The first round of writing has now closed and voting is available at this link here. Between Sunday, Feb 11th and Saturday, Feb 17th, you can read all 75 entries for Round 1 of Smut Marathon 2018. All the entries are anonymous — mine included — and your task as a voter, is to choose the top three that best meets the assignment. Please consider leaving feedback for the authors, your comments will be posted after the polls close.
Writer’s Assignment Round 1: Write an Erotic Metaphor
Specific requirements:
– only one sentence
– give your text a one-word title
– your text with the metaphor is a maximum of 30 words (excluding title)
Writers are not allowed to tell anyone which entry they have written!
You can only vote once.
The voting round closes on 17 February 2018 at 23.00 CET
Results of the voting round will be published on this site on 18 February 2018 and then will announce the author of each metaphor.
You work really hard on a story, send it to someone, and they go; “Meh”.
I write a variety of things; poetry, essays, flash fiction, short stories and long-format novellas and novels. But no matter how meticulous I craft my narrative and characters, there is always room for improvement. The key is finding the right editor.
For me, it’s Ina Morata of Clarian Press. She has a keen intellect and an extensive depth to both grammar and vocabulary [albeit of the English-English language variety, which leads to interesting discussions when Americanisms crop up] along with a historical literary provenance, that creates a template for how a story should read.
The most important lesson I’ve learned from having my work edited by numerous people, is that the only goal an author should have, is to seek the best possible result. If an edit makes for a better book, then make the change and don’t mourn your original efforts.
Nearly as important though as a writer, is to find your ‘voice’; the style in which you are most proficient. That voice needs to be a solid base so that no matter how much editing is done, it is still recognizable as your own. A good editor trims the excess, prunes back the prose so that new growth and grafts make the finished product even more fruitful. Writing is not about word count, it is about making each word important and integral to the story.
I always start my long-format fiction in flash style. I think of it as splashing paint on a canvas. It’s not meant to be perfect, or even coherent. It’s an experiment to see if the characters and plot have potential. The more you write, the more you cast off. There’s nothing wrong with that. Always seeking the perfect first draft is guaranteed to make it impossible to ever finish anything. Imperfection is not only inevitable, but essential to editing.
What I call a first draft is a misnomer. Before I submit a piece of fiction, long or short, the manuscript has normally been ‘edited’ by myself at least a dozen times. I swap chapters, change tenses, substitute narrative for dialog and vice-versa. My style, my voice, has developed into exploring the emotional bonds we create and the consequences of our actions. I don’t fill in the background normally; the physical aspects of the characters, the detailed clothing or places they inhabit. I enjoy reading books that do so, but for me, as a writer, I don’t think in those terms when creating.
A good editor partners with the author by taking that first draft, reading it, then breaking it down into various components. Keep. Change. Discard. While ultimately the decision remains with the author, by explaining the whys, an editor guides the prose into becoming stronger and better. The mantra, “If it makes a better book, any change is good”, is very helpful in taking personality and emotion out of the process. Which leads back to the title of this post.
The truth about editing, is that it is extremely difficult and fraught with feeling: if you allow yourself to believe your first draft is perfect. It’s not. It’s only a starting point. Having other eyes read your work can be intimidating, but the payoff can be a spectacular result.
Okay, so my puns are terrible. What’s not terrible is eighty-nine; as in, eighty nine writers signed up for Smut Marathon 2018.
89!!!!!!
Marie Rebelle — who is running the Marathon, in charge, not actually lacing up sneakers — posted the submitted bios of all the writers in this very cool post you can find by clicking here.
I briefly touched on the rules in this post here, but an easy way to follow along is to subscribe to the Smut Marathon blog. I will be posting helpful links as well. Below is another brief recap of the rules.
Jan. 28-2018 Start assignment 1
Feb. 10-2018 End assignment 1
Feb. 18-2018 Start assignment 2
March 3-2018 End assignment 2
March 4-2018 Start voting round 2
March 10-2018 End voting round 2
The absolute most important rule is: you never ever tell anyone which story you have written. If you want to post a story you have written for the Smut Marathon on your blog, you do so only AFTER the results of the voting round have been announced.
The assignment/task is a secret and will be revealed when all stories are posted on the Smut Marathon website at the start of a voting round.
The voting round opens between 12pm and 3pm on the day after the writing round has closed and it lasts a week. Voting is done on the Smut Marathon website and in each round voters have to choose three stories. You are allowed to promote the Smut Marathon and ask people to vote, but you are not allowed to tell anyone which story you have written.
When you read the entries during the voting round, please take the time to leave some feedback. We want the writers to learn something from this experience and therefore feedback is very important. Feedback like ‘nice story’ or ‘I liked them all’ is nice to get, but writers don’t learn anything from that. If you could leave feedback like ‘maybe you could vary the length of your sentences’ or ‘it would be easier to read when you use more punctuation marks’ or other constructive and instructive feedback will be highly appreciated.
