Comments on: Question #2 M/M Roundtable Discussion – The Challenges of Writing GLBT Ficiton?

By: Romance Novel TV « Joely Skye

Romance Novel TV « Joely Skye — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 23:49:28 +0000

[...] been some great discussion about m/m romance over at the Romance Novel TV blog. It starts here, and continues for six more [...]

By: Stacy ~

Stacy ~ — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 08:09:45 +0000

Yeah, I can imagine the pronouns being troublesome. But it never occurred to be, not being a man and all, the logistics of a believable love scene between two men. I guess as long as it’s hot, I’m believing it Watching porn must really be tedious research. Oh how you writers must suffer for your art!

I love flawed characters, because yes they are more interesting. Everyone has insecurities and hang-ups and fears, and to make that part of the characters makes them all that much more interesting. Who wants perfect? Bor-ing! Where’s the emotional growth in that? I love the unexpected. The shy, reserved guy who loves to sky-dive or the alpha male who loves to garden. Keeps things interesting.

By: Renee

Renee — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 05:00:15 +0000

Brooks: Yes! It’s that connection with the character(s) that keeps me reading. Plotting and pacing are important, but I’m not getting on the bus in the first place if I can’t connect with the characters.

By: Brooks

Brooks — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 23:34:16 +0000

I agree with you, Josh, the more interesting characters have flaws that the reader can relate to. Of course in romance the reader is all about the happily ever after. But it the getting there that makes the reader nod their head and think, yeah, I’ve felt that way too.

By: jetmykles

jetmykles — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 23:33:35 +0000

Josh said: “This may sound odd, but I think it’s in their flaws that we find the truth of the characters.”
Amen to that, sir!! so true. It’s usually when I figure out their quirks that I know I’ve really “got” a character

By: josh lanyon

josh lanyon — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 21:59:48 +0000

And Josh, I’m so with you on believable characters. I love believable characters…ones with flaws

This may sound odd, but I think it’s in their flaws that we find the truth of the characters.

By: orannia

orannia — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 21:10:18 +0000

Research? LOL It’s one of the perks, er I mean work, it’s part of the work of being a writer.

LOL! I’ve actually wondered how realistic certain scenes are…and…how you know? Obviously, research And Josh, I’m so with you on believable characters. I love believable characters…ones with flaws

By: Elisa Jankowski

Elisa Jankowski — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 20:44:26 +0000

Jet, I think you’re right. If it’s done well, m/m allows authors to keep from pigeonholing their characters – I think it could go that way though if you stuck to too many stereotypes within the characters. I love the characters that don’t fit, they’re often my favorites.

By: Elisa Jankowski

Elisa Jankowski — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 20:41:50 +0000

I can see how the pronouns would be confusing, since I spend so much time working with my little sister on her pronouns in high school papers – then there’s my use of pronouns in my writing which can be difficult and I’m currently writing m/f… I can only imagine. I think one of the hardest (yet most interesting) aspects of m/m writing is really getting into the heads of the characters. I know you can’t REALLY know what any character is thinking, but it would be that much harder to get into two men’s heads and it be believable. Maybe that’s because I’m still learning. Do you research by talking about romance with gay and straight men? Would you even have to?

I can totally see how using pron for research would be beneficial as a visual, but my issue with that is how do you know if what you’re seeing actually feels good? I know I’ve seen some m/f pron that is totally questionable – but maybe that’s becuase it’s fake to begin with. I can see how adding in *real* emotions would lend to more enjoyable experiences. And speaking of writing realistic scenes, there have been a few m/m I’ve read that I swear didn’t use enough lube – the better ones I’ve read of course make a point to use good lube. It’s just important.

Lastly to jetmykles, I love that you had the shorter guy get a box to stand on! That is what realistic writing is for me: stuff you have to do to make it work, even if it’s not as sexy to talk about applying the condoms or stacking the boxes/pillows, etc. It’s important and makes it even more real for the reader. Not everything about sex is perfect and romantic – it can be awkward and painful too. Wonderful!

By: jetmykles

jetmykles — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 20:37:32 +0000

lol, thank you, ma’am! I had too much fun with Hell. Brent… well, we’ve come to terms and we get along just fine now

But Hell is just my best illustration of the kinds of characters I love writing. The off guys. The ones who don’t fit any mold or, better, make their own, even if it’s in a quiet way. Those are the types of guys I like to write and read about.

And, actually, those are the types of girls I like to write about too, but it’s getting harder and harder to write about girls. Seriously. Readers will read the first paragraph or two (and I, by the way, count myself in this same category) and will decide that “oh, she’s that type of heroine”. There’s so much het out there that you can do that. Maybe that’s another reason m/m is so popular? Because there isn’t the glut and the ocean of history so it’s not so easy to pigeonhole? Or maybe I’m missing the picture.