FOR READERS Today’s reader topic comes from QSFer Andrew Kelley: How much does an author’s social media presence and interaction with readers encourage you to read their books? Are there any authors whose books you have read only after reading their social media posts? Writers: This is a reader chat – you are welcome to join it, but please do not reference your own works directly. Thanks! Join the chat
FOR READERS Today’s reader topic comes from QSFer Denise Dechene: Reviews are supposed to be for the readers. As such, what do you like to see in a review, and what don’t you like to see? Writers: This is a reader chat – you are welcome to join it, but please do not reference your own works directly. Thanks! Join the chat
Today I thought it might be interesting to discuss how we all came to LGBT fiction, whether as readers or writers. For me, it all started with the film Van Helsing in 2004. Meeting fellow fans through the LiveJournal account I had at the time led me to discover fan fiction, and slash in particular. One of my earliest serious attempts at writing was a fan fiction with a Dracula/Van Helsing back story. I’ve written the occasional piece since—Rimmer/Lister (Red Dwarf), Hannibal/Will (Hannibal), Ragnar/Athelstan (Vikings), Sherlock/John (Sherlock), Steve/Loki (Avengers) etc.—and I still read a story or two when a … Read more
FOR READERS Today’s reader topic comes from QSFer John Allenson: “For writers and readers, is there an area where you have some expertise where mistakes drive you bonkers? ie. One of my friends is an entomologist who hates it when people call arachnids ‘bugs’.” Yeah, we all have those things, whether it has to do with our own identity (no, gay guys don’t all call people “Sweetie!”) or our work (sorry, but ostriches don’t have fur!). What are some of your “get it wrong” pet peeves? Writers: This is a reader chat – you are welcome to join it, but … Read more
FOR READERS Today’s reader topic comes from QSFer Kari Trenten: As well as violence in science fiction (seeing the recent ‘Star Trek’ movie and the ‘Ghostbusters’ remake made me realize how many movies I’ve seen lately involve characters resolving things in a final battle involving their fists, rather than their wits. I love a good fight scene, but I enjoy stories where the land/universe/person is saved through cleverness, as well as strength). So what do y’all think? Are you partial to some good old fashioned wreaking of havoc, especially for a climactic scene? Or do you prefer a more clever, … Read more
FOR READERS Today’s reader topic comes from QSFer HankT. Cannon: What types of ancillary characters will keep you reading a book even though you dislike the main character? Writers: This is a reader chat – you are welcome to join it, but please do not reference your own works directly. Thanks! Join the chat
FOR READERS Today’s reader topic comes from QSFer K.S. Madden: After reading a lot of the recent responses, I’d love to see you do a question post sometime about the surge in interest in seeing more asexual characters. I was at Readercon in Boston a few months ago and there was a panel there as well stating the need for more asexual protagonists in mainstream scifi/fantasy. I’m curious what people want to see. Asexual characters in romantic relationships? Or asexual characters just having adventures and being free of relationships? Or is this partly a desire to see more friendship fic, … Read more
FOR READERS Today’s reader topic comes from QSFer Kari Trenten: “I’d love to talk a little about anime, manga, yaoi, yuri, shounen ai, and shoujo ai.” Perfect timing, as Angel, Freddy and I are all at Yaoi Con today in San Francisco! Writers: This is a reader chat – you are welcome to join it, but please do not reference your own works directly. Thanks! Join the chat
