Why do you spend time in the Lit forums?

I originally started coming to the forums looking for feedback (feedback forum) and/or editors (editor's forum). I peeked in here and found the AH to be an unfriendly place. That was 2015, about the time that the forum became moderated.

I was around for a month or two before I saw fit to post much to AH, and I did it because some people here were mean and/or barely rational and I thought I could contribute a calmer voice.
 
Fun. Curiosity. I'm interested in what kinky people are thinking, what motivates them to write what they write, and what they have to say about it. And there is pleasure in community. It's nice to get that reassurance, "I'm not the only pervert, thank goodness."

Also, despite there being some bad behavior now and then, this is a very interesting, intelligent, and diverse group of people.
 
It's nice to get that reassurance, "I'm not the only pervert, thank goodness."

Most definitely.

Without delving too deep into a long winded story about my past and my upbringing, I went through a phase where it was nice to discover that, despite what I'd been taught all my life, I wasn't a filthy, degenerate pervert.

I was just a normal guy. Who got horny and thought about sex a lot.

And that there was nothing inherently WRONG about that.

And that there were others out there, like me.

MANY others. And they weren't monsters or freaks either.

Just...gasp...humans with an enjoyment of sex.

I don't wanna derail the thread, but an interesting side note would be to learn just how many of us still hide this side of ourselves from those around us out of fear of negative backlash.
 
"I loved your story xxxxxxxxx. It was perfect!! Have you read
I'm here for the usual reasons. Mainly, now, to learn more about the site and how to use it effectively. The camaraderie, feedback, writing tips and anecdotes too. Your point about story recommendations is something I hadn't really thought of wrt the forums, but yeah, that would be nice.

Your very clear and to the point explanation in your bio, well, it's not my thing (sorry), so I can't help you there.

My thing is literary erotica. I like to read it, and I try to write it. It's why this is my favorite site, because that does exist here to be found. And there are readers that are accepting of it. Other sites (I'm also on the one with a name that is slang for an inveterate drunk) are very heavily focused on fetishes and stroke stories. Literotica has plenty of both, but it has a lot more as well.

So any suggestions for good literary-ish writers here, or just writers that have good characters and stories with some depth to them, I'd love to hear them. Especially stories that have sex in them, but aren't strictlly about sex.
 
1) The more I write, the more i find myself thinking about "writing," as a craft. I find myself reading fiction differently. And while I'm no artiste, when i do something, i like to do it well. All that leads me to want to chat with, and learn from, other people who also write, and might have interesting perspectives on those things I'm thinking about. But given what i write, there aren't really many venues where i can do that, so the forums make a lot of sense.

2) Writing for LitE has its own opacities, idiosyncrasies, and frustrations. So, its helpful to rant sometimes with people who "get it"; to see how different people approach writing for the site; and to learn realistic expectations and effective practices from veterans.
 
I'm here for the usual reasons. Mainly, now, to learn more about the site and how to use it effectively. The camaraderie, feedback, writing tips and anecdotes too. Your point about story recommendations is something I hadn't really thought of wrt the forums, but yeah, that would be nice.

Your very clear and to the point explanation in your bio, well, it's not my thing (sorry), so I can't help you there.

My thing is literary erotica. I like to read it, and I try to write it. It's why this is my favorite site, because that does exist here to be found. And there are readers that are accepting of it. Other sites (I'm also on the one with a name that is slang for an inveterate drunk) are very heavily focused on fetishes and stroke stories. Literotica has plenty of both, but it has a lot more as well.

So any suggestions for good literary-ish writers here, or just writers that have good characters and stories with some depth to them, I'd love to hear them. Especially stories that have sex in them, but aren't strictlly about sex.

Not a lit writer, but Whip Smart by Melisa Febos may be foundational to my writing. I recommend to all.
 
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I'm always more productive with any hobby if there is a social aspect. I like to share my perverted ideas with like minded folk. You guys are stuck with me, sorry.
 
I come to the forums to be randomly reminded - regardless of what the original topic of conversation is - that at least one author has written a story about a cephalopod squid creature that does some sort of tentacle move through two people's intestines or something. Never read the story but feel I know the plot quite well by now. 😝

... Oh, and have you guys heard about this demonic collaboration story? Pretty sure it involves at least one Heaven and a minimum of one Hole. 😎

This post is not meant to be taken seriously.
 
Most people took my first answer as a funny but think about it. I've been here 18 years, it's home. I've met some of the most gorgeous, mind wise, people ever here. Body wise ya never know but then again, who cares as long as the mid is a blaze of glory. I've been lucky enough to meet a couple of dozen of these people in person.

This is home and you get out of it what you put into it.
 
People-watching.

I became aware of AH for about 3 or 4 years ago. It’s a great place to people-watch from an armchair, at home. I learn about other peoples’ internal experience of writing and their view of the power, or otherwise, of mere words etc: and sort them into pigeonholes.

There’s a great thread at the moment where ‘My characters write their own story’ meets ‘fictive dreamer’. I’d assumed these writers/ readers were two sides of the same coin, but they’re not. Intriguing.
 
