- Reviews & Essays
- Who Cares Where a Page Breaks?
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In my naiveté, I figured that the standards for evaluating the written word at Literotica were more or less the same as the generally accepted standards for writing. Having read something over 2000 stories here (including most of the Loving Wives offerings), I realize that the BTB-vs-RAAC flame wars corrupt the comments in this category but, silly me, I thought that those who were truly interested in reading and writing—especially those who, in my not-so-humble opinion, were demonstrably skilled writers—usually took the opportunity to comment on the quality (or lack thereof) of the writing.
What I didn't anticipate was the firestorm of complaints and derision that I kindled by submitting my story in segments of 3000-3500 words, nor the scorn I inspired by explaining that I committed such a mortal sin so that I could control where the Literotica pages (hereinafter Lpages) break. I specify Lpages because "page" by itself is too vague: does that mean a typewritten page (those of you born after 1980 or so might have to Google® the term), a Microsoft Word page, a screenful...
The classic—some may prefer the term "archaic"—typewritten page is based on 12-pitch typeface and comprises 25 lines containing a mean 10 words, or around 250 words. The word count of a Microsoft Word page depends on the sheet dimensions, margins, running headings and footings, font size, line spacing, paragraph spacing, keeps, kerning, und so wieter. The word count of a screenful depends on the size of the monitor, resolution, scaling, plus the characteristics of the text being displayed. Hence the need for specificity.
I don't know how Literotica decides to divide submitted text into Lpages, but sometimes we're presented with closing pages that consist of a line or two, a single paragraph, or—the ultimate absurdity—only the two words THE END. I can only assume that Literotica breaks stories into Lpages without regard to content.
Being a neophyte Literotica contributor, I've had to fall back on my previous understanding of the tools and techniques that a writer uses to create characters and set them on some sort of journey. A few of these are word choice, sentence length, paragraph length, point of view, dialog veracity, and story line (plot). There are others, of course; one in particular is responsible for my concern about where Literotica breaks pages: flow.
The overall pace of the story is how rapidly the characters are established and the story proceeds from start to finish. But within the story the pace isn't uniform. Some sections move slowly, almost languidly, to establish a mood; others move more quickly to maintain the reader's interest. A few might even race along breathlessly to heighten tension. Even within these sections there might be shorter parts with similar variation of pace and mood.
In music, this is called phrasing. Its importance is underscored by the role of the conductor, who leads the orchestra in his interpretation of the composer's phrasing. A composition played by the same orchestra following the same score under the baton of different conductors will sound subtly different and evoke different responses from the audience.
Yes, there's a point to all this. When one comes to the end of an Lpage, one clicks either Next or the subsequent Lpage number. However quickly the reader does this, it's still a break in focus, an interruption of the flow; it's not a seamless process like turning the page in a printed book (remember those?). I believe that, depending on where the break occurs with respect to the author's intended phrasing, it can either be insignificant or disruptive, and is of legitimate concern to the author.
It's obvious, however, that hardly anyone else agrees with this—particularly seasoned and well-thought-of authors—so I shall abstain from further attempts to control where page breaks occur and leave it up to whatever algorithms Literotica uses to break up stories.
However comma
This, of course, should be the start a new Lpage (the content deviates from the preceding blatherskite), but I can't do that without pissing off the Pope, Mr. and Mrs. North and South America, and all the ships at sea. Though I labored to maintain a civil tongue in this rationale, I have to confess that I was puzzled by all the twisted knickers strewn about in the wake of A C&W Song in the Key of Life, and more than a little irritated by some of the comments.
Not only was there endless bitching about my audacity in submitting a story in such teensy dribbles, one Lit luminary somewhat condescendingly instructed—not advised, mind you, instructed—me not to do it again, and forget having any rationale for wanting to control where Literotica breaks pages. Another referred to my notion that an author might have a reason to care about where Literotica breaks pages as a "bizarre fetish." Well excuse me, folks, I'm just a country boy tryin' to spin a tale or two and maybe tickle a fancy or two, so mea culpa for gettin' above my raisin's.
All of which makes me wonder whether I'm toiling in the proper vineyard. It's not that I object to criticism by Literotica readers—I've been dissed, sometimes mightily, by myriad folk of greater, equal, and lesser consequence. Although I can't honestly say I don't give a rat's ass about scores, I'm quite content with anything above 4; I write what I would like to read and if not many others like it, tough darts.
I have a few stories in the pipe, and a couple are almost complete; I'll probably submit them here. But there are other venues where I might have more control over how stories are presented; I'll have to investigate to see if they might not be a more congenial home for someone with my benighted notion of authorial prerogative (or, as some would have it, my Christlike self-image).
Y'all come back soon, hear?
- COMMENTS
Anonymous12 months agoSir,
The temerity with which you dismiss your critics concerns shows you to be an absolute, comprehensive, and unrepentant scoundrel. How dare you post on this site and fail to fulfill your highest obligation? Your first duty is to satisfy every individual reader's needs completely. Every story, indeed every phrase and sentence, must be unassailable by the most assiduous spelling and grammar Nazi, as well as conforming to the predilections of every subgroup, even should that be a subgroup of one.
