Looking for a few good stories

[Rumple Foreskin]

Greetings,

Maybe it's due to all the renovation work, but there's been a drop in the number of folks volunteering to place their stories upon the Story Discussion Circle chopping block for critique. Things are so bad, "How bad, Rumple?" well, since you asked, they're so bad, a story of mine is this week's sacrificial offering.

For the SDC to go from one of Dr. Mabeuse's stories to one of mine obviously contradicts all known laws of literary evolution. However, the good news is my story is only 975 words long.

So come on down to the SDC, take your best shot at my latest assault on good taste and English letters, admire what a good job Pure (the new SDC mod) has done getting the place squared away, maybe read some of the stories and critiques by the likes of, Dr. M, Black Tulip, CharleyH, Varian, JimHawkins, and Poussin, a fine new Lit writer, and then volunteer one of your own stories for critique.

If you don't, I may be back in a few weeks with another message.

Rumple Foreskin

 

[Boxlicker101]

How do you go about doing this? I submitted one story yesterday and I expect to submit one or two on Tuesday. None of mine have ever been through SDC, partly because I am reluctant to obligate myself to be a voluntary critic.

 

[sincerely_helene]

I've been tempted to jump on that boat, but truth is most of the writers over there are far more evolved in their skills than myself. To attempt to critique them somehow seems like the pupil correcting the teacher.

 

[rikaaim]

I've been tempted to jump on that boat, but truth is most of the writers over there are far more evolved in their skills than myself. To attempt to critique them somehow seems like the pupil correcting the teacher.

Agreed and seconded.

Rika

 

[yui]

I've been tempted to jump on that boat, but truth is most of the writers over there are far more evolved in their skills than myself. To attempt to critique them somehow seems like the pupil correcting the teacher.

Extremely well said, Helene, and exactly how I feel about it, too.

 

[Rumple Foreskin]

I've been tempted to jump on that boat, but truth is most of the writers over there are far more evolved in their skills than myself. To attempt to critique them somehow seems like the pupil correcting the teacher.

How do you go about doing this? I submitted one story yesterday and I expect to submit one or two on Tuesday. None of mine have ever been through SDC, partly because I am reluctant to obligate myself to be a voluntary critic.

This is a special, two-for-one reply. Helene, everyone over there has different strengths and weaknesses. Because the SDC is moderated, there's little of the put-down-slam found in other critique sites. There's usually give-and-take on the critiques, a sharing of opinions and ideas about what works or doesn't work and why.

Boxlicker, the only obligation is that to have your story critiqued, you must critique at least two other stories. The story you submit can be polished and already posted on Lit, or still a work-in-progress.

I've just bumped a thread, "Paths of Glory" which has a lot of info on the SDC and comments by some of the folks who have been there. You two might want to check it out. If you have any questions, poste 'em here or send a PM to Pure, the SDC mod, or if you're really desperate, me.

Rumple Foreskin

 

[rikaaim]

I would love to offer my services to critque, as well as learn from the experience. However, the only thing I have to offer is drafts. And draft at that. I'm re-working the story you so kindly gave a read for Rumple. It'll be a project re-done down the road however as a current draft is taking up all of my inspiration and creativity. Perhaps when I get something worthwhile ready I'll hop on over.

 

[Rumple Foreskin]

I would love to offer my services to critque, as well as learn from the experience. However, the only thing I have to offer is drafts. And draft at that. I'm re-working the story you so kindly gave a read for Rumple. It'll be a project re-done down the road however as a current draft is taking up all of my inspiration and creativity. Perhaps when I get something worthwhile ready I'll hop on over.

Rik, Helene, Yui, don't fall into the trap of thinking you can only submit your absolute best work. At the time your story is posted on the SDC, you can include a message asking for help is specific areas and/or saying don't worry about other things.

In the immortal words of Hemingway, "All first drafts are shit." Look, the worst that can happen is you get scorned, humiliated, called a lot of nasty names and not allowed to play in the sandbox. So what else is new?

If in doubt, go over and lurk. Read Dr. Mabeuse's last submission and the critiques he got. Read those given to a new writer, Poussin. If you don't think the place is right for you, that's fine. But if you want to become a better writer, the SDC is the best tool available at Literotica.

Hope to see you guys there.

Rumple Foreskin

 

[sincerely_helene]

Thanks, Rumple.

I will certainly keep the SDC in mind for my next story. At this moment, all I have up is some old rubbish that I'm not particularly fond of. I will continue watching from the rafters and admiring you all from afar, though, in the meantime.

 

[neonlyte]

Box, S-Helene & Rikaaim

I endorse everything Rumple says and add the following.

I've gained immensely from critiquing the work of others, it forces a deeper evaluation of the writing by style, content, pace and language than one tends to do with ones own writing for all of the obvious reasons (it's why so many writers use editors). The effect is to improve your own writing skill.

It's a deep breath job critiquing or submitting to SDC. I found the easiest way in was to concentrate on a limited aspects of a story, make that clear in the intro to your crit, and make your comments. The great advantage is 8 - 10 thinking heads (hopefully) advising how you might improve the story, your technique and or spelling. If you've already a story posted on Lit and you're curious as to why it's not done as well as you'd hoped, submit it, you will get honest opinion and advice.