Welcome, Lurkers!

Maryn · 12-08-2009, 09:30 PM

While I intend this mainly for one new lurker, a friend of an online friend of mine, I imagine there could be others a little leery of going public. To any and all, I’m glad you took the advice to join AW even if you’re only reading at this point.

To my one lurker: I’ve read your work, thanks to my friend’s directing me to it, and while it couldn’t be sold without pissing off--Warner Bros., is it?--the writing’s got plenty going for it. Lots of energy, strongly visual, consistent character behavior, all kinds of good stuff. It’s got a few weaknesses, too, but I imagine you’d rather nobody noted them until and only if you ask. Which is cool. I hate it when strangers come up and comment on my fat thighs.

Back to any lurkers we might have: AbsoluteWrite’s an especially good place for erotica writers, because there aren’t many writing sites which take erotica seriously. AW treats it like any other genre, rather than some second-class endeavor to be sneered at, or banned over.

Those who prefer--which is a lot of newcomers--can merely read boards (lurk). Both members and non-members can read boards which have no password protection, and all anybody will know is that a specific member is at the AW site, and that certain boards have certain numbers of visitors, not who is where. So you have a fair amount of privacy here.

I recommend you read not only the Writing Erotica board but also the general boards about writing fiction of any kind. Just because it's about sex doesn't mean we can get sloppy, right? You’ll pick up all kinds of tips, meet great people, and quickly learn who knows their shit and who’s a beginner. The Novels board (especially Learn Writing with Uncle Jim) and the Grammar and Syntax board are the equivalent of lots of college with a Creative Writing major. Seriously.

Among the regulars at the Writing Erotica board are several who have sold books, ebooks, and/or short stories, and plenty more who will sooner rather than later, along with still more who are only beginning to explore the genre. At every level, people are able and willing to share what they’ve learned on the way, both about writing in the genre and about marketing.

One thread at Writing Erotica is password-protected. There the language and content get fairly raunchy. However, there’s almost never any discussion of writing and marketing there. It’s more a place to play or blow off steam, with lots of flirting, sexual quips, etc. The password was added only recently, when mods agreed a lot of the content was not suitable for all members 13-and-up but only for adults.

Critique for all genres is posted at Share Your Work, each genre on its own board. All are password-protected, so those who post do not use up first publication rights. They’re also protected from search engines picking up their text. There’s lots to be learned from reading work and its critiques in any genre you read. The password for all is “vista”--except for SYW-Erotica, which has a separate password, so no underage users have access. (My kids, young adults now, say I was overprotective, and maybe they’re right--but I like knowing AW does it this way. The idea of a kid reading some of that content is creepy.) When you’re ready to read there, send a private message to the board moderator saying you’re 21 or more.

In the last few months, the level of camaraderie and support among the erotica writers has blossomed. People who stopped in for help with a troublesome romantic chapter of a non-erotica work have stayed, they like it so much. Some are experimenting with erotica for the first time, learning a lot while enjoying the process and the people. Others are just hanging out, laughing and joking.

While some of us at the Erotica board are pretty open about who we are and what we like when it comes to sex, others are not. It’s not like other genres--nobody assumes the mystery author really wants to kill anybody, or in fact already has. Posting writing intended to turn people on reveals something that’s deeply personal, and we’ll all understand if you choose not to do it, now or ever.

I do hope you and any others who only lurk will feel free to step from the shadows and introduce yourselves, telling us only what you’re comfortable with. I’ll go first: I’m Maryn, the oldest one here (I think) but not the most experienced (I know!), long married, two adult kids, and I live between the Great Lakes and the Finger Lakes. I started writing sexy fanfic when the market for mystery short stories got tiny, and found I really liked it. I removed “my guy” and started writing stories nobody could sue me over.

Maryn, quite long-winded as usual

Brindle Chase · 12-08-2009, 10:00 PM

Amen... great bunch of people here!!! I've learned alot here!! Only wish I had more time to spend here. Its alot of fun!

firedrake · 12-08-2009, 10:05 PM

What Maryn said.

