CAW 12 - The Story Writing Phase

[1BadDaddy]

I'm having trouble with my story. I don't know if I'll make it by the deadline.

I was about half way done with my story. It was going along quite well and I was having a good time creating my characters. Then disaster struck...the olympics began. I haven't written a single word since. It's sucking up all my attention and free time. Oh well.

There has been a positive development from my obsession with the games though. Last night I had a dream about two of the Russian gymnasts. If you were watching the gymnastics, you saw how upset the two Russian girls were about "only" winning the silver and bronze medals and missing out on the gold.

In my dream they were crying and I was consoling them even though I don't speak any Russian. Somehow my cock ended up in their mouths. It was one of those dreams that makes you feel all warm and happy every time you think of it...if you're a dirty old man.

[ejls]

Originally Posted by 1BadDaddy

I'm having trouble with my story. I don't know if I'll make it by the deadline.

I was about half way done with my story. It was going along quite well and I was having a good time creating my characters. Then disaster struck...the olympics began. I haven't written a single word since. It's sucking up all my attention and free time. Oh well.

There has been a positive development from my obsession with the games though. Last night I had a dream about two of the Russian gymnasts. If you were watching the gymnastics, you saw how upset the two Russian girls were about "only" winning the silver and bronze medals and missing out on the gold.

In my dream they were crying and I was consoling them even though I don't speak any Russian. Somehow my cock ended up in their mouths. It was one of those dreams that makes you feel all warm and happy every time you think of it...if you're a dirty old man.

Walk away from the television - you still have a week.

Get writing!

[ejls]

Originally Posted by snowleopard3200

Ejls - thanks. With the both of you and ELP in the CAW 12, I am going to have my hands full just trying to come close to your levels, let alone those of the other authors who are entering.

In CAW 10 I tied with some others for fifth, maybe this time I can make it to fourth.

I wish you good luck. I never look at these as something to win. I look at them as a challenge I can meet. That's the contest I've set up with myself. Can I answer someone else's idea? I compete against myself and many times fail miserably.

Now maybe I can go back to my CAW 11 non-entry.

[Dizzyworks673]

Originally Posted by ejls

I wish you good luck. I never look at these as something to win. I look at them as a challenge I can meet. That's the contest I've set up with myself. Can I answer someone else's idea? I compete against myself

I feel the same way. I've always written for myself and I post chapters when I'm done on my schedule. This is the first time I've really ever had to write with a deadline and its like I'm procrastinating subconsciously.

The challenge for me to win in this contest will be to have it done on time. If I can do that I will feel like I won. As far as competing against such great writers, I don't write to win. I write the stories I'm compelled to write and from there if people like them that's awesome.

If people don't like what I write I figure that's just how it is and I try to learn from the comments to become better in the future. So win or lose I try to look at these contests as a good and positive thing.

[snowleopard3200]

Originally Posted by ejls

I wish you good luck. I never look at these as something to win. I look at them as a challenge I can meet. That's the contest I've set up with myself. Can I answer someone else's idea? I compete against myself and many times fail miserably.

Now maybe I can go back to my CAW 11 non-entry.

Very true, I guess ultimately, each author is competing with themselves; otherwise how could we seek to become the best we can desire to be, and then become even better than we dare to dream...

[ahorsewithnoname]

Originally Posted by Dizzyworks673

I feel the same way. I've always written for myself and I post chapters when I'm done on my schedule. This is the first time I've really ever had to write with a deadline and its like I'm procrastinating subconsciously.

The challenge for me to win in this contest will be to have it done on time. If I can do that I will feel like I won. As far as competing against such great writers, I don't write to win. I write the stories I'm compelled to write and from there if people like them that's awesome.

If people don't like what I write I figure that's just how it is and I try to learn from the comments to become better in the future. So win or lose I try to look at these contests as a good and positive thing.

It's a good way of looking at things. You can't really write against others. You simply look at what's asked, say, "Can I write something here?", and then if yes, proceed. When you produce something that others like, you are a winner all on your own.

