Seeking Feedback on Story Hour...

[Hjorimir]

I’m feeling more than a little sheepish as I write this post but here I go anyway…

As a young story hour author, I would love some feed back on my work. So, if any of you are bored (and have already read the great ones such as P-Kitty, Sepulchrave, contact, Destan, Sagiro, Rel, Wizardu, etc.), I would love to hear what you think of my work. I would particularly enjoy suggestions from any of you that write a story hour yourself (as you may have a particular insight for the medium).

As a huge fan of so many different story hours, my writing style seems to be fluctuating somewhat as I try to determine my own identity. If you notice any similarities to other authors, it is only because I admire their work so much and it has had an impact both on my DMing and writing.

The campaign is low level and there are a number of departures from D&D cannon (such as how I utilize alignment and death). On a macro level, plots that have come up include the closure of a major trade route, a splintering faith divided on the existence of God, secular powers taking advantage of the situation, and a smidgen of fiendish machinations with (as of yet) unforeseen repercussions.

So, there you have it. You can find a link directly to my story hour in my signature and even if you don’t read it or wish to comment, thank you for at least reading this plea.

I also want to thank Broccli_Head for all of his comments and taking time to read about the adventures of Tæün. I am always happy to hear what you think.

 

[random user]

I was thinking about posting something similar to this (though I'm not currently maintaining a story hour on this board).

What makes a good story hour? What aspects do people look for in a story hour? What do people not like in story hours?

I've been thinking about posting my campaign but haven't as of yet, as if I posted I would want to make sure it didn't totally suck (which I can't guarentee at the moment .

 

[Wrath of the Swarm]

We are pleased, Hjorimir. Although certain aspects of the writing are still a bit rough, the use of language is rich and evocative. The storyline is imaginative in its detail, although standard in its overall theme. We especially appreciate the alterations you've made to the default world designs - it demonstrates a willingness to adapt the system to one's story instead of the reverse.

We give it... three out of five tentacles.

 

[Hjorimir]

I was thinking about posting something similar to this (though I'm not currently maintaining a story hour on this board).

What makes a good story hour? What aspects do people look for in a story hour? What do people not like in story hours?

I've been thinking about posting my campaign but haven't as of yet, as if I posted I would want to make sure it didn't totally suck (which I can't guarentee at the moment .

Well, I am also just looking for input on my particular writing style and if everything it clear to the readers. I know that a handful of my players have read it and enjoyed it but they are very familiar with events and the setting so any translation is easier for them.

Anyway, would still like to get some more feedback if anybody is interested and missed this post last night (I found it on page 3 already).

 

[the Jester]

Speaking as the writer of several story hours (the three 'current' ones are linked in my sig), my biggest two pieces of advice are:

1) Write for yourself, not for an audience. If you expect a lot of feedback you're bound to be disappointed at first. In my experience, most story hour readers are lurkers; only a small chunk of them actually post anything in a SH thread. Don't let it discourage you- people will read it randomly, and once in a while comment, but you'll almost certainly have a few devoted fans that you don't know about.

2) Update a lot. Many short updates are better than huge updates every couple of months. It also keeps you on the front page, which means more people will see it.

 

[diaglo]

just do it for awhile. and post more on the other boards.

the more people see you and read your writing the more hits you'll get.

also include a link in your sig.

 

[Hjorimir]

Well I do write for myself. But I think there are only a handful of us that look at the storyhour that play the game. When I consider that and see the number of views (and lack of posts) I am uncertain if people are reading and enjoying or reading and leaving to not return.

I will just consider them lurkers (which is completely fine) and maybe one day they will say hi.

Thanks to everybody who gave a little insight.

 

[LordVyreth]

I understand how you feel. I'm a fairly new story hour writer myself, so I'm pretty much in the same boat you are. If it makes you feel better, though, I have twenty more entries than you do, and still have gotten less views and only one non-lurking reader. But I'll take a look at your Story Hour and post some impressions when I finish it up, if you try to do the same for me when you get the chance, okay?