I like to meet the authors and sometimes even chat with them. I have been reading stories on here for many years and I am just a fan of the writing. They have pushed my boundaries in many cases and in others allowed me to disappear in a fantasy world…It’s like meeting your heroes of erotica lol
 
More or less it's because I'm new here and I'm trying to understand this site, the vibe of it, what works and what doesn't as far as engaging readers. Also there's a lot of insight in the forums as to how the site actually runs which is really helpful if I want to participate. There's people on here who have been writing stories for years and know a lot about it.

So, basically

1: Trying to understand this site

2: Trying to get better at writing erotica

3. Hopefully connecting with others
 
I thought of this question when I woke up this morning and got so excited composing it in my head that I wanted to leap out of bed. Couldn't, though, as hubby was bringing me breakfast in bed. :) I couldn't really concentrate on my book. Glad to dig in!

So, to repeat, why do you spend time in the Lit forums?

I'll go first.

1. Very clearly for me, the main reason I visit forums such as this (and this one is far and away my favorite) is that I'm hoping to find like minded people with regards to erotica. Why do I want to find like minded people? Well, there's the simple human fact that people perk up when they meet a like minded person regarding some issue. I don't think that needs further analysis. But the other reason is that I'm hoping to get recommendations for erotic stories that exactly address my sensibilities. I long to hear from someone, "I loved your story xxxxxxxxx. It was perfect!! Have you read xxxxxxxxxxx or xxxxxxxxxxx??

Over the last three years I haven't found any totally like minded people. And I've only encountered two totally satisfying stories, both by the same author. That is, other than my own, of course. I don't find my apparent uniqueness in the world of erotic sensibility distressing, although the lack of other stories is frustrating, and I do continue to find it all a bit odd. My own sensibilities seem quite natural to me, of course.

But I keep frequenting the forums in hopes. And for other reasons too. See below.

2. Analysis. I'm an analysis junky. I'm a clarity junky. I just love putting words to ambiguous or vague or elusive phenomena. And the forums seem to be loaded with people that share my predilection. One rarely submits a post that doesn't get replies.

3. Intimacy. This is an amazing place. People (including me) will talk about the most intimate aspects of their lives. I've talked about stuff like personal physical arousal that I didn't even talk to myself about until I discovered this online world. It's very freeing. Closely related is kindness. Very early on I was struck by the kindness of so many readers and writers of erotica. Even those who aren't kind are usually entertaining. :)

4. Curiosity. I've always appreciated it when people are willing to talk about how they feel. And when visual artists are willing to talk about their work. This may have something to do with my not having much, if any,ability to visualize. I'm not good at it when people want me to intuit their feelings. Anyway, I take delight in discovering the wide variety of people.

5. Enjoyment in well written stories. I've found a number that do push some of my buttons, and those are treasured. But I've also found a surprising number that are just plain good literature, to be enjoyed the same way one would enjoy a story picked up off the shelf of Barnes & Noble. (Do they still have stores? I use the library, myself.)

So what are your reasons? I'm sure a lot of you come here for reasons related to your craft as an author - to get feedback, whether positive or suggestions for improvement. I don't expect to write any more stories, so I don't consider myself a craftsperson. But I certainly can appreciate the experience of people who are at the business of being authors.

Other reasons? Maybe something none of us would have guessed at?
Full disclosure: My name is MyBareTorso, and I am a Literotica addict. I can't stay away from the place! If I'm not writing a new story, or reading someone else's, the Author's Hangout is my way of maintaining my Literotica high, so to speak. I'm looking for my local chapter of Literotica Anonymous!
 
I thought of this question when I woke up this morning and got so excited composing it in my head that I wanted to leap out of bed. Couldn't, though, as hubby was bringing me breakfast in bed. :) I couldn't really concentrate on my book. Glad to dig in!

So, to repeat, why do you spend time in the Lit forums?

I'll go first.

1. Very clearly for me, the main reason I visit forums such as this (and this one is far and away my favorite) is that I'm hoping to find like minded people with regards to erotica. Why do I want to find like minded people? Well, there's the simple human fact that people perk up when they meet a like minded person regarding some issue. I don't think that needs further analysis. But the other reason is that I'm hoping to get recommendations for erotic stories that exactly address my sensibilities. I long to hear from someone, "I loved your story xxxxxxxxx. It was perfect!! Have you read xxxxxxxxxxx or xxxxxxxxxxx??

Over the last three years I haven't found any totally like minded people. And I've only encountered two totally satisfying stories, both by the same author. That is, other than my own, of course. I don't find my apparent uniqueness in the world of erotic sensibility distressing, although the lack of other stories is frustrating, and I do continue to find it all a bit odd. My own sensibilities seem quite natural to me, of course.

But I keep frequenting the forums in hopes. And for other reasons too. See below.

