Once upon a bad Christmas

Chapter 1

Vanity Saint Michael, a mere awakened character in a book. 

I was sixteen in this world when I abruptly awakened to this horrifying truth, so how exactly did I end up here?

In my original world, I had a mother and a father and was their only child, doted on but never spoiled, my mother though seemingly gentle was a strict woman and my father even if he loved me loved his wife more.

‘I can only have this one wife, but I can always have other children. They may not be like you but as our first child they will have your characteristics anyway which is also fine.’ When he had told me that I did not feel bad or annoyed because they truly loved me, just, they were honest about their thoughts as they taught me many things by the way. 

They were the Saint Michael family, funny though because they were named exactly after a parish even though they all came from St Joseph from the time it was all recorded in the family tree.

She lived in St Joseph, it was beautiful at last to her with its abundance of fruit trees – mangoes, breadfruit, and golden apples – the swaying cane fields, and the ground provisions – yams, sweet potatoes, and cassava – grown on their farm, they unlike the upper middle class people built a four bedroom wooden house, a chattel house with a wrap around veranda. On the three acres of land they had everything, from poultry, fruits and vegetables and even they even had an artificial lake, more of a large, carefully constructed pond, that doubled as a water source during the dry season and where fish were bred to eat when the urge arrived.

Small things on must learn to be self sufficient. For me, I thought that it was tedious and unnecessary. 

Happy, so she went to a decent school even many looked down on it. She excelled in her studies and was just weeks away from graduating, dreaming of attending the University of the West Indies to study marine biology.

It was the month of Christmas!

I was going to eat more conkies, black cake, ham, turkey, rum punch!

I was going with my plate and eat by my neighbours!

So why?!

Ah!

So why was I here?!

I grew up on an island with the same name as this one, Barbados. 

I lived for eighteen years before I died.

Why?

Because I saved a little boy chasing a ball in the road while a transport board bus was coming.

“Somebody got lick down!” A horrified shout ripped through the air.

I wish I had been a little earlier, a little later, even if I had to live with the crushing trauma and life-long regret of being unable to save him I regretted it!

“De bus man just drive straight—”

“Christmas soon hay den,”

“Cha then, poor ting…”

“That is de lil girl from down de hill, Vanity!”

“I tell she yesterday to tek care of she self and stay safe, I gine gi she some of my rum punch on de twentieth.” Mrs. Hinds, the elderly neighbour, wailed, her voice laced with grief.

Christmas, mother was going to let me have my own rum cake and father help me slaughter my own pig again this year!

She wanted to live!

She wanted to spend Christmas with her parents!

Her family!

She should have but in doing so, she herself was slammed against the unforgiving asphalt, becoming instant road kill, just another damn statistic in the morning news!

“She was so fast, like a damn cheetah protecting its cub,” someone murmured in stunned disbelief, their eyes wide with shock.

“Dat lil boy was suh lucky she was there,” another voice added, trembling, laced with the heavy accent of the islands. “If she wasn’t there, that boy woulda be dead meat right now.”

Vomit the unmistakable sound of someone vomiting nearby could be heard, a visceral reaction to the carnage. “Dont look at de body, child! Turn away,” a woman urged, her voice tight with emotion as she shielded her own small daughter from the horrifying scene.

A hulking 20,000 kg bus, its tires screeching in protest a split second too late, ran her over, the metal behemoth crushing the life out of her. She felt her ribs crack and splinter under the immense impact, her lungs, kidneys, and intestines collapsing, bursting like overripe fruit in a sickening, wet pop.

“De blood everywhere then, look at she chest and lower body, completely mash up,” a man whispered, his voice thick with shock, his face ashen as he pointed to the crimson pool spreading across the cracked concrete.

Pain! A searing, all-consuming agony that ripped through her like a wildfire.

I felt her eyes bulge in their sockets, the world blurring at the edges, and as I struggled in excruciating pain, by some twisted, fucked-up miracle struggling to cling to life, I saw the pale morning sun peeking through the clouds above, casting a weak, golden ray on the chaos below. As if mourning me, the heavens opened, and a cold, torrential rain began to fall, washing the blood and grime into the storm drains.

