Fans of Interracial Romance discussion
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What Turns You OFF When Reading an Interracial Romance?
Alexandria wrote: "I'm also really big on grammar as well, and if I'm reading something that has a significant number of errors, I will put it down and never go back to it and it sounds like a lot of people are of th..."The significant point is a significant number of errors. No long piece of work is going to be error free. Nor will a lot of short pieces. But having too many just takes me out of the story, like Alex says. I think we should watch out for one another and accept criticism gracefully.
Mod
I stand on what I have said. I know how to get my point across. In my previous comment, I have let every writer on here know that we all make mistakes in writing without calling out anyone's name. I see errors in comments all the time, but I will not point out a person's error, unless they have come at me in the wrong way, such as try to make it seems as if I don't know how to write and point out my errors, then I will have to show them their errors. I might not go there with them on the group and just message them, if possible.
People need to kill the grammar horse. If someone reads my stories, I don't want to hear anything about grammar. When I read stories, I'm not looking for grammar. I wonder if people make a big deal about the errors in magazines and any other book they read. I wonder if they make a big deal about school books errors.
message 254:
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The FountainPenDiva, Old school geek chick and lover of teddy bears
(new)
So sorry everyone but when I'm spending my hard-earned dollars on an e-book (especially one that's priced around four bucks and it's two-hundred pages or less), I don't want to read a first-draft full of spelling and grammatical mistakes. And why should I? As an author, you should care enough about your craft to want to showcase the best possible work. I can deal with the occasional "its" being mixed-up with "it's" (Word gets that wrong in spell/grammar check all the time), but I've sadly come across a few books in which I felt like I needed a red pencil instead of a bookmark. And personally that many glaring errors DOES detract from the enjoyment of the story overall. This even happens with some of the big publisher's books too. I'm seeing a lot more spelling errors than I ever have, so no one's iummune.I know hiring a professional editor may not be cost-effective to a first-time author or an independent, but there are critique groups out there and other avenues. Whatever avenue one can take, the end result is worth it. I don't expect perfection, but I would like to see that an author values me as a reader and wants me as a permanent fan.
@Alexandria: Good EROTICA does have a plot. For instance, Story of O or any of Anais Nin's works.
@Leelia: That repression you speak of is racially and culturally based, which was part of the point I've made on the subject in the past. Women of color have never truly had a sexual revolution. Our sexuality has belonged to everyone else BUT us, so it's not shocking that some might be put off by more explicit depictions of sexuality. That's changing slowly of course, but over two-hundred years of being labeled a "jezebel" or a "sapphire" is bound to have an effect on one's viewpoint, right? On the other hand, some erotic romances are just plain BAD and "repression" can't change a bad book, lol. As far as condoms, I'm good either way. A scene can be done very hot, such as having the heroine put the condom on with her mouth. I've read just as many M/M romances where the characters are barebacking it, though most contemporary books do contain condom usage by the characters.
*my apologies for being a little risque, lol.*
Alexandria wrote: "Andrea wrote: "Alexandria wrote: "I'm also really big on grammar as well, and if I'm reading something that has a significant number of errors, I will put it down and never go back to it and it sou..."Sorry I misunderstood, Alex. I was trying to offer my support. Actually there's room for all kinds of taste. I wasn't offended by your message at all.
