Musings from a budding writer

Greetings All,

I am always extremely impressed (awed is probably a better word) by how seriously you regard the genre we all love. You have shared a lot of great advice and ideas, saying most of what I would have said. I will add three things based on my experience. First, I would suggest reading Stephen King's book, On Writing. It's probably the best writing book I've ever read (and I've read more than a few). Many of the suggestions here seem to have come directly from his text. Second, when I first started writing for the genre over twenty years ago, I had some doubts about how what I was writing would be received. My first publisher told me not to worry about it, that if I liked it, others would too. I have fully embraced that concept. You have to accept that not everyone will appreciate what you write, so write what you like and don't worry about the potential audience (just make sure it's your best writing). My wife, who loves all things spanking even more than I do, doesn't like my stories because they generally take too long to get to the 'good part.' However, I don't write just to get to the 'good part.' I like to explore characters and motivations, especially in different settings and situations. In fact, in answer to one of the questions asked, I have adapted two of my stories into mainstream by taking out the actual spanking. Third (and last), originality, of course, is always a concern. However, I have written hundreds of stories and novellas and would like to believe I haven't written the same story twice. I am always amazed to realize I still have a well of untapped ideas.

So, please keep writing and sharing. It is indeed a privilege to be a part of LSF and the Library.

Thanks DianaMiller and warthur for your replies. It is extremely interesting to read people's thoughts on the questions, and also your experiences with the writing process! Some comments below.


That's perfectly all right! In fact, if you had replied a few days ago, I might actually have exploded from information overload!



Now I'm curious. What you mind telling us what story it was?


Interesting, though I'm not sure I understand completely. When I reread something the editing tends to happen automatically, as I notice things that should be changed. I'll then mark the text so I can get back to it later. Maybe that is also what you do?


Thank you very much and you certainly don't have anything to apologise for!!


I concur wholeheartedly!


Thanks, I should check that out!


That is encouraging!


Very interesting. I don't suppose you could be persuaded to elaborate on this? Do you write for a living?

With regard to the 'leaving the story to rest' idea, I don't know what an optimum time would be. Certainly one needs to edit away furiously during the writing phase, but it's after you think it's finished that the resting time begins. Really you need to leave it long enough so that you can't remember exactly what you wrote so that your eyes are fresher. More than a week I'd say.
However...
I have a story that has been in the process of writing for a decade, nowhere near finished, and I read it from time to time, on each occasion tweaking something which seems right to me now. It is certain that I have edited some things away from and subsequently back to their original form.

And yes, the Woman of the Well is definitely KDP's best work, it's one of my favourites, there's something about the evokation of place and particular time in the protagonist's life that makes it stand out. Oh, there are spankings in it too, more than one, but I think that it is those other aspects of coming of age and into oneself which are more important.

Interesting. That would require some serious self-discipline for me, I think.


Wow. How long is it? (The story, I mean!)

It's 'A Human's Needs'


Oh yes, but I specifically meant when I'm still writing, so the story isn't even finished yet. English isn't my native language so sometimes I can't readily think of the right English terms to describe what I want to describe. Rather than disrupt my writing flow to go search the internet for the words I need, I might quickly note it down in my own language or use an English synonym and highlight it so I can get back to it later, when rereading.

Thank you. That meant a lot to me. I've never understood why the piece never resonated with more people, but that has been part.....along with other things.....of why I have sort of given up any hope of ever gaining popular success. Thanks again for such a public endorsement.

We sound very similar on this. I furiously rewrite initially and then when it feels done (I know darned well it's not 'finished') I reread it every or every other day for a week or so and then increase the time intervals. My minimum period for waiting before sending anything in is a month even if I feel it's finished before then.......because I've found that what seems finished in the moment, never actually is.

And I know people think I say this to be contrary, but I also mean it when I say a story should be reread, at least a few times, when the author is not sexually piqued. For me this can sometimes be difficult to manage, but all the more reason to do so. What sounds good turned on is often like what sounds enligtened when high, LOL

In answer to the question do I write for a living: Unless you're a very well-known and prolific writer (e.g. Stephen King or John Grisham) or you're extremely lucky (e.g. E. L. James), you don't write for a living. In fact, in today's literary world, it is very difficult to get anything published, even in small literary magazines because of the competition. However, that doesn't keep a lot of us from trying. I read and write every day in order to hone my skills. But I have the luxury of being retired. The two stories I referenced I wrote many years ago for a different publisher. I thought the stories had merit and so rewrote them without the spanking. I haven't sent the original stories to the Library, but i may at some point in the future.

As I said before, as a writer, I greatly appreciate the platform LSF has given me and others to create and share. I also greatly appreciate each and every reader and comment.

Thanks again, Diana and warthur.

Diana, I'll definitely check your story out.

Warthur, have you had anything published outside the spanking genre? I don't suppose you'd like to reveal your secret (non-spanking) identity?

It's currently 6000 words, but the story (and the characters) are stuck. If you send me a pm I will send you a copy so you can read it.

Funnily enough one of my unwritten story ideas is about an author stumbling into the town where all his unfinished story characters live, and I have to say, they are not pleased with him. I've even got the title. Perhaps they should gang up and spank him?