Writing styles

[ErOTic]

I'm interested to know a little about how others write stories. The stories I've written thus far have been pretty much stream-of-conciousness renditions of personal fantasies (with a bit of elaboration). I've written each one in a single sitting.

How do others write? I'm especially interested in styles used for the more involved stories. Are you actually developing plot lines and filling in the details?

 

[Guest]

How one writes is a very individual thing.
I tend to take quite a while mulling over a story in vague terms, though when I actually sit down to write I may churn it out in a single afternoon. I usually muse on the characters and what sort of scenes I want to put them in, then let my brain dwell on what sort of plot would result in what I want. I have a couple of stories that I thought about for six months before writing them out, and a couple that I came up with in a day or so.
Writing on a word processor has the advantage that you can go back and change small things at will; I started writing in the days of manual typewriters, and making changes was a real pain. We also didn't have spell-checkers (though I notice a few contributors to Literotica obviously believe they don't need them!).
And this is important - if you think of an idea, a character's name or a twisty plot...WRITE IT DOWN ! It is oh-so-easy to get busy and realise a couple of hours later that you've forgotten it totally. A couple of words scrawled on a scrap of paper can make all the difference.
But most important of all - to be a writer, the old cliche says, you have to write. So go do it!

 

[Bob Peale]

I kind of use a hybrid of the two methods. On the one hand, I can honestly say that I've never been able to write a story in one sitting, but if you look at my stories you'll see that they are somewhat long and involved.

Usually, I'll sit down the first time with an idea for a scene...I usually don't know if it's the beginning, the middle, or the end of a story...and I'll write about it. Then I'll just let my mind wander, kind of stream of consciousness, until I have a story built around it.

At that point, I typically put it down and walk away, letting my mind clear for a day or so. Then I go back and "color" it in, expanding the characters, cleaning up the plot line, working on the continuity.

A great example of this is "Yard Work". The scene I originally wrote was the scene where the guy is standing in the yard watching the couple. The rest developed well after the fact.

 

[DCL]

I'm big on beginnings and endings. I start with either a strong visual sequence or prose heavy paragraph, and close with an unexpected or somewhat over the top ending. That goes for chapters as well as the entire story.

I heard some advice once on how to write a mystery story which I feel applies to all writing -- Hook them with the first sentence so they'll want to read the whole paragraph. Hook them with the paragraph so they'll want to read the whole chapter. Hook them with the first chapter, etc.

I like tight plots -- some little thing that happens in Chapter Two is brought up again in Chapter Six and in the last Chapter all the loose ends are tied up and you see that every thought, action and moment in the story is supported by another thought, action or moment and in the end you've made a single statement.

By the way, thanks for your post elsewhere about "Jazzy Girl". Glad you liked it.

Happy writing.

Dixon Carter Lee

 

[XXplorher]

I usually get a premise that strikes me, has to hit me pretty deliberate for me to want to start the story (knowing I’ll spend serious time w/it. An entire day, best case – can be up to a week). I may very quickly sketch out (in my mind, not on paper) how the story would unfold. There will be certain acts I want to take place, a certain overall attitude going – I’ll know the characters’ approach to sex, before I began.
That doesn’t mean, however, that I’ll stick with all that. The best ones just take me over and I’m simply a conduit, writing what my mind is seeing (and my mind sees plenty!). The challenge is, to keep it flowing at a tempo you want the reader to feel. Like sex – you don’t wanna lose that. Keep it rolling, teasing, building, what have you – develop the energy you’re looking for and keep it happening. Sometimes, as in Teaching Patti (Author: DCL), a distraction can even add to that! So there are several ways.
Most importantly, for me, is to paint it properly. I really want you to see it all, as well as feel it – without being too technical, or repetitive. That’s tough. Try to keep fresh wording (though I say ‘cock’ too much – it’s just a kick ass word, eh! Shows the strength of the penis…….COCK. Ya know?). If I read the same terms over and over – that drives me nuts. Do you always fuck in the same position? Nope. Then don’t say things the same way over and over – that’s my approach.
I think you really have to let it overtake you though, so stream of consciousness is good, and I’d be very interested to read your stuff ‘erotic’.
In Other woman 2 – I really let the woman take over my mind, I became her. That was a ton of fun.
In Wrong # - the female was really enchanting me, and I kind of built her into my dream woman. That wasn’t intended – but it happened. And it’s why I never let her get entered by a man, eh (selfish bastard that I am). Once I realized I had to have her…….well, read ‘Water’ – I took her out to the pool and did it right.
Those stories have been well accepted. So there’s must be something to say for letting the story take YOU. Not taking the story.

