As an author...

[emap]

I'm actually rather guilty as charged, well I wasn't personally but anyway. I on a few of my stories have not talked about being wet or ready for the sex, Photo Shoot springing to mind rather quickly. Though in my defence it wasn't about that, it was about a woman being forced into being a 'pet' for a man, and well that part rather seemed unnecessary because the whole thing to me felt really darn fake.

Of course many of them there is unprotected sex where I don't talk about maybe getting pregnant or getting a disease. Of course goes without saying that one of them better not be seen as can or has actually happened, I mean sex starved zombies, is there really anyone alive who does not think that is impossible?

If you are curious about that one, go to my homepage and read Texas Town Orgy, I'll post the next part eventually.

Side note: sr your being a teensy mean to cyber, corsett started the whole should be more like this trend. Not that I disagree with her, I suppose I should write up a little blurb to go in the front of all of my stories about how unprotected sex is really stupid unless your married and monogamous. I probably will eventually, gotta deal with snoopy first, he's being extra cranky lately.

 

[ms.read]

I am standing up on my soap box and humbly take off my baseball cap. I ask for your appologies To Carnevil, Emap and OTTO26 who believed in me. I tried submitting a voice over of some of the above authors stories, (thier text, my voice, with complete statements saying that the original authors names and titles of stories were still theirs and I had their permission to record them) I never altered the text in any way. I believe the powers that be did not let me submit the beautiful work that was created. Either that or my computer is a peice of shit.

So please, everyone here, I apologize sincerely. I have yet to be able to submit audio stories, or text with audio. I really did give a try.

 

[SavannahMann]

On the thread

Are we somewhat obligated to finish a story, when we say we will? Good question. I have one I started, and frankly ran out of steam on. I have tried several times to write some more, but what started with a great flood of words flowing out into a story, has become absolutely awful to me. I can't stand even to read it. It was too formulaic, too trite, and I couldn't stand to write any more.

At the moment, I have the first very rough draft done of another much darker story. I can't write the other one, so I'm using this one to try and get back to being creative. It's very dark and frankly it's difficult to keep throwing twists into it. I don't want the standard everybody lives happily ever after fairy tale ending.

So the question do I owe the readers the rest of the other story, despite my unhappiness with what I've done so far? I guess I do, sort of. However I also owe the reader a good story, not a collection of crap pretending to be a story. I have previously explained that I write what I would like to read. That is true, and when I don't want to read anymore of a story, I can't write it. I'm not experienced or disciplined enough to write something that I honestly believe isn't worth the time to read.

If I wrote the rest of the story now, I would probably kill everybody off in a massive tornado or something just to end the story. Perhaps sometime in the future, I'll get an idea where to take the story so it's not so terminally predictable. Until then, it's unfinished, and going to remain unfinished for a while.

 

[SavannahMann]

Safety and honesty are important, even in fiction.

However, I do feel certain other obligations as a writer that I would like to touch on. In some ways this is me venting about what I consider to be unresponsible writing by some writers. My main gripe is about stories that document inaccurate or unsafe sexual practices.

Interesting that you should post this. In my first story I ended with an author's note which said among other things.

I especially wanted to state for the record that while this is an act of Fiction, it uses techniques which are abhorrent to the practitioners of the BDSM lifestyle. No one should ever be blackmailed into doing something. However as a writers tool, I used it

Additionally, despite what Robert says in his monologue about all women wanting to be possessed, taken, that is not accurate. Some women do, some don't. Each of us has to explore our psyche and find what we like, don't like, and aren't willing to do.

Finally I don't believe that it's possible to sprain your asshole, however I wanted a little humor, and an injury that Sherri could do to herself.

In the story proper, I do have an anal sex injury which I touch upon some of the dangers of unprepared anal sex. For example, tearing of the rectum and the resulting massive infection which is not only possible, but probable. In each anal sex scene, I mention lubricant, at least I think I do. I know I mention it in nearly every scene.

That particular story spends more time discussing the issues of love and trust than the actual sex. I wanted a story of discovery with a touch of precognition and think I did ok for a newby. Nothing spectacular, nor anything shameful. Judging from emails and comments generally speaking, the readers seem pleased with my maiden effort.

 

[Cyberpawz]

Ok, I agree you're not in a position to be censoring. Certianly highly judgmental, though--which is a form of telling us to do it your way and to your tastes. I'll take this as your problem to work out on your own.

Sounds like you have some self-guilt about reading/writing/enjoying porn. Maybe you've come to the wrong site.

Actually I have no problem reading or writing erotica, I've been unofficially writing novels for over 15 years. I personally don't care if people listen to me about how I like a story or not, that is what an editorial, or a critique is meant for. You either follow it or not.

