Build-Up and Aftermath vs. the Action?

[Aliza]

What do you think a story should focus more on? When it comes to length, my preference is aftermath = action > build-up. I think the action is where the climax happens, so it shouldn't be too long; the length dilutes it and makes it unrealistic. Moreover, in some stories it gets gratuitous. When it comes to the aftermath, I think the whole sequence is to get there, so it's very important; still, I prefer a show-not-tell attitude for the aftermath. Build-up is the least important part to me. It's only there to set the scene and atmosphere.

What is your preference about the emphasis of the stories?

[EllenShaw]

I think that back stories and scene setting are key to making a story credible. Many people would say I put way too much back story etc. into my stories but it's my choice. Because my characters appear in many stories I want them to have lives and having a life involves a continuity that takes the character from one story to another. Check out some of my stories (there are around 100 on the forum) and let me know what you think, I'd be interested to know.

[Astrakhan]

For me, the buildup to a fight can be just as hot as the fight itself. It's often a competition just as much as the fight is, and it's a good opportunity to develop the tension between the girls and set the scene for why they're fighting. A fight that has good chemistry and a strong character dynamic behind it is what gives it meaning and significance, and elevates it beyond just being a meaningless fighting game match.

The fight is always where I devote most of my focus, but I do want plenty of attention to be put on the leadup as well, and I don't often write a story until I have a good idea of what the buildup is going to look like for it.

[caryn1]

Build up is so much better more realistic
The aftermath can always be hot also when it involves a new house mate to suffer embarrassing

[caryn1]