[ejls]

Originally Posted by ahorsewithnoname

It's a good way of looking at things. You can't really write against others. You simply look at what's asked, say, "Can I write something here?", and then if yes, proceed. When you produce something that others like, you are a winner all on your own.

And don't forget to tell him to leave some time for rewriting. Right?

[johnstr]

Originally Posted by ahorsewithnoname

It's a good way of looking at things. You can't really write against others. You simply look at what's asked, say, "Can I write something here?", and then if yes, proceed. When you produce something that others like, you are a winner all on your own.

I just try to write something that is better than the last one I wrote. Then I just hope someone likes it.

[ejls]

I don't know why people claim that writing erotica is so distracting.

[clairebare]

LOL!

[Dizzyworks673]

First off great pic EJLS! I bet it's truer than some like to admit.

I'm actually working on the ending of my story now! I might actually get it done on time (Crossing fingers). I just have a scene or two left to write then it's on to the full read through and touch up.

I know some don't believe in rewrites but I wish I had the confidence in my writing to just write it and be able to stick with it. I always have to run through the whole story again at least twice to touch up and look for mistakes.

But I'm hopeful that if I can finish the ending in the next day or two then I should have re-write time and make the contest.

Does anyone else re-write once or twice or do most of you just right it out once and stand confident that it's done right?

[snowleopard3200]

Dizzyworks - on the subject of rewriting, what do you mean once or twice? I often wind up having to rewrite the entire blasted stories at least five or more times...or more if I am really unfortunate.

Some of my stories, such as one I have been editing and working on for over six months has grown from a five page story to well over ninety w/o any end in site.

Even my CAW 12 entry, based on a half finished story from earlier, took some time to expand to its current size of nineteen pages. It is finished, yet I keep going back over it to see if there is anything I have missed.

[Cheltenham]

The majority of what I write is a first draft. I can't go through and look for mistakes because then I'd never finish.

As I write, I read back what I have so far and add to it then.

[snowleopard3200]

Ejls - I look at that picture and I finally understand why all the noise from my bosses office never ends; and why he never has any work done by the end of the day...oh well...I guess today I should have warned him that his dear old wife left her new mastiff inside the office, the one she named as 'Nutcracker."

Oh well...

Mayhap's I will get the promotion I have sought for some time...

The above is meant to be utterly ridiculous and ridiculed for bad humor.

[Dizzyworks673]

I guess Snow I should re-form that statement. Everytime I open up my story or current chapter to work on it I start at the beginning and touch up until I get to the end of what's written so I will end up going over the first paragraphs about 20 times or more by the time I write the ending.

But what I meant was that I have to run through the whole thing and re-write it at least twice once I think it's done before I think its ready. Even at that I never feel like their ready when I do post them. Its a matter of confidence that I still am lacking on some level.

But I understand your point. Storms Rock my CAW 11 entry was a story concept I came up with in high school and it was about a bunch of high school kids. For the contest I threw out the original story and wrote the first chapter of a new version about a bunch of kids in college. But after 20 of kicking it around in my head I still don't feel like it's right.

I also know what you mean about re-working ideas that you have been rolling with for a long time. Most of what I try to work on are ideas that I came up with years ago and ether tried to write then or said someday want to write.

My entry for the CAW 12 is the first brand new story line I came up with in a long time. After I read how great the stories were for the CAW 11 I decided it was time again to write something new.

It's been great working on something different for a change, I only hope it's up to the challenge, as I truly admire the level of writing we have on these compititions.

As always good luck everyone I can't wait to compete!

[Prurient Purveyer]

I'm in. Completely different story but this one works.

Emotional? Just a tad in places but miles more sex.

(just for you DC, just for you )

[ejls]

I know mine is not very long, but I've never been done this early.

Twiddling thumbs here.

[wantsomefun]

Originally Posted by Dizzyworks673

I guess Snow I should re-form that statement. Everytime I open up my story or current chapter to work on it I start at the beginning and touch up until I get to the end of what's written so I will end up going over the first paragraphs about 20 times or more by the time I write the ending.

