Writing classy smut for classy people
I'm writing a series about a guy getting a job as a CEO's sexy assistant.
I wrote part one — about the secretary giving him head while he's waiting, but getting interrupted just before he finishes when the CEO calls him in.
I'm working on part two — where the CEO asks him a series of increasingly explicit questions before revealing that she's hiring someone to relieve her sexual tension so she can focus on work. The interview ends with her saying "Now I need to see if you can perform. Your final task will be to make Liz cum. You have 10 minutes."
My question: That feels like a natural break in the story to me, and my instinct is to call that part two, and then make part three be him trying to get the secretary off.
But that means that while part two is loaded with sexual tension, nothing actually happens. Will that upset readers? Am I better off to combine parts two an three into one longer chapter, or is ending part two on that loaded moment alright given that it's part of the larger series?
If it matters, I plan to get part three written and posted ASAP, so there shouldn't be long before it goes up after part two is posted.
Wouldn't you rather have a nice cup of tea?
In a longer piece, I don't think there needs to be explicit sex in every chapter, but it would be a good idea to keep the tone of the writing erotic, building up sexual tension, etc. If it's just people standing around talking about the weather (or whatever) I imagine you'd disappoint a lot of readers, no matter how well written or interesting the dialog might be.
That said, my opinion on serial stories is that there's a 10 000 word limit for submissions. If your story is under that, you should just publish it as a single piece. I find it really annoying when authors publish stories 500 words at a time just to stretch it out and get more publications. However, I think you as the author probably have the best sense of where a good break point is between chapters. Write whatever you want to write, and let the readers figure out whether or not they like it.
Don't believe everything that you read.
I have an idea sketched out for a longer work (several chapters, maybe even a novel) that would definitely have some chapters with no actual sex. Characters meeting, flirting, developing their relationships, etc. but not actually getting physical. I floated the issue to a mod that I respect and she was quite cool and supportive. It's backburnered right now and, to be honest, I may even ease off the sexual content entirely and do it on the blue site instead.
How will readers respond? There are a couple groups of readers here, I find. Probably more, but two really broad ones that most of the rest fall under. One group appreciates a good story with hot sex. They will tolerate some character and story development as long as the sex is good when you get to it. The other wants a "stroke story" and that means sex. Plot and character can be there, but it still has to end with the big O in some form. They may not be as receptive to a story like yours. And there are some, like me, who go for what suits them at the time. I love a good story but sometimes I just need to get my rocks off, too.CTSgm43v6loO0QEY
I think you need some sexual content in every submission, but not necessarily actual sex. I a little bit more in left field than most writers here, but I have several stories with no sex, just foreplay or a flashback or sometimes just sexy dialogue. The readers here are pretty open, and there are enough of them so that you will find an audience that fits your writing perfectly.
I have now written three Novel length series here, in fact, they are now novels... on Amazon. (See my profile page for details).
Not every chapter has sex.
If your story contains enough drama to keep the reader's attention then there can be chapters with no sex whatsoever.
I am sure that those who have read mine will agree that I like to leave each chapter with a little hook. Something that makes them think,
"Oh my! I must read the next one to see what is going to happen!"
However, if your series has no substance but is purely just sex scenes, one after another, then yes, you will need sex in every chapter.
Thanks for this thread. There have been a few stories I've written where sex wasn't actually necessary. They had elements of eroticism, but the sex was more gratuitous than need be.
Great question!
I have three famous stories, 2 recommended reads and have come in the top ten in two competitions~ Come in and make yourself at home.
It's not about the length that matters, it's how you use it.
