One of the worst things a writer can do, in my opinion, is write for their audience. Ultimately a writer needs the approval and acceptance of their audience, but to write for anyone other than yourself or for sales potential is a recipe for disaster. Because I feel this way I’m the worst kind of person when it comes to prompts or requests. I have to write what’s in my head at that moment which has, for those who know my writing, made for a rather eclectic backlist.
However, as much as I need to do my own thing, I still love hearing what readers think about things: what they hate, love, and everything in between. We’re all such diverse readers around here, aren’t we? The LGTBQ+ romance genre has so many branches that at times it’s hard to believe it all blooms from the same tree. And that is crazy cool as far as I’m concerned.
The thing is, it isn’t like that in most mainstream genres. Many of them are even quite formulaic. Early pulp magazines were a huge trove of formula fiction, to the point that most of the stories were stereotypical. Publishers took note of the fact that mainstreams readers not only enjoyed, but wanted, stories that were predictable, and to this day stories that subvert expectations rarely pass beyond the initial critical eye of the gate-keeper. Tropes exist for a reason. They sell books.
The concept of formulaic writing has gotten to the point that there are posts and how-to books everywhere that tell the up-and-coming writer what the perfect recipe is for the best mainstream romance (sci-fi, coming-of-age, high fantasy) novel. A recipe even, if you can imagine: take one MC who doesn’t fit in with everybody else, put them in “this kind” of setting, set them on “this kind” of journey, add “this kind” of person along the way… Uh, no thanks.
How cool is it that we get to enjoy this genre — a genre that tends to be without borders and expectations? With every colour of the rainbow being represented in every skin tone and every situation, as writers and readers we can enjoy a smorgasbord of love, life, and laughter.
But back to you and your opinions, because all the gods know that even I am getting tired of reading mine.
I’d like to toss out a quick poll via the comment section below. And to thank everyone that responds, I’m going to run a giveaway: a signed, print copy of either Wolf in League (the third book of my Wolf series) or We Three Kings, my newest release. All you need to is comment on the poll, and the winner will be selected by random-number generator, on March 25th, with the winner posted right here. So please check back. You’ll have three days after the announcement to claim your book. 😊 (We have our winner – thanks for joining me! <3 )
And the poll I’d like you to answer/comment on is…
WHAT SUB-GENRE IN LGBTQ ROMANCE IS YOUR ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE?
Are you into fantasy? Science fiction? Shifters? Contemporary? Historical? Dystopian? Hurt-comfort cowboy stories that feature mpreg and aliens?
Again, I’d love to hear from you so please don’t be shy. Thanks muchly to everyone who plays along and good luck with the giveaway!
All my love, AF Henley <3
About the Author
Henley was born with a full-blown passion for run-on sentences, a zealous indulgence in all words descriptive, and the endearing tendency to overuse punctuation. Since the early years Henley has been an enthusiastic writer, from the first few I-love-my-dog stories to the current leap into erotica.
A self-professed Google genius, Henley lives for the hours spent digging through the Internet for ‘research purposes’ which, more often than not, lead seven thousand miles away from first intentions but bring Henley to new discoveries and ideas that, once seeded, tend to flourish.
Henley has been proudly publishing with Less Than Three Press since 2012.
For more information and a list of Henley’s releases, please stop by for a visit at afhenley.com.
I’m not a choosy reader; I read historical, UF, contemporary, paranormal, sci-fi, etc etc or the mix of any genres. That saying, I don’t read much YA and BDSM. It would depend on the mood when I grab the book, but I believe each and every genre could take me to a good story. 🙂
Thanks, Didi! You and me both. *highfives* You’re #1 for the random number generator. ❤️
I love historical, fantasy and paranormal. If you mix them, that is just perfect for me. But I honestly read anything, from conventional romance to BDSM, sci-fi, YA… Anything that catches my attention. What I really love, though, is reading things that surprise me, because they are different and unexpected. So I’m not much into formulaic novels. 😉
I agree so much. If I read something that seems to be following the same old formula I immediately lose interest. 😀 Thanks, Susana! You’re #2 for the random number generator. ❤️
Hi, Henley! I read almost everything except intense BDSM novels ’cause I had once read a book which scarred me for life. I was like burned then but thinking ’bout it now, I think I can say that the author did an exceptional job since she managed to rattle me to the core which I think was her actual goal.
