Question?

[nakdsub]

If you had a story approx 4 to 5 pages long, would you rather it be in two parts, or would you prefer it all at once?

 

[soflabbwlvr]

That would depend, in part, on whether there is a natural break in the story near the mid-point; whether there is a payoff for the reader in the first half of the story; and, whether the two halves of the story are balanced. If not, then I would probably post it as one piece.

 

[sr71plt]

I'd have to have a complete chapter story arc for each part to cut it into parts. I usually would, though, for that many Lit. pages. It isn't like slicing bread.

 

[lovecraft68]

If you had a story approx 4 to 5 pages long, would you rather it be in two parts, or would you prefer it all at once?

Depends also on who you perceive your audience to be. If you are trying to appeal to strokers, who generally have short attention spans, break it up. If you feel the story has some depth and that people will enjoy it for that go with it as is.

 

[nakdsub]

Thanks

I'm right at 5500 words, that's about 2 pages on here. I was thinking it might be a good place to take a break. So far we've had a happy couple, but I right about at the scene where she starts to stray. I thought I might create some suspense, but I really think it would be better to do it all at once so I'm going to finish it before submitting.

 

[PennLady]

Well, everyone has their preferences, of course, but I don't think think 4 pages is too long for one story. I routinely do 3-4 pages myself (although my contest entries have been longer). But if there's a natural break, and you'd like to break it up, that should work out fine.

 

[sr71plt]

I really think it would be better to do it all at once so I'm going to finish it before submitting.

Good call, I think. You can worry about if/where it splits after it's all done.

 

[nakdsub]

Thanks everyone

I think I'm just going to wait until I have the entire story finished. I'm pretty sure I'll submit the whole story in one shot.

 

[elfin_odalisque]

For once I agree with everyone!

LC is right, a stroke piece needs to be shortish.

A typical book-form erotic short story seems to run to 3-4 lit pages so your 4-5 is in the ballpark. Also, I've found that 2 pages is closer to 7,500 words (depending on spacing) than 5,500.

As sr says, the story arc is the guiding factor. If you tell a good story with 3 acts and a conclusion, readers will follow (even if they bookmark sometimes).

Chapters are a bit like TV series. Self-contained but playing on the same characters.

As the actress said to the bishop, 'It's not the length that matters but how you use it to excite me.'

 

[estragon]

Mirabile dictu!

Nakdsub, you have done what I would have thought impossible. Elfin and sr agree?! Get down to the UN straightaway, get the Palestinians and the Israelis together, and make peace at once.

 

[nakdsub]

And now, for my next miracle...

 

[elfin_odalisque]

And now, for my next miracle...

Finish the story, post a link here and hold your breath.