What have you learned since you started writing stories for Literotica?

[SimonDoom]

One other thing I forgot: how much fun it is. It's amazingly enjoyable to have written a story and to put it out there and have people read it. Note that I say "to have written." The writing process itself isn't always fun. Sometimes it's arduous. Sometimes I have to make myself do it. But without exception, putting a completed story out there has always been satisfying. The joy of creation, and of having one's creation seen.

 

[BobbyBrandt]

I don't want to say people here have limited reading ability, its more about this being an erotica site and people who come here more to get off than do any serious reading prefer to have their fix quick and dirty and save the thinking for something else.

To a large extent this is probably true. They are still the audience here that writers need to consider when composing their tales.

A quest for sticky palms can certainly have an impact on intellect, and not just for teenage boys.

 

[SimonDoom]

I've learned that I'm not a writer at all.
I'm just a reader who penned a few stories to see if I could do it. I have no literary knowledge, and no real desire to dive off into the technical aspects or analytics of writing. I got a little taste of acceptance with my eight submissions, and thought briefly about pursuing it more, but after finding AH and hanging around for six months, I've realized that I'm not a writer. I have no feeling of dedication to the craft, like most of the people here. Anything decent in my writing was strictly by accident while I was just trying to tell an interesting story, using my own imagination and wit. I'm a simple pantster, and wrote all of my stories straight into the lit writing tool, using the "save draft" function until I was finished. It was fun, until it wasn't. I'm okay with just being a reader.

I'm of the school that says if you write, you're a writer. It's not a guild. It's not a secret society. You don't need a degree. If you're writing and you're getting some satisfaction out of it, you're just like everybody else here.

To me, that makes you a writer.

 

[Dodola]

Me. Only difference is I'm still trying to write things. I do not have the time to be an analytical writer, study the craft, the art of it, nor do I have the patience for that. I try to pick up on a few things here and there from the AH, try to figure out what I did right in my more popular works, where I went wrong somewhere else, but in general terms, not overly specific; it's far too easy for me to over analyze, critic too much, and fall down that rabbit hole.

Me exactly. I penned all of my stores before I ever found AH. Like you, after being here and observing some writing discussions, I went back to my stories and tried to see what I had done right and wrong.
As a consequence, I found myself over thinking everything I was trying to write, afterwards, which made it less fun and not really just plain old me, the way I would tell the story. My stories have been well received, but I can't find the same mindset I had before I started learning about the technicalities of writing.

 

[lovecraft68]

I learned that I had a thicker skin than I realized. I remember taking any criticism or momentary failure deeply to heart as a child or even into my 20s. At some point since then, things have changed. Negative comments here? Eh. Constructive criticism is appreciated. Abuse of the type in comments here is harmless, often comical.

I've always had a thick skin (Thank you to my shit childhood and growing up in the ball busting feelings don't exist 70's/80's) But one thing that did surprise me earlier on here is because I don't do any social media the sheer nastiness of people commenting on stories here and the malicious bombing and awful feedbacks (I've gotten two death threats and one where someone said they were going to find me, rape me and pour acid in my cunt because they thought I was a woman) did give me a 'wow' type of moment.

Liquid courage has been replaced by keyboard courage, words without consequence....blessed be the interwebz.

 

[TheLobster]

Me exactly. I penned all of my stores before I ever found AH. Like you, after being here and observing some writing discussions, I went back to my stories and tried to see what I had done right and wrong.
As a consequence, I found myself over thinking everything I was trying to write, afterwards, which made it less fun and not really just plain old me, the way I would tell the story. My stories have been well received, but I can't find the same mindset I had before I started learning about the technicalities of writing.

Forget about all those technicalities and take a break for a few months. You should have a fresh(er) perspective afterwards, and hopefully a new (old?) outlook on this whole writing endeavor. Then you can try again and see if the spark has returned.

 

[MelissaBaby]

To a large extent this is probably true. They are still the audience here that writers need to consider when composing their tales.

A quest for sticky palms can certainly have an impact on intellect, and not just for teenage boys.

I do not agree that there is "an audience here." There are multiple audiences, some of which overlap significantly, some of which do not. Just as categories as diverse as T&I, Romance, Gay Male, etc., have different expectations of content, I think there are varying expectations of literary sophistication.

 

[MelissaBaby]

I'm of the school that says if you write, you're a writer. It's not a guild. It's not a secret society. You don't need a degree. If you're writing and you're getting some satisfaction out of it, you're just like everybody else here.

To me, that makes you a writer.

Nobody ever told Simon about the Guild? I wondered why he never shows up at the parties.

 

[BobbyBrandt]

I do not agree that there is "an audience here." There are multiple audiences, some of which overlap significantly, some of which do not. Just as categories as diverse as T&I, Romance, Gay Male, etc., have different expectations of content, I think there are varying expectations of literary sophistication.

That is reflective of publishing in general.

