Forum: Author Hangout

I am aware of that, hence my asking.

Will Valentine's Day need to be a significant theme of the story? I noticed several of the Halloween Contest stories, although being worthy stories in their own right, had no connection to Halloween.

AJ

However, I've realized recently that I hadn't done it properly. Most authors weren't even aware of the existence of those contests.

I would even argue that prizes are not even needed for many of them. I know at least for myself, any kind of actual prize is actually meaningless. Myself, I write for the enjoyment of writing and have absolutely no interest in doing it for money.

I'll assert that porn writing contests aren't worth the effort, unless they motivate you to write more than you normally would.

The reason is the same reason most literature awards are decided by a jury. If random people were allowed to vote, their votes would cluster around popular genres.

The porn equivalent to genres is 'kinks' more or less. If you want to win a StoriesOnline contest, you should write tales that express popular kinks.

Unless you're already writing popular kinks, it's not worth the effort figure out how to write kinks that don't interest you. Exception: you WANT to write new kinks.

Which leads to the conclusion that porn story contests benefit a minority of authors.

If you want to win a StoriesOnline contest, you should write tales that express popular kinks.

Do the winners of the contests on SOL validate that argument? Not the entries, but the winners. I don't think so.

1. How long does it take to go from an idea to a publish-ready story? The answer to that might be how much warning is needed for a contest?

2. What contests might you participate in?

3. How many entries make a good contest?

4. Might the authors agree on an annual schedule of contests?

5. Would it be adequate to say there will be contests on Holiday1, Holiday2, etc. The rules for each contest will be written and posted x number of weeks before the contest?

6. Would you be willing to help Lazeez to write the rules? Is it possible to keep the rules the same from year to year?

1: That depends on the individual, some are faster writers than others.

2: Again, that's going to depend on the individual and the time they have in which to dedicate, and is going to be subject to change depending on personal circumstances.

3: As many as possible.

4: That can be easily discussed as a post in the writers forum.

5: Yes. No need to post the rules beforehand, just leave them up under the 'competitions' tab and link to them in the notifications (as is currently done).

6: Competition rules already exist and wouldn't/don't need much in the way of changing except for a few lines pertaining to the specific competition, ie "Competition must be of a Wintery/Summery/Halloweeny/Springy*" nature. If there is a demand for competitions, then a list of subjects could be chosen and voted for by the paying members (got to have a reason for people to throw their money at Laz!) and the winning subject/topic chosen by the site's financial backers could then be the theme of the competition that the writers must adhere too. So if aubergines and candyfloss is chosen, then that is what the writers must create a story about!

*Delete as applicable.

1. How long does it take to go from an idea to a publish-ready story? The answer to that might be how much warning is needed for a contest?

For me, that depends on many things. Sometimes I will knock one out in an hour or so. Others, it has taken me years. Largely that just depends on the length of story.

2. What contests might you participate in?

For me, that would depend on my muse. She rarely strikes me at the particular times in fact. My only "Halloween" story actually came to me in the middle of summer after watching "Harvey".

But I could see many, especially as sometimes thinking of a holiday or event can spawn a story. And other times I have those that would fit well, but as there is no reason to hold it for a month or so I don't bother.

But the theme can be almost anything. A holiday, a song (just imagine the possibilities of "The Lady in Red"), a season change, a genre theme (Western, Sci-fi, crime, mystery, a specific decade, etc). I know for myself, I am always trying to branch into new areas.

I even joked not long ago about writing some "Groot Fan Fiction" for Arbor Day.

3. How many entries make a good contest?

That can depend on the intent. For a "fun contest", as that is not as much of a competition as just writing for fun I would say at least 3 or 4. I have even taken part in writing clubs where each month we had to write on a different theme. The prize was an actual joke (a $1 cup painted gold), the idea was just the fun in writing.

4. Might the authors agree on an annual schedule of contests?

Once again, not sure if that is necessary. One can sit in front of a calendar and figure out a schedule rather easily. But some variety might also be good, as not all readers-authors are from the US.

For example, February is also the Emperor's birthday in Japan. Their equivalent of Valentine's Day is actually in March.

July is American "Independence Day", but also Bastille Day in France.

And there are many that can be used for general themes. "April Fool's Day", Arbor Day, Veterans-Memorial Day, Labor Day, the list just goes on and on. Even the turn of seasons.

5. Would it be adequate to say there will be contests on Holiday1, Holiday2, etc. The rules for each contest will be written and posted x number of weeks before the contest?

I would say a generic one would be good for all, then a simple 1 paragraph addendum for the specific holiday or theme.

6. Would you be willing to help Lazeez to write the rules? Is it possible to keep the rules the same from year to year?

The rules should not be a problem, he already has those. The only issue I would see would be coming up with the themes, and how often to have them.

As for me, I do not "write" for contests. I simply write where my mind goes at the time, and do not try to tailor what I put down for anything other than my own enjoyment (and hopefully that of the readers).

And one of the dangers in "constant contests" with prizes is something I have seen before online. Where you will get a group of "serious writers" who will enter over and over with stories not written for enjoyment, but specifically written to try and win the contest and the prizes. And then you end up with the same people winning over and over again, and even the site often tends to favor specific authors.

One way to avoid that would be make the three writers that were on the podium in one contest ineligible to enter in another contest for a certain period of time.

I suspect lack of entrants will be an ongoing problem. That's a potential drawback of enforcing themes. Disqualifying the previous winners would compound the issue.

AJ