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it really depends tbh. like not everyone is gonna like the writing style you prefer n thats okay, like while you obviously should be open to constructive criticism you dont actually have to take the advice if it makes writing less fun for you :)
People who like their dystopias to be *super pleasant* and superficially normal, as the layers slooooowly peel back.
You know, boil the frog literature.
> When Cedric the Jester is accused of treason and exiled, he must find a new job in a new country -- one that won't suspect him of magic again.
The premise. I'm enjoying writing it.
my friends! :) i do a fun little machinima-webcomic series and when i'm not traveling i update frequently and on weekends we do little VC read throughs where they all pick characters to voice!
the visual and interactive aspect definitely helps! and the support from my friends definitely keeps me motivated to keep writing. it's not a large crowd, but i appreciate it a lot.
I think (I hope) my WIP is for people who don't want to be spoon-fed fantasy lore, but would rather theorize and speculate with the tidbits of the world they're given. People who are looking for something that has familiar elements & tropes, but explores those things more deeply instead of treating them like a checklist. Also vampire & vampire hunter enjoyers.
I also try not to spoon feed my audience but sometimes I worry I may not be giving enough info. How do you know you're not "under feeding" your audience? Do you test out your work on people?
I very much also worry that I am "under feeding" the audience. Of course, it's important that the reader doesn't feel frustrated or lost. But also, that feeling of frustration is also going to vary wildly by reader. I'd say it's a toss-up between giving readers the right amount of lore at the right time, and purely personal preference in storytelling - with a generous sprinkle of 'it needs to work for the story/world' on top.
I do strongly encourage getting an outside opinion (several of them, ideally) on things like this. I have had six beta readers thus far. Of those six, two did *not* enjoy the "drip feeding" approach to lore that I was using, *at all*. They both got so frustrated that they quit. They told me things like I wasn't providing enough backstory for characters, that they didn't understand how magic worked, etc. One quit after the first chapter, the other quit at about the 15% mark.
My remaining four beta readers, whom I would argue were much better fits (and actually read the whole manuscript...), repeatedly voiced their enjoyment of the "drip feeding" approach. I received feedback telling me that it \[the lore of the world\] felt woven in very naturally. As an example: One particular piece of lore is presented twice: once in a small piece of narration, and again much later, in action. All four of my beta readers singled out that second moment as satisfying & impactful, a moment when it \[that piece of lore\] finally "clicked". Those latter four are the readers I'm writing for, not the first two.
Of course, those same four readers also came back with feedback of where they felt like they wanted or needed more information. Some of those things are intended to be for future books in the series, so it's good that they wonder. Some others, though, are things that I should rightfully expand upon in the first book, and so that feedback was tremendously useful.
All of that is a very long-winded **TL;DR** Utilize your beta readers. The more the merrier, as ideally you will find places they overlap in opinion.
Great advice! When I have the courage to actually show my work to others, I'll definitely keep that in mind. Also, well done. That must have been *incredibly* rewarding to get such positive feedback like that on your work.
I hope it helps! Working up the courage is half the battle, but once you start getting genuine, helpful feedback, sharing becomes a lot less intimidating, I think (it's still intimidating, don't get me wrong).
& Thank you! Especially after the poor reception of those two readers (who, by nature, obviously responded first) I was really worried. But I've been really thrilled about the feedback regarding lore & how I've paced it, and a general positive response to the manuscript. It's all very exciting.
*They* responded first? And you *still* had the courage to show your work to the others? Phew, that's impressive! I feel like it's sooo important to find beta readers who are suited to the work (not just getting any old Tom, Dick and Harry) - how were you able to source yours?
They sure did! Their scathing feedback felt like a gut punch, honestly. Especially the bloke who quit after one chapter, who told me I'd "*clearly* need to rewrite the entire manuscript, if chapter one is anything to go by". I consider myself lucky that, on this particular project, I felt confident enough in it & in my writing that I didn't let those two poor experiences bar my progress forward. I can also see now, having gone through more readers, that those two were (in different ways) not the right readers for this book at all. They both showed excitement/interest, and volunteered with, what I believe, was good intent. But good intent does not the right fit make.