“dah poor lil girl, I asked she wuh she wan do afta she leff dah school last week,”

“Yeh, i was dey sweeping my gallery you know how dusty it get sometimes—she said she wanted to go to UWI, she was so excited, she even showed me the pamphlet she had.”

“Study marine biology, always had her nose in a book.”

“Smart girl, like she parents dey, always pushing her to do her best.”

“Yeh, she mudda—-”

“Sigh, wah we gine tell Vanessa? How we gonna break this to her?”

“Dats dem only child yuh, her whole world revolved around that girl.”

“Sigh she had she late, waited so long for a child.”

“Yuh think dat is de worse? Christmas month hay and I heard de fadda say that he will let she slaughter a pig this time instead of the turkeys.”

Pain! Unrelenting, unbearable pain that clawed at her insides, a burning agony that threatened to consume her entirely!

“M- Mo—” I struggled to speak, my throat raw and constricted, my voice a mere rasp lost amidst the rising chorus of whispers of pity, lament, and horror. The metallic tang of blood filled her mouth, choking me.

“She is twitching, look! Oh God, somebody call another ambulance!” a young man shouted, his voice cracking with panic.

“I call dem already, but—-” a woman said, her voice cutting off and choking. 

“She is still alive? Jesus Christ… is there anything we can do?” a woman whispered, clutching a rosary in her trembling hands.

“She re- oh God, she…” the sound of vomiting erupted again, closer this time, the retching echoing in the otherwise silent street.

Once upon a bad Christmas

Chapter 2

My vision blurred, the edges of my sight darkening into a suffocating tunnel until I could see nothing but swirling grey. I struggled to breathe, each ragged gasp a desperate plea for air, for life. As I did, I felt a bone-chilling cold seep into my very being, numbing the pain, extinguishing the fire, and then…nothing. Just an echoing emptiness.

When I awoke, I was here, inhabiting the body of a sixteen-year-old girl with long, thick half curled hair and wide, innocent eyes, in a world that felt both familiar and alien, a disorienting mix of recognition and otherness, with fragmented memories flooding my mind like shards of broken glass, each piece sharp and incomplete.

My first thoughts were; I get to live again! This is a miracle! I want to try harder, make something of this new chance, be better, do better, live a life worthy of this gift, etc… The hope surged through me like a tidal wave.

Heh, fail. Utterly, miserably. No matter what I did back then, no matter how I struggled or resisted, I was bound by the plot, trapped within its cruel confines, forced to play my pre-determined role, like a puppet on a string, my movements dictated by an unseen author, a cosmic puppeteer pulling the strings of my fate. The illusion of choice was just that—an illusion.

Ah ha, ha, haha. I laughed, I struggled, I lamented and then I hated!

Why couldn’t I become nothing when I died?

Why must I live such a life all to make wedding dresses for a dog couple. The little ‘mutt’ I had saved on a mere whim due to pity, I wanted to stab to death but I was restricted.

Going through all of that, how could I be normal?

From sixteen to thirty-three, I had to live with such restrictions until I could be free. Heh, they want to be happy? 

While I had to slink in a corner like a wounded animal?

Heh.

Then I will let them all know, let the world know!

Fuck your happy ever after, what of the characters that were driving like me?

I am Vanity!

If I am not happy, then no one is happy!

I will never allow that dog couple to have an easy life?

Heh, never!

That very person, returned to thinking like her character, before was simply a mere memory. 

She had tried to think like herself when she first arrived and dying to be brought back to life, remembering—

In a meticulously crafted, six-room cabin, seemingly out of place in its surroundings, one found an unexpected level of comfort and luxury. The cabin boasted a bathroom with modern fixtures, a sleekly designed space with a walk-in shower and heated towel rack, a sleeping room that was the biggest room and most modern compared to the rest, complete with a library nook integrated into the bedroom with a sunken middle where a fifteen-foot wide custom-made bed, piled high with silk cushions, and an eight-foot long chaise lounge, upholstered in buttery-soft leather, were nestled. A kitchen filled with all modern stainless steel appliances, gleaming under recessed lighting, and granite countertops, cool to the touch. A dining room with a long mahogany table, polished to a mirror sheen, and four intricately carved seats, though they were unnecessary because she never invited people to this secluded place. The living room was complete with oversized, plush chairs – two two-seater sofas and two three-seater sofas – upholstered in a soft, velvety fabric in shades of cream and beige to finish was a hand-woven woollen rug, approximately five feet wide and four feet long, adding a touch of warmth and texture to the polished hardwood floors. The sunroom was filled with some rare orchids, flown in from Thailand, and hibiscus flowers, cultivated in her own small greenhouse, their vibrant colours a stark contrast to the muted tones of the dense foliage outside.