All comments on the site are moderated, which means that feedback will only become visible after a voting round has closed. This is to make sure other voters are not influenced in their choices of stories because of the feedback on the site.
Like elite athletes the world over, I too am focusing my attention on an upcoming gathering of the best. I am pumping iron, downing kale and egg-white shakes and abstaining from sex. All in the hope of going for gold at the Smut Marathon.
I don’t recall that sport being listed in the Olympic program. It’s not, and I’m not in training for anything more strenuous than feeding the cats. Smut Marathon however, is a real event and is taking place at this link.
A brief summation of the rules: [Bold emphasis mine]
There are two kinds of ’rounds’ during the Smut Marathon – a writing round and a voting round.
The writing marathon consists of 10 writing rounds and 10 voting rounds. Each writing round is followed by a voting round.
Before the start of the first writing round, all participants will receive an email containing the rules and schedule of the Smut Marathon. There will be no deviation from the schedule.
At the start of a writing round, participants will be sent an assignment by email. The email will mention the closing date and time for the assignment, as well as the number of words allowed and any other specific requirements. Participants are not to speak about an assignment until the voting round starts. Participants are not to tell anyone which story is theirs, until after the voting round has closed.
During a writing round, one or more reminder emails will be sent to participants who have not yet submitted their stories.
If your story is not sent in on time, you will automatically be disqualified from the Smut Marathon.
The day after the closing date of the writing round, the voting round opens.
Voting is done by means of a survey and in all rounds readers have to choose the best three stories.
The voting round lasts one week and the results will be announced the day after the voting round has closed.
When announcing the outcome of a voting round, we also reveal the authors of the stories.
Depending on the number of participants allowed in a round, the participants with the least amount of points will have to leave the Smut Marathon.
The remaining participants will receive the assignment for the next written round.
The most important rule, is to not tell anyone about which story is theirs until after the voting is closed in order to make it fair for everyone. The complete rules are at this link here.
The total maximum number of words increases with each round.
Rounds 1+2: maximum 30-100 words
Rounds 3+4: maximum 150-300 words
Rounds 5+6: maximum 300-650 words
Round 7: maximum 650 – 800 words
Round 8: maximum 800 – 1000 words
Round 9: maximum 1200 – 1750 words
Round 10: maximum 2000-2500 words
Sun, 28 Jan 2018 until Sat, 10 Feb 2018
Writing Round 1
Sun, 11 Feb 2018 until Sat, 17 Feb 2018
Voting Round 1
Subscribe to the Smut Marathon blog here, and when the voting starts, please read the stories and choose the top three you feel completed the assignment the best. Also, please consider providing feedback as all writers like to have their work noticed.
One final note, I will be entering my stories as Bryon Cane, not Lurv Spanking, although, as the rules clearly state, all entries are anonymous until after the voting is completed.
Let me wipe the sweat off my brow, this writing stuff is hard. I need a nap.
It’s been awhile since I last posted here. Too long, in fact. I could blame the holidays and working full-time, but I won’t. The truth is I got lazy and then decided — in retrospect — that is was a much needed sabbatical.
For me, writing has never been a burning passion. Must. Write. Now. That’s not me. It’s not to say I don’t have ideas and plots whirling around my head, I do, but I prefer to wait until the concepts become clearer; rather than jotting down every scrap that bubbles through the daily chaos. I need serenity in order to create. Calm yields prose.
As 2018 gathers steam however, there are several other projects that are in process. The first is a novel, Kismet of Submission, which I have recently finished editing from flash fiction episodes on my blog, into a beta draft as a long-form novel. You can still read the original first two posts by clicking this link, but the other episodes were removed from public viewing. My plan is have a completed draft of 90-100k words by the fall, in order to submit the manuscript for possible publication. If you would like join my group of beta readers, you may comment on this post, or send me an email by using the Contact Form on this blog. I am seeking feedback, comments and critiques on Kismet of Submission and all viewpoints are welcome.
In the meanwhile, the next fiction of mine to be published in ereader format, will be the novella, The Case of the Disciplined Valentine. This has been published before; it was part of the Lust in Lace anthology in January, 2017. In the anthology, the title is Sir MacRath Thrashes his Valentine, but I have changed the title in order to bring the novella into line with other future works. The Case of the Disciplined Valentine will be published in several weeks by Clarian Press. Stay tuned for the cover reveal, excerpts and ordering information. There is a page on Clarian Press, click here, with extra content. The novella itself, is only slightly different from the anthology, but you can purchase either or both for your collection.
Thanks for reading. Until next time, this is Byron Cane.