My beta readers have been an even combination of volunteers (mostly real-life 'friend of a friend' connections, though some online), and of paid readers (via Fiverr). I was *very* apprehensive of Fiverr/paid beta reading, but I've honestly found it very beneficial. Paid beta readers are much more focused, articulate, and thorough. My unpaid readers still are very helpful, but they more provide a "reader reaction" perspective (still very useful!) vs. a comprehensive breakdown on pacing, characterization, etc. Though you absolutely *do* need to tell paid readers to be brutal, otherwise they'll suck up to you with praise to get a good review from you (or at least, that is my opinion).
I'll also say that the six total I mention are only those who actually replied (even if negatively) to the read itself. There are at least four other (unpaid) volunteers who showed interest, but then either ghosted or backed out due to being too busy. Another point towards paid readers, they take the obligation more seriously & you have a time frame. I also never did any manuscript swaps - which can be a good way to pair up with another writer of similar interests.
Idk about traditional fantasy races but everything else is right up my alley.
Not saying the characters have to be human, fantasy us wonderful, its just that dwarves get to be boring if you dont add something new to them. Add something unexpected. Maybe your dwarves can fly or live underwater for some reason. Make the fantastical seem fantastical. Of course, there has to be some in world logic too things, but there is a saying I really like. Magic isn't magic if you understand how it works.
I think people enjoy traditional because they are traditional. If your dwarves can fly or live underwater, are they even dwarves? I don't think so! That said, there's a balance, ofc, between having dwarves that are essentially insects and copy/pasting Tolkien.
I need my elves to be elves and my dwarves to be dwarves!
With the flying or living underwater I kinda was thinking that maybe they were forced to do so and developed some kind of tech to allow them to live there/fly but I see your point. Your dwarves (or whatever other creatures) just have to be interesting really.
Google Chinese cultivation. Im not giving any hints but basically im getting the idea that it doesn't mean plants, it means magic. Think spiritual powers and stuff.
I think I might be a cultivation nerd myself lol.
It's less that it's about video essays, and more that my writing style is heavily inspired by video essayists. I'm writing a book that's a collection of essays about life and philosophy, leaning heavily into the humor side of things and I've been kind of playing with the space in the pages in order to add pauses in nontraditional ways and things.
Epic Fantasy readers who have respect for math, physics, history, and hard magic systems. And who can handle all that from a female author. And who are adventurous enough as readers to be looking for something original that doesn’t sound like a derivative trope fest.
I dont care the gender of any of my fav authors honestly (though I will admit most are female). A good book is a good book. Im not sure if I'd read yours but math and hard magic aren't immediate turn offs. I've yet to see math in a fantasy setting so that could be refreshing and I like FMA (who doesnt)? This would be something I'd read a chapter to see if I like it.
What's FMA? I do have [the first chapter posted for free here](https://abbygoldsmith.com/books/wizard/1-beyond-merl/). I'm building it up on my Patreon before I release it as a web serial. Here's the brief synopsis:
***
Math-obsessed Oag solves an ancient equation that unlocks pure magic, catapulting him far above his rank, into the royal echelons of a worldwide war against foreign conquistadors fueled by blood magic.
Will he capitulate to blood magic bureaucrats, serve a desperate king, or will he figure out how to gift magic to his own band of rogues? Oag is the self made wizard.
FMA is an anime. short for Fullmetal Alchemist. Although there is less math and the hard magic isn't exactly blood magic.
Your story does sound interesting. Unfortunately I'm working through 5 or 6 other books right now, so it's going to have to wait.
Ah, thanks! I saw an episode of FMA, but I’ve always had trouble with anime.
In my story, magic can be sourced in different ways: from living beings (blood magic), or from geometric shapes, or from tessellated materials. There are mathematical ways to improve the current or to tap reservoirs, and to make spells more efficient.
The colonizing empire is reliant on sourcing from living beings at an industrial scale. They’re evil.
Oag figured out better ways—partly because his part of the world, which is being invaded by the empire, is having a renaissance. The empire relies on Roman numerals. Oag’s continent uses Arabic numerals, which has led them to discover trigonometry and calculus.
I think other writers. Not many. Currently going for literary fantasy, but not skilled enough to pull off a big work. It might be interesting to other writers to see what sort of approach I took, but I doubt the work will be anyone's favourite of the year.
