Chain Story Discussion

[Quint]

Public apology for temporarily reverting to a bubbly, insecure adolescence I never had. Won't repeat that again.

My story involves a black girl, haunted by her white father (not literally haunted) and her misconception that sex/she/her race is dirty. Tone is serious and slightly psychodrama. Need info on making the 60's real and not cliche. She got the talisman at a garage sale (which shouldn't repeat anyone else's explanation since I think garage sales are a relatively recent event) and it fixes her, eventually.

Also, I humbly ask that the talisman is not permanently stained, since "ivory" plays a large role in my story. If this is a problems to anyone, please PM me.

I'd especially like reviews by KM and Jon Hayworth. I'll be doing serious drafts early on and editing the fine points about the previous chapters later, once they've been written. I am getting the majority of the story done now, though. That's what my incoherent babble in the previous posts was meant to say.

 

[JUDO]

My chapter (and I can use help)

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My Chapter
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Okay, I've been spending way too much time with this in my head late at night, so hopefully, this will help me sleep better.

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My chapter begins with the arrival of a young British woman, Victoria, aged 24, at the train station in Cairo, 1883. There she'll be joining work on an archeological dig ostensibly for the British Museum outside of town. Her fiance is the head Egyptologist for the dig and works for the British Museum as does she.

The dig's expenses, however, are being covered by her fiance's relative, Sir Ceril Winthrop, a duke (or certainly some distant relative to the Royals). They've been at the dig for four months as Victoria arrives. Hence, also a desperate seperation of affections for her fiance and her.

Her fiance gives her the talisman as a gift upon the dinner honoring her arrival in Cairo. She's intrigued by it because she recognizes the God and Goddess. He found it in a marketplace.

Victoria is an educated woman, but has grown up in Victorian upper-crust society. This is her first foray into the outside world. She is a staunch believer in women's rights, but she is not a feminist by any means. She believes that education is the light for freedom of the soul, but that women have their place in society and she likes being on the pedestal.

She has little experience sexaully and finds the whole idea of exchanging bodily fluids quite rude and vulgar. "It's something that women do to have children, that's all. Get it over with - quickly."

Attractive and athletic, she's the perfect vessel for Shakti's will.

The talisman has an amazing effect on her - the uptake is slow and she's largely unaware of what is happening. While working at the dig, she grows from a sexual being who represses her desires to a woman curious about all the sexual nature around her to a sexual dynamo who seduces everyone.

During this time, she becomes a less reliable member of the research crew, more distant from her fiance and absent from the many functions (dinners, parties, receptions) of the Duke.

Curious about her absences, her fiance eventually discovers her hidden sexuality and is seduced by it as he watches her with others.

Her story ends on a fantastic night of debauchery in the tents of the local Egyptian crew.

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I'm not exactly certain how to end it. She may die; either murdered as "one possessed" or from heart failure. Or she might be redeemed.

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Assistance
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I could use any assistance pointing me to research references for the period. Particularly for the relation of Winthrop to the Royals (Duke of what?), the British in Cairo (Late 19th C.) and simply upper-class habits, leisure, language, things of that sort.

Also, a pointer to where Victoria and her fiance went to school (background on Oxford University history?), houses, traditions, etc.

And anything about British archeological digs of the period - location, equipment, financing, etc.

My current references are largely taken from motion pictures - Lawrence of Arabia, Gosford Park, The Importance of Being Earnest, etc.

I enjoy perusing websites and will likely find a lot of my information on the Net.

Thanks.
- Judo

 

[JUDO]

Asking for Reviews

I'd especially like reviews by KM and Jon Hayworth.

Everyone - please ask the authors that you wish to review your work by means of email or a Personal Message, not on this thread. (And it does not have to be authors from the chain story, there are plenty of worthy editors available at Lit).

Thanks.
- Judo

 

[JUDO]

Influence

Originally posted by Quint - Also, I humbly ask that the talisman is not permanently stained, since "ivory" plays a large role in my story. If this is a problems to anyone, please PM me.

Authors - Do not ask the writers ahead of you to write in a style, subject or detail that will help your story. It is up to you to "follow," not lead.