Click this link and choose your favorite online book seller to order The Spanking Misadventures of Stephanie in time for Christmas. Your Aunt Matilda will be thrilled. 🙂
Just in time for the holiday season, celebrate with Stephanie as she finds the man of dreams. The Spanking Misadventures of Stephanie is now available from digital booksellers everywhere. Follow the links below to your favorite purveyor of fine fiction, and download your copy of Stephanie for yourself, and for your loved ones and friends.
When Stephanie crashes (quite literally) into the life of Ross, high flying exec in the fashion world and eligible bachelor, she is stupefied he wants her as his. Under Ross’ tutelage, as Brat to his Sir, she learns that she can be spanked for more than just being naughty! And Ross — he discovers there’s much more to Stephanie than just her submissive need to be disciplined, as he falls more and more in love. A brilliantly funny, light-hearted, spanking erotic romance novella by Byron Cane, with memorable characters and a beautiful love story interwoven into the sexiness, lending a contemporary twist to the princess fairy tale.
Find Stephanie at Books 2 Read with links to online booksellers and ereaders, including Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Apple.
Available now for purchase, The Spanking Misadventures of Stephanie, at your favorite bookseller.
If you already have an Amazon account, then click this link to go directly to Stephanie’s page in your country.
Click picture to purchase: The Spanking Misadventures of Stephanie
No, the peek inside my soon-to-be published novella, The Spanking Misadventures of Stephanie. You can click this link to download a FREE copy containing the first 5 Chapters of Stephanie. The entire novella will be available for download to your ereader from various vendors by Cyber Monday, November 27th, 2017. If you are a book reviewer or would like to receive an advance copy in order to publicize Stephanie on your social platforms, Amazon or Goodreads, please contact Ina Morata [Owner, Editor, Publisher of Clarian Press] at this contact link to send an email of query for an ARC. The excerpt below the picture is a teaser from Chapter 4.
FREE Chapter 1-5 of Stephanie
“Too many people were trying out various spoons and cutting boards. So we created the separate, adults-only Triple D Club — Discipline Department Dungeon — for all our valued spankos. You can fill out a membership card online.” He reached a locked door and pressed a code into the keypad. “Here we are. All the kitchen and bath utensils gathered in one place. We have large screen televisions, refreshments and plenty of chairs and tables. The only caveat is no completely bare bottomed spanking: we are a family store after all. Thongs or wedgies are fine, just no flashing of private parts please. Have fun and thank you for shopping at Everyday Goods.”
“Good morning, Mrs. Garcia.” Stephanie greeted her neighbor with a friendly hug. “Are we ready to go?”
“Almost, dear. I’ll need to inspect your bottom first. We are going shopping for toys and I need to make sure you’ll be able to handle any tests.”
“Tests? I thought we were going to purchase a vibrator?”
“We are, Stephanie — among other things — but you need to have something besides the hairbrush here at your place when you need your spankings.”
Stephanie began to protest, saying her boss had demanded to apply vitamin E twice a day at work. “Plus, you have been ‘inspecting’ and lubing me every morning and night for the past three days! I’ve been so wet I had to wear a pad to work. I don’t need another inspection or spanking. I’ve been a very good girl and haven’t been spanked since.”
Mrs. Garcia tapped her foot impatiently. “And what have we told you about your attitude?”
Stephanie looked away, not really upset, but remembering all the times her neighbors had spanked her for being disrespectful.
“Over my lap now so we can get going. If you’re wet that’s not my fault. That’s why we’re going shopping, so you can better manage your arousal.”
Stephanie continued to grumble but reluctantly obeyed. Once in position, ruffled skirt tossed up, panties lowered, Mrs. Garcia probed and squeezed the ample surface.
“A quick reminder to behave today, and then the oil.” Mrs. Garcia rapidly spanked back and forth with her hand for about thirty seconds, then drizzled some oil and rubbed it in all around Stephanie’s bottom. After one final wallop, Stephanie thanked her and they were off to the toy store.
Stephanie had never been inside Passion and Pleasures On Park. When she’d let slip the previous day to her coworkers that she was going there, they’d all squealed and exclaimed it was the best place to shop. They’d quickly opened the web page and, for the rest of the lunch hour, gave Stephanie a guided tour of all the items they liked. She was so embarrassed, but squirmed in her chair with damp panties for the rest of the day as she envisioned using the many products.
“Juanita, it’s so good to see you again,” the proprietor called out with a broad smile. “How are the twins? Did Antonio enjoy his birthday gift?”
Mrs. Garcia hugged the woman and affectionately kissed the cheek of her college roommate and maid-of-honor. “The twins are doing fine, thank you for asking, Dawn. As for Antonio, the man is a ravenous beast. He doesn’t need any more gifts.”
Dawn laughingly agreed. Raising one eyebrow and tilting her head with a smile, she asked, “And who is this adorable young lady?”
“Allow me to introduce my friend Stephanie.” Mrs. Garcia tugged the first-time visitor forward. “Stephanie, this is the owner, Dawn.”
