Where did you find the courage to submit your first story?

[PennameWombat]

Dear Penthouse Author Hangout,

There's no way my story is unique. Writing as a hobby since I could hold a pencil. Took an online writing class during COVID. Shared a few speculative fiction pieces with the other members of my writing class and learned how to hear their feedback. I wanted to try my hand at something erotic because I have a longtime kink that's very strong, but most of what I've encountered while exploring that kink was defined by men and I wanted my perspective to also be included in the conversation. So I have a reason for wanting to write, and hopefully that can give me the fortitude to withstand some of the inevitable hits my ego will take along the way.

<snip>

I'd always had a handful of plots and characters in mind. For decades. They weren't based on personal sexual experiences, but did have a few kernels of fleeting encounters. And a vivid dream. But no real understanding of how to start. I'd written plenty of software and technical docs, but that didn't easily translate to fiction.

Similar path to yours, but mine was just before Covid. I was in the throes of a "too young to retire, too old to be unemployed" job hunt that was exceptionally frustrating. So I splurged on a couple of writing workshops to engage my brain. Which told me how to 'start.'

I knew I wasn't ready to go for KDP and such self-publishing, but it took me a while to find platforms. Finally, in 2018, I discovered this site. I spent some time on this Forum.

But the first key for me was one day I had the brainstorm of how many of my separate stories could fit into a larger, overall theme. The second key, in one of the workshops (focused on speculative fiction), we were supposed to write a short story. During the workshop as everyone was describing their story, I started with "I finished---," and another participant said "You FINISHED a story? Wow!" A couple of others nodded to that. Which surprised me.

So the fact I finished a couple of stories, and had more ideas, meant posting here wasn't a hard decision.

Unfortunately, I can't offer more or better advice than is reflected here.

 

[MiaBabe23]

I wrote mine on impulse, letting exploration be the focus, rather than an editor voice, and submitted it within a day of starting it
I don’t recommend that, for obvious reasons, but it did give me a sense of freedom
I’ve been much more cautious with my second/ current attempt, so it’s probably been counterproductive, but I guess finding a way to really take the pressure off yourself might help

 

[DeMont]

Dear Penthouse Author Hangout,

There's no way my story is unique. Writing as a hobby since I could hold a pencil. Took an online writing class during COVID. Shared a few speculative fiction pieces with the other members of my writing class and learned how to hear their feedback. I wanted to try my hand at something erotic because I have a longtime kink that's very strong, but most of what I've encountered while exploring that kink was defined by men and I wanted my perspective to also be included in the conversation. So I have a reason for wanting to write, and hopefully that can give me the fortitude to withstand some of the inevitable hits my ego will take along the way.

I wrote something for the Yay Team sports challenge. It was a blast to write and I'm not terribly unhappy with it (if I were ever happy with my writing, I'd probably lose my motivation to continue because it would feel like I've taken it as far as I can go). This would be the first thing I've ever shared in an uncontrolled way

Yet the thought of actually submitting it fills me with dread and doubt.

I assume that hundreds of authors here probably see some parallels to their own journey, and yet found what it takes to press "Preview & Publish" instead of deleting your account and hiding.

Please, please, please tell me where you found it.

Signed,

"Hello ChatGPT, can you please write a forum post that explains that I'm filled with terror about submitting my first story? Please do it in the style of someone far more literate than me. Thanks!"

My dear @TheRedLantern
I have been a member of Lit since 2019 and yet I only found the courage to submit an erotic story about 9 months ago... why did it take me 5 years? I honestly couldn't say, perhaps it was my own ego not wanting to be "hurt", perhaps it was mind telling me that other people didn't want to waste their time reading my "rubbish". Self-preservation, strongest instinct in the human species, that's it in a nutshell. The fact is nobody knows who you are here, they only know you by your pen name so any "criticism" that may come along isn't directed at you personally, so to speak, rather at the content you have presented. Once I had this concept firmly in mind I thought, "Well, full speed ahead and damn the torpedoes...!" (old navy saying)

I chose a story I had already written, and won a competition with, then I adapted it to include sex. As I have mentioned before I, very often, don't start a project by thinking about the sex. I write a story then go back and weave the sexual content in.

Perhaps, as you mentioned you have writings already, you might be able to do that. In short, I guess, I'm afraid I can't wave a magic wand and make the terror go away (wish I could for you) only you can do that. I think, if you reach down deep, you will find you have more courage than you know.

The other option is that you could find a friendly author with a track record of submissions here who would be available to help you by reading and, if necessary, editing your work before you press that "Preview and Publish" button.

Just a thought or two for you to consider.
Deepest respects,
D.