I lurked for a long time before I posted anything. I write women's fiction but was clueless how to approach certain romantic scenes and Erotica SYW has helped me tremendously.

Seaclusion · 12-08-2009, 10:07 PM

Most of my erotica is in the form of PMs and Reps. No wonder I'm on so many ignore lists.

Richard

Maryn · 12-08-2009, 10:25 PM

Richard, you need to trot out those naughty bits and we'll help you polish 'em right up!

Maryn, not on many ignore lists, she hopes

Seaclusion · 12-08-2009, 10:30 PM

There is a sex scene in my current WIP and it's pretty tame. Maybe I should think about spicing it up a bit.

Richard

Darklite · 12-08-2009, 10:43 PM

I lurk way more than I post, mostly because I can never think of anything interesting to say. Also I still haven’t worked up the courage to post any of my stuff in erotic SYW (apart from a short story on a practise thread which really doesn’t count). To be honest I’m a little intimidated by the quality of work posted recently so … I suppose I’ve got a bit of an inferiority complex. Still, I'm keen to inprove my writing, especially my (rather clinical) sex scenes, and I doubt I'll improve much without feedback. Might make it a New Year’s resolution to post more and lurk less

SFLP · 12-08-2009, 10:45 PM

Well said, Maryn. It's an incredibly supportive group of people. (Even if we do get a bit carried away in the Bordello at times.

)

J.

Maryn · 12-08-2009, 11:13 PM

Well, the Bordello is a special case. I found it intimidating for quite a while--in exactly the way I found Ray's House of Love intimidating once upon a time. Everybody seemed to know everybody else, and there were inside jokes, and people who'd all read one another's work and knew the names of the characters and what their sexual kinks were, yada-yada-yada. But I finally took a deep breath and started posting, not saying anything much, and just like the House of Love, I was welcomed.

For someone lurking, Writing Erotica should probably come first, but when they're wanting to socialize and play, the Bordello never closes, right?

Maryn, buying the next round, as well as the oval after that

kuwisdelu · 12-09-2009, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darklite

I lurk way more than I post, mostly because I can never think of anything interesting to say. Also I still haven’t worked up the courage to post any of my stuff in erotic SYW (apart from a short story on a practise thread which really doesn’t count). To be honest I’m a little intimidated by the quality of work posted recently so … I suppose I’ve got a bit of an inferiority complex. Still, I'm keen to inprove my writing, especially my (rather clinical) sex scenes, and I doubt I'll improve much without feedback. Might make it a New Year’s resolution to post more and lurk less

It's always scary to post your work.

One thing to remember about this SYW in particular is that several frequent posters are published or soon-to-be-published and are putting up masterpieces the rest of us feel intimidated by as well--but we're addicted to their work, so they humor us.

We all have to start somewhere. No one will get down on you if you're struggling. SYW is where we try to improve each others' writing and help each other out. It doesn't matter if you're a beginner or a pro--we all need help sometimes, and the folks here--and around all of AW--are always happy to give it.

Critiques can be scary. Especially about something so personal. But it's always very rewarding, and always a learning experience even if it means finding out something doesn't work. The next thing you do will be better

We're all of us always learning.

Celia Cyanide · 12-09-2009, 02:14 AM

Thanks for this post, Maryn. The particular lurker is a friend of mine, and I hope she comes around to post once in a while.

But I suppose that makes me a hypocrit, because I sometimes pass through these parts, and I never say anything. I just don't know what I'm supposed to say. But thanks for being here.

ELMontague · 12-09-2009, 04:38 AM

Well said, Maryn. We welcome everyone. Please stop in and share the conversation.

SouthernFriedJulie · 12-09-2009, 05:58 AM

Very nice welcome you posted! I hope the intended lurker does post.

To her/him: I've been scared to death to come out about my attempt to write naughtiness. It's that first time you hit 'post' that gets you. You'll be fine, the folks here are very reassuring and remember- writing is writing is writing.

SFLP · 12-09-2009, 06:13 AM

EL, you should sticky this.

firedrake · 12-09-2009, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SFLP

EL, you should sticky this.

seconded.