Sorry to make an example of you, Quint, but the authors are allowed to do what they think is best for their stories without regard for those that follow them. Hence, the nature of a "chain" story.

If you will go back and carefully read my post on possible stains, etc. on the talisman (eg. - Chain Details, above), you will find a solution to your problem.

Thanks.
- Judo

 

[KillerMuffin]

Since I'm apparently going to be first (sure no one wants to flounder around in BC?), I've decided to give the talisman that "gift from the gods" mystique by having the talisman presented to the guy by a divine person. My intent is to have him get it from one of the roman gods' temples but the gawd person will be vaguley described as shiva or a cultist, whichever seems more plausible at the time. I'm going to make it clear that this person is not a Roman god. The why will be based in Shiva's mythos if I can find a good enough reason. If not, then it'll just be him praying to god so-and-so for strength or luck or something.

A note for future writers: the hook-up-ee is going to die before the talisman can complete the match and heal the centurion.

My thinking is that the talisman sort of links itself to its bearer and to anyone chosen to teach the bearer whatever. When she dies, something completely out of its control, that's going to change it a little. Perhaps miniscule cracks or something that need to heal in time. The biggest change could be with its regard to those outside of the bearer and death, but that is up to anyone else who'd want to use it.

My character learns to love.
The talisman learns that death is beyond it.

 

[Johnny_Boy]

Hmm, good idea KillerMuffin. Actully, so far in my first draft, I have hes from Austin, but the place hes at right now could be anywhere. I should have it almost done. I can tell though that its probly go though alot of drafts, (not to mention a new spell checker)

Jon, just cause he wins it in a game, doesn't mean you have to change your ending. Like JUDO said, there is alot that can happen in a span of five years.

Hmm, anyways, I better keep looking for more stuff. Good thing this isn't due till June. Jugling school and personal? No thanks

 

[JUDO]

Drafts

Hmm, good idea KillerMuffin. Actully, so far in my first draft, I have hes from Austin, but the place hes at right now could be anywhere. I should have it almost done. I can tell though that its probly go though alot of drafts, (not to mention a new spell checker)

Jon, just cause he wins it in a game, doesn't mean you have to change your ending. Like JUDO said, there is alot that can happen in a span of five years.

Hmm, anyways, I better keep looking for more stuff. Good thing this isn't due till June. Jugling school and personal? No thanks

JB -

Lots of drafts? Sure. But it would be a really good idea to send your current draft to someone who can give you great feedback for possible re-writes, and do it LONG before it's due (about a month before it's due).

I reccomend that you contact two to three other writers or editors (not necessarily the writers from the chain as they will be darn busy with their own stuff) and ask them to read your manuscript.

It's better to get their feedback now before you spend too much time whittling over it yourself.

Okay?

Thanks.
- Judo

 

[Johnny_Boy]

Yeah, I know. I'm still writting it though. JUDO, who would you recomend sending it too? I need a harsh critic, so that I caould improve.

 

[mlyn]

To Judo:

I'll be able to end it by 1810, since she only has possession of it for a short time, really. I hope the gold chain is still intact, or I will go back and change that. Also, when she gets the talisman, it is still in the box, but it is now tarnished.

 

[Todd-'o'-Vision]

When does mine have to be finished written and edited by?

 

[KillerMuffin]

Hopefully Judo will be able to create a time frame list for us.

I'm only writing sporadically until after May 17. Finals.

 

[Alex De Kok]

Killermuffin said

I'm only writing sporadically until after May 17. Finals.

Good luck, KM, that's where I was this time last year!

All -

I'm willing to give your work a 'nit-pick' edit for grammar, misspellings and the like. I'm not too good at editing style or content, though. I'm busy(ish) until May 10.

Alex

 

[JUDO]

Daily update

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Schedule
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Currently, we have eleven authors for the chain.

The first story will be sent to Laurel on Friday, June 7th (a reminder). Each subsequent chapter will then be sent each week to Laurel after that.

Below is the current order of authors (subject to change by authors who commit or drop out before May 10th).