“Almost everything” *winks* includes contemporary, YA, NA, Mystery, historical, fantasy. I love wit, sarcasm & banter too. Like I said, almost everything. ^_^
You guys are all so diverse so far! Thanks so much for the feedback, James. You’re #3 for the random number generator. ❤️
I like a lot of genres. From contemporary to historical. From BDSM to paranormal, although not Mpreg. It is the writing style and plot that will do it for me.
Thanks, Tanja! It will probably sound weird that horror and fantasy are my number one go-tos and then hear me say that I can’t read mpreg because “reality” LOL! But I hang my head in shame and admit that it’s true. I just can’t get there either. XD You’re #4 for the random number generator. ❤️
Not weird for me. That is exactly how I look at it.
*highfive* 😀
I love contemporary, urban fantasy/paranormal, mystery/suspense, and historical. I struggle to read sci-fi, dystopia, YA/NA
Thanks for sharing, Ami! That’s an excellent collection of genres. You’re #5 for the random number generator. ❤️
paranormal, military, fantasy, mystery, sci-fi
I struggle with historical and YA
Thanks, Lee! I never considered military until now… hmm… sound intriguing😊 You’re #6 for the random number generator. ❤️
I think I’ve have read them all, and enjoy a bit of everything. My tops (so to speak) would be contemporary, military, and anything doing with hockey! My bottoms (heh, really, no puns intended), would be historical, mpreg, and vampires. I think it’s odd that I enjoy wolf and shifter stories but not vampire stories. With a few notable exceptions, I tend to steer clear of three some or moresome stories. I do love the first time or even gay for you stories. Westerns don’t usually draw me in either.
Excellent pun, regardless of intention! 😊 Thanks for sharing! You’re #7 for the random number generator. ❤️
I’m an equal opportunity reader & will read from any sub-genre although my least favorite are BDSM (too many that I think are bad so I stick to authors I trust now) & NA/YA.
I can imagine that. BDSM is hard to write. I’ve done it once, and not for publication. Then I quit while I was ahead. Thanks for reading and commenting, Lisa! You’re #8 for the random number generator. ❤️
I’d say it depends on a few factors, what I like to read. What mood am I in? Do I like the author? Does the blurb sound appealing? In general, I’m pretty openminded. There are a few SF tropes I don’t like, I try to avoid religion-based books and I’m a bit squirmish, when it comes to horror stories.
Paranormal and mystery almost always work for me. I enjoy a good shifter story here and there (with or without mpreg), especially if it’s an unusual pairing. And fantasy (urban or high) is also pretty far up on my list.
Thanks so much for sharing that, Dee! I appreciate the feedback. You’re #9 for the random number generator. ❤️
I am a mood reader and am really into shifters right now.
Very interesting. It really is huge right now too. Thanks very much, debby236! You’re #10 for the random number generator. ❤️
Paranormal is definitely my favorite, focusing on shifters. I also enjoy the occasional foray into other subgenres though, including fantasy, and contemporary (with hurt/comfort being a guilty pleasure).
Well since I already know of you, that doesn’t surprise me. But I can imagine anyone reading the comments thinking, “with that icon, I guess so!” 😊 Thanks for reading and commenting, duncanhusky! You’re #11 for the random number generator. ❤️
Well to tell the truth, and you’ve already heard me rail on this, I don’t like romance novels. xD You got me into them, and I have staunchly, if childishly, refused to branch out. So my dislike is mostly fueled by misunderstandings and stereotypes.
In general I prefer fantasy books. But this, for me, relies on it not being a subgenre. You lose too much by shoving the world to the back to accommodate the romance.
Your Wolf, W.Y. series does a really good job, in my opinion, of setting up a world while still managing to make the romance the central focus. The way you ended the last book was brilliant. So i know it’s not always the case. Especially when the author is really good at what they do. And maybe it comes out better in series where you can build out the world over several books.
But yeah. In general I love fantasy novels. And your shifter novels pulled me in quickly and held me the whole way through. Anything that takes me away from regular life if high on my list.