Maryn · 12-09-2009, 06:38 PM

Doesn't anybody else wonder what substance El uses to sticky things?

Maryn, covering her mouth with both hands before she goes too far

kuwisdelu · 12-09-2009, 07:53 PM

Use your imagination.

Kanike · 12-10-2009, 08:46 PM

Hi! I'm said Lurker-person!

Thank you, Maryn, for the welcome! I'm still trying to get familiar around here. I see a lot of resources that'll come in very handy!

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouthernFriedJulie

I've been scared to death to come out about my attempt to write naughtiness. It's that first time you hit 'post' that gets you.

I certainly agree! I was talked into posting some of them on LJ last year and almost had a panic attack after pressing the 'post entry' button. I didn't put them all up either, only a couple. Kinda lost my nerve. To me, sharing what I write in a large public place is almost...ALMOST as terror-inducing as public speaking. Oddly counter-productive! I want to write, and am scared of anyone reading it!

Celia Cyanide · 12-10-2009, 09:02 PM

Welcome, Kanike! I'm so glad you joined the party!

Maryn · 12-10-2009, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kanike

I want to write, and am scared of anyone reading it!

Luckily, you are among your kind here. I live like a hermit and hate my telephone with a passion that approaches a sickness. I joked about it once here and learned that lots of writers are just like me, except they write better.

Maryn, trying (very)

Cranberry · 12-18-2009, 06:58 AM

I'm a lurker!!!!

kuwisdelu · 12-18-2009, 07:07 AM

Hi!

We'll send scarletpeaches with your giftbasket.

scarletpeaches · 12-18-2009, 07:11 AM

Why the hell do I get landed with the gift basket work?

Don't you guys know how hard it is to find a genuine discarded Letodrumstick these days? Not to mention Colin Farrell's beard-shavings?!

ELMontague · 12-18-2009, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cranberry

I'm a lurker!!!!

Technically you're not lurking anymore.

som1luvsmi · 12-18-2009, 07:44 AM

I'm an oftentimes-lurker, sometimes-poster.

I can haz JRM gift basket nao, SP?

But seriously, it can be a bit intimidating, but everyone is really sweet and welcoming here.