I don't think, and I'll speak for myself, that not being interested in having a huge part of my reading life filled with explicit sex equals to me ( a person) having a repressive sexual mindset- just a different one from some others. It doesn't mean in my personal life I'm closed minded and a prude when it comes to the bedroom. It also doesn't mean I don't get all tingly when I do find a writer who is able to present an erotic scene in way that totally pulls me in. I think there needs to be some distinction though or recognition of this when a poster says they're tired of so much explicit sex in the IR genre. Not in every case it’s a matter of them being a prude. It's about preference, and to me-- seems like there should be room for folks to have that preference and say so without it being a right or wrong issue (meaning explicit sex has to be in a romance story) or to have it be some kind of indicator that they aren't freed up in their sexuality. And as a writer, if I don't want to write about sex, which is a natural part of a loving couple’s life doesn't mean my work is less authentic. Not to me anyway. Honestly, it’s how I write, and to throw in sex scenes because it's what some readers prefer isn't a fit for me personally. I get it --to some folks a romance story doesn't reach it heights without sex, but as a newbie who doesn't write sex (and hey I just might write a story one day that does have a love scene in it) and after reading in few discussions on here recently, the concept that somehow in the big picture-- I might not be delivering a real romance concerns me. I hope I've misinterpreted folks comments. Geez, if most IR readers won't consider my stories a true romance without me writing in some body fluid exchanges-- it's going to be a real uphill battle for me to get folks to read my stuff! Scary! I hope that's not true! If in fact, which I understand, my story might be dismissed or overlooked if I don't, well again, that is about folk’s preferences, isn't it? The passion in my stories has to come from me organically in a real way, that’s a reflection of where I am in my life and in my spirit and I don’t feel there’s anything that isn’t genuine about what my characters share. That’s the best job can do, I owe that much to myself and to anyone who reads my work. I don’t’ think that makes me a prude, it just makes me myself. But-- I'm beginning to understand from the chats on here--some folks won't be invested in my work if I don't open up that curtain. Interesting. Maybe it's time for me to pull out the draft of my urban fantasy, and think about developing novels/shorts/novellas in other genres where sex isn't so 'required'? I'm very new to the romance genre, so much to to learn!
Leelia wrote: "Tisha wrote: "@When I read a romance, especially paranormal, I'm not thinking about a condom ( really, that's just weird to me), because its fricken fantasy. I review hundreds of books, maybe even thousands a year (three years now on my site), and not one book I've reviewed, or my posters to the site have ever brought up what you guys have.I'm kinda confused why you'd be thinking about that anyway in a work of fiction. we read to escape the troubles of the world, its fiction?
unfortunately, way too many minority females because of antiquated old grannies tellin them what's right and what's wrong are sexually repressed, and it shows in some of the comments.
These are works of fiction, why would that even matter?
In everyday life, I whole heartily agree, es claro, but a book? C'mon, that's just plain tonto!
"
Leila, I will give the lack of condoms a pass in a paranormal when it mentions no risk of disease is possible. It’s also fine for unsafe sex in Historical, because no love no glove is a recent concept. I cannot offer the same consideration for a contemporary story especially if the author is also trying to sell me on a heroine’s intelligence. It annoys me in any book, not just interracial romance. I go to other message boards (non IR) and have seen this complaint before. If the hero is painted as a manwhore, I can comprehend a person becoming overcome by the hotness of another, but a heroine who doesn’t protect herself automatically is relegated to the Too Stupid to live column. This goes double if she is surprised to find herself pregnant and over 16.
This is absolutely right, of course a person isn't repressed just because they choose not to. However the door needs to swing both ways. Just because someone does decide to write about sex ( and I don't do the hard stuff myself, I do more titillation) it doesn't mean as well that they are deviant, perverted or debased."
Wow-great point, Alexandria! Guess on all sides of this we need to be able look at things from all angles. Truth!
...sex isn't a requirement for a romance, paranormal or otherwise. We each write what we feel and know. Most of my couples are married for one, so it is a natural progression, but there's hundreds of what's labeled "sweet" romances, where typically, even a kiss is guarded.
Don't let that discourage you, especially if this is what you want. I remember when I first tried to get published, (now on my 14th book) the no's were basically because my characters were interracial, and there was sex.