Romance-wise, anything you put out. I read. Brand loyalty is a strong thing. 😀
Here I was going to be all. BWAHAHA THAT IS BECAUSE I’M EVIL! And then I continued reading and was all… Awwwwww! Thanks very much, Frosty. You are too kind. You’re also #12 for the random number generator. ❤️
Writing science fiction can be a tricky thing. In my opinion it is not enough to just put a romance story into a future setting but for making it really work the what is happening between two people has to be related to the future world they are living in. Exile, whilst being dystopian, did a marvelous job on this! 😃 The sci-fi movies from the 70s or the horror movies from the 50s are a good example when they wrapped political, sociological, or scientific problems or criticism of the contempary time back then into a future setting.
I would never have thought that a paranormal shifter story would spark any interest to me but your Wolf series is just plain brilliant!
Since I always loved history classes back in school and still enjoy history that would certainly pique my interest. But that subgenre, like sci-fi, would have to be in context with the respective past it is playing out. Why did people act like they do? Why did they think the way they do back then? How was their view on the world around them influenced?
And contemporary is always great because that is the time we are living in because like the stories or plots of movies back then it allows for pointing out the problems or social etiquette our own time has and wonder why things are the way they are.
But, again this is my own opinion, no matter what subgenre you write, the most important thing is? Believable, relatable, and likeable protagonists, despicable antagonists, and a good story arch are the most important thing? Regardless of the subgenre, a story is always about people.
And with that, I know no matter what you write, any subgenre is always in good hands with you because you are brilliant on understanding the human nature (again, look how you made Wolf working so perfectly and believable!)!
And was it not Stephen King who said that you have to write first and foremost for yourself? I think that has more wisdom than meets the eye because I believe that an author is his own worst critique.
Thank you very much for this post, buddy! 😃
❤️
Dude! The original Star Trek TV shows will always be my sci-fi go to! 😃 Such a perfect blend of ideals and cool ideas. As always, thank you for you kindness, my friend. You’re lucky #13 for the random number generator. ❤️
I like contemporary romance and paranormal but i have’t quite managed to suspend disbelief enough to become fond of m preg stories. Congrats on the new release and thanks for the giveaway!
I can completely understand that. Thank you so much for your kind comment and for sharing, ELF! You’re #14 for the random number generator. ❤️
SO glad to hear an author preach as I do; write what’s in your head, not to cater to some perceived audience. I lose respect for, and immediately stop reading anything further from, authors that are obviously switching from their usual trope or genre in order to sell books. Trends come and go, and should not be a factor in the author’s work. After all, a trend has to START somewhere, right?
I’m a die-hard paranormal fan (especially vampires, demons, werewolves, and shifters) but recently (since I began reading M/M romances actually) have enjoyed contemporary. I do not normally like YA/NA because I am beyond those years by decades, but have read a few in the M/M genre that I liked, seeing how folks come to understand their sexuality. I’m not into mpreg or aliens with tentacles, because for me that’s beyond my ability of acceptance, too far removed from the realm of the remotely possible.
Thanks for the opportunity to score one of your books!
nick442.nrs@gmail.com
Amen! *highfives* On a side note/random reference (and not to pimp him because he gets enough of that with people more important than me by far) but that’s one of the reasons I like Joe Hill so much. His ideas are so fresh and weird that they feel like their own sub-genre altogether. Thanks for sharing, nicki442! You’re #15 for the random number generator. ❤️
I’m pretty sure I’d never be able to pick one sub-genre, but on the whole I tend to stick with contemporary, historical and a bit of PNR. As far as I’m concerned, there are only a few authors who write UF they way I like it, but when it’s done right, I’m all over it. Like others have mentioned, though, it entirely depends on my mood. One thing I always like, though, are MC’s who are engaging and funny. It doesn’t have to be a laugh a minute, but if you can give me a few well-placed chuckles, I am putty in the author’s hand.
Authors love puttified readers! LOL! Thanks very much for sharing, canuckiegillian. *highfives fellow Canuck* You’re #16 for the random number generator. ❤️
I read almost anything depending on my mood. My favorites are shifter, contemporary, mpreg, and light bdsm. that’s not to say I don’t read almost everything else(except dystopian)which I never really got into.
