When I do read stuff on here, I stick to shorter stuff, but that's because of time constraints, not any particular thing I have against the longer works. If time allowed, I'd probably read some of the betters ones. And I'd love to write some longer ones myself but, again, time.
I prefer short-ish stories (less than about 20 pages or so) simply because if I wanted to read a book, I'd read a book. There are plenty of super-hot novels out there for me to read if that were what I wanted to do. So by the time you get beyond about 20-30 pages, I'm probably not interested, unless you've got a really convincing hook, or it comes very highly recommended.
That said, 4 pages with no action doesn't strike me as very long. My stories all have either graphic sex or masturbation either right away or within a few pages, simply because I can't think of short erotica that starts any other way. If I were to write a story that had so much plot and character development that there weren't cocks out within the first 2 pages or so, it probably wouldn't be appropriate for this website at all. If you can hold my attention for those 4 pages--maybe having your narrator be drooling over his object of lust for a few weeks first--then I'll gladly read them.
I really cannot relate to page counts for stories. I am now using word counts exclusively to judge my works. Especially since all of my initial erotica is posted right here on Lush. Our submission panels don't give any sort of page count that I am aware of. That being said, I enjoy our flash fiction stories, both reading and writing, which are less that 1,000 words. Stories over 3,500 words tend to be a little tedious for me. I have never bothered reading an erotic novella (which most define as more than 10,000 words and less than 40,000) nor an erotic novel (defined at over 40,000 words)
Here on Lush, I like single short stories.
Even for longer stories, I would like it if each installment has a beginning, middle, and an end. If each chapter reads like its own story, I won't be as disappointed if the series isn't finished.
I wrote an erotica novel where the tease between the two main characters continues for thirteen chapters. That's a little much, even for me.
I like a story, that has a plot, without having to use every four letter word in the dictionary. Preferably, 1200 words, a chapter.
On lush I prefer them around 3,000-5,000. I will only read longer stories here if you are a very close friend. Otherwise, I find them way too long and the sex never seems to come.
Hugs,
Mysteria
P.S. - I hate stories that are overwritten and could have been done in 2,000 less words.
xo
The category I read most on Lush is Flash Erotica. It always has been. I tend to shy away from stories over 5k words, though I will persevere with longer stories if they're good. So, category 2 for me, as far as Lush is concerned. I read longer erotic works (including novels) on my kindle but I tend to choose authors I already know, not new ones. I've read some brilliant books recently.
Katie and I prefer a shorter story to get us in the mood, and we love vicariously living other peoples' adventures.
Our stories here on Lush are typically quick reads and cover a one-time situation that we have chosen to share with Lush readers in just a few thousand words.
For longer stories we have published Katie's confessions in two easy to read novellas. Katie Tells All is her coming out story, and I Am Hotwife is her full-on wild side revelations.
Her novellas contain multiple chapters of amazing sex, so they can go much deeper and get into much more detail than just a one-time shorty.
Short story or long, it is lots of fun to share our adventures!
Ken and Katie.
I think a catchy opening is the key to a story of any length. Get them hooked then keep them hooked.
Sometimes, my opening paragraphs are the best part of my story. Perhaps, I spend to much time with them and my thought buds lose their petals. Any clue as what I can do, to over come that?
Many of the stories I've written are longer than average. I find the build up of sexual tension is often more erotic than the sex scene itself, so I spend more time on the story, setting up the characters and situation. I think the length may discourage many readers looking for a quick fuck-story, but I'm happy with what I've written, more or less, and each of my stories seems to find some appreciative audience.
Post-avant-retro-demelodicized-electro-yodel-core is my jam.
I can care less about length when I'm reading a great story.
When something's really well told, I hate to see it end.
I prefer stories over just scenes. Scenes are generally rather brief when compared to well written stories.
They are like magazine porn pics compared to artistic erotic photographs.
Well anyone who has read some of my stories knows that I have trouble writing one chapter stories! The majority of my stories are at least two chapters and up and I have written two "novellas" (one is yet to be published) that are 14 chapters!
I write long-form, but rarely make a series (though I do have a recurring character). My preference is to wrap everything up in one story, despite lower readership numbers than shorter escapades. I tried writing Flash, but wasn't entirely satisfied with the outcome.
I love reading stories that are plot and character-driven. This is difficult to do well in shorter works, so I prefer longer stories or series that are well-written. If only I could make time to read them all...
Please browse my digital bookshelf. In this collection, you can find 101 stories, nine micro-stories, and two poems with the following features:
* 25 Editor's Picks, 69 Recommended Reads.
* 14 competition podium places, 9 other times in the top ten.
* 20 collaborations.
* A whole heap of often filthy, tense, hot sex.