However, I didn't let that stop me. Just because you choose "not" to write about sex, doesn't make you any less of an author than any of us ;)
And if anything I posted gave you that impression, I am heartfelt sorry for that. It is completely not what I meant to imply. "
This being a new journey for me, my ears and eyes are wide open, and while I know I can only write what I feel, I want to write IR. I don't know all I should about the genre, one of the reasons I'm thrilled to be able to hang here with other writers on here who are doing it! And high fives to you on all you've accomplished, Alexandria! I hope I'll be that prolific one day. Any way I'm wired to pick up as much info about IR as I can, and having picked up comments here and in reviews on about the need for sex, and some readers decrying -- not enough, not hot enough in their remarks, guess I was getting a bit loopy on what all the heck this means in regards to my own work. I'll take a deep breath *in* *out*. Of course, your encouragement is much appreciated. My comments weren't in response to your remarks specifically, but your apology and hand squeeze is very sweet. Thank you. I shouldn't let anything so easily discourage me from taking the path I know I must be on. And that's another lesson you're teaching me, right? :)
Mod
I know who I am.
message 260:
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Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors
(last edited Nov 08, 2012 11:54AM)
(new)
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I think all we really want is for everyone in the IR reading genre to find books they enjoy, and for the genre not to be limited to one type of book.
message 261:
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The FountainPenDiva, Old school geek chick and lover of teddy bears
(last edited Nov 08, 2012 03:04PM)
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Venice wrote: "I don't think, and I'll speak for myself, that not being interested in having a huge part of my reading life filled with explicit sex equals to me ( a person) having a repressive sexual mindset- ju..."The big problem is the publishing industry tends to have a mindset that if one is great (especially if that one sells hugely), TEN have to better. Why else are so many erotic romances now on the 50 Shades of Crap bandwagon? If one erotic romance is great, then everyone needs to write one because that's what the readers want. And for a while it is. Then there comes a tipping point when writers who've been comfortable with either little sex or at least sensual, are told by their editors to "spice it up". I've heard from long-time and fairly successful authors who've had manuscripts sent back because there wasn't enough sex scenes in them. The readers become tired of authors trying to out-kink one another at the expense of the story or the characters. The one thing this industry fails to understand is that old adage about variety being the spice of life. Right now I have paranormal burnout like you wouldn't believe because there's just so much of it, and it's become formulaic. Erotic romance is doing the same thing.
By the way on the condom thing and historicals. Depending on the time period, they were used. Sheeps' bladders were the original rubbers. They were called "french letters" and could be acquired at any apothecary (discreetly of course). In fact, birth control is not some recent concept. The Egyptians knew about using a mixure of honey and rue to prevent pregnancy.
Frankly, if you are an author who isn't comfortable writing erotically or just doesn't like to, trust me it shows, LOL. I've read some books in which the sex reads like the Yellow Pages, it's that bland. I know what goes where, but make me as a reader hold my breath, make me into a voyeur if you will. Make me care so much about your characters that when they do finally get to the horizontal mambo that I'm happy they're tearing up the sheets, LOL. I want the sounds, the thoughts, even the smells. Engage my senses, tantalize and tease. It doesn't always have to rely on being graphic. And sometimes I just want a cute, non-erotic romance.
Alexandria wrote:lol, yes. And you do the damn thang too! Lol"
Yes! I'll do that, Alexandria! You're a great cheerleader! Thanks!
Lady Danielle aka The Book Huntress wrote: "Venice you said exactly what I was thinking. I feel that it's unfair to call someone repressed sexually just because they don't care to read erotica or explicitly sexual writing content.... ...I think that's pretty silly to judge a writer for what they write. What I believe is that all writers should write something you can be proud of, every time you write. That goes across any and every genre. "
Lots of great points here, Lady Danielle! Many of us are programmed to make judgements of the things around us, even when we perhaps we shouldn't. And many times those judgements are based on assumptions that we don't have any way of telling if they are based on fact or not. I'm guilty of that myself, we're human and have beliefs and preferences, simple truth. I think though you really tag the issue here when you say --
I think all we really want is for everyone in the IR reading genre to find books they enjoy, and for the genre not to be limited to one type of book. "
That is absolutely the point, isn't?