But what I meant was that I have to run through the whole thing and re-write it at least twice once I think it's done before I think its ready. Even at that I never feel like their ready when I do post them. Its a matter of confidence that I still am lacking on some level.

Welcome to the club.

I know of several writers who can just sit down and pound out a story, or at least a chunk of it, and have it work -- the first draft needs absolutely nothing other than a careful proofreading.

Not me.

First, I have to be in the mood to write. I can't just say, "Okay, I can spend about three hours working on a story, so I'm going to force myself to write." That doesn't work. If I write anything at all, I wind up deleting it. When I am in the mood to write, or have an idea that I'm enthused about, productive writing sessions often span days or even weeks.

But, every day, at some point, I have to stop. When I go back, I have to re-read to make sure I remember everything, don't contradict myself, don't skip any needed details. When I re-read, I ALWAYS find stuff I want to change, so that the beginning of a story may have been revised a dozen or more times by the time it's posted.

It's a lack of confidence in my work combined with a bit of OCD. If I could move forward with a piece every time I'm in the mood to write, I'd have hundreds of stories out there by now!

As I said, welcome to the club.

[Prurient Purveyer]

Originally Posted by wantsomefun

Welcome to the club.

I know of several writers who can just sit down and pound out a story, or at least a chunk of it, and have it work -- the first draft needs absolutely nothing other than a careful proofreading.

Not me.

First, I have to be in the mood to write. I can't just say, "Okay, I can spend about three hours working on a story, so I'm going to force myself to write." That doesn't work. If I write anything at all, I wind up deleting it. When I am in the mood to write, or have an idea that I'm enthused about, productive writing sessions often span days or even weeks.

But, every day, at some point, I have to stop. When I go back, I have to re-read to make sure I remember everything, don't contradict myself, don't skip any needed details. When I re-read, I ALWAYS find stuff I want to change, so that the beginning of a story may have been revised a dozen or more times by the time it's posted.

It's a lack of confidence in my work combined with a bit of OCD. If I could move forward with a piece every time I'm in the mood to write, I'd have hundreds of stories out there by now!

As I said, welcome to the club.

Sorry, that should be "to which I can belong."

Its the brutal "cold light of day" that sees so many of my efforts perish under the delete key.

A story either works or it doesn't and it isn't until you can look at it dispassionately and see if it works or not that you know if its a success. Well that's how it is for me.

Certainly for me also time available to write is not the same thing as head in the right space to write- be nice if it was.

[wantsomefun]

Originally Posted by Prurient Purveyer

Sorry, that should be "to which I can belong."

Its the brutal "cold light of day" that sees so many of my efforts perish under the delete key.

A story either works or it doesn't and it isn't until you can look at it dispassionately and see if it works or not that you know if its a success. Well that's how it is for me.

Certainly for me also time available to write is not the same thing as head in the right space to write- be nice if it was.

Exactly.

I have a folder called "Unfinished Shit." I go there sometimes if I'm bored or stuck in a story I'm writing. A few of those story lines have been heavily modified and re-cycled recently.

The real fun is when the protagonists take over the story for me -- when all I have to do is transcribe. That's one of the reasons I re-write so much. I'm trying to get the situation and the characters to the point in my head where they become real.

Then the voices tell me what to write.

[Cheltenham]

Originally Posted by ejls

I know mine is not very long, but I've never been done this early.

Twiddling thumbs here.

They say it isn't the 'length', but the 'girth' that matters more.

I'm sure you'll do alright ejls.

Originally Posted by wantsomefun

It's a lack of confidence in my work combined with a bit of OCD. If I could move forward with a piece every time I'm in the mood to write, I'd have hundreds of stories out there by now!

Originally Posted by Prurient Purveyer

A story either works or it doesn't and it isn't until you can look at it dispassionately and see if it works or not that you know if its a success. Well that's how it is for me.

Certainly for me also time available to write is not the same thing as head in the right space to write- be nice if it was.

