Writing advice for a first time writer

[CD_Chelsey]

Hi, I'm trying to write a crossdressing story, and I have a number of questions:

• How much detail is too much detail?
• How realistic should my story be?
• How can I get good information for my story without giving it away?
• How should I break up my story?
• Is there anything else I should know or consider?

I like to include a lot of information but I also realize that other writers often introduce the main character's appearance in a bio at the beginning and I often feel like it doesn't add much to the story, especially if I'm trying to picture myself as that character.

 

[old_prof]

For most of the questions, the most likely answer is "It depends"

It depends on the story. Some stories create there environment with details. Other stories leave thing to the readers' imagination.
It depends on the writer. What feels right to you.

Are you asking for feedback on your story? It's often hard to get a reader for your first story.
Before anyone can give you advice on breaking up you story, we would need to know more about it, starting with how long is it (best to describe in words).

There is always more you should know, but at some point you have to just publish.

The appearance of characters is hotly debated amongst the writers here. Some love to provide very clear details about appearances. Others swear by leaving the characters blanks. It's up to you.You may want to write some stories that do it one way and some that do it the other way (and probably some points in between).

For most of this, I would write a story that does what feels right at the moment. If you decide you weren't happy the way it came out, try a different approach.

I don't know how long you are envisioning your first submission being, but I would stringy suggest that writing a few short stories (<15K words) before tackling anything longer.

 

[Cagivagurl]

In my opinion, and I'm no expert...
Lots of information... You cannot overdo it...
The story should feel real, or plausible... Maybe possible is a better word...
Research... think about your favourite stories... There is plenty of info online...
Write your story, finish it, then as you edit, see if there are natural breaks. If not (Depends on size) submit as one story. I've done it both ways, and both have been reasonably well received...
I hate info dumps... Try to avoid them... (IMO)

Good luck
Cagivagurl

 

[Britva415]

• It depends
• It depends
• It depends
• It depends
• It depends

In order:
How much detail?
Be really thoughtful, deliberate and careful about including details which are not required for plot reasons. I'm not saying you can't include such, but be conscious and judicious about it. "Atmosphere" is a seasoning best used sparingly - a little goes a lot farther than you think. Same with "worldbuilding" - don't infodump, only include the bits of worldbuilding which are required to make the story make sense and work. If you read back over your last 1000 words or even 100 words and not a damn thing has happened, then you're probably including too much detail. Write plot, not impressionistic tableaux.

You're already sensitive to this, based on what you said about the static and plotless "appearance and bio" as a way to commence the story.

How realistic?
Some stories aren't, remotely, at all. Others are very. Sometimes realism serves the story one is trying to tell. Other times the story isn't a realistic one but treating it as if it were can be effective. Other stories have realistic plots but unrealistic details or happenings (consider the "magical realism" genre). And some stories are out-and-out fantastical tales from start to finish.

Spoiling?
This can just take practice. Foreshadowing is often good, even to the point of making the ending predictable. Other times, certain facts need to be concealed until it's time to reveal them. If you know what it is you don't want to give away, then, you're halfway there.

Breaking up?
Again, there's no way to give any single answer. Not breaking a piece up at all is always 100% valid. I'd say, don't break it up without a good reason. And to me personally, wanting to publish a part before the whole thing is done isn't a very good reason. Unless the parts are complete, self-contained episodes in a series rather than chapters of an unfinished story.

What else to know?
Just write. "Punch the keys, for God's sake." Overthinking stalls progress. Revision is always possible. It is far more productive to write and revise later than to not write or to write slowly because of trying too hard to get it right the first time.

 

[CD_Chelsey]

I'm not not asking about breaking up the story into episodes, it's more about sections, paragraphs, etc...

 

[EmilyMiller]

Hi, I'm trying to write a crossdressing story, and I have a number of questions:

• How much detail is too much detail?

Whatever you feel is the right level for the story. There are no universal rules.

• How realistic should my story be?

As realistic as you like. I write everything from Angels and Demons and Space Octopuses to grounded IRL stuff. Again there are no rules.

• How can I get good information for my story without giving it away?

Not sure why you mean? Like info about cross dressing? Not really sure I get the question.

• How should I break up my story?

Cracked record much. In whatever way makes sense to you and supports the narrative.

• Is there anything else I should know or consider?

Use software to listen to you work. It’s the best way to catch typos and inconsistencies. Write what you want to write, not what you think others want to read. And keep writing, it’s the only way to improve.