TheFountainPenDiva said:The big problem is the publishing industry tends to have a mindset that if one is great (especially if that one sells hugely), TEN have to better. Why else are so many erotic romances now on the 50 Shades of Crap bandwagon? If one erotic romance is great, then everyone needs to write one because that's what the readers want. And for a while it is. Then there comes a tipping point when writers who've been comfortable with either little sex or at least sensual, are told by their editors to "spice it up". I've heard from long-time and fairly successful authors who've had manuscripts sent back because there wasn't enough sex scenes in them. The readers become tired of authors trying to out-kink one another at the expense of the story or the characters. The one thing this industry fails to understand is that old adage about variety being the spice of life. Right now I have paranormal burnout like you wouldn't believe because there's just so much of it, and it's become formulaic. Erotic romance is doing the same thing."Wow, what a great break down and snapshot of what's going on,FountainPenDiva! I have been seeing the wave of 50 everything coming in. Imagine if every restuarant you walked into served up the same meal, cooked and seasoned the same way each and everytime you visited one. No matter how good it was the first few times, how long will it be before you long for or forget how other types of food tasted. It would be wonderful if the pubishing industries would get that folks would also gorge ourselves on books that were of all different kinds of deliciousnes. Give folks a real feast and you'll really have them come running, cash in hand. Hey, maybe that's all foolishness, and the industry pros know how to hook folks on a formulaic meal. But, just maybe the rise in indie publishing will leave that industry in the dust if they are so focused on pushing all writers to tow the same line.
And I totally feel ya on what you said about sensing when an author is out of their comfort zone throwing in the required sex scenes. And this--yes!!!! We do know what goes where!!
I know what goes where, but make me as a reader hold my breath, make me into a voyeur if you will. Make me care so much about your characters that when they do finally get to the horizontal mambo that I'm happy they're tearing up the sheets, LOL. I want the sounds, the thoughts, even the smells. Engage my senses, tantalize and tease. It doesn't always have to rely on being graphic. And sometimes I just want a
cute, non-erotic romance.."
Lovely reflection!
Mod
When the woman is always in distress/need of help. I like it when the characters are equals. Also, I don't like it when the minority women are stereotyped.
A weak woman, period. I prefer independent women who are going somewhere and continues to go somewhere even after she meets and falls for the H.
When the Black woman is angry (for no apparent reason). If the woman is weak and "waiting to be saved" is also a big turn off. I love reading about regular Black women falling in love or back in love :)
I don't really mind sex in a book as long as it's essential to the storyline, and not just thrown in there to "spice things up" I think that some authors unfortunately try to use hot sex scenes to sell lack luster storylines sometimes. After ONE sex scene, I'd much rather an author elude to sex rather than describing it all over again five more times in the story. We're adults; we know what the characters are gonna do after they creep up the stairs and lock their bedroom door. You don't have to spell it out for us.My main issue with some interracial books is the lack of the "getting to know you" phase in the relationship. That whole "they looked at each other, and it was love at first sight" crap is getting really old, and honestly just seems lazy to me. Like the author couldn't be bothered to build an actual relationship between the characters. It honestly makes me care about the characters less. I see this problem in "regular" romance too, but more often in IR.
I'm writing an IR story right now, and am trying to write a courtship between my characters, so that when they do confess their love for each other, it feels more realistic.
Mod
I would also like to see some real conflict, whether it's external or internal.
I am not a big fan of street lit in general so can't appreciate it when the female is too hood. Even though I'm kind of dying to read
. Contrary I know.