Stephanie shook hands politely then, clearly distracted by the displayed products, ignored the two women chatting and slowly turned in a complete circle with a wide-eyed stare.
Mrs. Garcia exchanged a knowing glance and smile with Dawn. “Stephanie is here, believe it or not, because she doesn’t own a single toy or paddle!” She smirked as Dawn gasped in faux dismay — a retail trick — and took hold of Stephanie’s hands.
“You poor, neglected girl.” Dawn squeezed out a tear. “Don’t you worry; I’ll will take care of all your needs from top to bottom.” She looked her over critically and directed her question at Mrs. Garcia. “What should we start with? Pleasure or pain?”
“Well, Dawn, she doesn’t have a boyfriend at present to train her and put her through her paces. Her sexual desires are being sadly neglected, I’m afraid. She needs at least two different vibrators and two sizes of plugs.” She picked up a package and showed it to Dawn. “Do you still allow test drives of these in the private room?”
“Absolutely, Juanita,” Dawn exclaimed, her hand waving in the vague direction towards a red velvet curtain at the rear of the store. “Stephanie should take advantage of the opportunity to gauge her response level.” She looked her up and down and with a twirling hand gesture, motioned for Stephanie to spin in place. “I like your body, Stephanie. Some of the products are non-refundable after all and need to be fitted to size. I’ll help you find the perfect fit for your shape with our protective covered samples.”
“I’m not a docile mannequin,” Stephanie complained. “I don’t need to try them out here! What if someone else comes in?” pointing at a couple on the other side of the store. “Why can’t I wait till I get home?”
Mrs. Garcia shook her forefinger. “Stephanie! You promised to be a good girl and obey me. You will test drive the vibrators! No! Not another word out of you, young lady.” She spotted a bench behind the counter, sat down and sternly ordered Stephanie to get over her knees and flip up her skirt.
Mrs. Garcia scolded her as she took a small paddle from her purse. “You’re lucky I’m feeling merciful and letting you keep your panties on in the store.”
Dawn watched the preparations with a satisfied smile. “I think pain is up first. We’ll need to test drive some discipline toys as well.”
“I completely agree, Dawn. I wasn’t going to recommend that today, but obviously she needs a reminder. Pain before pleasure today, naughty girl. I hope you are satisfied with the results of your silly behavior.” As Dawn left to assist another client, Mrs. Garcia proceeded to briskly smack Stephanie for several minutes; then drove the lesson home with numerous medium and firm strokes. She finished off with ten very hard smacks.
The other staff went about their business helping other customers as the sounds of the spanking echoed in the store. Dawn was quite pleased when the impromptu discipline resulted in the sale of several paddles to a giggling couple. They even tried a couple of playful swats before they left.
A small ‘taste’ of things to come.
And yes, I know it’s Tuesday, but Wednesday is racing across the Pacific. Besides that, I’ll have another WIP it Wednesday post tomorrow.
Hello, my friends and fellow erotica lovers. The Spanking Misadventures of Stephanie is almost ready for publication by Clarion Press. I have finished the second round of edits sent to me by the editor and publisher, Ina Morata, and the next step is a proof-reading copy formatted for ebook.
During this process, I realized that writing flash fiction for my spanking blog, is much different than writing polished prose for publication. The entire 21-episode weekly run of Stephanie posts, totaled 25,500 words. As of this point, the current novella draft is up to 34,123, an increase of 8,623 words. Why the difference?
My flash fiction is normally either heavy on dialogue, or rich in narrative; but not both. I also tend to skimp on physical descriptions of characters and places. It’s difficult to squeeze a story into a set limit if you are flinging prose around with the literary equivalent of a paintbrush. By its very nature, flash fiction has to be streamlined with most of the descriptors implied.
Another serial I am currently posting, Kismet of Submission, is slightly more detailed, primarily because after only two episodes, I decided to turn it into a full-length novel of 100,000 words. Even so, limiting myself to 1,100 word weekly episodes, means that simply rewriting from the beginning, I can add thousands of words by fluffing up the prose.
Speaking of fluffing, below is a snippet of Stephanie to begin your weekend with something to savor.
Hope you enjoyed this update and see you for my next post, or get your daily spanking, at Spank Me Hard… Please?.
[No cats were harmed in the making of this blog. They all love to be spanked.] Exploring the psychology 'behind' spanking through fiction and poetry. Because, nothing says 'I love you' better than a red, sore, bare bottom. Comments welcome and discussion encouraged. I believe spanking between consenting adults leads to closer and more intimate relationships. Spanking is not a kink, not a fetish, not a lifestyle, but rather, a healthy and honest means of communication. Let your mind free and respect will follow. Contact me lurvspanking@gmail.com
Byron Cane Spanking and Erotic Fiction 