Comments on: Question #3 M/M Round Table Discussion – Why do Women Write M/M Fiction

By: Jon Treadway

Jon Treadway — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 23:14:33 +0000

I also need to use a pen name when writing because I work for a defense contractor and I was job hunting when my first story was accepted. I find it interesting to know if the writer is male or female, but other than that I’m more interested in the stories themselves, the characters, and the romance as it evolves (and the sex — not necessarily in that order… ).

And don’t worry about entering me in the drawing — I’m one of those fans who stalk Josh and have all his books. Whoops, I FOLLOW Josh…

Jon

By: Rowan McBride

Rowan McBride — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 01:38:59 +0000

I’m shy about writing other authors too. Well, except Jet Mykles. I stalk her with a fiery passion. lol.

By: LB Gregg

LB Gregg — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:06:54 +0000

I squeed all over Meljean Brook. (So embarrassing). Fortunately, she still likes me. I think.

By: Chris Owen

Chris Owen — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:04:08 +0000

It gets a little tiring. LOL I really try to be polite about it, but with two people I’ve simply taken to not discussing that particular book. I answer the rest of the e-mail and don’t engage on the part that they want me to change.

I hesitate to write to other authors, too — although I did trip all over myself being a scary fangirl to Jordan Castillo Price. She took it well. *grin*

By: LB Gregg

LB Gregg — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:00:30 +0000

But I’m always a little hesitant to “bother” other writers. Even though I appreciate hearing from readers myself.

Me too.

::cough::

Chris~I cannot imagine emailing someone like that. Unless…it’s…possibly…about Butch and V. But I wouldn’t ACTUALLY email her. I’d just talk about it on my blog.

By: Josh Lanyon

Josh Lanyon — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 23:46:49 +0000

Stop e-mailing me about it. (er, the general ‘you’, not YOU.)

Damn. What gave me away?

Juuuuust kidding.

Actually, one thing I wish I did more was write other authors when I’ve read something I enjoyed. You wouldn’t think a writer would get shy about that, would you? But I’m always a little hesitant to “bother” other writers. Even though I appreciate hearing from readers myself.

By: Kris

Kris — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 22:00:14 +0000

Josh: *snort* Well, no wonder. I’m a potato and leek girl. *cheeky g*

Chris: Seriously. That sounds unpleasant. I might kid around (sort of) with Josh and others about how I feel about Jake, but I hope I’d never do something so personal like that. It certainly makes the case for pen names and privacy though, doesn’t it.

By: Chris Owen

Chris Owen — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 20:09:41 +0000

“BTW, if you have mentioned – maybe once or twice on a few blogs – about how you hate a particular character an author has written does that count as being weird and stalkerish??”

Not to me. I totally get that I can’t make everyone happy all the time. I hope that people understand that as a writer I’m telling the stories that are in my head, not fulfilling wishlists. LOL

But I DO get annoyed (okay, I get hurt feelings) when I get *repeated* e-mails from the same person telling me over and over that they hate a character or something I’ve done. Honestly, it’s not necessary to start every e-mail with “I hate that you added X to the story. Threesomes are unrealistic and gross.” After eight times I get it. I disagree and wouldn’t change it, but I get that you hate character X. Stop e-mailing me about it. (er, the general ‘you’, not YOU.)

By: Josh Lanyon

Josh Lanyon — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 19:55:05 +0000

BTW, if you have mentioned – maybe once or twice on a few blogs – about how you hate a particular character an author has written does that count as being weird and stalkerish??

Nah. I’m determined to win you over, so those mentions are like me taking your temperature. HMMMM…SHE’S STILL RUNNING THAT STRANGE FEVER…MORE CHICKEN SOUP.

A critical review is one thing — that’s all part of the job description. The thing that sometimes feels a little off is when someone you’ve never corresponded with contacts you personally to say they don’t like your work. Then it does seem a little…personal. Like, they somehow felt it was necessary that you knew they didn’t like your stuff? I’ve only had it happen once, and I honestly didn’t know how to respond.

It’s one thing when someone writes to say…you shouldn’t have done that to Character A or Character B! Those are fine. I know the reader cares, and I like it when readers care — even if they’re mad at me. *g*

By: Natasha A.

Natasha A. — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 19:49:45 +0000

I think part of my fascination with m/m is the fact that it is so new to me. I have always loved men and women. They are both equally gorgeous for different reasons. I have never really thought about a person’s sex when I look at them. I see attractive or not. To finally have m/m rather than f/m is a great change! I can’t believe it took me soo long to find it.