Just a friendly introduction

[TabooWickedPixie]

Hey all, just wanted to make a friendly post introducing myself. I joined a few months ago and have published two stories to far and a few pieces of erotic art. I'm a 41 y/o Female who loves to write about the more taboo side of things and fitness. Most of my works are in the first person view of a woman and also present tense (which I'm finding out some people absolutely DO NOT like.)

Anywho, if anyone wants to talk shop or just chat in general feel free to hit me up. Email and such is in my bio as well. Happy writing!

 

[StillStunned]

Welcome, and best of luck writing!

1P present tense comes up regularly as a topic here. I've tried it, and while I think it works for a particular kind of story the sense of immediacy that it creates can become quite overwhelming for readers.

 

[TarnishedPenny]

Welcome. It’s fun, isn’t it? Just ignore the critics and write for yourself.

As a suggestion, you might want to include a link to your stories in your signature.

 

[DirrrtyDanny]

Welcome. It’s fun, isn’t it? Just ignore the critics and write for yourself.

As a suggestion, you might want to include a link to your stories in your signature.

I was looking to find your stories when I first saw this thread pop up. Well said, TarnishedPenny!

 

[TheRedChamber]

Welcome!

And a present tense user as well. I think we're going to get on.

 

[MyBareTorso]

Hello! As I have said before...be careful, writing on Literotica can be seriously addictive! I speak from experience! Have fun and enjoy all it has to offer.

 

[Kelliezgirl]

Welcome!

 

[THBGato]

Welcome to Lit! If your protagonists ever decide to try batting for the home team, I'll see you on the Lesbian Sex pages. ;-)

 

[Plathfan]

Hey there, I noticed both of your installments are written in the present tense and seem to be doing quite well. I’ll check them out later.

To me, the present tense feels awkward. Who’s writing this? Unless it’s a poem or a specific scenario where the narrator is actively engaged and typing on a smartphone about events as they happen in real-time, it often doesn’t make much sense.

I wouldn’t ignore critics, especially on technical aspects. Their input can be very discerning, but ultimately, you should stay true to your creative vision.

 

[TheWritingGroup]

To me, the present tense feels awkward. Who’s writing this? Unless it’s a poem or a specific scenario where the narrator is actively engaged and typing on a smartphone about events as they happen in real-time, it often doesn’t make much sense.

When I've used it, it was to make things immediate. Present tense represents the internal narrative of the character, at least to me. Most people "tell their own story" to themselves as they live it.

Contrariwise, past tense makes surprises somewhat less impactful, for me and depending on the writer, because the narrator obviously already knows what's going to happen.

-Annie

 

[lovecraft68]

Welcome.

I used first person my first few years here, but at the same time was working on novels that I did in third. I found third better for being able to head hop, have the MC be able to keep secrets, and other reasons, so since around 2014 or so it's all been in third.

However, I recently returned to first for a "confessions" type series that takes place on a fictional website, so I feel first does work better for that as they're telling their own story.

 

[Plathfan]

When I've used it, it was to make things immediate. Present tense represents the internal narrative of the character, at least to me. Most people "tell their own story" to themselves as they live it.

Contrariwise, past tense makes surprises somewhat less impactful, for me and depending on the writer, because the narrator obviously already knows what's going to happen.

-Annie

I’m not sure about this "immediacy" thing. I don’t feel it while reading, but maybe it’s just my limited mind.

Many people mistakenly conflate the main character with the first-person narrator. Even though they theoretically represent the same entity, they serve different literary roles: one is a character, while the other is responsible for presenting the content to the reader. The events described happen to the character, not to the narrator, so I find it difficult to accept the idea of "immediacy."

For instance, if the main character swears like a sailor and the narrator uses the same language when addressing me, the reader, I would find that very annoying, almost disrespectful.

 

[SimonDoom]

Welcome, and have fun. Take all advice with a grain of salt -- including mine.

I second TP's suggestion: include a link to your submission page in your signature line, and more people will be able to access your stories more easily. This is a helpful way to get more exposure.

 

[Kumquatqueen]

Welcome! More middle-aged women here!

I've used present tense for a fair few stories - I think it works when you have a story told in the first person, by a narrator with a strong and distinctive voice. No-one's ever complained about it.

It can be difficult to stick to the right tense forms when referring to the past and future, but that is the case when you write in past tense as well.

 

[NoTalentHack]

Welcome aboard!

 

[TabooWickedPixie]

Welcome. It’s fun, isn’t it? Just ignore the critics and write for yourself.

As a suggestion, you might want to include a link to your stories in your signature.

Done! Thank you for the great tip. I didn't even think of doing that.

 

[TabooWickedPixie]

Hello! As I have said before...be careful, writing on Literotica can be seriously addictive! I speak from experience! Have fun and enjoy all it has to offer.

It kind of is. I just wish I could devote more time. With work, family and other hobbies something writing get put on the back burner. I do enjoy it though and LOVE reading the comments and feedback.

 

[TabooWickedPixie]

Welcome to Lit! If your protagonists ever decide to try batting for the home team, I'll see you on the Lesbian Sex pages. ;-)

Oh I'm sure there will be some of that coming up. I have a wide range of kinks I like to write about.

 

[MillieDynamite]

Welcome, a thousand and one times, to our little corner of the net. This is the writer's version of La Cosa Nostra, "our thing." Accept no kisses on the cheek from any of the mugs you meet. It might be the kiss of death if they're frustrated or jealous authors. And watch out for that dame, Dynamite, she's a fucking lunatic. OH, wait, that's me!

Hey all, just wanted to make a friendly post introducing myself. I joined a few months ago and have published two stories to far and a few pieces of erotic art. I'm a 41 y/o Female who loves to write about the more taboo side of things and fitness. Most of my works are in the first person view of a woman and also present tense (which I'm finding out some people absolutely DO NOT like.)

Anywho, if anyone wants to talk shop or just chat in general feel free to hit me up. Email and such is in my bio as well. Happy writing!

 

[TarnishedPenny]

And watch out for that dame, Dynamite, she's a fucking lunatic. Oh, wait, that’s me!

Doesn’t mean you were wrong.

 

[MillieDynamite]

Oh, you know I'm right—well, not right, not in the head, at least!!! Hey, that reminds me. Did you hear about the fellow who got run over in traffic on the left side of his body? Don't worry; I hear he's all right now.

Doesn’t mean you were wrong.