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Hello hello!

I've been thinking about this topic a lot, and I'd love to hear your opinions!

As I've been writing solo stories (a breath of fresh air btw), I've been somewhat torn on how to layout the scripts.

Before, when my work was 8-15 minutes long, the title would be the attraction, and the action of the title would manifest in the audio at the 1-3 minute mark. Basically, the meat of the story would start almost immediately. However, now that I'm more accustomed writing much longer audios, the promise of the title might appear around 8-10 minutes into the audio—sometimes even further in.

While I was writing Clyde's next part, I was thinking that I could deliver on the title's promise faster if I deleted the first scene, but at the sacrifice of character development and a deeper story. I haven't found the golden ratio of how to lay out an audio, but I'm always trying to refine my content to make it the most enjoyable for you.

I think I might be writing with a novel formula more than an audio roleplay. I naturally tend to start with a neutral point, begin a conflict that enacts change, and then end with a new equilibrium. For example, Matthew's audio was the neutral start entering the cabin (establishes their relationship), the conflict (being stuck together and forced to confront one another), and the equilibrium (establishes a new relationship and more understanding).

My question to you is: What do you prefer in an audio? Do you prefer to get straight to the point without much backstory, or do you like a slow build into the story?

In my eyes, there are pros and cons to both.

Straight to the point = You're not waiting that long for the reason you clicked. There is minimal backstory, gratification is given, but at a cost: an established past can't be presented as organically, and it needs to be exposited quicker or shoehorned into the plot to make it appear like characters have a deep connection. It's also possible that this method would make audios a little shorter.

Slow build = You're waiting to get to the core of the plot, and the neutral might not be as interesting. But in the mean time, I can add character lore, how they interact with one another, and a small level of worldbuilding. The beginning of the plot arrives, and the conflict achieves some type of resolution so the equilibrium (or cliff-hanger) can begin. And as you've seen, the audios typically run longer to make their conversations breathe and flow naturally.

Of course, there will be exceptions. I'm already thinking of the siren solo story; the most plausible start is being with the siren xD

Perhaps I'll do some experimenting next year with solo stories and see if I can find a happy medium (if I need to), but I'd love to know what you think! <3

Comments

Cloüdie

I like straight to the point personally with enough backstory to understand the situation

YumaTheSunshine

I love the slow build into the story! Like the title shows what is gonna happen but you don’t know when! That brings excitement 🤭🫶🏻

emmonx

i really do like the way you go with the audios at the moment, what makes them unique is that theres always a creatively established backstory and i think that when you get to the main point of the audio the slow build makes it feel all the more exciting and worth it since it builds attachment to the characters 💕

emmonx

and personally seeing longer audios posted makes me squeal in excitement lmao

Sandy Puppet

I definitely prefer the way you write now! The way you write gives your audios more character and originality that's hard to find anywhere else. While it's nice to have straight to the point audios, the way you write is so refreshing and it, for me at least, is easier to slide into the actual perspective of the listener when we know the already established relationship the characters have before delving into the conflict. Like I said, it give character. It breathes life into the audio and imo makes it feel like youre actually in that scenario.

emi (edited)

Comment edits

2026-09-06 11:00 i think that it depends on the narrative. I thought the flow of Matthew’s story was really well paced! Imo, I think with new characters its beneficial to get straight to the point in the first audio to gauge audience response, its a fun way to get to know a character without being overloaded with lore and in-depth character building. Then, as we get to understand the stakes of the conflict at hand, curiosity will naturally build which lends itself to longer audios with more exposition and character lore. Like with Elias, the audios started out punchy and straight to the point creating a sense of mystique around who he is and the inner workings of the world around him. as we progress through the narrative we become more involved in his life and lore to satisfy that curiosity. But tl;dr i think each has its valid uses and is a tricky situation since people have such wildly different preferences.
2025-12-08 21:21

