Quote by Seeker4

And from 2012, one of the biggest hits of the American band Halestorm.

I love Halestorm! I am always surprised they haven’t gotten more mainstream attention.

Quote by Seeker4

Time to deal with the length question. My new story clocks in at 7000 words (roughly). Conventional wisdom is that is too long. But there's no obvious break point. And there's good stuff in the back half that I know will get ignored if it is in a "part two". What to do. Might just post as is and cross my fingers.

How concerned are you about clicks, likes, and comments? If you are not chasing numbers, just release it as one big, complete story. Either way, you will probably lose readers, either out of the gate (too long) or when part 2 is released (various reasons).

Personally, I enjoy long stories and will often read a story that is 4000-7000+ words before I read something that is less than 2000 words.

Quote by JamesLlewellyn

Welcome! Friends this is Lina, from the Philippines!

She wrote a great story for her first competition called The Aria which I would encourage you all to read.

Agreed. Beautifully written story! If you have not read it yet, check it out.

Welcome to Rumps, Lina!

Quote by JamesLlewellyn

And since I'm in the mood, I've got some more French coffee to share, plus some patisseries as well!

French coffee? Sign me up!!

Welcome back, Bear!

Quote by Just_A_Guy_You_Know

My preference is to write the entire story and release chapters or episodes in serial.

This. And the only reason I released a series is because the story exceeded the 10k word limit on the site. I was fortunate that I had clear breaks where the each chapter could technically be read as a stand alone story. Granted, I found that I lost readers with each chapter, which is not uncommon.

Quote by KimmiBeGood

Oh yeah, the rest of you. Here’s something to nibble on or lick.

And 100% gluten free! Yay!!!!

Quiet morning. Grinding some beans from Bad Ass Coffee and firing up Big Beautiful Bertha.

While I am waiting, might as well queue some tunes up on the jukebox. Here are few songs that have been stuck in head for the past week. Enjoy!

Jenny Lewis

Gaslight Anthem (music only, no video)

The Cult

Now I am going to see if I can find Kimmi, as I need some inspiration for my next story.

Quote by KimmiBeGood

I think sex sells here. Plain and simple. In the 16 stories with the most favorites, the word “fuck” was in the title in 6 of them. Examples: “How to Fuck Me”, “Fucking Blind”, “Dare to Fuck with the Devil”, and “Fucking with Art”.

Mental note - go back and add “fuck” to all of my titles. If someone looks past the fact that it’s in the supernatural category, 'Endless Fucking Nights’ just might generate a few more views. 😊

Let me preface this with the fact that I’ve only published nine stories thus far. My profile says fourteen stories, but five of those are part of a longer story.

My favorite stories are my Open Secrets series, The Summer Tour, and Endless Nights

Open Secrets was something I spent over a year writing and rewriting (and rewriting) before I discovered Lush. I was nervous as hell to share it. It was a long story that exceeded Lush’s 10k word limit, so I broke it into five chapters. Chapter 1 is still one of my highest scoring stories. And, as others have experienced, the number of views dropped with each subsequent chapter. Despite that, I’ve gotten some very favorable feedback on each and the experience was positive enough to inspire me to keep writing.

The Summer Tour and Endless Nights are what I consider to be my strongest stories. They are in the outdoors and supernatural categories and neither have a to ton of views. Not surprising.

On the other hand, stories like Unexpected Maintenance and Sex and Coffee are all smut and virtually no plot (or to quote WW, higher on the “pornage” scale). Each have had a ton of views and have higher scores. Granted, those stories are in the reluctance and true categories, which seem to draw more interest.

As I was writing my elements comp story, Earth, Water, Air, Ash, I was going back and forth between the story and the sex. Because of the character limit, I ended scrapping most of the sex. It turned out to be something I am really proud of, despite having only a meager 800 views. The comments I’ve gotten have been the most thoughtful and meaningful comments I’ve received since joining Lush. But to be fair, it is a comp story, which draws encouragement from other authors who may not otherwise read my stories.

Quote by KimmiBeGood

So, still watching owl cams to keep calm.

Sending hugs and positive thoughts, Kimmi.

I just ordered a “smart” birdhouse with a solar powered camera. We’ve had a few birds poke their heads in, but no nesting yet.

If you are interested in eagles, here is an eagle cam: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/features/webcams/eaglecam/index.html

Despite what some may believe, “paddling” has absolutely nothing to with BDSM. I enjoy kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, and surfing. And, for a variety of reasons, I prefer to remain incognito. Hence a very appropriate username.

Now, flash forward a few months… I am interest I learning more about D/s (as the Dom/daddy, just to be clear), but that came after I joined and created my profile.

Congratulations, Rowen!!

Quote by KimmiBeGood

Take a peek… 19 in the club now!

https://www.lushstories.com/forum/occasions/katiethewriter-and-wxt55uk-join-the-omnium-club

And several are regulars here in Rumps. This REALLY is where all the cool kids hang out!!!

Congratulations, KatieTheWriter and wxt55uk! This is an impressive accomplishment.

Submitted my story a few days ago.

Finally starting to catch up on all of the other amazing submissions. Hoping to get through most of them over the weekend.

https://www.lushstories.com/stories/straight-sex/earth-water-air-ash

Over the weekend, I released my Elements writing comp entry.

This one is unlike any of my other stories. While it draws on similar themes as my previous stories, it is more structured and takes more of a psychological approach.

An artist is summoned to a secluded estate to create four portraits of the same subject, each inspired by a different element. With each sitting, a different side of the subject begins to emerge.

The story ultimately explores power, control, and the cost of being truly seen.

.https://www.lushstories.com/stories/straight-sex/earth-water-air-ash

Good luck this week, Kimmi. I will have one of whatever you are having.

