What are the elements of a great erotic story?

[Hugh_Janard]

I'm just wondering what authors on this site consider to be the most important elements of a satisfying, high quality erotic story. No doubt there are any number of ways to define the essential building blocks of any sort of story, but here are the ones I personally find to be most germane in the context of erotic writing:

1. Sex scenes that are exciting and titillating
2. Solid character development
3. Interesting and imaginative plot
4. Descriptive and evocative writing
5. Originality, the ability to put an unexpected spin on a story that makes it seem fresh and unique

If I was to assign percentages based on my own preferences, #1 would definitely be the highest, maybe 50 or 60%, but I'm not sure how exactly I'd distribute the other 40 or 50. So anyway, would love to hear from other writers regarding what they might add to or subtract from this list, as well as which aspects or components of a story they consider most important. Perhaps I'm looking for some direction or motivation... I've published two stories on this site which were both reasonably well received, but since then I've made a start on quite a few additional, but somehow haven't felt motivated to see them through to the end. I just thought it would be interesting and instructive to get some feedback from others on what aspects of a story they prioritize, which might inspire me to at least somewhat modify my modus operandi. Thanks in advance for any responses.

 

[YmaOHyd]

In order: 2, 1/4, 3, 5. I think people who can do 4 can do 1, and generally vice-versa. The story needs both.

I think erotic fiction is a mode of storytelling, and each piece of erotic fiction needs to satisfy the requirements of writing good fiction writ large. Those are going to differ based on form. Sex is an alternative form of action rather than an end in and of itself. But I do make a distinction between erotic fiction and written pornography, where the end goal is arousal rather than storytelling. I'm not making a value judgement there; I don't think one is better than the other. They're just different (or perhaps one is a subset of the other).

 

[IWroteThis]

It depends on the type of erotic story you are going for.

If it's a simple stroke story, you really only need #1. You could include #4, but the important parts of it are already included in #1 or it wouldn't actually be #1.

On the other hand, if it's a warm-up for some couple's time, you might not actually want any #1. You're actually going to want #6, which is Teaser scenes that are exciting and titillating. It should leave you wanting #1, but also leave you to FTDS in the bedroom. Once again, parts of #4 are already included.

#2, 3, 4, and 5 are good for a slow simmer, working yourself up to an enjoyable level without any immediate plans to finish. Depending on how long you have to wait and/or how much you want to edge yourself while you wait, varying amounts of #1 and/or 6 can be added in.

 

[caleb35]

I'm just wondering what authors on this site consider to be the most important elements of a satisfying, high quality erotic story. No doubt there are any number of ways to define the essential building blocks of any sort of story, but here are the ones I personally find to be most germane in the context of erotic writing:

1. Sex scenes that are exciting and titillating
2. Solid character development
3. Interesting and imaginative plot
4. Descriptive and evocative writing
5. Originality, the ability to put an unexpected spin on a story that makes it seem fresh and unique

If I was to assign percentages based on my own preferences, #1 would definitely be the highest, maybe 50 or 60%, but I'm not sure how exactly I'd distribute the other 40 or 50. So anyway, would love to hear from other writers regarding what they might add to or subtract from this list, as well as which aspects or components of a story they consider most important. Perhaps I'm looking for some direction or motivation... I've published two stories on this site which were both reasonably well received, but since then I've made a start on quite a few additional, but somehow haven't felt motivated to see them through to the end. I just thought it would be interesting and instructive to get some feedback from others on what aspects of a story they prioritize, which might inspire me to at least somewhat modify my modus operandi. Thanks in advance for any responses.

What are the elements of a great erotic story? Greatness.

... I'll see myself out.

For a serious answer though, I think a great story needs all of the five elements that you listed more or less equally. It doesn't necessarily have to have all of them provided that it has at least most. The only element you list that I don't think is as important is the fifth one; a fresh spin is nice but not absolutely necessary and if all the other elements are at the top of their game, then no one will mind if it's retreading old ground.

 

[JennaMom2022]

Realism. Plausibility.

 

[caleb35]

Realism. Plausibility.

I mostly agree, but for the sake of discussion, how far should realism and plausibility go? Because I feel like those are two legs of the tripod but the third leg is fantasy itself. So you have the fantasy but it's grounded in realism so as to be plausible to the reader (so as to aid their immersion in the story). One can argue that a great story has all three elements or legs in equal measure. Your thoughts?