Jonahhhhh

First time leaving a comment, kinda nervous 🥹 But honestly imo, I like the build up. I think it’s interesting to learn more about the interactions before getting to the meat of the story, to me it feels like I’m getting more than what I clicked for! And I like that kind of content, but that’s just my opinion

SoCoOl

slow build is much more satisfying in my opinion. i’m big on storytelling that provokes a sense of escapism, being able to listen to something from the beginning and actually experience the bulk of it come to fruition makes it a lot more enjoyable— as well more meaningful than the last. that’s what makes each story you tell so unique and vastly different from the other, while simultaneously giving ur supporters exactly what they’ll like even if it’s a bit different than what they’re used to. it makes me wanna come back even though i’ve probably already heard it before lol. but i genuinely do like how you go about it now, it’s honestly up to you!

giby

I think the slow built up is good for some stories that you will add more then two episodes because we can get to know the character. But if it only a short story i don't think you should add a background. But this is all up to you.

Tokki☆

I love the slow build so much! I love getting all the lore and world building.

Nimbus

Normally, I prefer slow burn but for the solo stories I think getting straight to the meat is best. Especially since the solo stories are more like a snack between the meals of your established characters Also I didn't know you used a whole formula for your audio layouts, cute.

JayAshBran AudioScripts

Honestly. I love the slow build you do. Every character has developed a chemistry with their story and the characters in it to the point where you can bring in anyone and they’ll mesh with the story Not only that, the worlds you make with these slow builds really sells the immersion and creates an open world that we’re exploring. But always remember to do what makes you happy and what you’re able to do. Don’t compromise, and make sure not to burn yourself out You do great work, Z. Super honored to have been your YT sub for so many years

Winter

Personally, I like both. Slow builds for how you can get more context, and it actually feels like you're being pulled into the listener's Pov Straight to the point due to how some audios being made/listened to need to be made that way to add ...more controlled chaos?... might be using the wrong phrase, but hopefully I got my point across it really depends on the type of audio for me if I have to be honest I'd have to think of an example but I'm coming up with a blank sadly

Spidergirls Mama

I really enjoy the slow build most of the time. Your writing and the longer audios with character and lore development are great!

Anthea the Tiefling

For short term stories, I like there to be a balance. Enough background to establish things, who is who, how they relate, establishing the main set up. Then the conflict or main plot.

Winter

I didn't know how to put this into words! Thank you Haku!!!

Andi

I'd say I really enjoy the slow build ! I really like learning about the characters (the way you write them is soo good and interesting, they all have their complexities) and getting attached to them, and it gets me into the audio more. Slow build also allows for the main point of the audio to have that much more impact, I feel like

Orchidontis

I like the way the audio are right now, the meat of the audio doesn't start right away which is good! I like the suspense of it!

sepia

I’m definitely team slow build, my brain prefers to have some time to really immerse myself in the setting and get used to the general tone. I also don’t mind longer audios for that reason. I personally don’t click on your audios because of the title, I tend to go to the description and read that before I press play 🤭 kinda like the blurb on the back of a book. Because of that, I don’t need instant gratification of delivering what was offered, I’m here for why it is being offered in the first place, by who, why are we here in this situation, etc etc. I feel like I’m rambling so I hope that made sense 🫣💛

Orchidontis

Also the thought of a Siren audio is so exciting!!! Shame it's going to be just one episode

amanda

slow build for me always!

Orchidontis

And the longer the audio the better! We get to be immersed much longer!

marissa dilly

Honestly, I really love the slow build. It makes everything feel so real and personal, like I’m actually watching the characters open up little by little instead of jumping straight into the main moment. Even if the title part shows up later, the way you build the scenes, add tiny details, and let the emotions grow makes the payoff feel so much stronger. I never feel like I’m ‘waiting,’ because the journey to that point is always interesting on its own. I also think the slow build up lets the relationships breathe in a way that shorter setups just can’t. The natural conversations, the quiet moments, the lore pieces, it all makes your stories feel deeper and more meaningful. And honestly, that’s one of the reasons I enjoy your audios so much. At the same time, I can see why some people might like a faster start. But no matter what you choose, I know the story will still feel intentional and full of heart because that’s just how you write.

