Writing Fluff - A guilty pleasure?

[xannatharr]

Howdy all,

I'd like to pose a question, and I would appreciate and enjoy your answers. Anything from a brief answer to an essay is welcome. I will read and respond to all posts. Please help me gauge how you, the writers of Literotica, feel about the question below.

When you have two stories or story ideas that you are working on, and one has a strong narrative and story arc (maybe it's a heavier, more serious idea), and the other is a simple piece of short-form fluff that you started on a whim (perhaps lighter, more fun, and a less substantial idea) what do you like to do?

Which would you rather work on and why?

Thanks for your answers!

Regards,

Xann

 

[pink_silk_glove]

While I do write pieces of varying ideas and plots, some much lighter or heavier than others, I don't consider anything fluff. Unless I have a deadline, I would prioritize the one that my brain/muse directs me to the most. Usually that is a heavier/deeper or generally more complex piece but I can't really say that it's a conscious decision.

Fluff tends to bore me if that answers your question better.

 

[KittyOfSteele]

That's the conundrum I had with No Heroes In Love. On one hand I wanted to just be Cupid trying to cheer up someone during SAD. On the other hand, the idea for a meet cute originated from interactions I've witnessed/had in AH, especially with the IT girl with a stripper, which became a plot bunny at a shit posting thread. When the contest approached I figured to join the two ideas, and turn Cupid into this eldritch femme fatale who haunted Sabrina until she revealed herself at the end instead. Yeah, spoilers for a 24K nanonovel. I often prefer to merge ideas instead of wallowing in the dilemma. Whether it is fluff or not matters not. If my heart is going two ways, I choose both always.

 

[NuclearFairy]

Do you mean fluff as in filler, or fluff as in fluffy happiness?

I think from the rest of your post you mean the latter, but I'm so used to seeing that word used as the former...

Anyways, if my brain'll let me, and it doesn't always, I'll set aside my fluffy, silly, short ideas for later and work on my longer deeper ideas until I need a break. Then I'll pull up one of the fluffy pieces and work on it til I either get stuck or finish it. Which gives my brain a nice breather and makes it easier to get back into my deeper piece.

 

[BellaBestia]

Faced with two possible writing paths I would likely choose the path of least resistance. Whichever idea is giving me the most exhilarating vibe, the rush of excitement to write it and I can see the arc, climax and resolution pretty clearly (as opposed to struggling to write it) gets written first. Regardless if the subject is serious or “fluff”. Sometimes “fluff” pieces actually prove harder to write, for me anyway.

 

[dirk2024]

Whichever one pushes to the forefront. Late last night I started thinking about a WIP I haven't touched in months. So I wrote there for a while. Today, I'm back to the story I want done next for an upcoming challenge.

 

[xannatharr]

While I do write pieces of varying ideas and plots, some much lighter or heavier than others, I don't consider anything fluff. Unless I have a deadline, I would prioritize the one that my brain/muse directs me to the most. Usually that is a heavier/deeper or generally more complex piece but I can't really say that it's a conscious decision.

Fluff tends to bore me if that answers your question better.

That's interesting. I guess when I say "fluff" I am bringing in pretensions from other types of literature, ie. what is the "more serious" story vs. "what is fun to write."

That's the conundrum I had with No Heroes In Love. On one hand I wanted to just be Cupid trying to cheer up someone during SAD. On the other hand, the idea for a meet cute originated from interactions I've witnessed/had in AH, especially with the IT girl with a stripper, which became a plot bunny at a shit posting thread. When the contest approached I figured to join the two ideas, and turn Cupid into this eldritch femme fatale who haunted Sabrina until she revealed herself at the end instead. Yeah, spoilers for a 24K nanonovel. I often prefer to merge ideas instead of wallowing in the dilemma. Whether it is fluff or not matters not. If my heart is going two ways, I choose both always.

It sounds like you might merge two separate ideas and weave them together- I like that, but what if they aren't compatible ideas? Do you shelve one for a while then return to it when the time comes, or the other story is matured/done/at a stopping point?

Do you mean fluff as in filler, or fluff as in fluffy happiness?

I think from the rest of your post you mean the latter, but I'm so used to seeing that word used as the former...

Anyways, if my brain'll let me, and it doesn't always, I'll set aside my fluffy, silly, short ideas for later and work on my longer deeper ideas until I need a break. Then I'll pull up one of the fluffy pieces and work on it til I either get stuck or finish it. Which gives my brain a nice breather and makes it easier to get back into my deeper piece.

