Can I post excerpts here?

Quote by Xanaphia
I am working on the second draft of my dark fantasy novel, which contains some elements that aren't allowed on here. Fair enough, I won't post anything that breaks the rules. Am I allowed to post stuff from my novel that doesn't break the rules?

Quote by Xanaphia
Follow up, I know isn't allowed on here. The scenes I want to post don't contain but may refer to the that occurred earlier in the story. Not in great detail, mind, but the character learning to move past her trauma is a major theme throughout the piece. Is this allowed?

Quote by Liz


Generally, no, but it depends on how it is written. People come to Lush to read exhilarating stories that titillate and arouse. Stories with heavy elements of past trauma due to things like sexual assault or domestic abuse are pretty dispiriting.

Quote by Xanaphia


Understandable. I personally happen to think a character discovering pleasure in sex again after having been assault is exhilarating. But this gives me a better idea about which parts I should submit here, and which parts I shouldn't, so thanks for saving the headache.

Quote by sprite


I applaud you for that attitude - it's a tricky subject at best. that said, I agree with Liz - the sex scenes will get you mor attention, seeing as how that's the sites primary focus. looking forward to seeing what you have on offer.

Quote by Liz


People come to Lush to read exhilarating stories that titillate and arouse. .

Quote by Raza


I don't agree with that.

Saying that suggests that people are only here for titillating and arousing stories, which simply isn't the case. Some stories could be humorous, intriguing, enlightening.

My story, Plunder and Pleasure, isn't the slightest bit arousing, but it was still well received. It's about my black friend Calvin and me snorting loads of cocaine, robbing people's houses and shagging posh tarts, but people still enjoyed it. It received 9 high votes, 5 positive comments and a lady on your mod team sent me a PM telling me how much she enjoyed it and that it made her laugh.

Quote by Xanaphia
Well, my poem is already receiving some attention, and some lovely comments and that positive feedback is just what I need to continue the soul-crushing effort that is editing my novel. I guess I need to know someone is interested in what I am writing so that all this work doesn't go to waste.

Are you sure it isn't arousing? Sounds like it could be hot, what with the shagging posh tarts and what not. One of the scenes I want to share, that I think I will decline on for now is my two main characters confronting after the female character was assaulted. She throws herself at the male character, and things progress towards sex until he realized she isn't in the right mindset for sex and is essential using sex to self-harm. He throws her out, while still fantasizing about how badly he wants her. It's an emotionally intense scene with heavy erotic overtones and insane chemistry. Just not sure if it is a good fit for here.

Quote by sprite


i like to think that we're a good fit for a variety of stories, including ones that are 'emotionally intense' and darker. yes, the majority of what you will find here tends to be arousing, and that is the best way to draw attention to your writing, but many of our writers will put up something much darker or deeper from time to time with good results as well. Dancing Doll, Burquette, MadMartigan and Evie come to mind as good examples, although there are many more. I tend to flirt with a mixture of humor, hot sex, and darker themes myself from time to time.

Quote by Raza
I don't agree with that.

Saying that suggests that people are only here for titillating and arousing stories, which simply isn't the case. Some stories could be humorous, intriguing, enlightening.

Quote by Xanaphia
Well, I will see how the first two scene I want to submit was received before I start pushing the envelope.

Quote by Raza
The best advice for you: Do not let somebody else's rules dictate what you write. When you write you let your imagination off its leash completely, 100%. It goes where it wants to go -- no barriers. It's not illegal, never has been, never will be. If you're placing restrictions on your writing because of somebody's artificial rules, you're doing yourself and the art of writing a serious injustice.

I grew up on an unhealthy diet of British crime books, books that glamorize crime, sex and violence. Authors such as Martina Cole, Mandasue Heller, Jessie Keane, Kimberly Chambers. Every book I've ever read breaks Lush's rules in one way or another. My writing is heavily influenced by those authors. I've written close to a hundred stories, none of which would get published here at Lush.

If you want a story published here, do what I did with Plunder and Pleasure. Keep the original version for yourself or a site that will accept it, and do a heavily edited version for here. A soft and fluffy, watered-down version that the good people here at Lush will accept.

Problem solved.

I agree not to post stories which feature minors (under 16 years old). I also agree not to submit stories which include content pertaining to , graphic violence, incest (close blood relatives), totally unwilling participants, drugging, dangerous sexual acts, snuff, racism, or bestiality.

Quote by Liz


If leaving elements out of your stories such as underage characters, , racism, bestiality, etc leaves you with what you consider a "soft and fluffy, watered-down version" then Lush really is not the place for you. That sort of stuff is not published here.

Quote by Raza
I'm well aware of the rules. My story was published with no problem, so I can write reasonably well and am capable of adhering to the rules.

What's wrong with the soft and fluffy, watered-down versions of my stories? You make it sound like there's a problem with that. Telling me Lush is not the place for me makes it sound like you're trying to bully me off the site.

Quote by Liz


I'm not bullying anyone. In fact, I thought the tone of your post made it sound like you had a problem with 'watering down' your stories.

You made it sound like the rules Lush imposes on authors are excessive and dictatorial, and I don't believe that to be the case. The owner of the site simply doesn't want to publish certain story elements on here.

Quote by Raza


The best advice for you: Do not let somebody else's rules dictate what you write. When you write you let your imagination off its leash completely, 100%. It goes where it wants to go -- no barriers. It's not illegal, never has been, never will be. If you're placing restrictions on your writing because of somebody's artificial rules, you're doing yourself and the art of writing a serious injustice.

I grew up on an unhealthy diet of British crime books, books that glamorize crime, sex and violence. Authors such as Martina Cole, Mandasue Heller, Jessie Keane, Kimberly Chambers. Every book I've ever read breaks Lush's rules in one way or another. My writing is heavily influenced by those authors. I've written close to a hundred stories, none of which would get published here at Lush.

If you want a story published here, do what I did with Plunder and Pleasure. Keep the original version for yourself or a site that will accept it, and do a heavily edited version for here. A soft and fluffy, watered-down version that the good people here at Lush will accept.

Problem solved.