That’s my take, eh.

PS And I never go back and change what I first wrote. That’s how I came – that’s how it stays, eh. Hopefully, I didn’t cum too quick! hehehe

 

[MorningStar]

Wish I could add something wonderfully insightive to what's been posted already, but alas...some of the best authors that have posted on this site have covered the bases very well. I think each story you come up with can be delivered to you differently. I've had them run from start to finish in a day. I have the beginning and the ending roaming in my brain with the one I'm writing now, waiting for me to mold the middle. I firmly believe spell check was invented for me, now if I still wouldn't proof read through my grammatical mistakes and the use of wrong words, I'd be a happy camper. I suppose at this point, I set the goal of trying to come up with something to read that is as spell binding as the authors who have posted before me, just hope I haven't set a goal too distant to reach.

 

[Hullo_nurse]

After reading all that the experienced writers had to say, let me tell you as a new writer what I do. Usually it is a fantasy of mine that I have thought about & I just start writing. I really don't think too far ahead about plots & the like, but my stories only average 25-35K. I usually just go with what cums to mind & figure if it gets me hot it will probably get someone else hot. Spell check is a must & I will admit that the last thing I sent, which hasn't gotten posted yet, wasn't spchecked, ooops. I forgot I was in such a rush to get it done that night. I think all my stories have been written over a couple of days, up to a week. But, once I get into the scene sometimes I just can't stop until it is done. Like the last story. I had 7K done for about 5 days & then all of a sudden the rest came to me in one sitting, and the end just sort of happened the way it did. I didn't know I was going there until I had written it. Amazing, the way a writer's mind works. Well, I guess I have rambled on far too long, but what I think I am trying to say is that each of us has a unique way of getting the job done...find your way & go with it!! Good luck!

 

[Laurel]

A Reader's Perspective (just my opinions, of course!):

I like stories that have a story to tell - meaning, they aren't just slices of life ("I woke up, had sex, went to work, boffed my secretary, went home and did my wife again.")

For me, a good story has a theme, or a thesis. The events in my life that I remember most are things that taught me something about life or about people, that illustrated a point. For example, I remember my first boyfriend because he broke my heart and showed me not to be so open to people. Stories without points are like day to day events - experienced, then forgotten.

If you're going to write a story about getting up, doing your wife, then boffing your secretary at work, show me why I should care. What do your actions say about you, about people in general? What insights into human nature can be gleaned? What makes this day special, or these events unique?

I think it was Kurt Vonnegut Jr. who said, when writing a story, chop out anything that doesn't either provide character development or further the plot. I love well-written description, but don't use it as window dressing. Use it to describe your characters. Instead of being technical ("her 36DD chest"), describe how the folds of her dress fall across that chest, or the shape of her nipples straining against the fabric. Bring us into the scene, don't beat us over the head with numbers.

These are just a few observations - a couple things to think about when you write. Hope this makes some sense...

 

[Guest]

The devil is in the details. Verisimilitude, the multisyllabic word for the day, is created by attention to details. They give the readers' imagination a chance to add depth, texture, associations with real thing in their own life, and they entice them to "suspend their disbelief willingly."

A firm well-rounded breast, nipples swollen with desire and expectation has been described a gazillion times in a gazillion stories. Add a sprinkle of freckles just above the nipple and suddenly the woman who owns that breast becomes real, individualized, her picture comes into focus in your mind.

First give us details, then make her willing, multi-orgasmic, and a devoted sex slave.

 

[XXplorher]

Bottom line:

If it doesn't work for the writer - it won't work for the reader. Discover for yourself.

Valuable comments here from every poster. Several I may use. Thanks!