Seal Seal

I much prefer a slow build! The added context helps us get to know and love the characters a lot more, I think it’s more immersive! What I love about your audios in general is the way we learn about who these characters are, how they act, their values, etc, I find it much more compelling :)

Nic Maple

Team slow build ALL the way! I’m here for the lore, the immersive storylines, the connections, the anticipation! (Which you always deliver beautifully btw) I’m not a fan of in medias res. A slower build feels more natural and deeper. Slow and steady wins the race!

Eden^^

I love it a bit slower, personally i think Matthews audio had the perfect composition of easing into the story with a lil back story to get to know the characters and them having their revelation, and then the soft ending (this is probably just a "Me" thing)For Clyde there was a bit too much between them(it still fit because you made a second part) but it just left a lot of yearning to know what happens in the next part(e.g. their revelation came reeeally close to the end so you immediately want to hear the next part to see how they're feeling/handling/reacting to it) And for Matthew it was really balanced out and it made quite a satisfying ending where you could imagine how they'll act together in the future but you don't necessarily need to have another part And if you have a big revelation let's say listener finds out their partner is a mythic or demon makes a pact with a human then the revelation would fit better in the beginning, then you still get to see how they react and adjust to the big change Like with Cevyk you just saw a little of the humans life and most of it was how they handle the change and get adjusted to Cevyk

Artemis

I really love a slow build, when you have time to immerse yourself in the story. The "straight to the point" it is not my cup of tea

Mandy J💜🖤

I love the build up. It allows me to get more emotional.

Arden

Slow build, always. I wouldn't mind a straight to the point plot if the characters were already known to us (like the AU's for example), but in general I always prefer the slow pace to give the story time to breathe and also for the listener to get familiar with the world/characters so it feels more natural

Lisa

The slow build up and your longer series are some of the main reasons I kept coming back to your content in the beginning. I enjoy world building and character growth with a slow romance that none of the other content creators I checked out in the past managed to achieve like you do.

Intermenia

I think the slower paced audios and characters/world building is part of the charm in your audios. It’s well written, not overdone and actually gives us time to immerse. I’ve been hard pressed to find another channel that does it as well as you. Slow pace all the way

Bee ;)

Slow build all day for me! I love to hear the context of the situation, and that makes it easier for me to understand the lore/story. :))

The_Jubes_Miester

I much prefer a slower build as it makes it easier to see where the character is coming from and, for me personally, it helps me understand the listener character’s point of view better

Megan

Personally, the slow build is the most satisfying for me as it really envelops me in the characters’ lives and helps create a picture of their relationship—but for the stories that are only going to be one episode, I’d rather that be straight to the point because, like you said, they’ll be longer episodes (I could never complain about this haha), but I’d rather you focus more on the established characters and have more time to do them. It’s all up to you, and I know you’ll do what you think is best. 🫶🏼 love ya

Violet

boy i’ve been listening to these audios since basically the beginning and i remember how immersive and plain fun the immediate start to the meat of the plot and title’s promise was (andrew’s first audio really comes to mind here.) however since then i’ve seriously come to appreciate a slower approach that builds tension over the story that eventually gets delivered on, making for a more cathartic experience for the listener. i think with solo stories the slower approach always ends up being the most satisfying over the course of a single audio, however certain audios and scenarios warrant different levels of that balance. with the two solo stories we’ve gotten for example, i think the balance in matthew’s audio was excellent. there was a sufficient framework, tension, and payoff. in clyde’s everything was much slower but there was a greater understanding of the dynamic between the two which made the climax much much more satisfying in my opinion. however it left a greater lingering desire for more. more story, resolution, payoff, etc etc, which will be resolved by a part 2 (yippe!!) however i understand that’s not how most solo stories will operate. thus for future solo stories i think it really just depends on the specific character and plot. i almost always prefer that slow tension, but i love a situation that is intensified by a quick straight to the point release of tension. there’s always a time and place for it, i guess it’s up to you to decide with each audio, and i know it will deliver every time!