Both of these for me.

I have a bit of OCD. I know I'm not 100% accurate on my punctuation but I tend to add most of it according to how a snippet of dialogue is meant to be spoken. Sometimes I get carried away

A lot of my potential stories are sitting unfinished. I wrote a few paragraphs and all of a sudden I couldn't add to what I'd set out to write. Yes, that happens to me way too often. My mind isn't into writing and I am otherwise ready and willing to jot my ideas down.

But when the mind and the pen work in tandem, boy howdy you better hold onto your seats

And WSF's post above rings true. The characters do like to speak to me. But the oddest thing is when they interrupt me while I'm at work

There's a story to be told and sometimes I have to scramble for some paper and take notes while it's still fresh in my mind.

[Prurient Purveyer]

Originally Posted by wantsomefun

Exactly.

I have a folder called "Unfinished Shit." I go there sometimes if I'm bored or stuck in a story I'm writing. A few of those story lines have been heavily modified and re-cycled recently.

The real fun is when the protagonists take over the story for me -- when all I have to do is transcribe. That's one of the reasons I re-write so much. I'm trying to get the situation and the characters to the point in my head where they become real.

Then the voices tell me what to write.

I'm always nervous about my characters speaking to me because I must remind myself that I am God.

A story needs twists and turns and every character enjoys an easy life and will avoid these at every opportunity so we must impose these vicissitudes of fate upon our hapless characters for the idle entertainment of our beloved Gentle Readers- otherwise its not so interesting.

[snowleopard3200]

Originally Posted by Dizzyworks673

I guess Snow I should re-form that statement. Everytime I open up my story or current chapter to work on it I start at the beginning and touch up until I get to the end of what's written so I will end up going over the first paragraphs about 20 times or more by the time I write the ending.

But what I meant was that I have to run through the whole thing and re-write it at least twice once I think it's done before I think its ready. Even at that I never feel like their ready when I do post them. Its a matter of confidence that I still am lacking on some level.

But I understand your point. Storms Rock my CAW 11 entry was a story concept I came up with in high school and it was about a bunch of high school kids. For the contest I threw out the original story and wrote the first chapter of a new version about a bunch of kids in college. But after 20 of kicking it around in my head I still don't feel like it's right.

I also know what you mean about re-working ideas that you have been rolling with for a long time. Most of what I try to work on are ideas that I came up with years ago and ether tried to write then or said someday want to write.

My entry for the CAW 12 is the first brand new story line I came up with in a long time. After I read how great the stories were for the CAW 11 I decided it was time again to write something new.

It's been great working on something different for a change, I only hope it's up to the challenge, as I truly admire the level of writing we have on these compititions.

As always good luck everyone I can't wait to compete!

Dizzy, most likely I misunderstood your original posting. I have that happen quite a bit on my part. Personally I am entering this CAW to see how my writing has improved since CAW 10.

I have no expectations of winning, however nice it would be, but this one will show me how much more I have to go to enter the masters of the masters league here in the forum.

[Dizzyworks673]

Originally Posted by snowleopard3200

Dizzy, most likely I misunderstood your original posting. I have that happen quite a bit on my part. Personally I am entering this CAW to see how my writing has improved since CAW 10.

I have no expectations of winning, however nice it would be, but this one will show me how much more I have to go to enter the masters of the masters league here in the forum.

Actually I feel exactly the same way. I hope people like my entry but ultimately I'm doing this to challenge myself to get better. As I said once before I've never worked against a time limit so that is a challenge for me, to write something in 30 days that would be just as good as something I spent years thinking on.

As I said before I started something completely new. This will be the first time I ever went from concept to finished in less then 30 days so I'm hoping it will at least be liked. So like you Snow I have no expectation of winning the CAW but I will feel like I won if I have it done on time.

[wantsomefun]

Originally Posted by snowleopard3200

... Personally I am entering this CAW to see how my writing has improved since CAW 10....

That made me go back and look at lists of past entries. The quality of the stories entered was great, right from the start. Over time, it's gotten better. I'm ready to read some great stuff from returning writer and interesting, hot tales from newbies, too.