(psst.. de da dee da dee da do do........ hehehe)

 

[Laurel]

XXplorher - As much as I think you're the cat's meow (or the mat's ceow, for you dyslexics out there), I must disagree. The reader is THE KEY. Anyone can write down their feelings, hopes, and dreams in a diary, and those writings would be very interesting and important to the writer but not necessarily all that interesting to the reader.

Writing is a form of entertainment - you are writing for an audience. (If you aren't, then you'd just be happy to tuck your work away in your diary, pulling it out every now and then and telling yourself how brilliant you are.) You may be doing the actual writing for yourself - to satisfy some need for self-expression - but when you bring a piece out into the light of day (be it on the web, in novel form, or showing it to a friend) you are doing so to be read.

Readers are a selfish bunch. When we read, we're thinking,"Okay, what's in it for me? How does this interest me? How does this apply to MY life?" Which sort of ties into what I posted above - make your story important, make it have a wider relevance.

One of the reasons that "Teaching Patti" is such a good story is that it does just that. It isn't just about some guy and a younger girl. It's about taboos, about innocence and innocence lost. It's intriguing because the reader can put himself or herself in the character's shoes - I can see myself as Patti, a naive girl discovering sex for the first time. Many guys I know can see the narrator's point of view - attracted to innocence and youth, painfully aware of the social repercussions of that attraction, yet forging on regardless.

It could have been just another story about an older man getting down with a young chick. What makes it memorable is that you are drawn into the story. DCL is sensitive to the reader - he understands our selfishness and makes sure to bring us along on the ride. And through the telling of the story, he forces us to reexamine our own values. The story has a much wide scope, and makes statements not just about Patti but about all relationships.

There are many stories that are just as effective in this way, but I brought up "Teaching Patti" because it's widely read and known. Xxplorher's "The Other Woman" series is a wonderful example of this - he xxxplores (hehe) the motivations of each character in such a way that even if we disagree with his or her actions, we can't help but have empathy for them. And even through all the hot sex, he never loses touch with the theme of the series - the contrasting of love (husband for wife) versus lust (husband for slut). "The Wards" series is also compelling as it shows how love can change your life in dramatic ways.

Authors: what stories (besides your own... hehe) on the site have touched you in some way, stuck in your head for a while after reading?

 

[*Eve*]

I like to write the type of things that I in turn would like to read. For me I like to think about what I would expect in a good read and try to include them in my stories. Often when you're just writing solely for the purpose of what others want or what you think people want then it's doomed, at least in my case anyway. I figure it this way, if I wouldn't want to read it, why would anyone else want to either. I think every author has their own stlye of tackling a story so it's always best to just go with what feels right.
Eve

 

[Laurel]

Ah, but even in that, you're still considering the reader - whether it be yourself or someone with your tastes. By writing stories you'd enjoy reading, you ARE keeping the reader in mind. While writing, you're visualizing your audience and what would make them happy... and it shows in your stories.

Obviously, it would be untrue to change your style to suit others. However, I hate reading prose where the author uses lots of tricky phrasing and inappropriate vocabulary - amusing themselves, and forgetting about their audience. They're trying to prove what great artists they are, with no regard for what people (even themselves) like to read. Every writer here is writing, in a sense, to please and entertain other people - otherwise, why would you have your stories posted on a public forum?

All right, I'm stepping off my soapbox. Official End of Diatribe.... hehehehe

Hey... Tonight I'm gonna start posting a 4-part series called "Fair Game" (no relation to the Cindy Crawford movie). I can't remember who the author is offhand (someone new, I believe), but you guys should check it out and let me know whatcha think. I really really like it - it's funny, sexy, and lots of twists & turns in the plot. The writing's excellent - the guy's a great storyteller!

 

[XXplorher]

The reader is THE KEY. Anyone can write down their feelings, hopes, and dreams in a diary, and those writings would be very interesting and important to the writer but not necessarily all that interesting to the reader.