 

[EmilyMiller]

Realism. Plausibility.

That’s for a certain type of story, surely.

 

[THBGato]

1. Sex scenes that are exciting and titillating
2. Solid character development
3. Interesting and imaginative plot
4. Descriptive and evocative writing
5. Originality, the ability to put an unexpected spin on a story that makes it seem fresh and unique

In order:

2 is vital. Without it, forget it.

3 is extremely desirable BUT it only needs the first part - "interesting". Friends-to-lovers is interesting, because most readers have fantasised about it/lived it. Ditto rescue stories, first time stories, etc. None need to be "imaginative" to hook us in, we just need to be able to relate to the characters. Hence why 2 is so important.

1. Well, yeah. Though perhaps less important than you think.

4. Mmmm. Can be good. Sometimed though you just get purple prose.

5. Readers don't want originality. Not on a site like this. They aren't coming for twists, they are coming for tropes. Speaking personally, my most original stories are my least viewed and least voted on, and that's a pattern I've seen replicated across the 2,000+ stories I've reade here. There are exceptions of course, but those are by exceptional writers. Not saying you shouldn't go for it if you have an original idea, but you can write an extremely well-received story here without one.

 

[StillStunned]

For me, it's the build-up. Start with an interesting but relatable premise. Then let the pressure build, preferably in stages that keep the reader wanting more. Take it further each time, until by the actual climax the reader feels neither rushed nor bored.

I don't think character matters in a purely erotic story. Plot only matters to the extent that it drives the sex, but an original premise might help to keep the reader engaged. The prose should serve the story, and not be overly descriptive - just enough detail to let the reader form a picture in their mind.

 

[StillStunned]

5. Readers don't want originality. Not on a site like this. They aren't coming for twists, they are coming for tropes. Speaking personally, my most original stories are my least viewed and least voted on, and that's a pattern I've seen replicated across the 2,000+ stories I've reade here. There are exceptions of course, but those are by exceptional writers. Not saying you shouldn't go for it if you have an original idea, but you can write an extremely well-received story here without one.

My readers seem to appreciate originality. I don't go out of my way to add twists or surprises, but I prefer to write an original idea or premise over a tired trope.

 

[DjadoTorbalan]

The most important element for erotic story is 1. As a "story" it already has 2-5. What distinguish it as an EROTIC story is the sexual part. And Sexual part that is central for the story, not just a patch to decieve the reader. If you have great 2-5 and lousy 1 it might be great story, but bad EROTIC story. On a contrary, with great 1 and not so good 2-5 you will stil have pretty ok erotic reading.
That said i couldn't understand how that story in the Winter holidays contests took first place.

 

[Doctor_Nobody]

In my opinion, what makes a good erotic story is a skillful blend of originality, details about feelings, sex, and humor.

That's what will make me want to read it

 

[TheWorldBuilder]

1. Sex scenes that are exciting and titillating
2. Solid character development
3. Interesting and imaginative plot
4. Descriptive and evocative writing
5. Originality, the ability to put an unexpected spin on a story that makes it seem fresh and unique

In order: 2, 1/4, 3, 5. I think people who can do 4 can do 1, and generally vice-versa. The story needs both.

I, too, would bundle 1/4 & 3/5 into pairs. Descriptive writers should be able to include arousing scenes in their portfolio; it's just another emotion to evoke or manipulate, after all. Interesting and imaginative plots will have those twists and turns that (hopefully) prevent the ending being deduced by page 3. That reduces your list of requirements to:

Writing descriptively and with illustrative narrative whilst allowing the reader's imagination to fill out certain characteristics to align with their own preference(s).
Developing well-rounded and believable characters with motivations that encourage the reader to (in imagination) befriend or support them.
Creating a universe or situation in which the events of the story can unfold and progress to a logical and satisfactory conclusion, whilst allowing for dramatic tension.

There are obviously finer details to the craft than suggested by those broad brushstrokes, but I believe they encapsulate the nub of what we all strive for as authors or readers.

 

[TheLobster]

Words.

 

[Davidwa1]

It depends on who you ask. For some I'm certain that you need to read their mind and somehow put their sexual fantasy to words. I think you just need a good story.