My competition entry is live. It is different from all of my previous stories. And spoiler alert, this is the first story I’ve published on Lush that doesn’t have a happy(ish) ending. Perhaps that means I am growing as an author? lol

Just dropped my comp entry. Went big with this one. Alchemy. And not iron-to-gold. Personal transformation based on exposure to earth, water, air, and fire. I think this is the most time and energy I’ve put into a story. Lots of research too. I am a little nervous about how this one will be received, as it unlike anything I’ve written. It reads like my voice. It just is not full of gratuitous sex, like most of my stuff. Granted, that alone may appeal to some folks. lol

Taylor is an insanely amazing song writer, regardless of whether you enjoy her music or not. And he work ethic is off the charts!

Happy Friday, Rumps. Wrapping up Q2 strategic today. It’s been another long week. Looking froward to the weekend.

Grabbing a cup of anything with copious amounts of caffeine, and back to real life!

Quote by wxt55uk

I have an Excel spreadsheet listing every story I have published here.

It covers the date published, title, and word count. So I have a running word count list. 😇😈

That is hilarious. I have a similar spreadsheet that that I maintain. I also track score, comments, and likes. I update it every 2-3 weeks.

As far as what I am working on next… I just dropped my supernatural/vampire story so I can now focus on my elements story comp entry. I hope to wrap up my first draft this weekend and have something to publish in a week or two.

I released a new story this morning. This time, I am diving into the supernatural.

When a woman reconnects with the one person who ever truly challenged her, she expects nothing more than a night of conversation and nostalgia.

As the hours slip by, desire deepens, restraint frays, and the man she once knew begins to reveal a darkness she cannot explain and cannot resist.

In the end, she must decide whether to return to the life she built, or surrender to a night that was never meant to end.

https://www.lushstories.com/stories/supernatural/endless-nights

Quote by KimmiBeGood

The elements have inspired me! I submitted in water for comp, but have a wind story 3/4 done and am reworking another short one to be more about fire. Earth will be easy because I’m a nature girl. Thinking exhibitionism for that one with some perineum sunning. It’s a thing, Google it.

Overachiever. 🤣

Have fun in Paris, Bear!!

Slow(ish) day in the middle of another chaotic week. Hoping to chunk out an hour or two and make a dent in my comp story. I’ve been doing a ton of research and have a solid outline. Now I just need to bring it to life.

Giant coffee to-go, and I am out.

Quote by KimmiBeGood

I had to do some Google searching about sexual fluidity for my story, too. 😊 But it’s fun to write different types of characters, isn’t it?

Same. Lots of time in Google over the past day.

It’s funny, ChatGPT has pretty much replaced Google for me. I open the app and just talk to it. I like the conversational feel.

This is the first story I’ve written where I’ve had to do some real research. And because of the AI swirl, I’ve gone old school with a browser. It feels archaic, but it’s getting the job done.

Quote by KimmiBeGood

Morning, Rumpies

Temp dropped 50 degrees overnight! Crazy!

Same. It was 78 Saturday, 50 yesterday, and now it is a chilly 25 degrees. I will take a giant mug of the Happy Camper blend.

Finally submitted my attempt at a Vampire story last night. And I have an idea for the Elements story comp. It is a drastic departure from anything I’ve written thus far. I am excited!!

Have a great day, everyone!

I am stumbling through various ideas for the latest story comp. Lots of ideas, but they are feel bigger than the 3K word limit.

In the meantime, I am wrapping up a vampire story I’ve been working on for the past few weeks.

‘Evening, folks. Happy St. Patrick’s Day.

I have zero Irish in me, but I’d still love a pint of Guinness and a shot of Jameson.

I almost went straight for the Irish Car Bombs. But the last time I started an evening like that, I was hung over for two days! Lesson learned. Sip, go slow, and go to bed before midnight. 😊

Quote by JamesLlewellyn

And it's a Sunny-Day!

Well, at least it's Sunday, even if it's actually snowing up here in the Great White North!

Let's get some caffeine brewing, shall we?

Yes, we shall.

We got a foot overnight and are expecting another 6-12 inches today, coupled with 50-60 mph winds. And the funny thing is that we had bare grass yesterday at this time. Fortunately, it’ll be back in the 50’s next weekend, so it won’t last.

Grabbing a mug of Bertha’s Best and starting to put some ideas in paper for the new writing challenge. No idea where I am going yet. Perhaps being snowed in will inspire me.

Quote by JamesLlewellyn

.

Actually, I was asked to talk about Canada's position in the upcoming trade negotiations with the US and Mexico over the CUSMA deal, the war in Iran and how it might easily turn into a quagmire, the effects on the economy, and Artificial Intelligence.

Strangely, erotica didn't cum up – although I did suggest it to the host…

So, what I am hearing that you and I could sit at the bar and talk about economics (and potential impacts of AI) for hours! I studied economics as an undergrad.

Grabbing a to-go cup of coffee and heading into the office. Happy Hump Day everyone!!

<Edit> Big thank you to Lion for better coffee today. lol

Quote by KimmiBeGood

Hi, Rumpies

Under a tornado watch in KY today. Yay! (sarcasm)

Well… crazy stuff for mirror twins. My thyroid scan revealed a suspicious nodule in exact place, opposite side, of my sisters, so now the fun begins for me.

On a good note, her surgery is over and she’s doing well. Ended up being a 5 hr surgery yesterday, more radical neck dissection, due to suspicious lymph nodes. Kudus to her surgeon for being skilled, diligent, proactive with what he was seeing.

Great big hugs to both you and your sister. You are both in my thoughts and prayers, Kimmi.