The content itself isn't the issue. It's the ability, or in some cases, the willingness of the audience here to comprehend anything that doesn't directly impact their libido. The backstory, the setup prior to the sex, or the conflict resolution are frequently taken for granted by those whose only motivation for reading is getting off.

Once again, I'm not saying this is a bad thing. Just something that I have learned since first publishing here.

 

[Erozetta]

Another thing I learned:

I'm not the only professional procrastinator here.

 

[lovecraft68]

Me exactly. I penned all of my stores before I ever found AH. Like you, after being here and observing some writing discussions, I went back to my stories and tried to see what I had done right and wrong.
As a consequence, I found myself over thinking everything I was trying to write, afterwards, which made it less fun and not really just plain old me, the way I would tell the story. My stories have been well received, but I can't find the same mindset I had before I started learning about the technicalities of writing.

I see it that there are few definitive right and wrong things when it comes to writing. Its about what's right and wrong for the individual.

I drive my publisher crazy because she's an editor and a fairly accomplished writer with the educational background for it. We're good friends so when she refers to me as a hack I don't take it seriously, but that's the word that keeps coming to her. I'm not as focused on grammar all the time as I should be. I am self indulgent and write 30k stories that many could do in 20k and still have a good story. There's a list of other 'bad habits' I have according to them and I have borderline disdain for the 'serious stuff'

But the most maddening thing to her? I'm far and away her top selling author. I've also accomplished quite a bit here with the same style and attitude.

I've suggested that maybe there should be less attention paid to the writing and more to who is reading and buying, and if they like you, what's the problem.

That doesn't ever go over well.

 

[Kelliezgirl]

Nobody ever told Simon about the Guild? I wondered why he never shows up at the parties.

Damn it, now he knows!!!!

 

[Kelliezgirl]

I see it that there are few definitive right and wrong things when it comes to writing. Its about what's right and wrong for the individual.

I drive my publisher crazy because she's an editor and a fairly accomplished writer with the educational background for it. We're good friends so when she refers to me as a hack I don't take it seriously, but that's the word that keeps coming to her. I'm not as focused on grammar all the time as I should be. I am self indulgent and write 30k stories that many could do in 20k and still have a good story. There's a list of other 'bad habits' I have according to them and I have borderline disdain for the 'serious stuff'

But the most maddening thing to her? I'm far and away her top selling author. I've also accomplished quite a bit here with the same style and attitude.

I've suggested that maybe there should be less attention paid to the writing and more to who is reading and buying, and if they like you, what's the problem.

That doesn't ever go over well.

The "right" way to write a story is in a manner which the audience enjoys.
The rest is just made up rules.
It's popular to shit on the readers around here, but this site (and all the others like it) only exists because of them.

 

[MelissaBaby]

Damn it, now he knows!!!!

He still has to pass the initiation.

 

[Statius]

Me exactly. I penned all of my stores before I ever found AH. Like you, after being here and observing some writing discussions, I went back to my stories and tried to see what I had done right and wrong.
As a consequence, I found myself over thinking everything I was trying to write, afterwards, which made it less fun and not really just plain old me, the way I would tell the story. My stories have been well received, but I can't find the same mindset I had before I started learning about the technicalities of writing.

The best advice I've read on AH, for me, is from @lovecraft68, because it's never specific; it's about writing your way, telling the story you want to tell and enjoying it. I will admit however, that I'm still struggling personally. I haven't published for a year and my new material goes slow. I left the AH for a month or so to get these voices out of my head because, although it is not anyone's intention here, I felt- and still feel- inadequate. There is no one here in the AH who wouldn't encourage you to keep writing how you write. And since you and I seem to have the same struggle, if you want to continue a conversation about this, feel free to PM me.

 

[AStrangeDesire]

First, thanks for starting this thread @SimonDoom the responses have been very interesting.

Second, I'm not sure what the biggest thing I learned is, I feel like it's probably still coming. I'm not someone who's adept at the 'craft' of writing. I write what 'feels right' for the characters and works with the direction of the plot. And what feels right changes frequently from where I thought I was going based on my outlines. The people in my stories tend to go in directions I hadn't anticipated once I actually sit down and write, and I let them because otherwise it feels forced and isn't fun.

Finally, I love that feeling when inspiration comes to me, often early in the morning, and I get up and update my notes so I don't forget. That feeling of "I can't wait to sit down to write that" is awesome.

 

[Statius]

Me exactly. I penned all of my stores before I ever found AH. Like you, after being here and observing some writing discussions, I went back to my stories and tried to see what I had done right and wrong.
As a consequence, I found myself over thinking everything I was trying to write, afterwards, which made it less fun and not really just plain old me, the way I would tell the story. My stories have been well received, but I can't find the same mindset I had before I started learning about the technicalities of writing.

Well received is an understatement. Just looked at your catalog. 8 stories, 8 red H. I call that successful. People clearly like your work!