Excellent, thank you for the feedback, heath0043. 😃 You’re #17 for the random number generator. ❤️
Wow! I love reading all the responses from above… As for myself;
I don’t read horror, BDSM, or most historical.
Occasionally I’ll read a few YA, fantasy, sci fi (with aliens), and shifters (generally not mpreg though.)
I prefer contemporary, mystery/suspense, and paranormal.
I read based on reviews, authors I prefer and good story plots.
If I start a series, and the characters and theme draw me in, I’ll read them all. Supporting characters can really make a story/series.
I like characters who are sensitive and willing to open up to their friends and lovers. Macho only goes so far!
Humor is a definite plus.
I love exploring the work of ‘new’ authors and give them a chance.
You and me both, 16forward! I love how diverse everyone is, and yet we all manage to converge around one ideal about love and acceptance. Thank you for adding to such an amazing chat! You’re #18 for the random number generator. ❤️
I tend to like contemporaries best (though the only historicals I’ve enjoyed have been m/m), usually friends-to-lovers involving teammates, bandmates, or roommates. I also like themes involving hockey, art, or food…
I love those, too. Friends to lovers just feels good. Lots of warm and fuzzy, at least for me. Thank you for sharing, Trix! You’re #19 for the random number generator. ❤️
I don’t touch romance. I quite dislike the genre. Obviously I read yours, and yours makes it into one of… *holds up fingers on one hand with a couple tucked in to spare* this many I read.
I’m a fan of serial fiction because I love the extra details of worlds, characters and their backgrounds, and anything else extra that makes it more real than a stand-alone. Don’t get me wrong, I do read stand alone novels as well, but those are outnumbered about 3:1 against the serials in my collection.
Sub-genres… Fantasy first and foremost and in spades.
Paranormal ranks after, but I avoid vampires like the black plague (any one of four,none of them are nice) unless there is a very good reason to get into them, which you provided in your Wolf Series.
I also enjoy folklore novels that deal with celestial entities, deities, creatures of Fae, but in my culture, they’re not typically thrown into the fantasy genre. They stand on their own, but the two genres can easily co-mingle depending on how “pure” one keeps to folklore.
Once in a while I dabble into mystery. I look for adventure in my stories, or the ability to peak my curiosity. Sometimes it’s the story. Sometimes it’s the characters. It can be both.
Any of the above can also be within the Young Adult and/or Children’s books.
I rarely dabble in science fiction. It’s not a favored genre for me. I’m more magic and natural ability than machines and technology, although I’ve read a book or two that blended those elements quite well.
I don’t touch horror. It doesn’t call to me as a genre.
I like books that make me think about anything and everything. I want to read things that make me dash to the laptop to do a search. I like elements in different worlds or our same world challenging me to understand how good can be bad, bad can be good, and why it is we keep needing to find some sort of balance. Make me think. Engage me (not as a first person or a second person), and there’s a greater chance of me loving it and recommending it.
And look, I over did the reply.
Thank you for posting! <3
Aww, thank you for that! And you could never overdo it. It’s a great comment and shares tons. Thank you for taking the time to consider it and reply. You’re #20 for the random number generator. ❤️
I’ll actually read any genre but my favorites are: shifter/paranormal/fantasy, contemporary and sci-fi.
Great selection of faves, H.B. And thank you very much for sharing. You’re #21 for the random number generator. ❤️
My favorite is probably fantasy but I read so many genres: historical, paranormal, contemporary, sci-fi…
Thanks, Toni! I appreciate you stopping in to share with me. You’re #22 for the random number generator. ❤️
I love contemporary and BDSM.
Contemporary will always be my favourite go-to as well. 😀 Thanks very much for taking part! You’re #23 for the random number generator. ❤️
Hi!, I like steampunk, historical, fantasy and contemporany genres, I’d like to love sci-fi but due a movie (A.I) I feel this genre unappealing for me and that’s sad because I’m missing stories that would be a winner for me….
I’ve not seen that movie yet. I’ll have to check it out. Thanks for sharing! You’re #24 for the random number generator. ❤️
Test 😀
Congratulations, lisa44837! Thank you everyone for playing along and sharing your awesome fave lists with me. 😀
Until next time!
All my love, AFH <3