Hmm, did I say what works for the writer WILL work for the reader? Nope. Said if it does NOT work for the writer – it will NOT work for the reader. Meaning, don’t take someone else’s advice and force yourself to write in that manner. If you, the writer, aren’t feeling it or comfortable in that style – ditch it and try a new approach.
Your points are valid. However, I would think it’s obvious I personally write w/the reader in mind. It’s ALL that’s on my mind. It’s WHY I do it. Rarely do I write a story w/narration from MY perspective. I make a conscious effort to write from a perspective that’s not my own. In thinking………..maybe it’s YOURS. I want to feel YOU. That’s what’s in it for me. I already know what ‘I’ feel – little interest in relaying that. Who cares? Want to deliver something for ‘you’ to feel. So, I’m certainly hoping I don’t read like a diary. That would mean I’m failing miserably. Ouch.
Please excuse my vanity (I’m sure I look the jack-ass here. Wouldn’t be the first time, eh). I’m simply expanding on what you said and clarifying myself. And thanks for the compliment on Other Woman. The empathy and understanding of their actions was the key. Glad it worked.

Stories that affected me? A True Romance. I didn’t think I’d be into the incest thing, but that story changed all that quite effectively. I really felt their love for each other as well as the lust. Made me think ‘Hmm, I can see how that would be a major turn on! I mean, that is seriously getting inside someone. Can you have anything more communal than that? That’s intense! Plus, that guys sister got my rock a rollin! The way she talked and delivered. The way she just totally went for it and let it consume her………..ripped a hole in my shorts. Yup.
Sadly, that writer appears to have DISappeared.

A final quick comment: Reading Eve’s and your last – you can’t simply go ‘What do they want? Ok write that’. Nope, you HAVE to be able to relate. That’s the part I enjoy, going in there and finding it. If I’m not finding their mindset, I wont write it. And for me personally, though I’ve already expressed my enjoyment in delving into someone ELSES mind, I LIKE it when the author writes something that amuses themselves. I dig that. Makes me feel THEM. And for me as a reader, that’s what I want. Again, I already know how ‘I’ feel, eh. Xxplore…………HER. Capishe?

Now get back up on the soapbox. Let's have a debate, eh? Stricktly for the purpose of amusement and enrichment of course ; )

de da dee da dee da do do........

 

[Laurel]

Okay, Xxplorher...

[tying on her gloves]

hehe... Actually, I agree with you and Eve... You can't be a puppet for the masses. However, you can tell a story that's written with the reader in mind vs one that isn't. That's all I'm saying. Without an audience, none of this matters.

"A True Romance" is definitely a good one... As I sit immersed in submissions, I'm once again amazed at the quality and creativity that we get in our mailbox every day. The new Southernhelle story is excellent, the new WilRun Amish story is excellent... I like Ms Vicious a lot - I relate to the crazy young girl thing... umm... oh, just tons of good stuff...

 

[XXplorher]

No debate? : (

:: puts his sermon under his arm, chin sinks to his chest, and turns and walks away........empty ::

"Who loves ya, baby?" hehe he he

 

[HSWriter]

I believe that stories should come from personal experiences. To me, those are the most vivid and powerful experiences.

 

[Guest]

Well, i've only posted one story, so i might be out of line replying here, but to tell the truth, I was drunk as a skunk when i wrote "Fun under plaid" and I plan to be drunk as i write more stories. It was the only way i could get up enough guts to post

(this would explain the incongruity of names in my story, global replace just doesn't catch diminutives of names.) Hehe, so yeah, i like stories based on fact, but i elaborate.
Note: I hate 2nd person stories, i never read them.
2nd note: I see that some of you appear to be professional writers. I am a poor bastard. Where do you people sell to? I'm trying to become a 'writer' hehe. I do much better when sober and not thinking about sex, i swear. I even use spellcheck sometimes.
dithi@bigfoot.com

 

[XXplorher]

Wait…… :: looking up the word ‘dissertations’ :: Damn! I need to bone up on my vocab……….ahh, ‘commentary’. Hmm………. Cool word. But I think I’ll stick with ‘commentary’, cause I’m trying to write with the reader in mind – and I want to be clear. (LMAO several times over. Who’s gonna slap me 1st ?)

How’s that for thinking out loud MorningStar? Naked? ; )

 

[MorningStar]

ah come on Laurel....throw out some tid bit for X to latch on to.....it's such fun seeing him tuck his chin and walk away, but even in his dissertations, he writes well...giggle....besides, it's a nice break from writing stories, getting to see the thinking side of him.....don't you agree?