Presently, a woman sat looking through the floor-to-ceiling window of her sunroom, her gaze fixed on the small, dense forest in the background and the shimmering expanse of the nearby lake, its surface reflecting the dappled sunlight. The air hung heavy with the scent of salt, carried on the gentle breeze from the ocean, and the intoxicating fragrance of blooming jasmine, which climbed the trellis outside the window.

Not many would believe such a luxurious and well-appointed place would exist in such a remote area, but it did, nestled right on a small, privately-owned island, purchased decades ago and shrouded in secrecy, off the rugged, less-touristed coast of Barbados in the Caribbean.

She was a little over sixty years old, but her skin was almost void of wrinkles, a testament to a life lived away from harsh elements, sheltered from the scorching sun and biting winds, and perhaps aided by the advantages of wealth and access to the best skincare. Her dark skin, smooth and supple, and thick natural hair, now almost white, fell almost to her lower back in thick ropes of meticulously maintained Rasta locs, each strand perfectly coiled. A wooden pendant, shaped like an ankh, a symbol of life, hung delicately around her neck, a reminder of her own unexpected second chance.

Her eyes were still strikingly beautiful, framed by thick, sooty silver lashes that partially hid a cold, assessing gaze, honed by years of observation and strategic planning. They held a depth of experience and secrets, hinting at a life lived to the fullest, both the triumphs and the tragedies.

She wore a loose-fitting linen shirt and matching pants in a shade of pale grey, chosen for their comfort and breathability, with soft cotton socks on her feet. The simple clothing did little to disguise her slim, firm muscles and shapely form of all woman, honed by years of dedicated training. When she tilted her face towards the soft morning light, one could see the enduring beauty that time had not ravaged – a delicate, yet strong jawline, high cheekbones, and an air of quiet dignity that both commanded respect and awe.

This woman had the surname Michael, though her family had become fallen in social standing after a series of unfortunate business dealings, she had enough money, carefully invested and managed, to live a life of luxury, far beyond what those outside could have ever imagined, even if she died tomorrow but, heh, that wasn’t part of the plan and even if she did, it will only be donated and never be fed to those two dogs!

Her life had been tragic love-wise.

The pain and sorrow in her life had been sad, but it is OK. She had channelled all of that into her wildly popular web novels. Dog Blood novels, overflowing with so many plot holes and outrageous twists that she had become infamous for angering her readers, inciting their fury and frustration to the point her black fans spanned over the hundreds of thousands to multi-millions worldwide, a testament to the addictive nature of her storytelling.

The emptiness within her never seemed to go away, a hollow ache that resonated deep within her soul. And by all that’s holy, she had tried to fill it, seeking solace in various pursuits, but only this seemed to work, this ability to manipulate emotions and create worlds where suffering reigned supreme. How can someone who did not believe in happily ever after, who viewed love as a fleeting illusion, write a romance novel with a ‘HE’ (Happily Ever After)?

Nah, she could not. It was a betrayal of her own experiences, a lie she refused to perpetuate. Even if she was part of a book herself, she had no other way.

What she had believed to be such was false; therefore, she will never write such nonsense. Her leads must make her readers want to cough blood in anger, want to furiously condemn her for being a stepmother author, delighting in the misery of her characters.

She didn’t mind. She suffered, so those who also believe in happily ever after must also suffer, must be forced to confront the harsh realities of life.

Now she was thinking about her next novel, a particularly twisted tale of betrayal and revenge, before smirking and typing away on her laptop, her fingers flying across the keyboard as she unleashed her creative fury upon the unsuspecting world.

updated sites to publish/make money

When it comes to online platforms for novels, Dreame emerges as the leading choice. They offer an app called Kiss (although I may be mistaken), which has garnered positive feedback from users. This platform provides a convenient and user-friendly interface for authors to showcase their work and connect with readers. Many renowned authors have achieved great success on Dreame and have been able to monetize their works.

