sammynona
patreon
Another update, with some ideas for the future
🕑 Added 2017-07-28 21:36:17 +0000 UTC Hey everybody, I'm halfway done with the last update for the month so that should be all done by the 31st. However the realistic one shot I'm working on wound up working its way to being 9,000 words long. I still need to do edits to fix it up, but I'm wondering if I should split it in two parts or post the entire thing for everyone to enjoy. (By the way it's all lesbian in this piece, although they do allude to the male neighbor it's never in a sexual way.)As I'm working on this story, it made me realize that I've been tending towards longer chapters recently. I don't really mind it, as I fit in enough sexiness to keep everyone entertained while also advancing the plot and the characters, but it also explains why my workload had been so intense recently. I can produce about 50,000 words a month reliably, so I created the current system of six 5,000 word stories for a total of 30,000 words for everyone on patreon. This way even if I run into delays like being sick or writers block, I can still be likely to make my goal. Unfortunately, of the five stories I did for this month, four of them came in at over 8,000 words each, which is my fault as the writer. I'm trying to make every chapter as satisfying as possible, as well as telling what I need to with each chapter, which has led to them being longer. I don't just want to chop the stories in half since that leads to the first part feeling really cliffhanger-ey, which I've been doing my best to avoid.
The solution that I've thought up recently is to try to change up the system for it, but don't worry, this would be in 2 or 3 months or so after I've discussed everything with all of you patrons. What I was thinking is that rather than defining it as six slots for stories, I'd use a word count system instead. It would be the same amount as it is now, with 15,000 words going out to everyone and a bonus 15,000 words for the bonus stories, which is what I've promised now more or less. Instead of voting for 3 stories, I'd give out a detailed list of every story I have done then with their word count listed, and everyone would vote on the ones they want to see. I'd pick the highest winners and stop when the word count for the stories is around 15-18,000 words. Then do the same for the bonus patrons, with them voting for the chapters on the bonus stories or any of the short stories they want to see.
Basically it would free me up a bit as I'd no longer be writing each winner that month, which makes me put pressure on myself to deliver them, and instead I'd have a buffer of stories completed that I could post right away. I'd have to build up this buffer of stories first, but since my pace has been increasing it would hopefully be something I could have in place before the year is out.
Under the new system you could have a monthly update like an 8,000 word chapter of Snake Goddess and a 7,000 word chapter of Enslave all Cheerleaders. Or a 4,000 word chapter of Snake Goddess and three 4,000 word one shot erotica stories. Basically it would no longer be a set three stories, but would be between two to five stories depending on which ones win. Since I wouldn't be aiming for a 5,000 word goal with each update it means that I could experiment more, with some chapters of series being shorter if they just focus on some hypnotic fun or lesbian sex, while other chapters could be longer and edging towards 8,000 words as I've been doing. And of course since all of the stories being voted on will have already been finished, it would mean that they can be posted on the deadlines, without me having to worry all of you about falling behind.
This is still just an idea I have in mind though, and I'm really interested on hearing everyone's opinions. This patreon has grown so much faster than anything I could have anticipated, and with all of your support I've been able to quit my job and start supporting myself on my writing alone, which has opened up a ton of opportunities for me. Unfortunately I also happen to be a masochist about my work so I've been pushing myself to write more and more with each update, which is making me start to fall behind. At this point I don't think everybody would mind shorter stories that updated regularly, and the added bonus of keeping me from getting burnt out. I'm working on improving myself as a writer to give all of you amazing people the best work that I can, and I definitely see that I need to work on the current system I have with patreon to accommodate all of the new people coming in, and to reward everyone who's stuck with me for so long.
So please let me know what you think. My goal regardless of where we go is to be able to create enough content that I can have a buffer of stories again ready to go, so that each month's voting will be on the stories that are already completed. The question is would everybody prefer the three set updates of shorter stories, or the chance to have some chapters longer or shorter, but all equaling out to the same amount each month.