Alexandria wrote: "My main issue with some interracial books is the lack of the "getting to know you" phase in the relationship. That whole "they looked at each other, and it was love at first sight" crap is getting ..." I'm kinda on the fence with this though. I can understand this in a regular/contemporary romance, my characters knew each other for two years as colleagues and friends so I can feel that. However, to me sometimes its a little hard pressed in a paranormal, (especially if it isn't a series)when something or someone is trying to kill the character/ and they have no clue if they'll even live the day out let alone the next three months. The person would automatically latch on to the one trying to help them.
but then my vision could be a bit askew lol, but that's how i look at it when I'm writing paranormal.
But at the same time, I have heard people also call it filler, and said that the back story was too much, just a filler, and the author should have cut it, so I guess that's sort of the damned if you do, damned if you don't lol.
I disagree -at least in my case. I want to get to know the characters individually and as a couple. Otherwise, I don't really care what's trying to kill them or if their relationship survives. "Alexandra's Legacy" by N.J. Walters is a prime example of a paranormal romance that gives the characters space to get to know each other while they're being hunted (by werewolf slayers and other werewolves). They don't have much time, but the depth of what they learn about each other is leaps and bounds ahead of what some authors try to pass off as a substantial "getting to know you" phase. How can you be willing to risk your life for someone if you don't know them? It's just unrealistic.
Mainly, it's the shorter works that have this issue. I think if you have say... 20,000 words, maybe the relationship will seem a little rushed no matter what you do.
Mod
If anything, instead of having insta-sex, I think it's effective to have some sexual tension moments where the characters make out or kiss instead of actually having sex.
I'm not trying to criticize any writer in particular or tell other writers how to write. Just my opinion on the subject.
message 274:
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Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors
(last edited Dec 29, 2012 04:21PM)
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Mod
I have liked a few insta-sex books, because it works for the story, but generally it doesn't. I especially dislike that it seems almost obligatory in PNR nowadays.
Alexandria wrote: "Jessica wrote: "Alexandria wrote: "My main issue with some interracial books is the lack of the "getting to know you" phase in the relationship. That whole "they looked at each other, and it was lo...""sometimes its hard as an author to know exactly "what" the readers consider enough "getting to know each other" time as well."
That's true. You don't really know how any individual person will respond to something. Sometimes I feel like a crystal ball would come in handy when writing. Sometimes my betas will read something I've written and be like "why is she doing this?" or "I thought he had two brothers not three" and I'll realize that I haven't explained myself well enough for others to understand me. I definitely understand what you're saying about too much backstory halting the momentum of the story. I guess I'll just seek out a happy medium :)
A couple of mine:1) The over-describer. In the first chapter of a book I once read, we are introduced to four characters. The author took passages and passages to describe each character's skin tone, ethnic background and outfits in excruciating detail. Now, I love books that feature a wide range of multicultural characters but I don't need a mini-biography the minute we meet a new character. Unless it is integral to the plot, I can wait until chapter five to find out that character B is from the Dominican Republic and wears dreds.
2) She said what?: In another book I read, the main character had a profession that required them to have at at minimal a Master's degree and a very high level of professionalism. However during a meeting with executives this character spoke in a very street-slang argot that would have never passed muster in the profession and setting they were in. Hell, they would have been laughed out of the job interview.
3) The Prickly Pear. I can't remember how many IR books I have read where the heroine is just miserable. It is interesting to take a tour through reviews sometimes. Even people who praise the book will sometimes have their only negative remark be about an annoying or irritating heroine. Authors write such wonderful heroes why is it so difficult to do the same for the heroine.
I have a question for you: What is the best interacial M/M book you've ever read?
I am looking for one for the January challenge in another GR group.
Thanks!
Mod
An overabundance of Graphic Sex/Smut definitely makes me want to hurl. Why can't authors write about the thrill of the chase & courtship?
Anino wrote: "An overabundance of Graphic Sex/Smut definitely makes me want to hurl. Why can't authors write about the thrill of the chase & courtship?"I agree with Anino. As a reader, I don't want sex for the sake of sex. I like a story with a side of sex not sex with a side of story. Especially when the book is short. When I write, I try to focus on the story and add elements of sexual tension here and there to heighten the readers senses and when it's time for sex, the reader is ready and waiting for it so it's more satisfying. My book The Bucket List was one where I felt good about that balance.
