Series vs. One Time Story

[Jay142]

I like to write on a variety of subjects and categories and don't like to write a long series. There is a considerable drop-off in readers for each chapter I write and after 2,3,4 chapters it doesn't seem worthwhile to keep a plot going.

However, I get requests from followers to keep going with a storyline so I'm struggling between adding more chapters to some stories or just let my followers linger.

I was looking for some opinions from other authors on this matter.

 

[SimonDoom]

This is definitely one of the most talked-about subjects in the forum, and I don't think there's a clear answer to what the right way to do it is. I've spent lots of time thinking (and commenting) on this subject and I still go back and forth.

Check out this recent thread:https://forum.literotica.com/showthread.php?t=1550063

My advice: ignore your readers. Do what YOU want. If readers like what you do, and you keep doing what you want to do, that is the best way to do BOTH things: pleasing yourself, and pleasing your readers.

I think writing a series is great, if you've got a plan for it and it's what you want to do. I'm much less enamored with writing chapter 2 of what I intended as a standalone story just because readers want that, although I have done that, once.

Most of my stories end in a slightly open-ended way. I tease the reader about what may come in the future, and some readers respond to that by wanting more. But I don't do it.

Since you like multiple categories, my advice would be to write standalone stories in different categories rather than to write a series with different chapters that are in different categories.

For example, I don't recommend writing a chaptered series call "The Sex Adventures of Bill" where one chapter he has incest with his mom and the next chapter he has butt sex with the next door neighbor. Write different standalone stories with new and different categories. Unless you just love writing about your character Bill.

This is just my own subjective opinion. It's totally up to you. But my opinion is based on what I think you are trying to convey in your original post about your preferences.

 

[NotWise]

I like to write on a variety of subjects and categories and don't like to write a long series. There is a considerable drop-off in readers for each chapter I write and after 2,3,4 chapters it doesn't seem worthwhile to keep a plot going.

However, I get requests from followers to keep going with a storyline so I'm struggling between adding more chapters to some stories or just let my followers linger.

I was looking for some opinions from other authors on this matter.

From my experience, I'd say don't do anything at your readers' request. If that was the story you wanted to write, then you would have written it. I usually take requests for continuations as compliments, and that's all.

Others may have different experiences.

 

[AlinaX]

I have occasionally found inspiration for follow-up chapters on request, but mostly I give up.