When people critique your material, on the face of the critique is an opinion about either they liked it or what they would of seen done differently. So to say that I am judgmental, is a little off base, because every time someone leaves a comment on a story they are being judgmental, either for good or for ill.

And through those critiques, if authors don't have a think enough skin, then people actually through their opinions upon stories tend to actually dictate what this site is all about.

 

[Jenny_Jackson]

I'm wondering-- what obligation/courtesy do we have as literotica authors to our readers when it comes to the stories? To be more specific, if we make it clear that we're writing a series and then announce that "x, y, z story" will be written within 6 months, but don't ever write/submit it, are we still okay?

Not that I'm planning on doing that, but are there any guidelines we should be following when it comes to our stories? I've just started a series (unintentionally based on reader approval) and I'm wondering what is an appropriate time frame.

And also to my chagrin, I was reading a series where the author announced a story to be written, only to find out that was 3 years ago!! Arrgh it's left me so unsatisfied...

Look EbonyFire...
We have (OMG Really? ) real lives that interfere with writing. We plan. We write. Then uncle Harry dies and our schedules go to hell. We get published and the publisher requires we stop posting stories or even remove our stories.

Lots of things happen. Personally, I don't post my expectations very often.

 

[EbonyFire77]

Look EbonyFire...
We have (OMG Really? ) real lives that interfere with writing. We plan. We write. Then uncle Harry dies and our schedules go to hell. We get published and the publisher requires we stop posting stories or even remove our stories.

Lots of things happen. Personally, I don't post my expectations very often.

I think a lot of people here are ignoring the fact that I have stated that *I* am an author and I do *not* expect everything to work out in a clock or what *I* see fit. I am QUITE aware that we all have lives and busy schedules--being a graduate student myself-- so please before anyone posts more condescending thoughts, read my posts more carefully! I also take offense at the "real lives" thing-- what, you don't think I have one? You think I sit at my laptop all day rubbing at my clit with one hand and writing with the other?

My main question pertains to whether or not we should promise something we cannot deliver. There are many areas in life where we are involved in volunteer work/submission at some time and just because it's easy for us to hide behind the facade of the internet doesn't mean we shouldn't follow up on what we promised reasonably.

 

[sr71plt]

My main question pertains to whether or not we should promise something we cannot deliver. There are many areas in life where we are involved in volunteer work/submission at some time and just because it's easy for us to hide behind the facade of the internet doesn't mean we shouldn't follow up on what we promised reasonably.

No, it's probably not the best idea to promise and not deliver because it breaks the relationship between the author and readers who want to continue reading that author's work--and also can result in some forms of punishment of the author's work. But is it an arms and leg issue? No, I don't think so. This is a porn site that's simply stuffed with read opportunities. The reader who can't adjust need not be catered to. And an author that doesn't get back to completing an intent hasn't broken any rules or laws here.

And I believe I posted this response before--are you only looking for a response that matches your opinion?

 

[EbonyFire77]

No, it's probably not the best idea to promise and not deliver because it breaks the relationship between the author and readers who want to continue reading that author's work--and also can result in some forms of punishment of the author's work. But is it an arms and leg issue? No, I don't think so. This is a porn site that's simply stuffed with read opportunities. The reader who can't adjust need not be catered to. And an author that doesn't get back to completing an intent hasn't broken any rules or laws here.

And I believe I posted this response before--are you only looking for a response that matches your opinion?

No, it's probably not the best idea to promise and not deliver because it breaks the relationship between the author and readers who want to continue reading that author's work--and also can result in some forms of punishment of the author's work. But is it an arms and leg issue? No, I don't think so. This is a porn site that's simply stuffed with read opportunities. The reader who can't adjust need not be catered to. And an author that doesn't get back to completing an intent hasn't broken any rules or laws here.

And I believe I posted this response before--are you only looking for a response that matches your opinion?

You've posted a few responses, mostly aimed towards others who have cited complaints with the way certain stories/genres are portrayed (which I have nothing against/for, even I have stated that all of these stories are works of fiction).

But I am trying to get a sense of authorship at this site, which I don't just see as a place to stick your hand down your pants. I use literotica to help with my own writing abilities/skills, even beyond the erotic scope. I don't expect that readers will be catered to and I don't think that anyone who doesn't complete a story has broken any rules-- but it surprises me to see that there is a lot of nonchalant attitude towards authorship. I see the reader/authorship relationship dependent on each other-- after all, an author was once a reader beforehand, and develops a sense of what is and is not appropriate for story submission, writing style, story delivery, timeframes between stories, etc. A reader gets less satisfaction out of incomplete stories. I guess it really has to do with your own personal intents for your story submissions and how seriously (or not) you take that stuff-- personally, I like to make updates using my member profile.