I like to include a lot of information but I also realize that other writers often introduce the main character's appearance in a bio at the beginning and I often feel like it doesn't add much to the story, especially if I'm trying to picture myself as that character.

Opinions vary greatly on this. Do what is right for you.

Good luck!

 

[CD_Chelsey]

Not sure why you mean? Like info about cross dressing? Not really sure I get the question.

There are various points in my story that I feel I don't know enough for the details I want to include

 

[EmilyMiller]

There are various points in my story that I feel I don't know enough for the details I want to include

GIYF - I wrote a story set in Miami, a city I have never visited. I looked up weather for the time of year and traffic patterns and landmarks and even the interior of a few bars.

I wrote a scene in another story which took place in Prague - I’ve never been there either, but I looked up landmarks and architecture and stuff about their university.

Then I also set stories in places I know, or lightly disguised versions of them.

 

[EmilyMiller]

There are various points in my story that I feel I don't know enough for the details I want to include

Check out this thread for examples of what other authors do:

https://forum.literotica.com/thread...ries-you-have-written-or-are-writing.1639449/

 

[ronde]

Hi, I'm trying to write a crossdressing story, and I have a number of questions:

• How much detail is too much detail?
• How realistic should my story be?
• How can I get good information for my story without giving it away?
• How should I break up my story?
• Is there anything else I should know or consider?

I like to include a lot of information but I also realize that other writers often introduce the main character's appearance in a bio at the beginning and I often feel like it doesn't add much to the story, especially if I'm trying to picture myself as that character.

You've already gotten answers to all these questions, but I can understand why it may seem that those answers aren't really instructions for how to write a story. There's a reason for that. There is no "cookbook" for how to write your story. The only person who can write it is you. I could write a story "like" the story you're writing, but it won't be your story. It'll be mine, written like I write in words and in a format I'm comfortable with..

The only way for you to figure out the real answers to your questions is to write the story, wait a couple weeks, and then read it. If it seems like you've described the details sufficiently and it seem at least like it could happen in the scenarios you describe, congratulations, you're a writer. If you think you need to change it, change it, then read it again. Once you're satisfied, and remember that the only reader you absolutely must satisfy is you, you're now a writer.

A couple answers to your last two questions.

I break my story up with an easily recognized break that tells the reader something is about to change. Some authors use just a dash, some use other characters. I use }|{ to indicate a break.

In our last post, you say there are points in your story that you don't know enough about for the details you want to include. The cure for that is to research those points until you understand them enough to write for a reader who does understand them.

 

[HordHolm]

There are various points in my story that I feel I don't know enough for the details I want to include

The only answer I can give you regarding the information I might include in a story is this:

Invariably, I research much, much more than I actually include. For example, I wrote a story set on an airship, and to do that I researched the interior plans of different airships and how they worked. I found out a lot of interesting detail through my research - too much, in fact. When it came to writing the story I only included fragments of the information I had gained, in particular information that was necessary to the plot. I could have written an essay about airships based on my research, but that wasn't the purpose of my research. However, my research did make me comfortable thinking about the location of my story and how to write the plot in a coherent manner, and how my characters could interact with their environment.

So, my advice would be to immerse yourself in the subject until you get a feel for it, and then only include the information you think a reader would need to understand your story.

 

[ElectricBlue]

There are various points in my story that I feel I don't know enough for the details I want to include

Do some basic research, then, or use your imagination.

If you're picturing yourself as the lead character, write about yourself, what turns you on, but write about yourself as a person, not a cliche or a stereotype. Show us who you are as a person.

A bio at the beginning of the story is the last thing I'd do. Start into the story where it makes sense to start, reveal your characters when the story demands it, give your characters emotions, personalities, give readers someone they'd want to know.

Just start writing. There's no other advice really, anyone can give you. Write. Your story will evolve from that simple start. Write your first sentence, then write some more.

 

[anthrodisiac]

^^^ What they said ^^^

Your first one is always a bit rough because you haven't developed the mental muscles and instincts that come with years of experience. And that's okay! Literally everyone else was in the same boat at some point, barring prodigies. If you've read enough, you have a basic blueprint. If you have a favorite writing style from a favorite author, hew toward that. If you find it doesn't work for you, try something else. It's all about experimentation and finding your footing. Sometimes it takes a while, sometimes you'll be hit with a flash of inspiration and everything will click.