The points brought up in this discussion have been interesting to say the least. It's not really changed my approach to the prose, but it has made me go back and make sure some parts read the way I really intended them to to be read. (dang it's taking longer on this story than the other ones...that's for sure...giggle). At least with so many stories waiting to be posted, I've got time to keep sending in chapters along the way....LOL.

MorningStar

 

[DCL]

I agree with HSWriter. I find stories based on true life experience have a deeper resonance -- they feel like they actually could have happened, and that brings me in as a reader.

Both "Teaching Patti" and "Jazzy Girl" were inspired by women (girls) I knew, and actual events (though I never had sex with five teenage girls and I never got naked on top the Empire State Building with fire-works exploding all around me -- you've got to have some dramatic license, eh?) and the true feeling, emotions and impressions that I still carry with me spurred me to write the stories, and those real women helped me to create fictional situations that other Readers have told me they can relate to (and, hopefully, are turned on by).

As far as "where do you sell your writing?" -- oh Lord! Try picking up a big old book called the Writers Digest that comes up annually (Barnes and Noble or any other big bookstore will have it in the writing section). That book will tell you all you need to konw about how to format, query, and submit everything from poetry and magazine articles to plays and screenplays, and where to send them. Good luck!

If you're asking about "where to sell erotic writing?" I honestly have no idea, I'm new to the whole thing. Try the men's magazines like Penthouse or Screw, though I can't imagine they pay much. Maybe Laurel will publish a "Literotica Collection", you know, when she isn't busy doing everything else it is she does for Literotica (for free).

Dixon Carter Lee

 

[Mike Tauron]

Hmmm, I don't really go along with DCL and HSW about personal experience being the best inspiration. I tend to work purely through my imagination, though naturally all stories say something about their creator. "My Maid Mitzi" was written out of a desire to express my view that pregnant women can still be sexy. "The X-Rated Files" was a jape aimed at all the people who want Mulder and Scully to get together. "Love-All at Wimbledon" came mostly out of watching the Williams sisters on TV and subsequent yearnings. And "Groomed to be Gay" came from God-knows-where, since I'm not gay, but I thought it was an interesting gimmick. [some of the stories mentioned may not have been posted yet] For me, writing erotic stories is one way to gratify my daydreams about exotic and/or famous people. Plus, I like writing, of course!

 

[Kip Carson]

I feel that if it turns you on when you write
it, then it probably will turn on those who read
it. My wife reads all of my stories, and if she
thinks I need to change this or that, I usually
take her advise and fix it before I submit it. It
never hurts to have someone else involved,
just so they can tell you if it's Hot or Not!!
One great thing about this site is, the readers
are not afraid to voice their opinions. If you
can take constructive critisism, you can learn
more from your readers than from anything else.
They will let you know when you are doing some
thing that they like. I love, and look forward to
all of the email I receive each day. Thanks ALL.
Kip Carson

 

[MorningStar]

Well X.......I'm not into pain...but if you want a slap...turn around and let me at that backside of yours....giggle.

I have to agree with parts of all the comments on here....guess I'm still a fence sitter at times....but being a Pisces does that to you...you are the one that sees the middle ground and the compromises...and often is the mediator in the situations...at this point..there's no mediator needed...we all have our forces that drive us to write..and I think you'll have to agree...that with this site, as author's ...we've been blessed with an audience of wide ranges of tastes in stories....so we can write what and how we like to write and still find someone to read them....am I right?

(naked?...mmmmmm...whirlpool after the battle please...so we can both relax and talk while the jets sooth the aching muscles)

smile
MS

 

[XXplorher]

Oh no, I didn’t WANT a slap. Simply prepping for it. Much rather spank your erotic little ass, thanks. Have you been naughty?

Failing that, your ‘mediator’ comments are nothing but accurate. Different strokes for different folks, eh. The variety of posts her proves that. The only thing I’d stubbornly stick to is that the writer has to enjoy and feeeeeel the writing. Otherwise, I doubt the reader will. And when I say that – feel means delivering.
The world is full of variety, eh? Why slim down options? It all depends on what you personally look for.

Whirlpool? Mmmmm, sound nice. Anyone else wanna join us? I’d kind alike to see Laurel show us a bit of skin, eh ; )