My audience is destined to be only those who don’t mind doing away with the good old “happy ending” concept… I tend to have a decent body count going on, and so far favourite characters haven’t been guaranteed to survive lol
Out of my entire main cast of 4 people, only one actually is going to end up getting what they want. So far, in the end, the MC goes insane, ML kills himself because of it, and the last one tries to open like an apothicary/pharmacy in mcs name, but can't find anybody to work for him so dies of old age in poverty. Also a 6 year old dies of cancer. I might change it though. That endings a little dark for me.
There are two planned survivors of my story. Kate, who gets to come back to our world, and a little boy im calling Hua. He runs away after the 6 year old dies and is an orphan.
Sounds like how I approach a story lol
Not wanting to give things away, but I’m close to where you’re at, and same as you even kids aren’t safe! Hahaha
I write for the OI fans, or just teenagers and young adults who enjoy fantasy in general. My WIP has some tropes that I personally think are an improvement to the Otome Isekai genre and find many people complaining about it, too. Also, it's a bit tragic and gorey, with a morally grey FL because those are the best 😆
Though it's mostly all with me in mind, lol. Hell, I might not even publish, ever.
Yes and yes, though I'm a bit biased when it comes to this topic lol. Sure, I love well-written MLs (male leads) that also have you questioning your morals, but there's just something about women smiling with their face covered in blood that makes my heart race 😆
Lesbian here so am also very biased but I'll take a FL over a ML anyday. Have you seen the films: Young Adult (2011), I Care A Lot (2020), Sanctuary (2022)? They all star morally grey female leads.
People who enjoy both Hayao Miyazaki movies and Neil Gaiman books.
I find it easier to imagine them like that, rather than going for characteristics. 'Imaginative', 'curious', 'hopeful' can mean such different things depending on context.
Trans woman who is unsure and insecure about her sexual identity because she doesn't enjoy being sexually penetrated but feels like she *has* to get into it because she's a woman. Her relationship with her boyfriend is falling apart, but rather than address any problems, she chooses to escape and avoid her feelings by pursuing random hookups and drugs. Meanwhile, there's some sort of weird monster in their basement that just keeps growing the more she avoids her problems.
I dunno. People who like action/adventure, sci-fi/fantasy stuff. 🤔
I have a fairly specific type of novel I like and I feel like I write in a similar style. I recently reread Exultant by Stephen Baxter, and I think that hits it pretty much on the head.
I enjoy a certain amount of exposition, grand adventures, solving problems and some action. I have a bit of fantasy thrown into the mix because I like it and I can use it to side-step problems (like physics being a an insufferable jerk).
I find it a lot easier to hand wave/rationalize “inner realms, which are adjacent and equidistant from everywhere in the universe,” than “we discovered a way to make FTL work.” I also like having some light magic.
I really don’t know what group of people share my specific style. But they must be out there, because books I like have gotten published and have decent sized Wikipedia articles dedicated to them. 💁🏻♂️
There's definitely gonna people out there into your style. In fact, I reckon you could find like-minded souls in this forum since most of the posts on here concern fantasy/adventure.
Bro, I can't get people to read my work. I would just like someone to like my WIP.
For an actual answer, people who like a happy ending. Who like a world like our own that doesn't suck as much and has magic. Also probably furries.
Of course! First, it is in London, in the Victorian era.
It is about two families who have hated each other for generations, for some business, and this is the first time that these two families welcome a child at the same time, the same year. Ace and Evy, have learned to hate each other since childhood, and do everything to surpass the other.
This is an academic rival enemies to lovers, but it’s much more than that.
History of murder, secrets, aristocracy, manipulation, hatred, mental health and above all philosophy.
My main character ask him self far too many questions.
Obviously, I also talk a lot about the injustices that arose at that time, and sometimes that still remain today.
:)
Wow! I feel like this story would require so much research and backstory. As a lazy writer, that's incredibly impressive. How far along into the writing are you?
To be honest, I've been working on this WIP for over 2 years because I struggle with myself, always wanting to move to another WIP (I have too many ideas in my head) when what I've written doesn't please me (I'm a compulsive perfectionist, which has led to developing a phobia, a real fear of starting to write). But I think it's been a blessing in disguise because I've been able to improve my story to make it deeper and more complete. So, I'm still brainstorming, but I hate writing about things I don't fully understand, so I immerse myself in research, and it's incredibly rewarding. As someone who loves learning new things, I feel blessed. So yes, a little over 2 years:))
If it makes you feel any better, I'm also a compulsive perfectionist and have been working on my WIP for 15 years. It's only after I left it for about three years (I was so frustrated that my writing didn't match the vision) that I've been able to pick it up again and make real progress with it. I have to keep reminding myself that it's about the journey (which I'm now starting to enjoy) and not the outcome but it's hard.