It's early days, it's probably not going to be a masterpiece. Best thing you can do is accept that, and use this story as a springboard to improve, tinker, and refine your style and voice. Everybody has different styles, different preferences, different approaches to writing, it's simply a matter of figuring out yours.

The most important thing is not to be discouraged. Keep at it. You're already asking the right questions, a lot of first-time writers don't even bother with that, they just vomit something onto a page (super, super guilty).

 

[MaudeBlack]

As a new writer, my best advice is to write the story you would want to read.
Then look at the feedback and comments and decide which are ones to take on board and learn from and which are purely 'This isn't the fantasy I wanted' (those, for the most part, can be ignored).
Listen to the craft feedback the most. There are a lot of people on here who know what they are talking about and their input is invaluable as you write and publish.

Have fun with it though. Enjoy the process and engage in conversations. Best thing I did was start writing and publishing stories on here.

Xx

 

[StillStunned]

Hi, I'm trying to write a crossdressing story,

Welcome to the hobby, and to the Authors' Hangout! You've come to the right place to ask questions. Maybe not the right place to get answers, but the questions definitely belong here.

Besides what other people have posted above, I'll add this:

• How much detail is too much detail?

I usually go light on detail. Give just enough information for the reader to form the outline of a picture within the first two or three seconds, and they'll fill in the blanks for themselves. Any details that you give afterwards might conflict with the image that they've painted in their mind, and those that do will either force the reader to alter the image (which they resent) or will simply be ignored (meaning that you've wasted words and energy). If any detail of a description is important to the story, make sure to include it very early on, unless it's something that doesn't force a new image onto the reader.

• How realistic should my story be?

As realistic as possible, given the story. Readers are willing to suspend their disbelief, but the more familiar points of reference they have, the easier it will be for them.

• How can I get good information for my story without giving it away?

Not sure what you mean, but a useful tool might be to write in 1P point of view, or a very close 3P. This way you can control what information the narrator possesses and/or chooses to reveal to the reader. As long as you make it plausible that the narrator doesn't know something, or has no reason to divulge it (for instance if it's not something they'd actively think of/be aware of during the narration).

• How should I break up my story?

I'm not not asking about breaking up the story into episodes, it's more about sections, paragraphs, etc...

The days of page-long paragraphs are gone. Readers don't have the attention span, and many of them are reading on small screens. So keep your paragraphs short - I usually stick to 60-90 words, or even fewer. Try to avoid single-sentence paragraphs though, because that makes for very choppy reading.

Limit each paragraph to a single person: their dialogue, thoughts, actions or appearance. Break the text up into bits of information that belong together: One paragraph is someone walking into a room and getting an impression of the space. Next paragraph they get an impression of the other people in the room. Next paragraph they reflect on why they're there. Next paragraph they speak. And so on.

Sections work the same way, but on a larger scale.

• Is there anything else I should know or consider?

A million other things. You'll learn them as you write. One tip is not to rush your story. Let each moment breathe, and don't be too eager to get to the end. Stories are about the journey, not the destination. So don't just tell the facts and the actions, give your characters thoughts and feelings. Imagine yourself in their situation and describe what would be going through your own mind. That's what readers want, that's what they engage with.

There are a couple of sticky threads at the top of the forum: A place to discuss the craft of writing: tricks, philosophies, styles and Self-editing for authors. There's a wealth of information and advice there, all based on our experiences here from - in many cases - years and years of writing and publishing. Not everything will be useful to you, but the more you know the more choices you have.

I like to include a lot of information but I also realize that other writers often introduce the main character's appearance in a bio at the beginning and I often feel like it doesn't add much to the story, especially if I'm trying to picture myself as that character.

I often say that you've got the reader's attention on credit. They've clicked on your story because the genre, title or tagline interests them, or because they've read your other stories and they trust you. But you need to pay that credit back quickly, by starting the story. Once you've given them an interesting character or scene, you have a little more credit to spend on descriptions and worldbuilding. Just remember to keep the story moving forward as well.

And I'd avoid providing bios at the start of the story. I doubt anybody memorises the details, and it gives the impression you don't trust your skill as a writer or the reader's ability to form pictures based on your descriptions.

Above all, remember that we're all amateurs here. There might be a Nobel or Booker Prize laureate lurking in our midst, but generally the advice we give should be interpreted as "this works for me, not necessarily for you". As long as you're enjoying yourself, and writing stories that you'd want to read, don't let anyone tell you that you're doing it wrong.

Good luck, and have fun writing!