Kara

For sure a slow intro into the story. Because it’s just better when it comes to understanding the dynamics, characters and it’s just so much more interesting.

saturnsrkive

Honestly, it all depends on the kind of story you’re looking to tell. Based on what I’ve seen you develop your current style to from your first audios, a slower build produces a much better performance and experience. A slow build oftentimes can give more insight when it comes to figuring out character development and dynamics. Though, it is always good to keep in mind that sometimes getting right to the point and then reflecting back after can give a different but just as strong experience. Personally, I believe that a slow build gives you a better way to build on the performance, and figure out the story, and while it may be slow, doesn’t mean certain things can’t happen fast.

Amber_Brevily

I honestly prefer slower build up cause it really gets you in the universe the story takes place and the mindset of the character we’re supposed to be

etherealsquanderer

Slower build because sometimes my brain needs the extra details to fully process and understand. But in the same vein I feel like slower fits your style and why I enjoy your characters and their story!

Koi

To start off, like most that have commented so far I do personally prefer a slower build, but I do think that most of your earlier audios were great too so you could def go straight to the point without the audio feeling like its missing a whole bunch of backstory. Now what you could do is write whatever backstory you haven’t included but think could be interesting, in the summary of the audio. Orrr you could add a picture of the beginning of the script, where all the backstory is like in the sneak peeks. Idk how well that would work with the formatting and all but either way written backstory could be just as good.

chelsea m

I personally prefer the slow build ups since it creates better immersion but the ones that get straight to the point are good too! I see it as more of a "depends on what the story needs" situation - if the story doesn't require much backstory to move the action along, straight to the point is great, and for stories that relies on backstory and immersion (like your many series!) a slow burn is best But at the end of the day whichever format fits the story best is your call and I'm sure I speak for others when we say either way the audience will love the end products :)

???

Both are good but it depends tbh. Sometimes “slow builds” can drag on a story. They can also be very helpful in explaining the situation or just the story itself. OR explaining the characteristics of each characters cuz ain’t no way the writers are gonna point that out for ya 😂. You gotta figure it out yourself bro. Where as “straight to the point” can make you miss out a lot of juicy informations 😋. I WANT THE LOOOOOREEE😤👹. I want that backstory yk😩. ALSO, I’ve listened to A LOT of other stories with the “straight to the point” approach that doesn’t really draw my attention in as much. Like they would mention or have the ‘point’ of the episode in less than 5mins in and so I’m just there like, “oh.. so that’s it??” while it’s not even halfway through yet.. And because of that, the episode can also get dragged out due to the lack of interesting information and can become boring yk!? OR due to the point of the episode/story being there early, the episode then ends up being a 20mins or less long episode sooo… I mean call me selfish but… I like 30mins+ episodes 😶‍🌫️🫣 (MOSTLY with definite juicy informations/details or backstories 😋😋) So that’s my opinion. Slow builds: Love me so LOOOREEEE (backstories) 😩😩😈 but can drag out the story. (Depending on how you write it) Straight to the point: Can minus some dragging but also love me some “short but sweet” momentum BUT can have me miss out on a lot of juicy information and LOOOORREEEE (backstories) 😩😩. I personally prefer the “Slow burn”. Like TNT 🤣. That story’s a bombshell itself lol. Anyways that’s all Ciao~😄

Tiasims

I love a good backstory. A slow build lets us anticipate the more exciting and reactive parts of the audio. I do however feel that you do a great job at make the slow build feel interesting in itself. I love when the tile of an audio is vague and the audio itself throws in a little foreshadowing!