Has anyone else noticed this trend in lesrom?
I'll admit that as an author, I stalk the Amazon bestseller list for lesbian romance like it contains the answers to life, the universe, and everything. And in doing so, I've gotten a feel for the market, the frequency of new authors coming along, etc.
So in the past few months, there have been a huge number of prolific new authors writing lesbian romance and hitting the top slots on the bestseller list, which I found unusual. So I did some digging, and found that many of these new lesrom authors are republishing books that were originally gay romances with male characters, simply changing the names and pronouns, and the sex scenes (one would hope). 5 of them in are in the top 20 right now.
I'm feeling really conflicted about this discovery and would love to know what you all as readers think. Have you noticed? How do you feel about it? Anyone who'd like to join the conversation, I'd love to hear what you think.
So in the past few months, there have been a huge number of prolific new authors writing lesbian romance and hitting the top slots on the bestseller list, which I found unusual. So I did some digging, and found that many of these new lesrom authors are republishing books that were originally gay romances with male characters, simply changing the names and pronouns, and the sex scenes (one would hope). 5 of them in are in the top 20 right now.
I'm feeling really conflicted about this discovery and would love to know what you all as readers think. Have you noticed? How do you feel about it? Anyone who'd like to join the conversation, I'd love to hear what you think.
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(last edited Jun 20, 2017 07:27PM)
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Jun 15, 2017 04:23PM
Hi Miranda, Thank you for your posting here! As a lesbian reader, I was not aware that this was happening but then I don't choose to read gay romances. However, I do buy and read lesbian romances, and I have my favorite lesrom authors. In my mind, when I choose a new romance book and/or a new lesrom author to read, I'm pleased to accept that I'm reading a lesbian romance storyline; I also know/accept that as women we have our varying personalities and sexual behaviors/expressions, so most of the stories work for me. After all, I'm reading about fictitious characters, so I relax and enjoy; it makes the experience fun and interesting. 😊
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So, it sounds like you're happy as long as the story itself is fun and interesting? That sounds like a good approach. I'll admit, I haven't yet read any of the books in question (in either their m/m or f/f versions), but I'm guessing from the bulk of the positive reviews that they must be reworked enough to feel plausible (or as plausible as any romance- yes, as an author of mostly romantic comedies, I know it isn't always exactly like "real" life!). It's an underserved genre, so I feel like there's room for plenty more quality lesfic reading material. As long as it's respectfully done and the characters feel authentic, I don't particularly care who writes it. I do hope an influx of books that were not originally crafted for lesfic readers will still provide a quality reading experience, and that readers will speak up if they fall short. Then again, in my experience, readers are REALLY good at speaking out when they don't like something, so I probably don't need to be worried ;)
Miranda, Thanks for your response! It is true that as readers we are very good at posting our remarks within our book reviews; I personally don't feel the need to censure an author's creative writing. I will sample some of an author's works, and if I'm not impressed, I will move on to other authors. For example, I thoroughly enjoyed your book Telling Lies Online, but Waltzing on the Danube was not for me. I have purchased your Love's Encore series, and I'm looking forward to reading it. I will focus on keeping an open mind, and I always reserve the right to read or not read in the future. 😊
Critical reviews are hard on the ego, but so good for improving future writing. (I just wish they could come with a warning so I would know to have a glass of wine handy before I read them). I really appreciate readers who can dislike one book and still be willing to part with time and money to give another one a chance. I hope you enjoy the Love's Encore books!
I hadn't noticed any of these books and really not sure how I feel about it, I know I'd be more reluctant to buy a lesbian romance from a male author simply as I wouldn't expect it to be written from a female voice. Not impossible, but wouldn't expect it.I'd feel the same way about one of these, I just don't see how the result can feel realistic to me. Though I do admit, I'm happy they're at least starting from a gay perspective than from a straight perspective. And maybe that's a bigoted opinion to have but, oh well it's how I feel.
And Miranda, since I'm hear I won't forgive myself if I don't fan girl a bit, you're rapidly becoming like my favorite author. I feel like I'm the opposite of Stephanie there. I enjoyed Waltzing on the Danube more than I did Telling Lies Online, but I did enjoy it. I also read and loved Holme for the Holidays, and Road thru the mountains. So far, Your name in lights has been my least favorite book by you, but I've already purchased 50% illusion and look forward to reading it but then I'm afraid you'll have no more books for me.
Miranda wrote: "Critical reviews are hard on the ego, but so good for improving future writing. (I just wish they could come with a warning so I would know to have a glass of wine handy before I read them). I real..."
Me too! 😊
Me too! 😊
Diana wrote: "I hadn't noticed any of these books and really not sure how I feel about it, I know I'd be more reluctant to buy a lesbian romance from a male author simply as I wouldn't expect it to be written fr..."That was my hesitation, too, with the books, that the female voices wouldn't feel real enough. Although given the trends in the gay romance genre, chances are the authors are female. I can't imagine taking any of my books and turning them into any type of romantic pairing other than what they are without essentially having to start from scratch!
And thank you so much! I'm so glad you're enjoying my books. Isn't it funny how everyone will like or dislike different books, sometimes just because of how the characters make them feel or associations they have? I know some people who are driven crazy by Eleanor because of her OCD and the people like her they know in real life, but I've also had emails from people who identify with Eleanor and were so happy to see themselves as a main character in a romance!
And I agree, Your Name in Lights is a tough one to really love on its own because it just in no way is a standalone story. It sets up a lot of things, but you don't get the satisfaction at the end because so many threads are not resolved. I hope the last one makes up for it!
I've already begun writing the next American's Abroad book, which is a spy caper called Stockholm Syndrome. I'm a huge fan of silly spy shows like Scarecrow and Mrs. King and Chuck, so that's a little bit of the vibe I'm going for. Fingers crossed, it will be released in September. I'll write as fast as I can!
Miranda wrote: "I've already begun writing the next American's Abroad book, which is a spy caper called Stockholm Syndrome. I'm a huge fan of silly spy shows like Scarecrow and Mrs. King "You've just said the magic words! Ticket straight to this girl's heart.
So, think you can give us any hints on how you found these books, I wanna check one out for myself maybe read both versions and compare.
Diana wrote: "Miranda wrote: "I've already begun writing the next American's Abroad book, which is a spy caper called Stockholm Syndrome. I'm a huge fan of silly spy shows like Scarecrow and Mrs. King "You've ..."
I'm hesitant to name them in a public forum because I don't want it to seem like I'm calling anyone out unfairly, but shoot me an email at miranda@mirandamacleod.com and I'll send you the list of the ones I've found along with their m/m counterparts.