Originally Posted by Prurient Purveyer

I'm always nervous about my characters speaking to me because I must remind myself that I am God.

A story needs twists and turns and every character enjoys an easy life and will avoid these at every opportunity so we must impose these vicissitudes of fate upon our hapless characters for the idle entertainment of our beloved Gentle Readers- otherwise its not so interesting.

Why wouldst Thou feel nervous about Thy characters addressing Thee in prayer? On bended knee, of course.

When I put on my God hat and begin to create another world in the galaxy I call "My Documents", I try to put an Adam and Eve there that are believable, and I manipulate their world for their pleasure. Why shouldn't they pray to Me?

And the rewards and punishments We rain down upon Our creations in Our respective universes (Is that the correct plural of "universe"?)-- aren't they for Our entertainment too?

[ahorsewithnoname]

So I'm one of the oddballs here (as if that would surprise anyone) in that I only write a first draft. I'll go over once for an edit, but I don't rewrite. Not that I believe that what I have written cannot be improved upon. It's simply an element of time and concentration. Literally don't have enough time to devote to writing,Mao the time I have I feel is better spent writing something new vs. revising. That's why I've resigned myself to knowing that I'll never write anything worth publishing mainstream.

But what matters to me is whether the audience enjoys it, not so much whether I think it is good or could be better. I'll always know it could be improved upon and be critical of my own work, so for me, if I get a PM that says "Wow! Great story, I came three times to it!" I smile and accept erotic writing for what it is.

Last few days people...tighten it up and then get for some reading.

[Dizzyworks673]

I have a question for everyone, "Who is a big fan of the happy ending in stories?" I made it to the end of my entry and I have a chance to end the story one of two ways.

I could end the story where it sits now where the two star crossed lovers are seperated by age and what has happened so far in the story. OR I can write an ending where they meet up years later, like has been done on so many other stories in the past.

So again my question to everyone is are you fans of the happy ending or a more realistic one? I'm torn on wich way to go. I just wanted some oppinions.

Thanks...............

[ejls]

Originally Posted by ahorsewithnoname

So I'm one of the oddballs here (as if that would surprise anyone) in that I only write a first draft. I'll go over once for an edit, but I don't rewrite. Not that I believe that what I have written cannot be improved upon. It's simply an element of time and concentration. Literally don't have enough time to devote to writing,Mao the time I have I feel is better spent writing something new vs. revising. That's why I've resigned myself to knowing that I'll never write anything worth publishing mainstream.

But what matters to me is whether the audience enjoys it, not so much whether I think it is good or could be better. I'll always know it could be improved upon and be critical of my own work, so for me, if I get a PM that says "Wow! Great story, I came three times to it!" I smile and accept erotic writing for what it is.

Last few days people...tighten it up and then get for some reading.

That's how I write. If it's on the paper it stays. I don't rewrite endings. I might edit words, but that's it. The story is in my head and it comes out my fingers. I can't make characters do what they don't want.

Thumbs still twiddling.

[ejls]

Originally Posted by Dizzyworks673

I have a question for everyone, "Who is a big fan of the happy ending in stories?" I made it to the end of my entry and I have a chance to end the story one of two ways.

I could end the story where it sits now where the two star crossed lovers are seperated by age and what has happened so far in the story. OR I can write an ending where they meet up years later, like has been done on so many other stories in the past.

So again my question to everyone is are you fans of the happy ending or a more realistic one? I'm torn on wich way to go. I just wanted some oppinions.

Thanks...............

Or can you stop at a point that let's the reader imagine the end?

[clairebare]

Oh bother!

I am having a serious problem, I have one complete story and one half way through but I want to submit the non finished one. I still have to finish writing it, edit it, proof it and re-edit it all before friday.

It is seeming impossible to me.

I am really disappointed but so much has been going on that it has distracted from writing my stories.

[Cheltenham]

Originally Posted by clairebare

Oh bother!