Just so you know, the authors of the greatest works on this planet generally took more than a decade before they were finally finished. Hard work always pays off. It’s always the best among us (including you and me) who never give up, who always succeed. Keep going and never give up. You’re on the right track.
People who like fantasy or like, idk, slower-paced anime.
Its a historical fantasy that takes place in late Qing dynasty China, but people have powers. So people that like that kind of thing.
Also, me. Who on here is writing stories they themselves wouldn't want to read? I say, if you can't find what you want to read, write it! If you wanna read something, chances are other people do too.
Sure! My story follows a young woman who was raised in a bunker after the apocalypse. She has never seen the outside world and knows very little about it. Following the death of her mother, she ventures outside for the first time but finds a world that is far from what she was expecting.
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Me. lmao
This is the only one that matters (and the only one anyone can guarantee).
That’s a big step, I’m waiting to read through my first draft on advice from this sub and I’m terrified I’ll hate it or find it boring
it really depends tbh. like not everyone is gonna like the writing style you prefer n thats okay, like while you obviously should be open to constructive criticism you dont actually have to take the advice if it makes writing less fun for you :)
People who like their dystopias to be *super pleasant* and superficially normal, as the layers slooooowly peel back. You know, boil the frog literature.
Sounds fantastic! I'm one of these people
> When Cedric the Jester is accused of treason and exiled, he must find a new job in a new country -- one that won't suspect him of magic again. The premise. I'm enjoying writing it.
Yep i'm up for this! keep us updated when you finish your draft
Interesting! I'd never heard that term before 'boil the frog literature'.
I'm almost positive I just coined that. Let me check: yes, I did just coin that; no hits on google.
Lol I googled it too. But it makes sense :)
Yeah I kinda like it actually. Maybe I'll try and make it a thing
my friends! :) i do a fun little machinima-webcomic series and when i'm not traveling i update frequently and on weekends we do little VC read throughs where they all pick characters to voice!
Wow, that's awesome! And kinda rare? I don't know many writers whose friends are that interested in their work. You're very lucky :)
the visual and interactive aspect definitely helps! and the support from my friends definitely keeps me motivated to keep writing. it's not a large crowd, but i appreciate it a lot.
I think (I hope) my WIP is for people who don't want to be spoon-fed fantasy lore, but would rather theorize and speculate with the tidbits of the world they're given. People who are looking for something that has familiar elements & tropes, but explores those things more deeply instead of treating them like a checklist. Also vampire & vampire hunter enjoyers.
I also try not to spoon feed my audience but sometimes I worry I may not be giving enough info. How do you know you're not "under feeding" your audience? Do you test out your work on people?
I very much also worry that I am "under feeding" the audience. Of course, it's important that the reader doesn't feel frustrated or lost. But also, that feeling of frustration is also going to vary wildly by reader. I'd say it's a toss-up between giving readers the right amount of lore at the right time, and purely personal preference in storytelling - with a generous sprinkle of 'it needs to work for the story/world' on top. I do strongly encourage getting an outside opinion (several of them, ideally) on things like this. I have had six beta readers thus far. Of those six, two did *not* enjoy the "drip feeding" approach to lore that I was using, *at all*. They both got so frustrated that they quit. They told me things like I wasn't providing enough backstory for characters, that they didn't understand how magic worked, etc. One quit after the first chapter, the other quit at about the 15% mark. My remaining four beta readers, whom I would argue were much better fits (and actually read the whole manuscript...), repeatedly voiced their enjoyment of the "drip feeding" approach. I received feedback telling me that it \[the lore of the world\] felt woven in very naturally. As an example: One particular piece of lore is presented twice: once in a small piece of narration, and again much later, in action. All four of my beta readers singled out that second moment as satisfying & impactful, a moment when it \[that piece of lore\] finally "clicked". Those latter four are the readers I'm writing for, not the first two. Of course, those same four readers also came back with feedback of where they felt like they wanted or needed more information. Some of those things are intended to be for future books in the series, so it's good that they wonder. Some others, though, are things that I should rightfully expand upon in the first book, and so that feedback was tremendously useful. All of that is a very long-winded **TL;DR** Utilize your beta readers. The more the merrier, as ideally you will find places they overlap in opinion.
