blushes at the thought of sticking a url anywhere Lyssa wants me to*

I'm always glad to oblige in the Shameless Self-Promotion Dept: http://www.literotica.com/stories/showstory.php?id=14405

Lemme know what you think. Chaps. 1 & 2 are up, 13 more pending!