Another platform worth considering is Wattpad, which offers an excellent avenue for receiving feedback on your work. It has a large and active community of readers and writers who provide valuable insights and support. Wattpad has been a launching pad for many aspiring authors, and some have even gone on to secure publishing deals based on their success on the platform.

In addition to Dreame and Wattpad, Webnovel is another option to explore. However, it is crucial to carefully review their contract as they often require exclusivity. Despite this, Webnovel offers one of the best compensation packages in the industry, making it an attractive choice for authors looking to monetize their work.

Alpha Novel is also a reputable platform to consider. It provides a platform for authors to publish their works and gain exposure to a wide audience. With its user-friendly interface and supportive community, Alpha Novel offers a great opportunity for authors to showcase their talent and connect with readers.

It is worth noting that all the aforementioned platforms remunerate authors once their books are completed. This means that authors have the potential to earn income from their writing, making it a viable option for those looking to pursue a career in writing.

To maximize your book’s exposure and potential earnings, I recommend participating in writing competitions. These competitions not only provide a platform for authors to showcase their work but also offer the chance to win prizes and gain recognition in the industry, allowing you to have that much-needed one foot into the door and be able to bring the next with a little more ease. By participating in writing competitions, authors can attract the attention of publishers and literary agents, increasing their chances of securing publishing deals.

If you are interested in print publishing, Draft2Digital and Bookbub are both excellent choices. They offer a seamless publishing process and automatically distribute your book to major sites such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble. This ensures that your book reaches a wide audience and increases its chances of being discovered by readers. However, please be aware that Draft2Digital currently does not offer colour printing options, so it is important to consider this limitation when deciding on the format of your book.

These are just a few options to consider, and there are certainly more platforms available that I cannot recall at the moment. It is always a good idea to research and explore different platforms to find the one that best suits your needs and goals as an author.

I hope this information proves helpful to you and other authors who are interested in finding the right online platforms and avenues to showcase their work and connect with readers.

As a reverse harem writer, what I think

As an avid reader and writer in the reverse harem genre, I have observed a significant discrepancy in the quality of reverse harem authors. While there are undoubtedly exceptional authors who delve into the menage subgenre, the majority of them seem to fall short. One prevalent issue that stands out is the disjointed flow of their writing, which often detracts from the overall reading experience. This lack of coherence hampers the reader’s ability to fully immerse themselves in the story. Additionally, the plot tends to take a backseat, resulting in a lack of depth and engagement. It is crucial for authors to strike a balance between the romantic elements and a well-developed storyline.

Moreover, it is worth noting that many successful authors in this genre tend to portray their female leads in a rather juvenile manner, although this is a common characteristic in most romance books. It is rare to come across a lead character who is over thirty years old, which limits the representation of diverse age groups. This lack of variety can be disheartening for readers who are seeking relatable characters that reflect a wider range of life experiences.

Recently, while conducting searches for reverse harem authors on YouTube, I discovered that the majority of content creators were primarily readers who focused on book reviews, discussing their TBR (to be read) lists, and making random comments. It was quite disheartening to find only a handful of creators who were actively producing valuable content related to the genre. This experience, despite my limited knowledge of analytics and related matters, inspired me to explore new reads and compelled me to write this piece.

Some complaints, some rambling, some praise~

Before proceeding, I would like to express some thoughts and concerns. Please note that this is a random and informal expression, and I apologize if it does not align with your expectations.

Recently, I have been quite occupied with various activities. I have published a book online and managed to sell a few copies. However, due to my own grammatical errors, I realized the need for external assistance. Additionally, I lack the patience to create a suitable cover or concept art, so I decided to hire help. Saving has truly been a lifesaver in this regard.

I must commend those individuals who possess the ability to write, edit, create their own covers, and engage in marketing efforts. It is quite an impressive feat. Personally, I find it necessary to jot down my thoughts to maintain my sanity. Most writers are driven not only by their passion for writing but also by a sense of obligation. I recall my teenage years when I would write about various topics, often leaning towards a darker and more emotional side. Fortunately, I found an outlet for these emotions through writing and reading, which ultimately helped me find stability. Reflecting on my past self, I feel a mixture of disdain and admiration, as I have managed to make progress. While I may still be relatively unknown, I am confident that I am on the right path towards achieving my goals. However, I have no desire for fame, as it would likely cause me to retreat. My primary aspiration is to live a fulfilling life, free from excessive stress and worry, and to leave a lasting impression, whether through my books or my unique personality.