I am having a serious problem, I have one complete story and one half way through but I want to submit the non finished one. I still have to finish writing it, edit it, proof it and re-edit it all before friday.

It is seeming impossible to me.

I am really disappointed but so much has been going on that it has distracted from writing my stories.

Can you spend the next three days doing those things? It might seem like a lot to do, but if you devote some time each day you can reach your goal. It is all a matter of scheduling. I believe it is possible and so should you. Worst case scenario you can submit the finished story and somehow incorporate the mandatory paragraphs into its introduction if you haven't already.

Your exclamation reminded me of something Winnie the Pooh would say after he broke a pot of honey

[snowleopard3200]

Originally Posted by clairebare

Oh bother!

I am having a serious problem, I have one complete story and one half way through but I want to submit the non finished one. I still have to finish writing it, edit it, proof it and re-edit it all before friday.

It is seeming impossible to me.

I am really disappointed but so much has been going on that it has distracted from writing my stories.

Just do the best you can in the time left; if you cannot finish the second at the least you still have one to enter.

[wantsomefun]

Originally Posted by clairebare

Oh bother! ... [S]o much has been going on that it has distracted from writing my stories.

Originally Posted by Cheltenham

Can you spend the next three days doing those things? It might seem like a lot to do, but if you devote some time each day you can reach your goal. It is all a matter of scheduling. I believe it is possible and so should you. Worst case scenario you can submit the finished story and somehow incorporate the mandatory paragraphs into its introduction if you haven't already.

Your exclamation reminded me of something Winnie the Pooh would say after he broke a pot of honey

I was just looking at books to buy my granddaughter, and that's EXACTLY what I thought!

Young lady, the catman is right. Discipline! NOT THE LEATHER MASK KIND! Well, unless you like that sort of thing.

But seriously, you owe it to yourself. You know you can make it happen. Post the first one as a non-entry when the voting period is over. That way, we'll all have a new story to read!

[clairebare]

I do try my best to use discipline and schedule time away each day to sit down and write but it doesn't always pan out. One thing or another always takes priority over writing a story or two.

Such is life's little trials and tribulations.

I shall try my bestest tho and I hope you all keep your fingers crossed for me.

[wantsomefun]

The next two days are my days off from work this week. I had nothing to do tonight, so I pulled out my CAW #12 non-entry. I painted myself into a corner, but I really liked this couple, so I saved it, thinking maybe I could make it work.

Now what if I can make it work by the deadline?

[Dizzyworks673]

My story is done with two days to spare I have rewrite and touch up time. I have to thank Horse for the idea of placing the story in 69. There was a lot going on then and I found aspects of the story that I wouldn't have incorporated in anouther time period.

Thanks............

[BlackRonin]

This is not my story for the challenge, but it is one of several plots that I considered for it, and one of the two I ended up eventually writing. I updated the setting to the present day after rejecting it as a challenge entry, but it's still an example of plucking inspiration from the material presented. Thought it might make a good study in wake of the official entries later this week:

"Mother Kraken."

[Prurient Purveyer]

Originally Posted by BlackRonin

This is not my story for the challenge, but it is one of several plots that I considered for it, and one of the two I ended up eventually writing. I updated the setting to the present day after rejecting it as a challenge entry, but it's still an example of plucking inspiration from the material presented. Thought it might make a good study in wake of the official entries later this week:

"Mother Kraken."

And what's really scary is the fact that there's another one just like her to the right of the picture and their aim is Gold in the Synchronized Swimming at Rio.

[snowleopard3200]

Originally Posted by BlackRonin

This is not my story for the challenge, but it is one of several plots that I considered for it, and one of the two I ended up eventually writing. I updated the setting to the present day after rejecting it as a challenge entry, but it's still an example of plucking inspiration from the material presented. Thought it might make a good study in wake of the official entries later this week:

"Mother Kraken."

Well, at the least I now know what happened to my dinner I was preparing from last night...

