Rantings of an Arranged Mind

It is really quite simple try writing some and read it over yourself send it to some friends that might provide appropriate criticism if it is good publish the stuff if it isn't don't

I'm fairly confident that I could probably figure out how to write a good chapter. Writing quality isn't my main concern, just an example of the stuff that runs through my head.

Like, for instance, whether I want my name on mature content -- MeiLin Miranda and Alexandra Erin, the authors of the above-mentioned stories, are both using aliases and that insulates their reputations somewhat.

I'm concerned about my audience's perception way way way more than I'm worried about my ability to write.

Personally, I feel that the Diggory story could get ruined by a push into the mature content area. It would be such a contrast to the rest of the story that I wonder if it is a good idea, though I do think that sex is an inevitable part of writing about relationships. I think, in your case, you need to let it happen if it is right in the relationship, but, you need to keep it toned down to follow in suit with the rest of the story. That chapter shouldn't stand out as something new and different, it still needs to be Diggory. This means not going too graphic.

Just my 2c

I appreciate that, Ross, as I'm trying to consider all the angles on this -- it's not a decision to be made lightly by any means.

I really hope it gets covered like you often see on tv movies. Things heat up a little, you see some caressing and maybe two naked bodies in bed and then it cuts to the next morning. Writing a porno script just has no place here, it doesn't fit with the rest of the style. It'd be the equivalant of a graphic sex scene in The Davinci Code by Dan Brown. I really just don't see it fitting smoothly and to be honest, I think it often goes overboard in ToMu as well.

Early on with ToMU the author AE defended the use of sex scenes based on two criteria. One, that sex was part of real life, so why should it be excluded from serious writing? And, two, the previous use of sex in stories was often sex for its own gratuitous sake, and it wasn't particularly relevant to the plot. AE set out to make plot-relevant sex -- because (in story terms) characters develop -- because of dialogue, things they learn, things that happen to them, actions they take. AE (in my understanding) set out to prove that sex could be one of the "things that happen to them" and "actions they take" and that sex could be integral to character development.

Now, that was almost two years ago. At this point, the scenes themselves no longer have the impact they had when she started the experiment, nor do they seem to contribute as much to any character's development. It has become commonplace and I think ill-used, especially compared to early in the story's life.

It may or may not fit the style of Diggory's story. Some might argue it's a little late to introduce something that hasn't been part of the story from the start -- but one could also argue that, since this is a story that so far has followed Diggory's day to day life (over only a two week period so far) the reason sex hasn't been part of the story is that it hasn't been part of his life, either. The difference between Da Vinci Code and Diggory, on this matter anyway, is that the Code isn't a story about two people falling in love. It's a mystery thriller with theological underpinnings. Diggory has been pursuing a relationship with Calla since the first chapter.

Be that as it may, however, a large part of me is in favour of glossing over events the way mainstream movies do, giving a hint of the emotion involved, but keeping the act itself private. I know I wouldn't want an audience, and I suspect Diggory wouldn't narrate events to an audience either. But, I felt it was a debate worth having, and I often think out loud and in conversations with others. So I appreciate the feedback and conversations thus far. :)

Ha ha, it's an interesting question, because I've always thought it was funny (funny-peculiar) how, as you say, two of the most popular web stories out there include graphic sexual content, and yet one of the most common reader comments (in ToMU) is "great story, except for too much sex!" When I read that I always think "the lady (or gent) doth protest too much"..

To answer your question, I agree with Ross. The difference between "Diggory" and ToMu for example, is one of ToMU's main themes is all the weird and wonderful varieties of sexuality that might exist among the different races and individuals in the story, while "Diggory" is more about the emotional aspects of the relationship and the threats to it posed by everything that's going on in the plot. Detailed description of the sexual activities that may go on between D. and C. at some point isn't really necessary to this plot and so would be more of a distraction than an advancement to the story - while no doubt annoying some and delighting other readers, not all of which would admit it ;-)

I do like the touches of passion you've put in so far, like Diggory feeling his pulse racing in his ears when Calla kisses him. It shows the intensity of the attraction he has for Calla which is an important part of what he's experiencing. I think you should follow your instincts on this and write as you feel Diggory would express himself. Diggory seems a classy guy so you're probably safe.

Now if you were writing from the p.o.v. of Matt - yikes - but then you might have to take a more tongue in cheek approach....

Arrinatara might be on to something too. It could be an interesting experiment to try a story with more erotic content, on another site under a pseudonym, and see what reaction you get. Only if you want to.

You could mention it on here, but I would keep it physically seperate so this can remain an "all ages" site.

The main reason I brought up the idea at all was that I wondered if it was something I was scared to do as a writer, and sometimes it's necessary to test one's boundaries. But that doesn't mean it's appropriate for this story -- like I said, I often think out loud and during conversations - hearing what other people think helps me clarify my own ideas. When I'm lucky.

Personally, I'm inclined to go with the "if it feels natural to the story" approach.

I'm inclined to believe that if you keep on writing the thing that feels most natural to the flow of the story and it never includes graphic sex, you probably have your answer.

That's been the way I've done it. Of course, all of my major characters right now are teenagers. If I ever do describe them having sex, the story might actually be illegal to read in some countries (specifically Australia, I think).

When it comes down to it though, I'll probably only do it if it furthers the plot or some theme. Presently, I can see a small case for it furthering a theme, but not the plot, so it'll probably never happen "on screen."

