What elements really make a story stand out for you (in a good way)?

[JuanaSalsa]

I am drawn to imperfection. The character who struggles with dark desires, or who falls into peril due to their own questionable decisions. I love when the internal tension is just as strong, if not stronger, than the external.

And it's not just imperfect personalities, it's imperfect bodies too. The writer who can describe all the flaws of his/her lover's bodies with attraction, that arouses me. Does she love his micro-dick? Does he crave running his tongue across her cellulite? Does she find his early balding adorable? Does her facial hair arouse him inexplicably? I love that.

That imperfection of being is so tantalizing to me. I really enjoy authors who embrace imperfection.

 

[Gamblnluck]

What things in a story really make it stand out for you?

For me there are three:

1. An element of realism. Yes, I know, this site is all about fantasy but I still want at least SOME realism in the stories. A lot of times it takes me out of the story if suddenly all the characters are nymphos who are ready to go with no prior hints of interest.
2. Good dialogue. Having good, realistic dialogue really helps draw me in.
3. A bit of a slow burn. Having some build up prior to the "action" really makes the final destination that much hotter in my opinion.

I like all the above in my stories. At least a semi-plausible response of the characters to the events. I have pushed that a bit. My most recent story 'Replaced" was widely panned.

I kinda enjoyed writing it. I tried to throw in some comedic elements. Well, to have the characters screw with each other in a way I thought was funny.
I love dialog. I am certainly not good at it. I never really try to inflections, but I generally try to introduce elements of local vernacular when I think appropriate.

 

[StrangeLife]

Character, character, character.

Pretty much this.

A great story is always a plus of course, but if you fail to make your characters interesting, I will have a hard time caring about where the story takes them and what happens to them.

 

[NightPorter]

Written work is the original VR experience. Good descriptions that paint an erotic visual are a must.

A plot that is believable, which is not the same thing as realistic.

 

[Lifestyle66]

...
I'll add a strong woman. I have no issue with women getting down and dirty and going full porn star mode, but I like it on their terms. Tired of the "strong woman seeks her submissive side" or the stories where the woman is portrayed as a simpering 1950's housewife, or degraded, etc...I like women who know what they want and aren't afraid to come after it.

You should try my series 'Lifestyle Ch.01 thru 03...' for the strong female character. Post a comment, if you do.

 

[KarlMartinK]

What things in a story really make it stand out for you?

For me there are three:

1. An element of realism. Yes, I know, this site is all about fantasy but I still want at least SOME realism in the stories. A lot of times it takes me out of the story if suddenly all the characters are nymphos who are ready to go with no prior hints of interest.
2. Good dialogue. Having good, realistic dialogue really helps draw me in.
3. A bit of a slow burn. Having some build up prior to the "action" really makes the final destination that much hotter in my opinion.

Reality - that's a good one, possible enough to happen, but a little fantasy mixed in

Pacing - if it starts off too fast, not good, but if it takes forever to include unnecessary details, also not good

The right level/type of detail - It's weird to see a character realize someone has a 7.5 inch penis rather than just "he was huge" or the same with breast size or whatever.

 

[yukonnights]

hi
Things that make a story stand out for me

Characters I care about with their feelings described.
Good grammar
Good dialogue
A descent plot
Well written descriptions of events
Well written sensory description

Hope this helps

You saved me from having to write all of the above

 

[FictionRomantic]

I like storied with love potions and other magic, tender romances, younger women and older men, implausible couplings, witches, pregnancy risk sex, love, marriage, and a baby carriage.
"Fertility Potion Mix-up" by Yossarian67, "Lisa's Revenge" by sethp, "Lenses" by UAlbanyGirl518, "The Mafia and Maternity" by idkwhattodo21, and "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles" by UAlbanyGirl518 I especially cite as the type of stories that I'd like to read more of.

 

[MellowJoe]

Good question. For me:

Good characters. I have to be able to relate on some level to the protagonist. If I can't do that, then I won't really care too much about them, and the story falls flat.

The less suspension of disbelief required, the better. I'll allow a little bit to set up the situation but if there are too many things I have to overlook, it takes away from my enjoyment. The more fun the story is to read (for broad definitions of "fun") the more I'll overlook.

I find excessive deus ex machina to be distracting, especially if it's just tossed into the middle of the story. Example: "By the way, I'm a 4th degree black belt, and I also do krav maga for fun" three pages in. Stuff like that.

Stories need a beginning, a middle, and an end. All too often that last one gets dropped. I'll be reading something, and then it just stops with no real resolution, and no sequel posted.