Story Length Poll

[Caliguy8302]

How long do readers prefer stories to be? Personally, if something is well written I don't mind reading several parts. But I'm wondering how everyone else feels since I have a tendency to be a saga writer at times. I cut my last story at 12 parts which I think is decent. But each part was 5 pages long and those 12 parts were only the first third of the story. However, I don't want to spend all the time and energy of writing so much if no one will be interested in hanging in for that long. So I'd very much appreciate plenty of feedback here.

[Guest]

I love longer stories due to you get to know the characters on a bit more of a personal level. A one part story is fine but with a story with several chapters your readers can watch a world you create in your head and on paper unfold more and it gives more life to the story.

[BaraFiend]

Personally, I prefer my stories to be at least a few pages in length (although there are some exceptions) but that's the only rule of thumb regarding length specifically.

Usually, "density" and/or "interestingness" is what determines if I'm interested in a story. It's been said billions times before, but it really is true; the first few paragraphs are the most important. If, after reading a few paragraphs, I get the feeling that there's going to be a bunch of "padding" or if the writing style or premise doesn't suit me at the moment, then I'll probably mentally shelve the story away for another day, possibly.

On the other hand, if I really like the hook, or how the writer writes, or the premise, I'm more willing to keep reading. That said, given enough "padding" I'm most likely to skim until I get to the good parts, and if I get let down when I get to the first pivotal or sexy bit, or if it starts going in a direction that I don't like, I may put it down.

I can't really offer much since I'm more of a reader than a writer, but I guess make it short enough not to scare people away, but long enough to make people think it will be worth their time. And focus on making the beginning that makes people want to read more, without "baiting" them in an underhanded way.

Also, is there an actual poll I'm supposed to take? I couldn't find one. Here's a site I've seen used to make quick, simple polls before, although I think this site may have a built in function for that already?

(If you want hard numbers, I'd suggest trying to limit it to twelve parts at most, and less if you can. As for page numbers, I think somewhere around 20 is good, although it may be possible to "get away with" as low as 5 and as high as 40. Keep in mind though, this is just a really rough estimation.)

[LeatherGryphon]

For me, continued or multi-part stories tend to be like Movie sequels.  Either peaking at episode 3 or never surpassing episode 1.  Just more of the same in any episode beyond the peak.  The unique thrill is gone after the peak.

I much prefer a single part story that is well written, and intense with visionary 1st, 2nd, or 3rd person descriptions, and short on conversations.  I don't care about the characters, just in what happens to them.

[asianman2410]

I don't mind long stories or multiple continuations of a story, but I've gotta be interested in the topic/description. I'm sure it applies to everyone, but if I'm not interested or if the imagery isn't up to my par, I'll pass on the story. It's kinda bad because a title (especially when it comes to erotica) has to grab me. I'll still attempt to read the story, but I guess I'm keen on small details. 

[Caliguy8302]

@BaraFiend - Yes there was supposed to be an actual poll here, but I guess I don't have high enough member access to make one or something.

Anyway, I'm kind of surprised I didn't seem to get much feedback. Although I think I have enough to move forward with my stories here now. Thanks again to all who did leave feedback; it definitely helped.

[dangerous]

Short and sweet.  There is so much pointless fluff in so many stories.  Too many authors write crappy stories because they get bogged down in stupid details nobody cares about.

 

The best stories are the ones where every single part contributes to the sexuality of the story in some way.  Without any long gaps between erotic sections--the worst and most common sin among authors of this kind of porn.

[furfucked]

On Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at 8:05 PM, LeatherGryphon said:

I much prefer a single part story that is well written, and intense with visionary 1st, 2nd, or 3rd person descriptions, and short on conversations.  I don't care about the characters, just in what happens to them.

 

14 hours ago, krorona said:

Short and sweet.  There is so much pointless fluff in so many stories.  Too many authors write crappy stories because they get bogged down in stupid details nobody cares about.

 

The best stories are the ones where every single part contributes to the sexuality of the story in some way.  Without any long gaps between erotic sections--the worst and most common sin among authors of this kind of porn.

I am speaking for myself when I say this. The inane details, the characters that are 'just devices for growth,' the pointless fluff, and the long gaps in between the erotic sections are pretty much the best parts of a story for me. When I look at comments like this, I struggle with the age old debate I've seen having with myself. Plot over porn.

Now here's the thing. As a writer, you can choose to write for the masses, and you can choose to write for yourself. When writing for the masses, you're putting all of your creative energy into this project, hoping and expecting someone to like it even if they're on the outskirts of the community. You've picked a premise, and you know how to grow the character in question. Now you have to decide to only skirt around your fully realized idea because quick smut goes over better with the crowds, or put time and effort into this project because you can't sleep at night because of your exciting concept. This is my dilemma. 

To the two gentleman who I quoted, I believe that the saying goes: "A picture is worth a thousand words." And what I mean is that I believe a more visual medium suits your styles better. Things are laid in front of you, no unnecessary intricacies or details to get in the way of good solid growth. You see a character and get a pay off.

If a writer wants to write a softer scene in the story devoid of growth, what's the harm? Not everyone has the eternal lust for muscles some do, and would actually like to show us why a character should grow instead of a throwaway line or summary like 'he's a weak gay nerd' or a 'guy who hungers for huge muscles that grow non-stop.' Heck, some people might even consider romance between these two to be pointless fluff. If having an active character in a plot driven story is a turn off for most, then there should be a format of stories like the film Hardcore Henry . A film where one is meant to be a reactionary character with everything else happening around him.

Personally I'm not trying to call anyone out. I'm trying to be as civil and polite as possible. And I still have more to say in the matter, but I can save it for later. 

[Aronymous]

A short story (shorter than 3x screen size) does nothing for me. It's the details that make it hot. 'He drank the bottle, he grew, he came' is very boring. Stories with actual exciting story lines and story-important details or backgrounds are the ones you want to continue to read. Not just because you feel like j/o.

[Caliguy8302]

I think that there are some writers who do really well writing shorts. But as a reader it really depends on my mood if I want something longer or shorter. This also means that as a writer I tend to write what I know. So if I'm only reading shorts, that's what I'll write. I think that for myself I prefer writing longer stories because I tend to like reading longer stories myself. There's nothing wrong with short stories. It's just that there are so many of them that I like the contrast. It's a lot harder to write sagas as well. Many great authors start one and then eventually find their schedules not allowing for continuation or their muse has dried up. This is why when I wrote C.H.E.M.O. Therapy, I decided to write it all in one go before posting any of it. As I said in the beginning of this thread it only turned out to be the first third of the story, but I wanted to make sure everyone could enjoy it's length as well as style. I tried to put as much plot as I did sex. However, as furfucked said, writers are either writing for the masses or for themselves. Since I'm not getting paid (monetarily) for any of my time and energy invested I think it's best to keep in mind that I should be writing for myself and not trying to please everyone 100% as I have a bad habit of doing. Ultimately though, the responses here have indicated to me that many people do indeed prefer longer and/or more developed stories and so whether my stories are short or long I don't need to worry about post length. I just need to focus on writing the stories I'm passionate about.