12-08-2009, 09:30 PM	#1
Maryn Goethe, Wind in His Hair AW Moderator Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: City Park Posts: 25,450	Welcome, Lurkers! While I intend this mainly for one new lurker, a friend of an online friend of mine, I imagine there could be others a little leery of going public. To any and all, I’m glad you took the advice to join AW even if you’re only reading at this point. To my one lurker: I’ve read your work, thanks to my friend’s directing me to it, and while it couldn’t be sold without pissing off--Warner Bros., is it?--the writing’s got plenty going for it. Lots of energy, strongly visual, consistent character behavior, all kinds of good stuff. It’s got a few weaknesses, too, but I imagine you’d rather nobody noted them until and only if you ask. Which is cool. I hate it when strangers come up and comment on my fat thighs. Back to any lurkers we might have: AbsoluteWrite’s an especially good place for erotica writers, because there aren’t many writing sites which take erotica seriously. AW treats it like any other genre, rather than some second-class endeavor to be sneered at, or banned over. Those who prefer--which is a lot of newcomers--can merely read boards (lurk). Both members and non-members can read boards which have no password protection, and all anybody will know is that a specific member is at the AW site, and that certain boards have certain numbers of visitors, not who is where. So you have a fair amount of privacy here. I recommend you read not only the Writing Erotica board but also the general boards about writing fiction of any kind. Just because it's about sex doesn't mean we can get sloppy, right? You’ll pick up all kinds of tips, meet great people, and quickly learn who knows their shit and who’s a beginner. The Novels board (especially Learn Writing with Uncle Jim) and the Grammar and Syntax board are the equivalent of lots of college with a Creative Writing major. Seriously. Among the regulars at the Writing Erotica board are several who have sold books, ebooks, and/or short stories, and plenty more who will sooner rather than later, along with still more who are only beginning to explore the genre. At every level, people are able and willing to share what they’ve learned on the way, both about writing in the genre and about marketing. One thread at Writing Erotica is password-protected. There the language and content get fairly raunchy. However, there’s almost never any discussion of writing and marketing there. It’s more a place to play or blow off steam, with lots of flirting, sexual quips, etc. The password was added only recently, when mods agreed a lot of the content was not suitable for all members 13-and-up but only for adults. Critique for all genres is posted at Share Your Work, each genre on its own board. All are password-protected, so those who post do not use up first publication rights. They’re also protected from search engines picking up their text. There’s lots to be learned from reading work and its critiques in any genre you read. The password for all is “vista”--except for SYW-Erotica, which has a separate password, so no underage users have access. (My kids, young adults now, say I was overprotective, and maybe they’re right--but I like knowing AW does it this way. The idea of a kid reading some of that content is creepy.) When you’re ready to read there, send a private message to the board moderator saying you’re 21 or more. In the last few months, the level of camaraderie and support among the erotica writers has blossomed. People who stopped in for help with a troublesome romantic chapter of a non-erotica work have stayed, they like it so much. Some are experimenting with erotica for the first time, learning a lot while enjoying the process and the people. Others are just hanging out, laughing and joking. While some of us at the Erotica board are pretty open about who we are and what we like when it comes to sex, others are not. It’s not like other genres--nobody assumes the mystery author really wants to kill anybody, or in fact already has. Posting writing intended to turn people on reveals something that’s deeply personal, and we’ll all understand if you choose not to do it, now or ever. I do hope you and any others who only lurk will feel free to step from the shadows and introduce yourselves, telling us only what you’re comfortable with. I’ll go first: I’m Maryn, the oldest one here (I think) but not the most experienced (I know!), long married, two adult kids, and I live between the Great Lakes and the Finger Lakes. I started writing sexy fanfic when the market for mystery short stories got tiny, and found I really liked it. I removed “my guy” and started writing stories nobody could sue me over. Maryn, quite long-winded as usual Last edited by Maryn; 12-08-2009 at 10:23 PM.

12-08-2009, 10:00 PM	#2
Brindle Chase Dancing on the edge Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 1,256	Amen... great bunch of people here!!! I've learned alot here!! Only wish I had more time to spend here. Its alot of fun! __________________ Brindle Chase Paranormal † Erotica † Romance Gothic City Lights The Grass is Always Greener Diva-licious Trading Up

12-08-2009, 10:05 PM	#3
firedrake Has anyone seen mah bunniez? Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: doesn't play well with others Posts: 8,530	What Maryn said. I lurked for a long time before I posted anything. I write women's fiction but was clueless how to approach certain romantic scenes and Erotica SYW has helped me tremendously. __________________

12-08-2009, 10:07 PM	#4
Seaclusion Absolute Parsley Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Ashore Posts: 3,470	Most of my erotica is in the form of PMs and Reps. No wonder I'm on so many ignore lists. Richard __________________ <<<...ran into a bum with a bottle of chum, and we wound up drinking all night.....>>>

12-08-2009, 10:30 PM	#6
Seaclusion Absolute Parsley Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Ashore Posts: 3,470	There is a sex scene in my current WIP and it's pretty tame. Maybe I should think about spicing it up a bit. Richard __________________ <<<...ran into a bum with a bottle of chum, and we wound up drinking all night.....>>>

12-08-2009, 10:25 PM	#5
Maryn Goethe, Wind in His Hair AW Moderator Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: City Park Posts: 25,450	Richard, you need to trot out those naughty bits and we'll help you polish 'em right up! Maryn, not on many ignore lists, she hopes

12-08-2009, 10:43 PM	#7
Darklite practical experience, FTW Join Date: May 2008 Location: UK Posts: 473	I lurk way more than I post, mostly because I can never think of anything interesting to say. Also I still haven’t worked up the courage to post any of my stuff in erotic SYW (apart from a short story on a practise thread which really doesn’t count). To be honest I’m a little intimidated by the quality of work posted recently so … I suppose I’ve got a bit of an inferiority complex. Still, I'm keen to inprove my writing, especially my (rather clinical) sex scenes, and I doubt I'll improve much without feedback. Might make it a New Year’s resolution to post more and lurk less

12-08-2009, 10:45 PM	#8
SFLP Just tell me to shut up. Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: N.W. U.S. Posts: 1,712	Well said, Maryn. It's an incredibly supportive group of people. (Even if we do get a bit carried away in the Bordello at times. ) J. __________________ Write well.