I don't know to what degree the same considerations apply to what you're writing, but I'm guessing they do to a degree.

One thing that I'm keeping in mind is the style of Diggory's narrative. From the onset (aside from the first chapter and some bonus chapters) the story has been designed to have two Word pages of text per installment. This has created a fast, punchy style that I think is very clean; there aren't a lot of overly descriptive paragraphs. While I'd like to think that the story is action-packed at times, it's never a blow-by-blow account down to the last detail. So I don't think it would make sense at all to be extremely graphic all of a sudden.

Right now I'm leaning towards "tasteful" and now it's just a matter of whether such a scene ever happens, and how the idea of "tasteful" will permeate the writing. Because, like Fiona said, Diggory's a classy guy.

I'm also curious what others think of the OP's question: is sex {graphic or otherwise} a prime requisite for popularity in web fiction?

Is it necessary in order for a web fiction piece to achieve ToMU/Intimate History levels of readership?

If said fiction doesn't have sex, will it crash and burn?

So far as I know, there is no other web fiction as popular as ToMU -- I'm waiting for someone to prove me wrong. So far as I know, Intimate History has one of the next strongest fan bases, but it is a lot smaller. So, so far as the Internet is concerned, is their strength based on sex? Because the Internet is increasingly sexualized. Is it an expectation or a prerequisite in order for online content to be successful?

That worries me -- enough that I thought about writing that way, when that's not my natural thought process. And even the consideration makes me pause and wonder.

But I have to chime in that I'm over here reading loyaly, and it's obviously not because of the sex. ;-)

I couldn't come up with a good answer to your question, so I didn't answer. Too much, "but on the other hand...".
Now I have to chime in with what amounts to an "I concur." That is to say, as much as one might enjoy a good steamy sex scene with Diggory, it just does not fit the story style so far, or HIS personal style. And I think this means I agree with a "tasteful" move-style "glossing over" where the emotional impact on Dig is the focus of that particular chapter (or subsequent others).

I don't personally think sex is a requirement for successful web fiction - do not ask how I stumbled over here, because I've forgotten. Maybe I was just the weird person looking for stuff to read online because books just aren't in the budget right now. Maybe I'm just the last "innocent" (HA!!) out here on Teh Interwebs....

I've been thinking about what might be the secret to AE's success.

Obviously, she's a good writer. Her stories combine drama, humour, and something to think about. They are accessible and interesting to varied reading levels. All these comments could also apply to your work.

I also think Tales of MU also has a winning combination of wide and niche appeal. On one hand, a lot of people can relate to college or school life and not fitting in, and sex of course is very interesting to many folks. But also, the story specifically appeals to two niche groups, both of which have a strong internet presence: 1) Dungeons and Dragons gamers, and 2) Lesbian/Gay/Trans. I don't know if she advertised on websites specifically associated with these groups, but I bet it would have been a productive strategy.

Possibly, an ad for a story might stand out more on a site that's not filled up with other ads for stories and webcomics like Project Wonderful.

So I was thinking about what niche forums or websites you might promote NMAI on. What came to mind is 1) mythology/theology/philosophy discussions, and 2) Aspergers. Not that the story is specifically about the latter, but it is certainly related, and this group is fairly active on the web, and, I think, supportive of its own.

Current projects: Diggory and Samiritan Project...hmm, this is a bit more difficult. Sci-fi and superheroes are a crowded field.

Not that you probably have any budget for ads, or time to chat on forums at this time, so for now, just some thoughts...

I appreciate the time you took to think about this, Fiona. I spent some time on the Aspergers/autism site wrongplanet.net, but I don't think enough to build up the community presence that might make people interested in following me back to my own website. Likewise some of the religious messaging boards I checked out. I just didn't have the time.

I think my frustration comes from having ideas, without having resources. I think I just need to be patient -- I've got a strong core audience here, that I really appreciate. If I just bide my time and keep doing what I'm doing, hopefully we'll hit a breakthrough at some point -- either I'll save up some money for a good campaign, find the time to do the networking again, or word-of-mouth will spread.

The method that got me the best results was networking with other online writers, that got me some very articulate commenting readers and link exchanges, and led to my loose involvement with the Web Fiction Guide. However, at this point I think even that has plateaued somewhat: the main users of the Guide seem to be the authors themselves, and everyone only has so much time for other people's work when trying to promote their own. I think the WFG needs to get bigger before it's going to help more than it already has.

That being said: the challenge for NMAI and Digger reviews will still lead to bonus chapters. And to help word-of-mouth I'm going to put some serious effort into coming up with a snappy synopsis so people can link to the stories on websites, their blogs or facebook and stuff -- I know that NMAI in particular is hard to describe. I'll post my efforts in a blog later in the week, or next week -- so anyone interested in word-of-mouth, viral advertising can borrow those. :)

Yes, your readers really appreciate YOU for sharing your creativity with us! You deserve fame and fortune as much as anyone who writes stuff worth reading, but at least you can know that your work is being read and enjoyed by many now.

I agree about WFG. More writers than readers. It's certainly outstripped the ability of reviewers to keep up with the incredible volume of new content being posted almost every day. I feel bad for some of the interesting looking stuff that's not getting any attention yet, but hey, endless future reading material, if the site can keep going.