This was definitely a long post, but I want to keep everyone included in my brainstorming for the future. This patreon is for all of you to receive the best service possible for your support, so I want to make sure your voices are heard. Anyway, I have to get back to editing this one shot and writing up It Runs in the Family. That always somehow ends up as the last series I work on each month haha, probably because it's fun to write. Thanks for reading and hope you all have a great day!
Comments
Paul Maxey
I personally think the word count system would be the best formula to do. That way you don't have the pressure of doing 5 or 6 stories each month and as you say you could do 2 or 3 fairly long stories/chapters one month and following month if you want to do 5 or 6 short stories/chapters you can do. I think your patrons will be happy as even though they might only get 2 stories one month, if they are 10,000-15,000 words each they would be happy because they will be double or treble length. I would suggest maybe keeping a couple of the short stories back so that if you do have a month where for personal reasons you fall short of your target you can throw one of those in to make up your count. Keep up the good work and I for one love your work and think they are worth waiting for and contributing to. :) x
Neil Black
As others have indicated, please write as your inspiration takes you. Longer chapters are fine with me. In fact, I prefer it. As long as IRITF keeps coming. ;) I am going to take a look at the latest that you've just posted. If it's 'realistic', then I'm interested.
Illuminati Games
keep up the good work
larqven
I'm not really sure what to say either. I would frankly agree with Abby Gail so as to write where you feel the inspiration to do so because that will fuel your own enjoyment and even enhance productivity most likely. Granted, if you've got commissions or stories that are very popular, you must make allowances for them. I'd just hate for you to find yourself caught in the web of s system being pulled back and forth by the winds of popular acclaim. But, on the other hand, I have to admit, it was the excitement of "Falling for her Tits" which pulled me into being a subscriber. You probably need to have multiple stories going on for various tastes. But you probably do need to limit the number of projects you are working on at the same time. Many times, you might be able to end a story, but bring it back in a second story if you've come up with more ideas or if the fans are clamoring for it a year or so later?
Abby Gail
My head is reeling...... Samantha.... Why not just write as inspiration moves you then release as the stories or chapters naturally find their conclusion. If you're delivering 30K+ words per month throwing a few bones to the free riders to encourage them to step up and saving the best for the $5= patrons I don't think you're going to get any complaints. I've written some and find that often the characters end up driving the story as much if not more than I do. You write because you love it and it frees you... we love what you do... that's enough.
Umbra
Hmmm. I have an immediate response, but let me think on this and properly answer tomorrow
Sheenariel
Please go the route which feels better for yourself. Nobody will be happy if you only produce a number of words but the love begins to fade, just to put together the "winner" in a voting. I think, everyone will win if you write what is up your heart and mind at that very moment.
Illuminati Games
Awesomeness
That sounds good
Dorian Alton
Switching to word count is fine with me.
Sammynona
I'd still probably aim for divisible days like that. Either do an update on the 15th and 30th or keep it with the 10th, 20th, 30th. Depends on how many stories there would be that month
Sammynona
Thank you so much, that's awesome of you!
Zyzzyva Nineteen-Thirty-Six
I like the word count system, if it's better for you. I also like the regular updates of the current system, but, let's be honest: I don't actually track what you committed to do. I'm mostly like "hey! day divisible by 10! Stories!" and am excited for whatever. So I don't feel like I'd be missing much.
Dyamonde
this reads as if the word count system would work far better for you. if that's the case, go for it. whatever works best for you probably results in the highest quality of stories for us. Also love to hear that you joined the ranks of independent authors able to support themself by writing. Several of my favourite authors started writing as a hobby for free and over time managed to turn it into their actual job. Keep up the awesome work :)
Greg
It's fun getting a story or two a week but the stories/chapters that take longer are always with the wait. I'm perfectly happy with even getting a couple per month. I will say h though that just because of your care and commitment to your patrons I'm going to be shifting more of my patron budget over to you!
Stephen Williams
The proposed system sounds good to me. I don't think it would change the user experience much, and it would lighten your mental load and give you some peace of mind. Can't wait for the next IRITF update. Keep up the awesome work!