[ahorsewithnoname]

Originally Posted by Prurient Purveyer

And what's really scary is the fact that there's another one just like her to the right of the picture and their aim is Gold in the Synchronized Swimming at Rio.

Now THAT is hysterical!

[BlackRonin]

You can't imagine how hard it is to synchronize twelve limbs, even just when they're all yours.

[wantsomefun]

Originally Posted by BlackRonin

You can't imagine how hard it is to synchronize twelve limbs, even just when they're all yours.

Dammit, BR! Now you make me want to see if I can do anything with my old shape-shifting, gender-bending, space invader story.

I was just taking a break from working on my schmaltzy non-entry. If I stop at the honeymoon suite door, I can try to sell it to the Hallmark Channel.

Okay, do I write about loss of virginity between newlyweds, or the adventures of an alien in nubile human female form at a girl's detention camp?

Maybe I'll go over my entry just ONE more time. Sure to find a type or dumb-shit mistake or three.

[BlackRonin]

Do you need help proofing? You checked mine, so fair's fair.

Originally Posted by wantsomefun

Dammit, BR! Now you make me want to see if I can do anything with my old shape-shifting, gender-bending, space invader story.

You got one of those too? Must have been going around at one point.

[Cheltenham]

Originally Posted by wantsomefun

The next two days are my days off from work this week. I had nothing to do tonight, so I pulled out my CAW #12 non-entry. I painted myself into a corner, but I really liked this couple, so I saved it, thinking maybe I could make it work.

Now what if I can make it work by the deadline?

Backpedal. Find the spot on the wall where you started painting and see if you didn't miss a spot

If you can create an alternate time-line and work backward from the intended ending (assuming you have an idea of how you wish to end your story) then incorporate a way to get there, see whether it changes the route that you need to take to get there.

I hope this helps you.

[wantsomefun]

Originally Posted by BlackRonin

Do you need help proofing? You checked mine, so fair's fair.



You got one of those too? Must have been going around at one point.

Thank you! I'll send it in a minute.

My weird story is a left-over failure at a CAW entry. I don't even know what the theme was anymore, since I've played with it sporadically in the year or more since I first got the idea. It's kind of fun, trying to write from the P.O.V. of a gender-less alien who has morphed into a hot young girl. It will shape-shift later into a guy, maybe even figure out how to clone an opposite-gender version of itself and live happily ever after in suburbia. Who knows?

Originally Posted by Cheltenham

Backpedal. Find the spot on the wall where you started painting and see if you didn't miss a spot

If you can create an alternate time-line and work backward from the intended ending (assuming you have an idea of how you wish to end your story) then incorporate a way to get there, see whether it changes the route that you need to take to get there.

I hope this helps you.

That's exactly what I did. A friend who read it said the story ended about two pages before I stopped typing, which was correct. The point at which I lopped it off was where I started to paint myself into a corner. New ending? Check. Better character development? A little more about falling in love when you're young. Now to edit and choose.

A romantic sex story, or a roller-coaster romance with some sex?

[ejls]

Smelling the roses, tasting the coffee, still twiddling my thumbs.

How are the rest of you doing? Are you done yet?

[wantsomefun]

Originally Posted by ejls

Smelling the roses, tasting the coffee, still twiddling my thumbs.

How are the rest of you doing? Are you done yet?

All, now that's just mean.

[Dizzyworks673]

Originally Posted by ejls

Smelling the roses, tasting the coffee, still twiddling my thumbs.

How are the rest of you doing? Are you done yet?

Story is written but now I'm just proof reading editing and cutting it down. AKA being extreamly fussy with it. Already cut it back from about 75 pages to 60 so it will be an easier read. I just figured I had time so why not fine tune.

Originally Posted by wantsomefun

All, now that's just mean.

Maybe she's just trying to psyc out the compititon........... or you could be right she just has a mean streak today.

[ejls]

Just mean today? I must be slipping.

[Dizzyworks673]

I was trying to be gentlemanly about it. Rule one in my book is never upset a lady, rule two is never upset someone who can ban you.

But if you like I could talk about all those rummors....................