 

[Jorunn]

My first story was rejected, so don’t ever be discouraged.

Don’t try too long of a story, even 7000 words is good for a first story.

Don’t write long paragraphs. Break them up.

Use dialogue to describe places or emotions rather than narrative.

You are writing an erotic story, so either drop hints early or get to it. You can fill in the back story after you hook the reader.

Readers and authors have different ideas on level of detail. Write as much as you like, but reread the whole story several times. Does it flow, or do your own words put you to sleep?

Don’t try for perfection. Don’t over tweak everything. Get it in, get feedback, get another idea, and write your second story.

 

[BobbyBrandt]

Many here have said, "It depends", and that holds true for the majority of your questions.

However, there are somethings that are constant where good writing is concerned. These include:

1. Patience. Don't rush yourself and put work out to the world prematurely. Once you publish, it is difficult to take it back if later ideas create a conflict with what you have already published.

2. Diligence. Keep at it it, but don't get hung up on maintaining a "beginning-to-end" approach to your writing. If you get inspired to write a scene that you envision happening later in the story, go ahead and write it now. That's one of the great things about digital content, you can move stuff around later as needed to make it all come together.

3. Pride. Don't be embarrassed or ashamed of your work. Many here hide what they write, and that obviously limits their ability to share it with people that they know who could provide support and feedback.

There are a number or excellent "How To" articles here and elsewhere on the web that speak to most of the "it depends" questions that you posed. Take the time to review those most relevant you and your concerns.

 

[StillStunned]

There are a number or excellent "How To" articles here and elsewhere on the web that speak to most of the "it depends" questions that you posed. Take the time to review those most relevant you and your concerns.

Seeing as @old_prof seems to be too modest, I'll add a link to his How To Be An Author on Literotica.

 

[BobbyBrandt]

Seeing as @old_prof seems to be too modest, I'll add a link to his How To Be An Author on Literotica.

That's an excellent article, but IMO, it speaks more to publishing on Literotica as a site than to actual writing, as I viewed the OP's questions to be about.

A definite "must read", for someone staring out here, without question.

 

[yowser]

What I'd wished to have done, before submitting my first tale, was reading more of what's already here.

For crossdressing, I'd be tempted to sample the categories, https://www.literotica.com/c/crossdressing for your area to get an idea of what stories work for you as a reader. That might answer a number of your concerns.

 

[redgarters]

There are various points in my story that I feel I don't know enough for the details I want to include

If it's information on crossdressing you're looking for, you're welcome to shoot me a DM here. I have a bit of experience with the subject. Happy to help if I can.

 

[KittyOfSteele]

• Is there anything else I should know or consider?

Yes. *inhales.*

YOUR WRITING IS VALID, WRITE WHATEVER THE FUCK YOU WANT!

That's pretty much all you need to consider. Never start with theory. Just grab a page and start writing about whatever. And then do it again. And again. And again. And again until you have a bunch of single page stories. Don't be intimidated by words, just pretend you're telling them to a friend, like you would tell an anecdote.

I ignored the other questions on purpose because they are hard to answer without having anything written. They are shaped by what your experience in writing turns into, and where is your voice headed. Only then is when you start adding the theory. Writing, like any other art, starts with getting in touch with your instrument first. In the case of writers, is language.

 

[CD_Chelsey]

Thank you all for your advice, it is very helpful.

I think my main concern is to know what is plausible for my supporting character. The story that I'm writing is mostly about transformation and learning, with sex mostly at the end.

Now that I think about it, it could tie into another story I've been thinking about, but I should probably only work on one story at a time.

 

[anthrodisiac]

think my main concern is to know what is plausible for my supporting character. The story that I'm writing is mostly about transformation and learning, with sex mostly at the end.

Sounds like a fun character-driven piece! It's good that you're considering plausibility for the other characters, as character motivations, especially in stories where you see character growth, is very important. You want to try to balance the character being true to themselves vs. conforming to the plot. If the character doesn't, then you can change aspects of the character as needed to suit your needs. Nothing's set in stone until it's published, you have flexibility.

Now that I think about it, it could tie into another story I've been thinking about, but I should probably only work on one story at a time.

I'd recommend sticking to one story at a time to start. Especially if it ties into the story you're current writing. You might have ideas and changes in your first story, and if you're working on a second story, you'll have to go in and update things, and it gets messy fast. See where this one takes you and go from there. Writing is an amazing journey, and you rarely end up where you think you will.