I will be the first to admit that I am far from being the best writer on Literotica. Especially for someone without any formal training in writing (not that it is a requirement), I certainly recognize that I can improve my skills. However, I do enjoy the many positive comments I have earned β both public and private, and they far outweigh the negative comments I have received β and it confirms that my goal in writing is generally being achieved: writing high-quality stories, writing "above the fray."
For several years, well before I discovered Literotica, I primarily scanned Usenet newsgroups for erotic tales. One needs only spend ten minutes scanning Usenet to recognize that there are a lot of poorly-written stories surfing the electrons. There are also some true gems to be found on Usenet, and certain authors' names are synonymous with the well-deserved phrase "always excellent," but in general, the overall level of quality certainly needs to be raised. On occasion, however, there will be a great concept hidden within a poorly-written story.
That is what prompted my first attempt at erotica: I discovered an intriguing concept β a couple using magic to help conceive a child β deeply hidden within poor execution. I had not even finished reading that particular tale when I felt the urge, the need, to make my own attempt at writing erotica, specifically with the same general concept. Thus, "Once a Maiden" was (magically conceived and) delivered into the electronic universe. During the writing process, I specifically wanted to write "above the fray," and as I nurtured my first story, I kept a number of concepts in mind, detailed below.
The response was quite positive. I received several enthusiastic e-mails, and that prompted me to consider writing another erotic tale. "Yanari" (the original) was next, intended as a stand-alone tale, and it was instantly met with a positive response, including a few requests for sequels. During that fall and winter, I wrote a few others (including some too short to be accepted by Literotica), which were generally met with a positive reception. All this confirmed that I was indeed writing "above the fray."
Once I discovered Literotica and quickly realized the impressive level of quality stories on this site, I knew that I had to submit my own works, that this would tell me whether I was truly achieving my goal. The early responses were just as positive as when I had been writing "for" Usenet, and propelled me onward in my writing "career."
Granted, I have at times become so caught up in a story's concept or in a particular set of details that I have neglected some of the elements which I feel has helped me to generally write "above the fray;" the sum of the ratings and comments (both public and private) always indicate that accordingly, and also serve to nudge me back toward my ultimate goal in writing.
Exactly what do I feel are the steps to writing "above the fray?" I try to always keep these elements in mind to create high-quality stories:
1.) First and foremost, respect is key. If the characters truly respect each other, then whatever type of relationship they have (or develop) in the story will come through as genuine to the reader. This in itself does not preclude the wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am type of story, and also will not overcome horrendous grammar, but it is an important first step. However, there are times when respect is illogical, or at least troublesome, such as in non-consent stories or in erotic horror tales.
2.) Originality is also very beneficial. Originality can be expressed in many forms. It may be a novel subject matter for an erotic tale. It may be an invention of a convention in a particular genre. It may be an unusual setting. Or it may be that the originality is a banal, everyday, mundane event with one particular detail which shocks the reader (and perhaps secondary or tertiary characters).