What exactly is a spanking/spanko story?

We are all here interested in the same thing. Spanking. But what, in your opinion, constitutes a spanking story?

Spanking can range from a few mild swats to a full-blooded whipping. Do you like a story which merely describes a spanking/caning/ strapping? Or do you like a story with a plot?

Is a story which contains a spanking, however incidentally, a 'spanking' story, or should the whole text revolve around the spanking?

How about a story, or episode, where there is no spanking at all, but the threat is there, or a discussion of spanking?

Let's hear your views.

Linda

I'm sure different people define them different ways. Ask enough people, Linda and all your suggestions are probably correct. I know of one board I used to post at which seemed to define it as any story that contained a spanking at some point. Me personally I prefer a proper story, a setup and a spanking or spankings during the story itself. My Spank Shop stories are probably my own personal view of a pure spanking story.

Another good question Linda.

Personally I like a story with more to it than just spanking. I like a story to grab and hold my attention and I love it if there is a clever twist or if it has a funny element to it. I guess all sorts of stories can be classed as spanking stories, even if there is little reference to the actual act. Again personally, I am not fond of too much sex in a story, I prefer some things left to the imagination, rather than graphically described.

I'm of the same opinion as Pink in that I (sometimes though not exclusively) enjoy reading a story with more to it than just spanking; however, I do like the spanking element to be an integral part of the story as opposed to something just casually tossed into the mix to magically turn it into a spanking story - often this just doesn't work!

I don't mind sex scenes if they are well written and actually believable, and which complement the story; but wading through badly written 'wank fodder' isn't my cup of tea



I find spanking stories much more satifying if:
- they identify a problem, conflict & solution
- where the characters are developed
- the dialogue is well written
- a satisfying outcome is described with the guilty parties (or even the innocent ones!) getting their comeuppance.

What I really don't like are soppy romance stories with no spanking in whatsoever, or just peppered with a phrase such as 'he swatted her bottom'. I as a reader want a much more detailed description of the spanking, and I enjoy the anticipatory build-up and the whole dynamic interplay of the main protagonists.

So what constitutes a spanking story? There must be many different definitions depending on individual preference ...

flopsy

I like there to be some plot and characterization in a spanking story (or any story actually), but it doesn't have to necessarily be deep or complex--because life isn't always deep or complex. However, I do much prefer that there be a definite reason for the spanking, although not all such reasons have to be deeply meaningful. "Because I call the shots in our relationship/marriage (maybe even just friendship) and I feel like paddling your butt right now," that's a reason in a light story--and the spanking(s) can be quite strenuous, as long as the attitude is lighthearted. If the spanking action just seems like an "add-on" then I don't generally consider it a spanking story though. (Yes, there's a an old Short Story Contest entry of mine posted here in which the spanking action is just briefly mentioned at the end, although there are earlier conversational references to past spankings--admittedly it was written basically to advance plotline and develop characters rather than to focus on a spanking situation.) Stories that do a good job of describing the actual spanking action, along with appropriately relevant dialogue, are usually among my favorites...

--C.K.

I'm pleased that the majority verdict is that the plot is more important because that's my opinion too. I have no interest in reading about a spanking if the rest of the story is unbelievable or badly written up to that point. Plot, in my opinion, is all. I have written several stories and consider them stories with spanking in them, not spanking stories. I know also (or have found out!) that at least three more of mine wouldn't be considered spanking stories and as such are perhaps not eligible for this site. This is because the spanking or the threat of one isn't actually described but is implied even though the build up suggests that is exactly what's going to happen. I am aware, though, that readers looking for spanking action might be disappointed if a spanking is not actually described in great detail and are only interested in the build up if the spanking is delivered as the denouement.

Good question, Linda

Mary

For me a spanking story is best when there is not just a plot but an issue of emotional resolution at stake. I am fascinated with the psychological dynamics of D/s relationships. Having had several, I am most intrigued by those stories whose issues ring true to me and my own personal experiences. Spanking is of course just one aspect of a D/s power dynamic, but it is a popular one and has the potential for a lot of issues due to the elements of submission not only to another person's will, but to the physical pain involved. I have also written stories that contain issues of chastity/orgasm denial and other BDSM activities. Even in these the details of the activity are secondary to the feelings of those involved.

Perhaps this is why I am not terribly interested in stories where the spankings involve children who are being punished and have no choice, or with stories that have some solid historical rationale for a spanking that can't be refused. For me the whole appeal of a spanking story hinges on the fact that a modern adult spankee has the right to refuse such treatment....and yet....for whatever reason......elects to submit to another equal adult for treatment that many others would never accept.

There are a lot of issues involved in being a spanked adult. Who is the person with the authority? What is their relationship to the spankee and why has the submissive agreed to hand over this control to them? How does it feel to be in the midst of spanking proceedings and have the time to contemplate why one is there? How does a spanker rationalize their authority?

Playing up the momentary inequality among equals is a priceless thrill. I love a story that can make me feel the uneasy willingness of a spankee and the cool confidence of the spanker.

The childhood stories I like best are the ones where the kid has somehow manipulated themselves into the spanking and then cannot back out, since this is merely the juvenile version of what many adults do. The issue remains the same despite the age.

As a male switch who has been spanked far more times than I've spanked, I tend to relate to F/M stories, but a M/F story that rings true to the issues mentioned is better for me than a F/M story that is merely narrative.

I truly relate to the concept of "I have to accept this spanking, I have no real choice," even when the spankee does technically have the option of refusing, in a spanking story. It's probably a bit more stark in a F/M story in which a bigger, stronger male character is somehow dominated psychologically (at least as far as their disciplinary relationship) by a woman he is clearly physically superior to. I enjoy his sense of fatalism and his helplessness to resist the woman's will, as far as his punishment goes anyway, as he ends up being soundly chastised by a female he could probably toss across his lap and spank by force if he had the inclination to do so.
A 6'1", 195-pound male is ordered by a 5'3", 135-pound female to retrieve her hairbrush, bare his buttocks and bend over her lap--and he does so, perhaps protesting verbally but never seriously considering simply not cooperating because "I can't disobey her," that's a compelling scenario to me...
--C.K.

Agreed, Crimson. That is the issue in a nutshell. Any story that explores that with any depth and while also evoking my own feelings and conflicts is one I will read again and again.

Everybody has their kinds of stories. Whether it is adults or children, it must have a basic issue. The characters and the plot much be established. The characters must be as large as life. The plot must be realistic. It should be a kind of story, in which you want more. I believe that it is the responsibility of the author, to continue, until everyone "lives happily ever after." Not quite, but almost. The reader should identfy with these characters. Of course, the spanking "money shot" must be detailed, in every way. Nothing in the way of emotions, should be left out.