Fluff as in lightweight, fun to write stuff, when you might have another idea that is a little more substantial, but maybe not as fun to write.

So you might prioritize the "more serious" story and get back to the lighter-weight idea later, is how I am reading your answer, thanks!

Faced with two possible writing paths I would likely choose the path of least resistance. Whichever idea is giving me the most exhilarating vibe, the rush of excitement to write it and I can see the arc, climax and resolution pretty clearly (as opposed to struggling to write it) gets written first. Regardless if the subject is serious or “fluff”. Sometimes “fluff” pieces actually prove harder to write, for me anyway.

I do the same - and then I often feel like having done so was a sort of "guilty pleasure". Do you feel that afterwards sometimes?

Whichever one pushes to the forefront. Late last night I started thinking about a WIP I haven't touched in months. So I wrote there for a while. Today, I'm back to the story I want done next for an upcoming challenge.

So you would write "whatever is the most compelling now"? Then maybe revisit the other idea later, gotcha.

 

[anthrodisiac]

I see the word "fluff" and all I can think is the story idea I have for an anthro chinchilla.

As to which I'd rather do: it depends. I really enjoy deeper pieces, but there's fun romps are also enticing, even though I wouldn't consider myself overly rompy.

Each has their own appeal, so it's hard to really pick which I'd rather work on. I generally try to avoid having too many active WIPs at a time, so I usually stick with whatever I'm working on until it's finished. However, if I get stuck on longer pieces, then turning to a shorter story is a good way to make sure I keep writing and allow the longer piece to percolate in my brain while my subconscious works on figuring out what's causing the block.

Like @KittyOfSteele, my stories tend to have a bit of both. I like mixing heavier topics with humor, usually darker humor. So the line between fluff and serious blurs quite a lot. Also, most times I try to write a fluff piece, it ends up ballooning into a longer, more serious piece. Hazards of being a satire writer.

 

[dirk2024]

So you would write "whatever is the most compelling now"? Then maybe revisit the other idea later, gotcha.

Yes, strike where the iron is hottest.

 

[xannatharr]

I see the word "fluff" and all I can think is the story idea I have for an anthro chinchilla.

As to which I'd rather do: it depends. I really enjoy deeper pieces, but there's fun romps are also enticing, even though I wouldn't consider myself overly rompy.

Each has their own appeal, so it's hard to really pick which I'd rather work on. I generally try to avoid having too many active WIPs at a time, so I usually stick with whatever I'm working on until it's finished. However, if I get stuck on longer pieces, then turning to a shorter story is a good way to make sure I keep writing and allow the longer piece to percolate in my brain while my subconscious works on figuring out what's causing the block.

Like @KittyOfSteele, my stories tend to have a bit of both. I like mixing heavier topics with humor, usually darker humor. So the line between fluff and serious blurs quite a lot. Also, most times I try to write a fluff piece, it ends up ballooning into a longer, more serious piece. Hazards of being a satire writer.

First, Lol @ Fluff = Anthro Chinchilla character

Second, do you feel like switching to another story (a lighter/fluffier/maybe shorter one) makes resuming that other WIP feel a little "fresher" sometimes?

 

[xannatharr]

Thanks for the thoughtful, interesting replies gang.

 

[anthrodisiac]

Fluff as in lightweight, fun to write stuff, when you might have another idea that is a little more substantial, but maybe not as fun to write.

I wouldn't consider heavier pieces any less fun to write than fluff. In fact, I often enjoy writing longer, darker pieces over shorter, lighter pieces because I can really flesh out ideas and play with the characters and story. But everyone's different.

Second, do you feel like switching to another story (a lighter/fluffier/maybe shorter one) makes resuming that other WIP feel a little "fresher" sometimes?

Yeah, it can. Sometimes you can get locked in on a story and become too focused to notice scope creep (especially if you're a pantser like me). Returning to it after looking at something else gives you a chance to see the first story with fresh eyes. That can really help to focus on the important parts and trim the extraneous bits you put in because they were interesting, but derail the story or lessen its impact.

 

[KittyOfSteele]

It sounds like you might merge two separate ideas and weave them together- I like that, but what if they aren't compatible ideas? Do you shelve one for a while then return to it when the time comes, or the other story is matured/done/at a stopping point?

The two I mentioned were never meant to be compatible until I made the mod in the spoiler. I always find a way to make them compatible. Ideas are worth 0.03$ at most, and if they aren't malleable enough to be modified, it means they are being executed.