 

[sr71plt]

You've posted a few responses, mostly aimed towards others who have cited complaints with the way certain stories/genres are portrayed (which I have nothing against/for, even I have stated that all of these stories are works of fiction).

But I am trying to get a sense of authorship at this site, which I don't just see as a place to stick your hand down your pants. I use literotica to help with my own writing abilities/skills, even beyond the erotic scope. I don't expect that readers will be catered to and I don't think that anyone who doesn't complete a story has broken any rules-- but it surprises me to see that there is a lot of nonchalant attitude towards authorship. I see the reader/authorship relationship dependent on each other-- after all, an author was once a reader beforehand, and develops a sense of what is and is not appropriate for story submission, writing style, story delivery, timeframes between stories, etc. A reader gets less satisfaction out of incomplete stories. I guess it really has to do with your own personal intents for your story submissions and how seriously (or not) you take that stuff-- personally, I like to make updates using my member profile.

Yes, but you seem to be so obsessed about what others should be doing. You've posed your opinion and gotten response (I've given the same response myself on this thread twice). What in the heck do you expect us to do--slit our wrists and make a blood pledge for you? (and this goes back to being irritated at the insistence to redecorate the place to individual liking).

If you think an author should carry through on their promises, by all means do so (I've said twice that I think that's the wise thing to do. Geesch). But there's no requirment here for anyone else to do so--and if you think that plugging away on the topic is going to make it happen, good luck with that.

 

[EbonyFire77]

Yes, but you seem to be so obsessed about what others should be doing. You've posed your opinion and gotten response (I've given the same response myself on this thread twice). What in the heck do you expect us to do--slit our wrists and make a blood pledge for you? (and this goes back to being irritated at the insistence to redecorate the place to individual liking).

If you think an author should carry through on their promises, by all means do so (I've said twice that I think that's the wise thing to do. Geesch). But there's no requirment here for anyone else to do so--and if you think that plugging away on the topic is going to make it happen, good luck with that.

I don't believe I asked for you to respond twice, or even respond at all. I'm asking for opinions and to get a good gauge of what other authors think. You're the one pointing out obsession here-- not me. If I were *truly* obsessed, I think I would have already submitted a mandatory authors policy to Laurel and Manu by now, don't you think?

 

[evanslily]

...but it surprises me to see that there is a lot of nonchalant attitude towards authorship.

Seriously? It surprises you?

Okay. [Takes deep breath]

This site is kindly provided by Laurel and Manu for us, largely unworthy, 'authors' to submit our amateur efforts for the benefit of readers who like erotic fiction/smut/porn. Free of charge. For that alone, I can't thank them enough.

Many folks who write here are in fact published authors, many of whom cite the fact that they were allowed to hone their craft here as the reason they were successful in getting published. Still others were already published authors before submitting their stuff here.

But the majority are never going to get published. The majority are amateurs, most of whom know they don't stand a chance in hell of getting published in print. This site exists for those people too. Most of those people wouldn't consider that they are 'authors'. The idea of having a responsibility toward their readers has probably never crossed their minds. Why would it? More to the point, why should it?

As I said before, this is a free site. We're not charged to submit our stories, and we're not charged to read them either. The notion of having responsibility towards readers just doesn't apply here.

Personally, I want to complete the stories I submit and fully intend to do so--but in my humble opinion, this really is a matter of personal choice.

 

[Cyberpawz]

The issue I think is this, there are many people out there that do consider themselves authors, I for one am one of those people. Normally I pay someone to be and editor for my works because I tend to make a fool of myself one way or another through correctly spelled words but in incorrect terms, or bad grammar.

I have personally over three grammar and spelling programs just to make sure that my works without the use of an editor is elegant and sufficient enough for the generic reader, and sometimes the Grammar Nazi out there. I use one constantly, which interacts with my web browser, I am not using it now so just to give you an idea of my rough draft writing skills.

I gave up on the literary world a long time ago, at least the professional one because of the fact that editors and publishers were becoming more and more jaded, and annoying. I may get into it again, but we shall see... I don't think the work I've done here has any chance of really being published, so for me this just may be a trial run.

I will say this though, there are people out there that read my writings, including on this site, can't wait for me to actually get my next piece of work out (which is literally right next to me in hand written form) I appreciate at times those people, the situation though comes down to the rabid, open-mouthed, foaming and blathering fans that are near the point of worshiping the ground you walk on. Although it can be amusing you realize that they are truly five beers short of a six pack...