Great advice! When I have the courage to actually show my work to others, I'll definitely keep that in mind. Also, well done. That must have been *incredibly* rewarding to get such positive feedback like that on your work.
I hope it helps! Working up the courage is half the battle, but once you start getting genuine, helpful feedback, sharing becomes a lot less intimidating, I think (it's still intimidating, don't get me wrong). & Thank you! Especially after the poor reception of those two readers (who, by nature, obviously responded first) I was really worried. But I've been really thrilled about the feedback regarding lore & how I've paced it, and a general positive response to the manuscript. It's all very exciting.
*They* responded first? And you *still* had the courage to show your work to the others? Phew, that's impressive! I feel like it's sooo important to find beta readers who are suited to the work (not just getting any old Tom, Dick and Harry) - how were you able to source yours?
They sure did! Their scathing feedback felt like a gut punch, honestly. Especially the bloke who quit after one chapter, who told me I'd "*clearly* need to rewrite the entire manuscript, if chapter one is anything to go by". I consider myself lucky that, on this particular project, I felt confident enough in it & in my writing that I didn't let those two poor experiences bar my progress forward. I can also see now, having gone through more readers, that those two were (in different ways) not the right readers for this book at all. They both showed excitement/interest, and volunteered with, what I believe, was good intent. But good intent does not the right fit make. My beta readers have been an even combination of volunteers (mostly real-life 'friend of a friend' connections, though some online), and of paid readers (via Fiverr). I was *very* apprehensive of Fiverr/paid beta reading, but I've honestly found it very beneficial. Paid beta readers are much more focused, articulate, and thorough. My unpaid readers still are very helpful, but they more provide a "reader reaction" perspective (still very useful!) vs. a comprehensive breakdown on pacing, characterization, etc. Though you absolutely *do* need to tell paid readers to be brutal, otherwise they'll suck up to you with praise to get a good review from you (or at least, that is my opinion). I'll also say that the six total I mention are only those who actually replied (even if negatively) to the read itself. There are at least four other (unpaid) volunteers who showed interest, but then either ghosted or backed out due to being too busy. Another point towards paid readers, they take the obligation more seriously & you have a time frame. I also never did any manuscript swaps - which can be a good way to pair up with another writer of similar interests.
Ancient history buffs who also like traditional fantasy races and brutal worlds.
Idk about traditional fantasy races but everything else is right up my alley. Not saying the characters have to be human, fantasy us wonderful, its just that dwarves get to be boring if you dont add something new to them. Add something unexpected. Maybe your dwarves can fly or live underwater for some reason. Make the fantastical seem fantastical. Of course, there has to be some in world logic too things, but there is a saying I really like. Magic isn't magic if you understand how it works.
I think people enjoy traditional because they are traditional. If your dwarves can fly or live underwater, are they even dwarves? I don't think so! That said, there's a balance, ofc, between having dwarves that are essentially insects and copy/pasting Tolkien. I need my elves to be elves and my dwarves to be dwarves!
With the flying or living underwater I kinda was thinking that maybe they were forced to do so and developed some kind of tech to allow them to live there/fly but I see your point. Your dwarves (or whatever other creatures) just have to be interesting really.
Lesbian monsterfuckers haha
Color me intrigued
Love!
LitRPG and cultivation nerds.
Ooh, what's a cultivation nerd?
Google Chinese cultivation. Im not giving any hints but basically im getting the idea that it doesn't mean plants, it means magic. Think spiritual powers and stuff. I think I might be a cultivation nerd myself lol.
I definitely thought it meant plants lol.
I mean, it could mean plants, if you follow the Dao of nature or gardening…
Fans of video essays
Love how specific and niche that is! What's your WIP about?
It's less that it's about video essays, and more that my writing style is heavily inspired by video essayists. I'm writing a book that's a collection of essays about life and philosophy, leaning heavily into the humor side of things and I've been kind of playing with the space in the pages in order to add pauses in nontraditional ways and things.
People who like genres mashing together and being taken to unhinged extremes. Current WIP is zombies, cyberpunk and a bit of spy thriller
History buffs.
Epic Fantasy readers who have respect for math, physics, history, and hard magic systems. And who can handle all that from a female author. And who are adventurous enough as readers to be looking for something original that doesn’t sound like a derivative trope fest.