 

[StillStunned]

I'm starting to feel slightly guilty, so I'll cross-quote from On writing: sounds and sentences:

I think perhaps it's worth saying that none of this is "how it should be done". Nobody should feel they have to master sound and rhythm, or imagery or foreshadowing or any other technique for that matter, in order to be considered a writer, or even a "good" writer. Nobody should think, "Oh no, look at all these clever people who know all about the craft, and I'm just banging out words on my laptop!"

Most of us probably learned the same way: banging out words until we reached a happy ending satisfying conclusion. Figuring out what works, what sounds best, what gives us those happy little moments of glee as we're typing.

But understanding writing techniques can help you figure out *why* you get those happy moments. Why a particular sentence feels just right, and why another one feels awkward. Or why a character's name doesn't fit, or why a plot element feels shallow.

And the more you think about those things, the easier and more instinctive they become - *if* you want to use them.

I hope nobody has been put off writing by me going on and on about "the craft". I'm just a total nerd when it comes to that stuff: it's the part of writing that I enjoy most, and that I enjoy talking about most. But I don't expect everyone to share that fixation

 

[Voboy]

The best advice I've read on AH, for me, is from @lovecraft68, because it's never specific; it's about writing your way, telling the story you want to tell and enjoying it. I will admit however, that I'm still struggling personally. I haven't published for a year and my new material goes slow. I left the AH for a month or so to get these voices out of my head because, although it is not anyone's intention here, I felt- and still feel- inadequate. There is no one here in the AH who wouldn't encourage you to keep writing how you write. And since you and I seem to have the same struggle, if you want to continue a conversation about this, feel free to PM me.

I don't usually advise people to write how they write. I usually (well, always) advise them to write how they'd read. You're your own first fan; if you write something you'd enjoy curling up with and getting immersed in, others will too.

You'll get back to it. We always do. Most of us struggle at times with completing stories or bringing our ideas to life in the first place. It'll pass.

 

[Statius]

I'm starting to feel slightly guilty, so I'll cross-quote from On writing: sounds and sentences:


I hope nobody has been put off writing by me going on and on about "the craft". I'm just a total nerd when it comes to that stuff: it's the part of writing that I enjoy most, and that I enjoy talking about most. But I don't expect everyone to share that fixation

Not at all. Neither you, nor anyone else has ever discouraged any one from writing. The fact that you and others enjoy breaking it down, analyzing, explaining, has nothing to do with others personal struggles or feelings towards writing. I've said this before it just starts feeling overwhelming and eventually you start doubting and questioning yourself as to why your ( ie me) don't look at things that way, or even can't. It is, in the end, self inflicted.

Sometimes it's hard to remember that

1. AH does not represent every writer on Lit; in fact it's a minority

2. There's room for all of us, as has been stated 100s of times by more people than I can count.

I love the analysis of writing even though I cannot participate; I've learned its up to me, not those analyzing, when to stop, when it gets overwhelming.

 

[AStrangeDesire]

Not at all. Neither you, nor anyone else has ever discouraged any one from writing. The fact that you and others enjoy breaking it down, analyzing, explaining, has nothing to do with others personal struggles or feelings towards writing. I've said this before it just starts feeling overwhelming and eventually you start doubting and questioning yourself as to why your ( ie me) don't look at things that way, or even can't. It is, in the end, self inflicted.

Sometimes it's hard to remember that

1. AH does not represent every writer on Lit; in fact it's a minority

2. There's room for all of us, as has been stated 100s of times by more people than I can count.

I love the analysis of writing even though I cannot participate; I've learned its up to me, not those analyzing, when to stop, when it gets overwhelming.

^ This.

It's great that there are people here who write or edit for a living. It can also be intimidating.

 

[sijopunk]

I hope nobody has been put off writing by me going on and on about "the craft". I'm just a total nerd when it comes to that stuff: it's the part of writing that I enjoy most, and that I enjoy talking about most. But I don't expect everyone to share that fixation

I am also a huge nerd about craft, sentence structure, and especially POV. Keep it up.

Yes, I read your 2P POV story, @old_prof sent it to me the other day. Probably because he was tired of hearing me go on about first person versus third person for the nineteeth hour and this would give him a little peace and quiet.

 

[forgotmyantidepressants]

I don't usually advise people to write how they write. I usually (well, always) advise them to write how they'd read. You're your own first fan; if you write something you'd enjoy curling up with and getting immersed in, others will too.

You'll get back to it. We always do. Most of us struggle at times with completing stories or bringing our ideas to life in the first place. It'll pass.

Reading can really improve a person’s prose. Analytical breakdowns of writing (grammar, sentence structure, word choice, etc.) are awesome. But I think it takes reading fiction to get a feel for things like rhythm/flow, narrative voice, and making characters "real" people (if there is a literary term for this, I’d love to know what it is).

 

[TheWritingGroup]

He still has to pass the initiation.

Write the story (with @SimonDoom's permission)!

 

[Statius]

^ This.

It's great that there are people here who write or edit for a living. It can also be intimidating.

That's the word: intimidating