 

[SimonDoom]

I'd have to preface anything I say by saying there's no one perfect formula for a great erotic story. I like @Hugh_Janard 's 5 point list, but I don't have any preconceived idea about which point is more important than the other.

This is how I'd approach it.

It starts with a good erotic concept. An idea that attracts me as a reader. I'm generally not interested in stories, no matter how well written, about two people who have nice sex together. I want a twist, a concept. Something to build not just sex, but a story, around.

The writing has to be good. It doesn't have to be perfect prose, but if it's bad or too full of errors it's going to throw me right out.

A good erotic story doesn't necessarily require extensive character development, but I have to be interested in the characters. I have to WANT them to have sex before they have it. I have to care.

I like a little conflict. By "conflict" I mean literary, dramatic conflict--when the story starts, there's something that is getting in the way of the erotic resolution, and the characters have to get beyond it. For me it makes the sex that ultimately happens more erotically satisfying.

The writing of the sex has to be well done, incorporating deft handling of the physical interaction and plenty of description of what the characters are thinking and feeling.


I personally prefer stories that don't go on too long. I think Literotica stories sometimes are too long, that they're being padded unnecessarily. When I read I want to feel like every word is necessary.

 

[Bramblethorn]

I'm just wondering what authors on this site consider to be the most important elements of a satisfying, high quality erotic story. No doubt there are any number of ways to define the essential building blocks of any sort of story, but here are the ones I personally find to be most germane in the context of erotic writing:

1. Sex scenes that are exciting and titillating
2. Solid character development
3. Interesting and imaginative plot
4. Descriptive and evocative writing
5. Originality, the ability to put an unexpected spin on a story that makes it seem fresh and unique

These are all good to have. One other thing that's important to me is how the sexual content is integrated with the rest of the story. Things like character development and plot don't need to go on pause when the clothes come off.

 

[AG31]

Realism. Plausibility.

What if they're recordings of fantasies? Realism and plausibility might play no part.

 

[VerbalAbuse]

The elements of a great erotic story are, in order of their importance:

1) Anal sex
2) Anal sex
3) Anal sex
4) Anal sex
5) Anal sex

 

[AG31]

I think people who can do 4 can do 1

You have to know what you're trying to describe or evoke. An inexperienced or low-sexed author might be fantastic at describing people, or world building, but be a poor descriptor of sex.

 

[SimonDoom]

The elements of a great erotic story are, in order of their importance:

1) Anal sex
2) Anal sex
3) Anal sex
4) Anal sex
5) Anal sex

The butt, the whole butt, and nothing but the butt.

Admirable in its focus.

 

[TheWorldBuilder]

Perhaps it works in the appropriate category. Elsewhere it should be used sparingly, if at all.

 

[DjadoTorbalan]

The elements of a great erotic story are, in order of their importance:

1) Anal sex
2) Anal sex
3) Anal sex
4) Anal sex
5) Anal sex

I can see that you will love my stories

 

[Hugh_Janard]

Appreciate the many thoughtful comments. If there is any consensus it would seem to be that what story elements are most important is to a large degree a matter of individual preference, as obviously one reader might respond most strongly to a sizzling sex scene, while someone else may gravitate more towards stories with interesting and complex characters. And it's also true that there are different types of erotic stories, and the optimal emphasis depends very much on what the writer is trying to achieve. For instance, straight-up porn, versus something more subtle and refined. Not sure my writer's block, or writer's apathy, is going to be improved by anything I've read here, but at least the responses have given me some valuable food for thought. So I thank you all again for that.

 

[StillStunned]

Appreciate the many thoughtful comments. If there is any consensus it would seem to be that what story elements are most important is to a large degree a matter of individual preference, as obviously one reader might respond most strongly to a sizzling sex scene, while someone else may gravitate more towards stories with interesting and complex characters. And it's also true that there are different types of erotic stories, and the optimal emphasis depends very much on what the writer is trying to achieve. For instance, straight-up porn, versus something more subtle and refined. Not sure my writer's block, or writer's apathy, is going to be improved by anything I've read here, but at least the responses have given me some valuable food for thought. So I thank you all again for that.

The most valuable lesson, and this probably holds true of most debates we have here in the AH, is that there's no right way and very little wrong way. Write what you want, and if you enjoy it, it's safe to assume that there will be readers out there who enjoy it too.