12-08-2009, 11:13 PM	#9
Maryn Goethe, Wind in His Hair AW Moderator Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: City Park Posts: 25,450	Well, the Bordello is a special case. I found it intimidating for quite a while--in exactly the way I found Ray's House of Love intimidating once upon a time. Everybody seemed to know everybody else, and there were inside jokes, and people who'd all read one another's work and knew the names of the characters and what their sexual kinks were, yada-yada-yada. But I finally took a deep breath and started posting, not saying anything much, and just like the House of Love, I was welcomed. For someone lurking, Writing Erotica should probably come first, but when they're wanting to socialize and play, the Bordello never closes, right? Maryn, buying the next round, as well as the oval after that

12-09-2009, 02:14 AM	#11
Celia Cyanide Joker Groupie Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: probably watching DARK KNIGHT Posts: 12,002	Thanks for this post, Maryn. The particular lurker is a friend of mine, and I hope she comes around to post once in a while. But I suppose that makes me a hypocrit, because I sometimes pass through these parts, and I never say anything. I just don't know what I'm supposed to say. But thanks for being here. __________________ My feature film WHY AM I IN A BOX? is now online! I wrote, directed, and acted in it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzglH...ature=youtu.be my IMDB page: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2097751/ Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/rachelgrubb add me on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/celiacyanide

12-09-2009, 04:38 AM	#12
ELMontague Moderator AW Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Kansas City Posts: 3,059	Well said, Maryn. We welcome everyone. Please stop in and share the conversation.

12-09-2009, 05:58 AM	#13
SouthernFriedJulie Hidin' the bodies Join Date: May 2007 Location: Western New York Posts: 1,656	Very nice welcome you posted! I hope the intended lurker does post. To her/him: I've been scared to death to come out about my attempt to write naughtiness. It's that first time you hit 'post' that gets you. You'll be fine, the folks here are very reassuring and remember- writing is writing is writing. __________________ Owner, Black Label Books, a new Indie E-Publisher of short stories, novellas, and an upcoming poetry collection. Check out BLB's new releases by your fellow AW'ers.

12-09-2009, 06:13 AM	#14
SFLP Just tell me to shut up. Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: N.W. U.S. Posts: 1,712	EL, you should sticky this. __________________ Write well.

12-09-2009, 06:38 PM	#16
Maryn Goethe, Wind in His Hair AW Moderator Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: City Park Posts: 25,450	Doesn't anybody else wonder what substance El uses to sticky things? Maryn, covering her mouth with both hands before she goes too far

12-09-2009, 07:53 PM	#17
kuwisdelu kimochi warui P&CE Ombudsman/Arbiter/Thingamajobbie Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Palo Alto, CA Posts: 26,500	Use your imagination.

12-10-2009, 09:02 PM	#19
Celia Cyanide Joker Groupie Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: probably watching DARK KNIGHT Posts: 12,002	Welcome, Kanike! I'm so glad you joined the party! __________________ My feature film WHY AM I IN A BOX? is now online! I wrote, directed, and acted in it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzglH...ature=youtu.be my IMDB page: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2097751/ Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/rachelgrubb add me on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/celiacyanide

12-18-2009, 06:58 AM	#21
Cranberry figuring it all out Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 54	I'm a lurker!!!!

12-18-2009, 07:07 AM	#22
kuwisdelu kimochi warui P&CE Ombudsman/Arbiter/Thingamajobbie Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Palo Alto, CA Posts: 26,500	Hi! We'll send scarletpeaches with your giftbasket.

12-18-2009, 07:11 AM	#23
scarletpeaches Banned Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 48,359	Why the hell do I get landed with the gift basket work? Don't you guys know how hard it is to find a genuine discarded Letodrumstick these days? Not to mention Colin Farrell's beard-shavings?!

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