KillerMuffin - 150-200AD (Roman occupation of Brittania, Hadrian's Wall, Newcastle)
GoddessKaren - 1250 - 1300AD (Mongols, Steppes of Asia, Nomads or where? )
Jon.hayworth - Late 16th century, (Elizabethan England - Marlowe, Shakespeare, Raleigh et al, Newcastle).
Mlyn - 1810 (location?)
Alex de Kok - 1815 to 1835 (The Napoleanic Period, Where?)
Johnny_Boy - 1840 to 1878 (Texas, looking for the city)
Judo - 1883 to 1908 (Egypt, outside Cairo)
Karmadog - 1917- 1918 (France, near Paris)
Todd O'Vision - 1922-1932 (location?)
RisiaSkye - 1940's (In and near a cannery in California)
Quint - 1960's (Some southern US state)

Questions:

Whispersecret - Still with us?
Couture - Still with us?
Johnny_Boy - Location?
Todd O'Vision - Location?
Mlyn - Location?
Alex De Kok - Location?
GoddessKaren - Does the nomadic Steppes work for you as the location?
Quint - Does some southern US state work for you as the location?

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Details
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Mlyn -

The box might not be intact by the time your chapter is written. You may have to create a new one (that can easily be a last minute edit before delivery).

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When do I post?
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Todd -

The final schedule cannot be created until all of the interested authors have committed (see Schedule above). Right now, I've set a cutoff date of MAY 10th. At that time, everyone who has committed should have their dates and location set.

If you need an estimate at this point, look at approximately how many authors are ahead of you (historically speaking), then count those as weeks. The first story will be sent to Laurel on Friday, June 7th.

Remember, this is subject to change by the addition or subtraction of authors before May 10th.

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Editor Requests
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Johnny_Boy -

Be sure to carefully read the thread. Please do not use the thread for review requests, PM or email the authors instead. I will not reccomend one editor over another, sorry. I reccomend that you look over the list of editors available at Literotica and choose from there. Be certain to allow several weeks to get the proper feedback.

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Story Outlines
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At some point when each of you is ready, it's a very good idea to post an outline (paragraph, beats, etc.) of your story. In this way, we can be certain to avoid similarities.

Already, I know of one writer who had a similar idea in mind of another writer's story and has since changed their story because of it.

 

[jon.hayworth]

A little thought has just struck me

Would it be a good idea for the sake of continuity and readability, if we all set our spell checkers the same. I would suggest that means to the majority setting, "English USA".

Also Judo did you get the mail about Women's ed.

jon

 

[JUDO]

Thanks

Jon -

You are a details kind of guy, aren't you? Those, of course, come in very handy in a variety of settings...

And thank you, I got your email. Wonderful.


- Judo

 

[Alex De Kok]

Location

Judo,

as I live in the North East of England, a (long) stone's throw from Hadrian's Wall, it amuses me to use the same location as Killermuffin, ie Newcastle and points along the Wall, albeit some 1600+ years later than she is planning.

Despite the fact that my characters are (English) English, Jon makes a good point about spell-checkers. I shall conform.

Alex

 

[Todd-'o'-Vision]

the medallion in my story is going to be found in one location but the bulk of its "use" will be in a different location as well as its eventual lose.

Do you want more specifics?

I think I will have it found in europe possibly middle east and then brought home from a personal archeology dig back to eastern canada where the events of its possesion will take place. as well as its loss.

Its structure is still the telling of the past from a grandfather to grandosn style.

Is it alright if my maincharacter really doesn't understand the meaning or workings of the medallion but just sort of associates what happens with possesion of the medallion?

 

[Johnny_Boy]

Re: Daily update

Johnny_Boy - Location?

I'm currntly looking at a map. The actual state will be somewhere else, though. Texas I was using as a kinda background to the character, (you know, age, where he lived, that type of stuff). So editers are listed on the main page than?

 

[Whispersecret]

If I have to commit by the 10th for a delivery date in August, I can't join in. I am working like the dickens on an almost complete rewrite of a novel that I want to have finished by mid-July. It is at that time I'll be attending the Romance Writers of America national conference. It could be that I'll be busy after that too, depending on what the editors say at the conference regarding my work.