 

[xannatharr]

The two I mentioned were never meant to be compatible until I made the mod in the spoiler. I always find a way to make them compatible. Ideas are worth 0.03$ at most, and if they aren't malleable enough to be modified, it means they are being executed.

Sounds a little bit like taking two toys (Say a Barbie doll and a Flash Gordon doll), jamming them together and saying; "YES you two WILL play together!"

A Barbie v. Flash Gordon Space Opera actually sounds kind of hot

Thanks for elaborating!

 

[TarnishedPenny]

Depends on my mood at the time. Sometimes a deeper story makes me feel good at having produced it. Other times, while I may not take as much pride in writing, as you put it, fluff, I can be happy in knowing there are people whose day will be improved by reading it.

Not every dish I put on the family table has to be Coquilles Saint-Jacques; Mac and cheese can hit the spot, too.

 

[pink_silk_glove]

That's interesting. I guess when I say "fluff" I am bringing in pretensions from other types of literature, ie. what is the "more serious" story vs. "what is fun to write."

But deep plot is fun to write! : )

 

[old_prof]

To me, this is not a this or that answer. It depends heavily on my mood, etc.

Fluff can be very good for me to write as a cleanse from a large serious/intense piece, which is more what I tend to write. I like fluff especially when I'm having the postpartum reaction to a finishing/releasing a major story. I wrote Dolls shortly after finishing my original series. I wrote Cupcake Caper (a comedy) after finishing my first novel. I would probably be benefited if I wrote a fluff piece now, having just finished two novels.

 

[KittyOfSteele]

Sounds a little bit like taking two toys (Say a Barbie doll and a Flash Gordon doll), jamming them together and saying; "YES you two WILL play together!"

A Barbie v. Flash Gordon Space Opera actually sounds kind of hot

Thanks for elaborating!

*Scratches another plot bunny on her book of filthy ideas*

What? I can change Flash Gordon with Doc Savage or Avenger, and Barbie with Domino Lady and it's still right up my alley!

 

[BellaBestia]

I do the same - and then I often feel like having done so was a sort of "guilty pleasure". Do you feel that afterwards sometimes?

I only feel a twinge of guilt because I’ve not finished something I was already working on in favour of following the newer idea. That I’ve pulled time away from the more serious or longer thing I’m struggling against to go over there and play in mud a bit. But I like to think all writing is writing, good, bad or indifferent, and any time I get to do some and feel that flow state, it is a blessing.

 

[ADirtyPerv]

I don't write a ton of heavy stuff, but sometimes I have a story where the voice of the MC just rings really clearly, where I like their vibe a lot and the story just goes. The trick for me is to work on those stories while I'm clear-headed (i.e. not horny), to make those stories as good as I can make them, on a narrative level.

If I feel the perv coming out and messing with the way that really good story is going, I go work on my "oh no my brother is a horny werewolf" story or something. That one's actually pretty heavy, as far as the emotions, but it's my go-to fluff piece right now.

 

[anthrodisiac]

"oh no my brother is a horny werewolf" story

Don't you just hate love hate love hate that?

 

[PennameWombat]

Howdy all,

I'd like to pose a question, and I would appreciate and enjoy your answers. Anything from a brief answer to an essay is welcome. I will read and respond to all posts. Please help me gauge how you, the writers of Literotica, feel about the question below.

When you have two stories or story ideas that you are working on, and one has a strong narrative and story arc (maybe it's a heavier, more serious idea), and the other is a simple piece of short-form fluff that you started on a whim (perhaps lighter, more fun, and a less substantial idea) what do you like to do?

Which would you rather work on and why?

Thanks for your answers!

Regards,

Xann

Which to choose? Whichever one I'm being paid to write.

If that's not a consideration (and, no one is paying me to write here), then it's whichever one for which I have the most complete and compelling ideas.

But I'll jump on the bandwagon, that just because a story is "lighter in tone," or shorter, or has a less intense emotional arc, or is aimed at just entertaining someone, or well, helping them rub one out and not much more, or whatever, it's not "fluff," if you're using "fluff" as an pejorative.

Besides, I'm sure there are elitist literary circles where everything on this site would be considered "fluff."

 

[NuclearFairy]

Don't you just hate love hate love hate that?

Finally run out of flower petals?

 

[anthrodisiac]

Finally run out of flower petals?

*Picks new flower*

I hate being knotted. I love being knotted. I hate being knotted. I love being knotted...

 

[dirk2024]

Finally run out of flower petals?

mmm...flower petals.