I had to really think about this because when I thought of something I didn't like it was geared more to Erotica. But I would say that what irks me a bit is when something/someone is described to an inch of its life. I really don't want to read about how the blades of grass were a shade of green only seen in blah blah blah. It will make me skip paragraphs. Yeap I am guilty of doing that.
In I/R novels, the thing that turns me off the most is bad grammar, which their is a lot of in this genre. And, a wishy-washy main character. I can't stand that.
Monica Mccombs Mccombs wrote: "In I/R novels, the thing that turns me off the most is bad grammar, which their is a lot of in this genre. And, a wishy-washy main character. I can't stand that."Your post made me chuckle since you used 'their' instead of 'there'. But then I don't suppose you had an editor proofread your message.
Monica Mccombs Mccombs wrote: "In I/R novels, the thing that turns me off the most is bad grammar, which their is a lot of in this genre. And, a wishy-washy main character. I can't stand that."From your keyboard to their eyes. Please let IR writers see this...LAWD!
And, Andrea, a one-word mistake in a sentence is nothing compared to a bucket load of mistakes in a full-length novel. That's the big difference here.
Monica Mccombs Mccombs wrote: "In I/R novels, the thing that turns me off the most is bad grammar, which their is a lot of in this genre. And, a wishy-washy main character. I can't stand that."Indeed! Well put. I must have gone over my book five times myself and kept finding tiny punctuation and grammatical errors on each run through. I'd think, "How could I have missed that?" A good editor is every writer's friend.
When they make TOO much of the race difference, like it literally has to impact every single thing about their interactions. And when its about nothing but sex, but at some point the writer tries to convince us its love. Also when its nothing but a ton of sexual situations strung together with little to no real storyline. For me, thats just perpetuating a problem and misconception thats already running rampant in American society. White men aren't always after us because they think we're freaks in bed. lol
Mod
I thought I was the only one that thought this lol. Great point, Savannah. That's what turned me off a lot of IR books and made me really hunt for the good ones that take pride in telling a story. The latter type of books seem to perpetrate the oversexualized stereotype. Eek! No thanks for me. :-)
CaliGirlRae wrote: "Savannah wrote: "Also when its nothing but a ton of sexual situations strung together with little to no real storyline. For me, thats just perpetuating a problem and misconception thats already run..."I agree...I want plot with IR chara, not just erotic scene after erotic scene...But don't get me wrong when I want to read an erotic romance then I will read one but not my number one subgenre and it can get a bit tedious the best thing about romance is reading about the coming together of the couple: The meet and such
message 289:
by
The FountainPenDiva, Old school geek chick and lover of teddy bears
(new)
Unfortunately this isn't just a problem with IR, but with a lot of romance novels these days. Each author seems to be hellbent on outkinking their competition at the expense of a decent story and characters.
TheFountainPenDiva wrote: "Unfortunately this isn't just a problem with IR, but with a lot of romance novels these days. Each author seems to be hellbent on outkinking their competition at the expense of a decent story and ..."I have to agree with that. I work p/t as an editor & review blogs- and this is a rampant. To be fair, some writers feel pressured by pubs who feel they have to be more & more& more erotic for sales numbers. (Not convinced that's true actually)
Mod
I wonder why some pubs feel gratuitous sex sells. It really can ruin a good story.
message 292:
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The FountainPenDiva, Old school geek chick and lover of teddy bears
(new)
Publishing is like any other business. If one is great, then hundreds would be even better. Someone in publandia discovered that women actually like reading about sex (duh) and decided to go all out. Of course they fail to realize that too much of a good thing can get boring.
Too much sex, not enough storyline, way older man, this is a real turn off to me, and too high a price for too short a story.