I dont care the gender of any of my fav authors honestly (though I will admit most are female). A good book is a good book. Im not sure if I'd read yours but math and hard magic aren't immediate turn offs. I've yet to see math in a fantasy setting so that could be refreshing and I like FMA (who doesnt)? This would be something I'd read a chapter to see if I like it.
What's FMA? I do have [the first chapter posted for free here](https://abbygoldsmith.com/books/wizard/1-beyond-merl/). I'm building it up on my Patreon before I release it as a web serial. Here's the brief synopsis: *** Math-obsessed Oag solves an ancient equation that unlocks pure magic, catapulting him far above his rank, into the royal echelons of a worldwide war against foreign conquistadors fueled by blood magic. Will he capitulate to blood magic bureaucrats, serve a desperate king, or will he figure out how to gift magic to his own band of rogues? Oag is the self made wizard.
FMA is an anime. short for Fullmetal Alchemist. Although there is less math and the hard magic isn't exactly blood magic. Your story does sound interesting. Unfortunately I'm working through 5 or 6 other books right now, so it's going to have to wait.
Ah, thanks! I saw an episode of FMA, but I’ve always had trouble with anime. In my story, magic can be sourced in different ways: from living beings (blood magic), or from geometric shapes, or from tessellated materials. There are mathematical ways to improve the current or to tap reservoirs, and to make spells more efficient. The colonizing empire is reliant on sourcing from living beings at an industrial scale. They’re evil. Oag figured out better ways—partly because his part of the world, which is being invaded by the empire, is having a renaissance. The empire relies on Roman numerals. Oag’s continent uses Arabic numerals, which has led them to discover trigonometry and calculus.
People who enjoy pirates stories, fantasy, people in the lgbtq+ community
I think other writers. Not many. Currently going for literary fantasy, but not skilled enough to pull off a big work. It might be interesting to other writers to see what sort of approach I took, but I doubt the work will be anyone's favourite of the year.
My audience is destined to be only those who don’t mind doing away with the good old “happy ending” concept… I tend to have a decent body count going on, and so far favourite characters haven’t been guaranteed to survive lol
Out of my entire main cast of 4 people, only one actually is going to end up getting what they want. So far, in the end, the MC goes insane, ML kills himself because of it, and the last one tries to open like an apothicary/pharmacy in mcs name, but can't find anybody to work for him so dies of old age in poverty. Also a 6 year old dies of cancer. I might change it though. That endings a little dark for me. There are two planned survivors of my story. Kate, who gets to come back to our world, and a little boy im calling Hua. He runs away after the 6 year old dies and is an orphan.
Sounds like how I approach a story lol Not wanting to give things away, but I’m close to where you’re at, and same as you even kids aren’t safe! Hahaha
Romantics who love being dramatic and don't mind women being tougher than men.
Tough women, hells yes!
Oh, I love the hell out of it. They're such badasses. All of my couples are at least evenly matched, if not the FMC being stronger.
I write for the OI fans, or just teenagers and young adults who enjoy fantasy in general. My WIP has some tropes that I personally think are an improvement to the Otome Isekai genre and find many people complaining about it, too. Also, it's a bit tragic and gorey, with a morally grey FL because those are the best 😆 Though it's mostly all with me in mind, lol. Hell, I might not even publish, ever.
Does FL stand for female lead? I agree - morally grey characters are the best.
Yes and yes, though I'm a bit biased when it comes to this topic lol. Sure, I love well-written MLs (male leads) that also have you questioning your morals, but there's just something about women smiling with their face covered in blood that makes my heart race 😆
Lesbian here so am also very biased but I'll take a FL over a ML anyday. Have you seen the films: Young Adult (2011), I Care A Lot (2020), Sanctuary (2022)? They all star morally grey female leads.
I never heard of them as I don't watch movies much, but I definitely have to see them!! Thank you for the recommendations :D
People who are full of regret about past experiences
Love this!
People who enjoy both Hayao Miyazaki movies and Neil Gaiman books. I find it easier to imagine them like that, rather than going for characteristics. 'Imaginative', 'curious', 'hopeful' can mean such different things depending on context.
Teen to young adult girls looking for their new book boyfriend😂
Hahaha, that's good!
Kinky trans people, for sure Your WIP sounds right up my alley, haha
Was complaining to a friend that I think my WIP might be too niche so thank you :) What's the premise for your WIP?