I have no specific time period that calls to me, so perhaps you could grant me the option of tagging on at the end and I could just work with whatever time period(s) is/are left chronologically. The future as a setting is always a possibility.

If not, I wish you all luck with the project. I suspect this might be the best chain yet.

 

[JUDO]

Answers

Tood O -

Canada is a cool locale and yes, it's fine that your character doesn't understand the talisman's workings. That's for you to know.
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Johnny_O - Let me know the locale when you do - by May10th. Go here for Volunteer Editor information at Lit.

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WS -

I think a future time or very present time would be fine for you. That would put us at an even dozen authors for now (Couture and others may commit as yet), and it would put your due date somewhere around the second to third week of September. Does that work?

 

[karmadog]

Plot outlines

Do we really have to tell?

How much fun will it be if everybody already knows the story?

How much do I have to spill?

I'll tell you that my story is going to be pretty dark. It will involve disfigurement, depression, depravity, destruction, and whatever else you can think of that starts with "de".

Seriously, why do we have to give an outline?

Is it just to make sure we're serious?

 

[JUDO]

Re: Plot outlines

Do we really have to tell? Seriously, why do we have to give an outline? Is it just to make sure we're serious?

Not at all, KD. It's simply to make certain that no two authors are stepping on each other's story, that's all.

There was an attempt last year to set up a schedule where the next author didn't really start writing until the previous was finished. Ultimately, that was not followed in practice (and would be the only way that we could be reassured that our stories were not similar).

We gave outlines or loglines (however you wish to think of them) before delivery, but the actual final work is so very different from the outline (fleshed out with all the beautiful description, etc.) that the outline mattered little in the appreciation of the final.

Please put down something, however brief, describing your story. If it has elements you don't wish to give away, then don't.

But something as simple as:

A young victorian woman, sexually naive, gets the talisman as a gift and over time, seduces all around her on a dig in Cairo.

That pretty much describes mine. If anyone had something close, they can contact me off the thread. See?


- Judo

 

[mlyn]

My section of the story

set in early 1800's before 1810 for sure, in England, Northumberland.

Kate is a spinster, who is living with her married, younger sister. While on a shopping venture into the small village, Kate and her sister get separated. Wandering around, Kate stumbles across an old gypsy woman, who offers something very unusual. It is small box, wrapped up in an old, ratty piece of velvet. The old woman only allows Kate a glimpse inside. Intrigued, and against her better judgment, Kate purchases the box.

That evening she meets the staid Lord Carstairs, who is the new neighbor of her sister and brother-in-law. Kate is wearing the medallion, and is beginning to notice some strange effects. Lord Carstairs is surprised to find himself acting totally out of his usual norm with a rather plain-faced spinster woman! He offers to investigate the medallion...

That's it so far.. of course wild, unbridled lust and sex will follow.

 

[jon.hayworth]

My element is a Faction - the main protagonists existed. Doctor Forman remained a virgin until his 30th birthday and after that had affairs with nearly all his female patients. He recorded his sex life in great detail, screwing women from Servants, and Sailor's wives to the wives of senior clerics. Why women fell for him is a mystery - in comes the Talisman!

London 1593, the Playwright, Spy, and alleged Atheist Christopher Marlowe awakes from a dream he has a premonition. He gives a boy actor a package and letter to deliver to a friend Doctor Simon Forman. Before the day is out Kit Marlowe has been stabbed and is dead.

Forman an unlisenced doctor, Astrologer and Necromancer opens the package - inside is the Talisman. He meditates draws up charts, consults Doctor Dee the queen's astrologer. And discovers how to make himself a desirable lover.

jon

 

[karmadog]

OK

My protagonist is a slightly maimed and disfigured soldier in WWI. His only sexual encounters are with prostitutes as he believes that no decent woman would want him. His maimed hand keeps him off the frontline, but he is placed in charge of the firing squad and is responsible for the execution of deserters. He meets a woman that he initially finds unattractive, but then the talisman comes into play.

She teaches him that he is more than just his damaged face, and when he comes into the talisman himself his life briefly changes.

BTW Jon, Your story sounds great, I'm looking forward to reading it.