Self contained vs. Universe
Added 2022-10-19 01:48:55 +0000 UTCYet another question!
I had more feedback where someone mentioned how nice it would be to have more world building in my stories.
So, that got me wondering whether that was also something I should work on? I talked about it briefly in the Discord server today but wanted to bring it up here for others.
Most of my stories are very self contained without a lot of world building. Granted, a chunk of that is because they're modern - urban fantasies set in what is basically our world with just a bit of magic in them. But they're mostly short stories that include a TF trigger and smut, with whatever I can add for the background as well as the characters themselves.
Would y'all rather see a massive shared universe for future stories? Where I build in laws and rules and different groups and magic systems? With recurring characters and plots mixed in with new characters depending on the story?
It would take more time and require me to figure out how to place different stories, as well as needing to occasionally write stories that are specifically for the world building and lore. But, if the majority of y'all would like to see a cohesive shared universe, I would strongly consider it.
Thoughts?
Comments
I’m in the No universe camp. I like that the rules change between stories. Makes the discovery more of a surprise. Increases tension. I enjoy the continuity you’ve put in, like the costume ones (some of my favorites) but I don’t think a big shared universe would add to the stories.
Mooran
2022-10-29 14:51:01 +0000 UTCI think both types of writing work fine. There are instances where one or the other is better. Self contained is obviously more convenient for when you have a burning idea, but continuing universes adds some intrigue. Like, most recently, All She Ever Wanted. That story has great potential to introduce more characters or even continue where it left off, because the concept of the chips that cause changes can go in a variety of ways. Your stuff is always very well done, whichever route you take!
ItsTheBigBadWolf
2022-10-28 13:59:12 +0000 UTCI have never thought you needed any world-building in your stories, but if you wanted to try putting a story in a shared universe (like Spells R Us) I'm sure it would be great too!
Nothingman
2022-10-20 06:11:00 +0000 UTCSubtle references and Easter eggs work really well while I think continuing the consequences of certain stories (since most of the group orgies result in a pack or escaping into the night etc) might be interesting. The fertility clinic or website that sells cursed items are both ripe for potential
Mike Cassella
2022-10-19 16:13:45 +0000 UTCSomething like Spells R Us or the Morphic Adaptation Unit or other such settings/plot devices would be nice, but what you are currently doing works great.
Michael KochKetola
2022-10-19 15:47:54 +0000 UTCI think both ways have merit. You shouldn't limit yourself to one path or the other.
Goblinounours
2022-10-19 08:10:51 +0000 UTCSelf constrained stories are a lot better for smut. A quick smutty story in a themed universe can be great, but it's really hard to worldbuild a smutty universe without going off the deep end. I'm not looking for a hundred pages of backstory and a wiki to learn the context, just smut.
Repeated Meme
2022-10-19 08:08:34 +0000 UTCI would be up for it but use caution. The longer a expanded universe goes on the harder it gets for fun, unique ideas to be made. Don't rush, use classic standalone stories to refill the creative juices, and above all make sure your having fun with it.
Daniel Lopez
2022-10-19 05:57:32 +0000 UTCI think a mix of both stand-alone stories and potentially interconnected fiction is a good mix. Specifically stories like 'Pisces' or 'Office Bitch' have enough hints of world-building in them to expand upon, even if it's not a sequel.
jordan
2022-10-19 05:31:13 +0000 UTCOh my friend I have spoke about this with you. Concerning your past works. There is a quite a bit to expand a upon. You left some amazing stories open to sequels. Or something. Your short stories are amazing. However when you have delved into greater architect. I have been left wanting. You are more than capable. I just hope you pick up on the stories that have a greater mystery and depth. I would be glad to give specific titles in private. Always. Thank you for your work.
Rusted
2022-10-19 04:59:36 +0000 UTCI like the variety that can come with self-contained stories. When things all connect together, you start feeling like you're not getting the whole picture if you only read the parts that interest you.
xBenjinatorx
2022-10-19 03:03:46 +0000 UTCI’d love to see what you come up with, but I also don’t want you to feel constrained. So my vote is “If you find this idea inspirational then please do pursue it, I’ll enjoy it. However I won’t complain when you feel like writing independent stand-alone stories.” That’s my $0.02
Ariosto1516
2022-10-19 01:53:55 +0000 UTC