Your reappearance as a Literotica author, while quite in character with your well known penchant for surprises, has thus far produced only extremely unsatisfactory writings. It seems that the century that you spent in the Antarctic refuge after your Mexican disappearance did not afford you sufficient time to ponder an author's duties. In future you will address all concerns brought forth by your readers, humbly beg forgiveness from each individually for offending their sensibilities, and promise to never cause offense again.
Should you find yourself too stiff necked to be a proper Literotica author please depart on the next U-boat sailing for the Ross ice shelf and resume communing with Hitler, John Kennedy, Amelia Earhart, Elvis and all the other immortals in hiding. Perhaps another hundred year sabbatical will help you reorder your priorities.
Best regards,
A famous author too modest to attach a name.
TheBusinessManalmost 4 years agoAnything above a 4 is fine, that has always been my goal. I write for myself, but if others like it, great. If people don’t or if they decide to pick the black fly shit out of the pepper because I made a typo, they can go fuck themselves. As for story length and page breaks, who gives a shit? I write until my chapter or story is done.
DarkerBindingalmost 4 years ago@A_Bierce , when people start paying for your work, then I'd suggest taking their criticism seriously. However, you work here for FREE. Do it the way you want. There are many self-important critics that post comments. Its what they do to feel important and better than others.
I've never been put off by any story, layout, etc you have created. I have enjoyed each one and taken them for what they are... a labor of love from someone and given to us at no cost to us.
dauberalmost 4 years agoI enjoy reading your works and thank you for them. I’m fine with however you decide to submit your stories. After all, you are the author.
Anonymousalmost 4 years agoI've seen this with other authors here, being attacked for presenting a story contrary to some self anointed nazi (grammar, spelling, language, category, outcome, amount of sex, or many other things), a LOT of them from anonymous critics, a few from Literotica users.
My best suggestion, as a currently anonymous reader, is to ignore these idiots and asshats. It is YOUR story, how you present it is up to you. If I don't like YOUR stories, after a few I will simply stop reading YOUR stories and go to someone else and read their stories. I make comments sporadically, always to either compliment the author, thank the author or point out an error or plot hole for the author to address or ignore as they desire. I have enough language skills to read around most spelling and grammar errors that occur without whining about it like these self indulgent nazi babies.
Currently I am not a registered Literotica user, but I have decided that I will create an account in the next while. I've decided on a user name and checked and it is not taken at the moment. I've got an idea for a long length story where each chapter is a week or a month in timeline, so I've been looking and reading a number of stories and creating notes on how best to do it. The other thing I would do is use it to highlight authors and stories that I like, and there are a number of them.
Thank you for YOUR stories, I do appreciate them.
rRC
Black_and_White_Writeralmost 5 years agoI agree with all the points you make. I have read far too many Literotica stories that just go on far, far too long. They are essentially ‘stroke’ stories stretched out to the length of something written by Tolstoy – without in erotica terms ever bothering him in terms of quality. I’ve read many short stories online, some especially the erotic horror ones are very good. There are the more risqué and too taboo or close to the knuckle styles that are also very good according to friends with those tastes.
Formatting is always a bug bear, for myself I’d post a story in ‘chapters’ of in Literotica terms are one page of Literotica long. This length is if taken to the maximum approximately 3,000+ words – the typical length of a modern chapter – although chapter lengths are arbitrary – type size, font and spacing (‘x’ height) and the line spacing (‘leading’) all play a part.
A typical story would have a chapter of around 9-12, maybe 15 on odd occasion. A chapter should be viewed like a tv episode, well more condensed, but should be able to sustain 1, 2 or three location changes or focus on individuals. More than that it requires a chapter change.
Likewise paragraphs should be used to break up the flow of conversation. These are not just ‘options’ but are fundamental rules of writing, both creative and academic. People who day they don’t appreciate it probably just read erotica here to ‘beat off’ to. Nothing wrong with that, but I’m sure that breaking a story that way into specific chapters and ‘serialising’ it as many books were and are published is a great idea. More authors here should do that. I wouldn’t mind finding a story of say 10-16 chapters (a great length for a reasonably mid length erotica. I do lose the will to live when I see a story with several chapters, and each ‘chapter’ or part is around 70,000 words. That’s half a medium sized novel in one chapter. Ridiculous.
I find that when I write I keep those rules in mind. A person may not be able to, nor want to finish a story or book in one sitting. If it’s truly good the reader will return again and again to read it and maybe your other work.
I love your style and find it both refreshing and fun. Also very professional.
Anonymousover 5 years agoMy experience has been that pages break differently depending on device. Normally I'm on some sort of mobile platform...
Your pen name takes me back to one of my favorites from high school; which was a few days (err years) ago. Not disappointed!