When it comes down to putting down a timeline on when your next story comes out is always a beginner mistake, you never put a timeline on when your next piece of work comes out, unless you are getting paid for it in advance, and the check is in your hand, and ready to be cashed.

People here have a lot to learn if they think that real life doesn't interfere with your writings. A person that does place a timeline down on his or her stories though for when the next one comes out, and if the time passes, should post in their description, or on the forum an apology, and explain why it didn't work out. It is the least they could do, now it doesn't mean that these people are expected to ever come out with a new story, even if they promised it, but it would be nice to think people have some level on integrity.

The reason I may not come out with my next story after this one may be very simple, I am getting married possibly this august, my fiancee has a possible baby on the way, I am moving out into an apartment, and also switching jobs. So as people here can see, I have a reason to keep from publishing in the future, but I will probably attempt to get this story out in a few weeks if I can find the time to do so.

 

[evanslily]

The issue I think is this, there are many people out there that do consider themselves authors, I for one am one of those people.

Ah. Well, I guess we both could be accused of generalising. You think many people consider themselves authors, and I think most of them don't. The reality's in there somewhere...

Hmm. I guess I was just trying to address Ebonyfire's 'authorship' question. I was only trying to say that many--okay, some writers here have no compunction to be accountable to their readers.

I'm glad that some/many authors do.

 

[Cyberpawz]

Ah. Well, I guess we both could be accused of generalising. You think many people consider themselves authors, and I think most of them don't. The reality's in there somewhere...

Hmm. I guess I was just trying to address Ebonyfire's 'authorship' question. I was only trying to say that many--okay, some writers here have no compunction to be accountable to their readers.

I'm glad that some/many authors do.

That I can agree on, there are many authors here that concider themselves to be so, but probably even more don't... as you pointed out I do, but I never put a timetable down unless I know I can stick to it... and the only way that would happen would be if I was paid $3,000 every two week minumum, for as much time was required.

As I've said in another post I believe, I can actually push out 14 pages worth of hand written story in 2 weeks, but it takes time to actually write it out on the computer, especially since what is written on paper, just like general planning an attack on a battle field, once placed in a real world situation, or in this case the computer, all things are thrown to the wind, and the best layed out plans are usually worth nothing.

 

[EbonyFire77]

I will say this though, there are people out there that read my writings, including on this site, can't wait for me to actually get my next piece of work out (which is literally right next to me in hand written form) I appreciate at times those people, the situation though comes down to the rabid, open-mouthed, foaming and blathering fans that are near the point of worshiping the ground you walk on. Although it can be amusing you realize that they are truly five beers short of a six pack...

Okay now THOSE people I see no reason to even bother catering to-- no offense to our readers, but a lot of readers get so high off a story that they almost want to leech you of life-- which we can't give. So in this respect, I understand where everyone is coming from.

A person that does place a timeline down on his or her stories though for when the next one comes out, and if the time passes, should post in their description, or on the forum an apology, and explain why it didn't work out. It is the least they could do, now it doesn't mean that these people are expected to ever come out with a new story, even if they promised it, but it would be nice to think people have some level on integrity.

This is what I figured myself-- it's the least they could do, but guess that's simply a matter of opinion.

 

[slyc_willie]

I have two stores at the moment that are unfinished, and obviously so. Now and then, I'll get an annonymous email or a PC that asks me if I will ever finish the series.

My honest reply is, "I don't know."

Certainly, I intended to finish the stories. But after the initial posting of the stories, I lost the 'umph' to follow through. One is an incest story, a subject with which I have lost interest in. Another is a sci-fi series, the first chapter of which I wrote late at night while admittedly drunk and submitted right away.

Granted, I could go back and finish both, but then comes another obligation to the readers: should I just write the thing, without the passion to do so, and end it? Or wait to see if, by chance, I may be inspired to really give the story a credible and meaningful next chapter?

 

[Cyberpawz]

I have two stores at the moment that are unfinished, and obviously so. Now and then, I'll get an annonymous email or a PC that asks me if I will ever finish the series.

My honest reply is, "I don't know."

Certainly, I intended to finish the stories. But after the initial posting of the stories, I lost the 'umph' to follow through. One is an incest story, a subject with which I have lost interest in. Another is a sci-fi series, the first chapter of which I wrote late at night while admittedly drunk and submitted right away.

Granted, I could go back and finish both, but then comes another obligation to the readers: should I just write the thing, without the passion to do so, and end it? Or wait to see if, by chance, I may be inspired to really give the story a credible and meaningful next chapter?

But you gave an answer, "I don't know."