2. Analysis. I'm an analysis junky. I'm a clarity junky. I just love putting words to ambiguous or vague or elusive phenomena. And the forums seem to be loaded with people that share my predilection. One rarely submits a post that doesn't get replies.

3. Intimacy. This is an amazing place. People (including me) will talk about the most intimate aspects of their lives. I've talked about stuff like personal physical arousal that I didn't even talk to myself about until I discovered this online world. It's very freeing. Closely related is kindness. Very early on I was struck by the kindness of so many readers and writers of erotica. Even those who aren't kind are usually entertaining. :)

4. Curiosity. I've always appreciated it when people are willing to talk about how they feel. And when visual artists are willing to talk about their work. This may have something to do with my not having much, if any,ability to visualize. I'm not good at it when people want me to intuit their feelings. Anyway, I take delight in discovering the wide variety of people.

5. Enjoyment in well written stories. I've found a number that do push some of my buttons, and those are treasured. But I've also found a surprising number that are just plain good literature, to be enjoyed the same way one would enjoy a story picked up off the shelf of Barnes & Noble. (Do they still have stores? I use the library, myself.)

So what are your reasons? I'm sure a lot of you come here for reasons related to your craft as an author - to get feedback, whether positive or suggestions for improvement. I don't expect to write any more stories, so I don't consider myself a craftsperson. But I certainly can appreciate the experience of people who are at the business of being authors.

Other reasons? Maybe something none of us would have guessed at?
You really hit the nail on the head. Im not much of a writer but Ive always loved reading it. It started when I discovered Penthouse Forum early in life.
Im a sex addict and I dont deny my addiction. Forums are one way to have some form of sexual relations with strangers. If you think about it, our minds are the biggest sexual organ, well for most of us 😁. Having an intimate conversation is one form of sexual interaction. We cant all be together in the same room or location and we may not have the full attraction to someone. But when I reach out and have conversations with a man or woman about sex, its just very arousing. Most times Ive used it as inspiration to masturbate. Other times I just like sharing about my experiences, I mean who doesnt like sharing there accomplishments… Just look at Facebook. Speaking of which, im not on many social media outlets. This is anonymous place to freely share without judgment and learn about others who share your fantasies and desires.
 
I thought of this question when I woke up this morning and got so excited composing it in my head that I wanted to leap out of bed. Couldn't, though, as hubby was bringing me breakfast in bed. :) I couldn't really concentrate on my book. Glad to dig in!

So, to repeat, why do you spend time in the Lit forums?

I'll go first.

1. Very clearly for me, the main reason I visit forums such as this (and this one is far and away my favorite) is that I'm hoping to find like minded people with regards to erotica. Why do I want to find like minded people? Well, there's the simple human fact that people perk up when they meet a like minded person regarding some issue. I don't think that needs further analysis. But the other reason is that I'm hoping to get recommendations for erotic stories that exactly address my sensibilities. I long to hear from someone, "I loved your story xxxxxxxxx. It was perfect!! Have you read xxxxxxxxxxx or xxxxxxxxxxx??

Over the last three years I haven't found any totally like minded people. And I've only encountered two totally satisfying stories, both by the same author. That is, other than my own, of course. I don't find my apparent uniqueness in the world of erotic sensibility distressing, although the lack of other stories is frustrating, and I do continue to find it all a bit odd. My own sensibilities seem quite natural to me, of course.

But I keep frequenting the forums in hopes. And for other reasons too. See below.

2. Analysis. I'm an analysis junky. I'm a clarity junky. I just love putting words to ambiguous or vague or elusive phenomena. And the forums seem to be loaded with people that share my predilection. One rarely submits a post that doesn't get replies.

3. Intimacy. This is an amazing place. People (including me) will talk about the most intimate aspects of their lives. I've talked about stuff like personal physical arousal that I didn't even talk to myself about until I discovered this online world. It's very freeing. Closely related is kindness. Very early on I was struck by the kindness of so many readers and writers of erotica. Even those who aren't kind are usually entertaining. :)

4. Curiosity. I've always appreciated it when people are willing to talk about how they feel. And when visual artists are willing to talk about their work. This may have something to do with my not having much, if any,ability to visualize. I'm not good at it when people want me to intuit their feelings. Anyway, I take delight in discovering the wide variety of people.

5. Enjoyment in well written stories. I've found a number that do push some of my buttons, and those are treasured. But I've also found a surprising number that are just plain good literature, to be enjoyed the same way one would enjoy a story picked up off the shelf of Barnes & Noble. (Do they still have stores? I use the library, myself.)

So what are your reasons? I'm sure a lot of you come here for reasons related to your craft as an author - to get feedback, whether positive or suggestions for improvement. I don't expect to write any more stories, so I don't consider myself a craftsperson. But I certainly can appreciate the experience of people who are at the business of being authors.

Other reasons? Maybe something none of us would have guessed at?
Mostly masturbating
 
I was a reader and commenter on Lit for fifteen years before I discovered the Forums, and that was only because the site's anti-spam bot decided that I was a spammer. I then discovered that AH was where most of the sane people hung out.
 
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