Index of Letters. Return to Letter 20.
Hello from Susan.
I writing together for Letter 19 was so successful that we decided to try a similar style again but this time I teamed up with Allan. You will notice that the writers are now beginning to mix up the characters we are writing about and working together on stories as well which is having the effect of blurring our different writing styles but at the same time making for much better letters and stories.
By the time this letter was written we had begun reading our work to each other at the group writers meetings. Usually, others have suggestions on how our stories could be improved and so as we began working on these suggestions, our stories get changed, from the way we would probably have written ourselves.
My boyfriend Brian sat in on the writers meeting when this story was read to the group. He enjoyed it so much that he asked me later what this letters thing was all about. It was at this point that he became involved in the project.
By the time this letter was written we had begun reading our work to each other at the group writers meetings. Usually, others have suggestions on how our stories could be improved and so as we began working on these suggestions, our stories get changed, from the way we would probably have written ourselves.
My boyfriend Brian sat in on the writers meeting when this story was read to the group. He enjoyed it so much that he asked me later what this letters thing was all about. It was at this point that he became involved in the project.
So, How Did We Write This?
We wrote this story using two different viewpoints, with Allan taking Joseph’s view and me taking Lizamoa’s. We first wrote down some ideas separately about how this story should go then we worked in together writing a story outline. Next, we began filling in the outline using our separate notes until we had completed the major sections of the story. We then went back over the story filling in and changing details here and there. Finally, we did a major work-over of the conversation, adding in a lot more including some of the sounds made during the sex scenes.
Writing a story like this was a major change for us and we believe the story that was produced took our writing skills up to another level. For a while, this Letter stood out as being so different but you will notice that over time other letters will begin to reflect this same style of writing.
Writing a story like this was a major change for us and we believe the story that was produced took our writing skills up to another level. For a while, this Letter stood out as being so different but you will notice that over time other letters will begin to reflect this same style of writing.
Now, The Ideas Behind This Story.
We had two great stories about Shanti and Mike at the beach sharing some very special moments between them so we thought it would be great to have a special story from India too. We also wanted a story that would develop the personalities of Joseph and Lizamoa while at the same time show the close relationship between them. The perfect solution was this story about one special evening when they were able to achieve a new level in their relationship with each other.
There Are a Few Interesting Ideas.
First, I wanted to break the traditional Indian idea of the man being the head of the house. Catching Joseph in the shower gave Lizamoa the opportunity to take the lead in the scene that followed. She played this to the full and they both were surprised to discover that they rather liked her doing it.
Secondly, Allan added something from his and Anne’s sex life;- walking into the shower fully clothed. I had found this a turn-on when Anne told me she did this and so we decided Lizamoa would do it too. You will find in future stories that Lizamoa does this a number of times with some interesting variations of it too.
Thirdly we wanted to explore the idea of talking dirty as well. Lizamoa in the story admits she has never used the words she used here which was a sudden turn-on for both her and Joseph as well. Again this is an aspect of sex we hadn’t considered before and so it was a bit of extra fun to try it in this story. You will see ideas from this story appear in a number of future stories too. The outcome for Joseph and Lizamoa; a greatly improved sex life.
Secondly, Allan added something from his and Anne’s sex life;- walking into the shower fully clothed. I had found this a turn-on when Anne told me she did this and so we decided Lizamoa would do it too. You will find in future stories that Lizamoa does this a number of times with some interesting variations of it too.
Thirdly we wanted to explore the idea of talking dirty as well. Lizamoa in the story admits she has never used the words she used here which was a sudden turn-on for both her and Joseph as well. Again this is an aspect of sex we hadn’t considered before and so it was a bit of extra fun to try it in this story. You will see ideas from this story appear in a number of future stories too. The outcome for Joseph and Lizamoa; a greatly improved sex life.
Criticism of This Story.
There were some negative points about this story that influenced how we wrote future stories. First, Joseph was apparently telling this story so how could he know what Lizamoa was thinking? Now in larger stories, we tend to give different sections to different characters to tell. It became confusing for readers. Secondly, we weren't comfortable with the sex noises so have never really used them again.
So what do you think of this story? It is different, one of the best up until this point. It really stepping out there for us, experimenting, taking a risk. It in many ways defined many of our future stories.
I enjoyed working closely with Allan. He is a great guy and a good writer too. I wish I could find a man like him. (I did actually - him!)
I enjoyed working closely with Allan. He is a great guy and a good writer too. I wish I could find a man like him. (I did actually - him!)
Kia Kaka - Kia Kaha.
Be safe - Be strong.
Susan.
Be safe - Be strong.
Susan.
Hi Everyone,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Brian, the boyfriend Susan mentions above.
In Dec 2003 I got to experience one of the first writers meetings, events which have become important in directing and developing this Letters Project. At that point they weren't called writers meetings, in fact they weren't formal meetings, but they were beginning to read their work to each other.
I listened to this good story and also listened as various changes were suggested, debated and either added or rejected. It was an interesting process and to my mind made a big difference to the final story.
I think even back then in 2003 they had a dream of somehow publishing these stories but no one would have guessed how this would eventually happen. This idea drove them to continually strive improve the stories they produced.
Brian.
Hi Brian
DeleteI remember that afternoon. I remember your surprise at our stories. 2003, that was so long ago.
We have not changed. All stories still go through the reading and debating process. Most come out much better for it but some actually didn't survive or re-appeared as part of a story some where else.
Are you going to tell us your impressions of the nude week and writing the Ripper Stripper stories? I hope so because you added a lot to those stories.
Susan.