Hi everyone, I joined maybe a day or two ago and lurked for a bit in an attempt to figure out where to begin writing erotic fiction . . . Figuring out the general process of posting a story should be simple enough but my main problem is where to start at beginner level . . . Was hoping I might get a hand or a good bit of advice on if I should dive in and start a story or maybe start with adding a thread or what not. If anyone could help me, I'd be greatful. I look forward to meeting everyone here and hopefully contributing.
I started out by adding threads to stories before having the courage to write my own story, never be afraid to ask for help and advice. I look forward to seeing what you write!
Make sure it ties into the thread before, I started out by reading The Lillith Strain and after reading it a couple of times, I took a notepad an started jotting down ideas, after checking my spelling I added the thread, I didn't ask permission, I just went for it, my advice is to do the same.
Thank you, I shall go jot down notes (even though I already have a fair idea) and do some good research for a thread somewhere
Basically, aside from avoiding the forbidden topics (bestiality, underage, extreme violence) the only rule is to continue the story you are adding to. Individual stories may have extra rules (check the sidebar in the add chapter page) and final call on if it is acceptable is at the discretion of the Owner/Editor who reviews your story. If you are having trouble you can try messaging people. Some of the stories are very free form and allow you to branch off all over the place if you want (like Alternatum, John Almighty, or Normality *self promotion warning*), so you can try those if you are nervous adding onto some long stream. Also, remember that you can branch off anywhere you choose to; you don't have to go to the deepest thread and go from there (this is commonly used if someone is uncomfortable with where a story line went).
Yes, I was thinking of going with something open in more ways than one such as Game Monster and Memoires of a Minion (somehow the two tie together like they were written by the same author) I'm in the process of figuring out the uses of the create a chapter feature or if I should type it up in word and paste from there. Any advice on that?
There is a long tradition of copy-paste. Just be aware that currently the RTE doesn't hold onto formatting when you do (bold, italic, underline, etc.) so save that part for after pasting.
How long would the appropriate length be for a thread? And exactly how open should I leave it? I'm at a point right now where I could leave it on a question or just answer that question myself in the same thread. If I leave it open, I am worried it might not be long enough (617 words) but I'm also worried that I might not be giving enough options to readers if I just plow on in.
The best I can tell you is to take a look around the site, particularly in the story you are adding to, and use your best judgment. Different writers have different preferences. Just make sure it isn't only a couple sentences.
Fun: Have it be fun or interesting to read, developing the characters, setting, or plot, or being an interesting action scene or hot sex scene. Consistency: Stay consistent with the characters as established in previous chapters. Stay with the viewpoint and tense of the preceding chapter (first-person past, second-person present, third-person past). If you mention things like physical description or setting, make sure they don't disagree with what came before. I've had to re-edit "blue eyes" to "green eyes" even in my own stories. Story and Author requirements: Some stories have very specific rules and limits. Some story owners are more particular than others about style, tone, spelling and usage, length of thread, or whether the thread has to match their idea of where the story is going. Some stories require the end-of-chapter question to be a decision made by the main character; others will accept "And what happens next?". And welcome!