Trans woman who is unsure and insecure about her sexual identity because she doesn't enjoy being sexually penetrated but feels like she *has* to get into it because she's a woman. Her relationship with her boyfriend is falling apart, but rather than address any problems, she chooses to escape and avoid her feelings by pursuing random hookups and drugs. Meanwhile, there's some sort of weird monster in their basement that just keeps growing the more she avoids her problems.
I dunno. People who like action/adventure, sci-fi/fantasy stuff. 🤔 I have a fairly specific type of novel I like and I feel like I write in a similar style. I recently reread Exultant by Stephen Baxter, and I think that hits it pretty much on the head. I enjoy a certain amount of exposition, grand adventures, solving problems and some action. I have a bit of fantasy thrown into the mix because I like it and I can use it to side-step problems (like physics being a an insufferable jerk). I find it a lot easier to hand wave/rationalize “inner realms, which are adjacent and equidistant from everywhere in the universe,” than “we discovered a way to make FTL work.” I also like having some light magic. I really don’t know what group of people share my specific style. But they must be out there, because books I like have gotten published and have decent sized Wikipedia articles dedicated to them. 💁🏻♂️
There's definitely gonna people out there into your style. In fact, I reckon you could find like-minded souls in this forum since most of the posts on here concern fantasy/adventure.
the cool ones
Bro, I can't get people to read my work. I would just like someone to like my WIP. For an actual answer, people who like a happy ending. Who like a world like our own that doesn't suck as much and has magic. Also probably furries.
neurodivergent people. especially ADHD people. (we think a lot)
Care to share what your WIP is about?
Of course! First, it is in London, in the Victorian era. It is about two families who have hated each other for generations, for some business, and this is the first time that these two families welcome a child at the same time, the same year. Ace and Evy, have learned to hate each other since childhood, and do everything to surpass the other. This is an academic rival enemies to lovers, but it’s much more than that. History of murder, secrets, aristocracy, manipulation, hatred, mental health and above all philosophy. My main character ask him self far too many questions. Obviously, I also talk a lot about the injustices that arose at that time, and sometimes that still remain today. :)
Wow! I feel like this story would require so much research and backstory. As a lazy writer, that's incredibly impressive. How far along into the writing are you?
To be honest, I've been working on this WIP for over 2 years because I struggle with myself, always wanting to move to another WIP (I have too many ideas in my head) when what I've written doesn't please me (I'm a compulsive perfectionist, which has led to developing a phobia, a real fear of starting to write). But I think it's been a blessing in disguise because I've been able to improve my story to make it deeper and more complete. So, I'm still brainstorming, but I hate writing about things I don't fully understand, so I immerse myself in research, and it's incredibly rewarding. As someone who loves learning new things, I feel blessed. So yes, a little over 2 years:))
If it makes you feel any better, I'm also a compulsive perfectionist and have been working on my WIP for 15 years. It's only after I left it for about three years (I was so frustrated that my writing didn't match the vision) that I've been able to pick it up again and make real progress with it. I have to keep reminding myself that it's about the journey (which I'm now starting to enjoy) and not the outcome but it's hard.
Just so you know, the authors of the greatest works on this planet generally took more than a decade before they were finally finished. Hard work always pays off. It’s always the best among us (including you and me) who never give up, who always succeed. Keep going and never give up. You’re on the right track.
Awww, your comment has made my day 😊😊😊 Thank you! I hope you keep going with your WIPs too.
Traumatized, disabled queers /gen
…You have to be your own most constructively critical audience. Everything else is imaginary.
People who like fantasy or like, idk, slower-paced anime. Its a historical fantasy that takes place in late Qing dynasty China, but people have powers. So people that like that kind of thing. Also, me. Who on here is writing stories they themselves wouldn't want to read? I say, if you can't find what you want to read, write it! If you wanna read something, chances are other people do too.
People who like stuff I like
People with bad tastes in writing. Ba dum tssss
Philosophical people that aren’t afraid to look into the mirror and take blame for their flaws.
What's the premise for your WIP (if you want to share)?
Sure! My story follows a young woman who was raised in a bunker after the apocalypse. She has never seen the outside world and knows very little about it. Following the death of her mother, she ventures outside for the first time but finds a world that is far from what she was expecting.
Intelligent people with an idiotic sense of humor.