Past & Future Story Challenge 2014

With what barretthunter said about geographical setting. In a lot of cases people write what they know, and the majority of Library members, writers and readers, tend to come from either the US or the UK, with a few antipodeans like myself in the mix. When I write I do my best to make the setting generic, it could be anywhere in what is accepted as the western world these days. In terms of historical accuracy it depends on how nitpicky people want to get. Author Eric Flint writes for and edits the 1632 series (a series based on the premise that a small town in modern day North America is transported into the middle of the 30 Years War in Europe and the affect it has on that world, with modern weapons, etc...). I saw him give a talk a few years back and he said that he and the other authors are often contacted by interested fans who give them advice. He said if they've made a glaringly obvious one he'll wear it, but if they want to take it as far as the design of the buttons someone is wearing on the front cover, then 'get a life.' His words not mine.

I see your point BH, but I was simply saying in my own way not to worry about bras and panties in (probably more so the 'past' stories.) That's all. As I said in my statement, research is a good thing. And please don't think I meant my post for you. That was not my intent and sorry if I misled. You're one of the people whom I admire for research in your stories. I've told you that in comments I believe.

Why ever would I worry about such things, entirely naked is best but really it is up to the person (man or woman) who wears them to worry about such things...LOL

This site is aimed at fun, and while I do agree research can very very helpful. it is not something one would forgo submitting a story because of in my opinion. As writers we have rights to what I call "artistic license" which covers a lot of ground, not only on the severity of any spanking, or the reactions to a paddling, but also history. Besides that much history in the past was written in favor of who ever was in power at the time, and who knows what kinks those guys and girls had...LMAO

At the end of the day it's always going to be up to the reader how he/she reacts. Personally I'm happy to overlook things such as dress etc but glaring historical inaccuracies may well spoil the reading experience to some extent. When I cast my votes they will be based much more on the positive aspects of the story trivial mistakes. Well done to all who had a go

Thanks to barretthunter for compiling the stats on the settings, it's very interesting to see what themes and eras proved popular.

When I've been rating the stories in this challenge, I've rewarded those stories where I think the setting has facilitated a different kind of story than could be set in the present day - either because of cultural of technological differences.

rachelredbum's comment about exposition was insightful too. Although I think short stories set in unfamiliar settings will, by their very nature, tend to spend more time describing them.

It's been a very enjoyable challenge. Thanks organisers!

Got about a third of the way through reading the 61 stories and so far I'm very, very impressed. Unless you're a futuristic/historical writer by nature the demands of this competition require a bit of thought and/or research away from the well-trodden path so well done everyone. There would have been a second "aliens" story complete with tentacles, etc but sadly mine was already in the library so I'd used up all my alien lifeform cliches.

rachelredbum: I agree with the "show not tell" sentiment. For my own story I came up with a number of details including updates to voting system that simply didn't fit in the story, but I still believe it's important for me as the author to know about them.

mobile_carrot: It wasn't that hard for me as my mind naturally wanders through very unfamiliar words

I agree. The more details you know about your setting and even your fictional characters, the more convincing your story will be. I did a fair amount of research for one of my stories in order to have the small details right, even if it ended up being just a phrase or brief mention. I hope that it flows into the story well enough that no one can tell.

I am only 1/3 of the way finished reading these stories, I am really enjoying this challenge a lot. The stories are really great and a lot of fun to read. Thanks authors.

A lot of imagination went into these stories. Some great writing as well. I can only say that the LSF has some of the best authors of spanking fiction anywhere. I'm finished with my reading and the stories were erotic, humorous, and well written.