Those people who ask, and have a head on their shoulders would understand and thank you for the response. Those who can say meh and just blather on saying that your story should be finished as soon as possible because they want it to be, is another story all together.

Personally I would just say on your description, "I am working slowly on a story now, please don't ask which one, but know it is in the process of coming out. When I don't know, but when it does is when it will, so please don't ask, for I truly don't know when the next story will be done. Real life has a tendency to bite authors in the ass, and derail any chances of a story to be finished in a reasonable time, or at least one to rabid readers "

 

[sr71plt]

I never start posting anything in a series until I've finished the entire series. I've sometimes than added to the story or done a reprise story, but nothing is then left hanging--so no messy explanations needed. In fact the way I write, constructing the threads that are needed from the beginning, I doubt I could just write something open ended and go ahead and post it at all, intending to write more on it later. That doesn't sound like good story construction to me.

But then, it's fine with me if other writers here do it their way. I don't feel the need to tell them how they have to do it or what they have to tell the readers about what they're doing.

 

[Cyberpawz]

I never start posting anything in a series until I've finished the entire series. I've sometimes than added to the story or done a reprise story, but nothing is then left hanging--so no messy explanations needed. In fact the way I write, constructing the threads that are needed from the beginning, I doubt I could just write something open ended and go ahead and post it at all, intending to write more on it later. That doesn't sound like good story construction to me.

But then, it's fine with me if other writers here do it their way. I don't feel the need to tell them how they have to do it or what they have to tell the readers about what they're doing.

Umm, you are missing my point if you are insinuating that I am actually telling people how to do things. I am suggesting, that is all. You need to re-read what people post it seems you really are reading too deeply into my posts if you think I am telling anyone how to do anything...

As for your opinion about how people should post messages in their own personal areas, that is your opinion, I am giving an option, especially to ward off rabid fans.

Some people who are fans would probably appreciate it... again just a suggestion, not me telling anyone how to do anything... either take my suggestions or don't...

 

[sr71plt]

Umm, you are missing my point if you are insinuating that I am actually telling people how to do things. I am suggesting, that is all. You need to re-read what people post it seems you really are reading too deeply into my posts if you think I am telling anyone how to do anything...

As for your opinion about how people should post messages in their own personal areas, that is your opinion, I am giving an option, especially to ward off rabid fans.

Some people who are fans would probably appreciate it... again just a suggestion, not me telling anyone how to do anything... either take my suggestions or don't...

Well, that's great. Good for you.

 

[Cyberpawz]

Well, that's great. Good for you.

Listen if I needed to be treated like a child, and given an attitude by someone who acts like they are all pomp and circumstance, I would of asked the local BDSM club I use to bounce at to borrow one of their "Mistresses" for a night... since I don't I would at least to be given the same level of respect I give you.

If that is too difficult for you to do, then perhaps you need to actually grow a thicker skin, since it seems to me, you can't take constructive criticism or suggestions. Or allow people to express their suggestions that counter your views.

 

[sr71plt]

Listen if I needed to be treated like a child, and given an attitude by someone who acts like they are all pomp and circumstance, I would of asked the local BDSM club I use to bounce at to borrow one of their "Mistresses" for a night... since I don't I would at least to be given the same level of respect I give you.

If that is too difficult for you to do, then perhaps you need to actually grow a thicker skin, since it seems to me, you can't take constructive criticism or suggestions.

Guess you just want to fight tonight and seem a bit distressed I won't engage in that with you. Sorry, the Christmas season has started--you'll just have to go on with that without me.

(I was responding to Slyk Willie in what I posted before you started pounding on my head, by the way--hadn't read your response to him at all while I was composing.)

 

[Cyberpawz]

Guess you just want to fight tonight and seem a bit distressed I won't engage in that with you. Sorry, the Christmas season has started--you'll just have to go on with that without me.

Actually I don't want to fight, it's called a discussion, but when you shoot other people's ideas or suggestions down just because they don't jive with your view of the world, it seems to me that I'm not the one that wants to fight.

 

[sr71plt]

Actually I don't want to fight, it's called a discussion, but when you shoot other people's ideas or suggestions down just because they don't jive with your view of the world, it seems to me that I'm not the one that wants to fight.

Take a look at what I added to my post. My last substantive post was to Slyc Willie, not to you--in fact I haven't read what you posted while I was composing to Slyc Willie's post at all. Several here said how they compose serials, and I posted how I compose mine--a method that completely obviates any need to tell readers at all about future installments. And I said any way anyone wanted to do it was legitimate. Can't get more open to what others want to do than that (other than tell me and other writers what we should do).