Theresa wrote: "Too much sex, not enough storyline, way older man, this is a real turn off to me, and too high a price for too short a story."Savannah wrote: "When they make TOO much of the race difference, like it literally has to impact every single thing about their interactions. And when its about nothing but sex, but at some point the writer tries t..."
Perfectly stated!
Sex instead of love and alpha male with weak-minded female. It seems that a lot of writers confuse what an alpha male is suppose to be, making him just dominating and good in bed is not sexy in my book. Having the female lose all sense of self because her man is well endowed.
message 296:
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The FountainPenDiva, Old school geek chick and lover of teddy bears
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Nadine wrote: "Sex instead of love and alpha male with weak-minded female. It seems that a lot of writers confuse what an alpha male is suppose to be, making him just dominating and good in bed is not sexy in my..."THIS!!! RIGHT!!! HERE!!!
A good alpha male is not going to behave like an oversexed asshat to the heroine, nor do I enjoy "heroines" so weak they can't even tie their own shoes without the help of the hero.
TheFountainPenDiva wrote: "Nadine wrote: "Sex instead of love and alpha male with weak-minded female. It seems that a lot of writers confuse what an alpha male is suppose to be, making him just dominating and good in bed is..."Seconded!
I think maybe the sexual component dominating the genre was... I don't know, a way to make it "ok" for some years ago. Like making it about sex was the way to capitalize on the previously "forbidden" aspect. Like the only way AA women could be interested in this genre was as a "guilty pleasure" type of outlet. Thing is, times have changed and I ain't guilty. LOL I don't need the taboo thing to get into something, I need a well written story with well developed characters. I don't mind sex in the development of the storyline. Its just as ridiculous to NOT have it as it is to focus on it. If its hot, written well and makes sense to be happening in the course of the relationship, I'm all for it. But the focus thing....like "here ya go, ladies! Sex with a white man, come and get it!" Please. As the saying goes, we're all black in he dark.
I would have to say how most of the authors are always making the female, overweight or have complex issues. The "I am not good enough to love complex" or "I am to heavy to love complex". Cannot it just be a female of normal size and have a flair sexuality that she is proud of. I am not saying to have the "I am woman hear me roar" but, not all black women are down on themselves or wear a size 12 or carry baggage that makes them think less of themselves... Just saying.
Sharisse wrote: "I would have to say how most of the authors are always making the female, overweight or have complex issues. The "I am not good enough to love complex" or "I am to heavy to love complex". Cannot it..."Sharise, I totally cosign everything you just said. My favorite female heroines always have a touch of bad ass. I don't like reading a whole book of some chick complaining about herself (another reason why I hate the current first person trend). No one likes perfect but having no confidence isn't an appealing character trait. I have stopped reading decently written books just because I don't like the character enough to care how it ends.
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Fans of Interracial Romance
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Cold Warriors (other topics)A Thankful Love (other topics)
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Jewel Adams (other topics)Tilly Bagshawe (other topics)
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I tend to give people a warning, but that's going to change. I will just delete comments that's breaking the group rules.
With that all said, I want to say that I have never came across a grammar expert. I would love to know which stories have grammar given an A+ to. Writers tend to break grammar rules. I have been writing for 25 years and I know that I break grammar rules and if another writer wants to be honest, they will admit that they do as well.
When I buy a book, I buy it to read a story and not a grammar book. If I wanted to read a grammar book, I could easily pull one from my collection to read.
Again, I have never came across a grammar expert. Just because someone teaches English, it doesn't make them a grammar expert. I had an English teacher come at me with the "You don't grammar." and when I've finished showing her that she didn't either, she shut up.
If person is going to try to make it seems as if another person doesn't know how to write, they better make sure that they are the grammar king. Just because a person isn't getting paid to write, it doesn't mean that they can't embrace grammar themselves.
If a story isn't your cup of tea. Don't read it. If you can try it before you buy it, then I suggest a person do that. That way, the money will not cry.