Now, returning to the purpose of this writing, I recently participated in two interviews. I come from a small island that is often overlooked on the map, with a population of just under 300,000 people (as per my last knowledge). It is somewhat disheartening that some individuals, particularly those from Asia, are still unsure of its location, often mistaking it for either America or Africa. I have encountered numerous instances where people have asked or assumed if it is in Australia. To clarify, my island is Barbados, located in the Caribbean. During these interviews, I stumbled through the first one, perspired profusely during the second, and vowed never to subject myself to such an experience again. However, just yesterday, I was informed that I need to prepare a draft for a speech. This revelation left me utterly bewildered.

My facial expression: (????)

My brain: (silent nuclear explosion)

My heart: (stutters)

I am feeling quite disheartened and reluctant to undertake this task. However, I understand the necessity of doing so. In terms of becoming well-known or famous, I am sincerely grateful that I will likely never reach that level (although, just in case I do, let me include this disclaimer). Given my current state of anxiety over these few matters, I cannot help but wonder what would happen if the situation were to worsen.

Wah!

It seems that I, with my limited capabilities, am unable to handle such challenges.

Lastly, I would like to express my admiration for those who possess the time, patience, and courage to undertake all of these tasks. You truly deserve to be praised like gods. ><

All I want for christmas

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All I want for christmas

Scammed

I am not the best at writing grammatically. Well, most writers struggle with it, but many are quite talented and successful. Today, I was messaging someone for a book cover, and I admit I made a mistake while trying to get it done. This person completely disappeared, sigh, but luckily it wasn’t an expensive transaction. I took it as karma catching up with them. This is something that many writers go through at some point. In fact, I’ve spoken to other writers who have mentioned being scammed. It was disheartening, even though I only received half the payment since it was made through PayPal.

For now, I have decided to deal with people face to face or ask my editor for help. Being a writer can be financially challenging, and making money is not easy. Even though I’m doing decently, I still have to push myself to write, do research, and even attempt some basic drawings. On the bright side, there are affordable street artists who could use the money, and you can get your drawings immediately. There are also some students who offer their services. Either way, I wanted to give a heads-up to all potential and new writers/authors out there. Consider this my warning.

Complaining about myself

So, I have started writing a book in the popular genre of Werewolf. Initially, it was exciting, but now it has become quite boring. Nevertheless, I am determined to outline everything and send it to acquisition editors for review. I did face rejection once, but I believe it was because the specific editor did not find the outline acceptable. However, I have no intention of changing it since I have already put in a lot of effort into drafting it.

In the beginning, I was thrilled when my book got contracted and performed well in the competition. However, I have come to realize that the majority of readers, especially women, prefer romance novels or stories with more interaction between the main characters. Reverse harem, which is the genre I am exploring, is not as popular. I understand that everyone has their own preferences and beliefs, and I personally prefer stories with one main love interest, but I have no issue with reading or watching a reverse harem novel.

Unfortunately, I have noticed that platforms do not categorize reverse harem as a genre, at least not the ones I have come across. It’s a bit disheartening, but that’s just the way it is. Moving on, I have realized that I have a talent for putting my female lead through difficult situations. I believe this is necessary to portray the bigger picture and to show that relying on others or being weak will not lead her anywhere. Therefore, I have decided to label my book as dark fantasy, which aligns better with the overall theme I have in mind.

However, I am facing a dilemma with the progression of the story. In arc two, Selene-alpha is the main focus, but I feel that the male leads should appear alongside the female lead sooner. Currently, they are introduced much later in the drafts, which is about ten more chapters away. I wonder if this will confuse the readers. Sometimes, I question myself and wonder if I am being too critical of my own work.

I must admit that I am not a planner when it comes to writing. I find that writing with the flow works best for me. However, I have realized that planning ahead might be beneficial for future projects. Planning can be quite challenging and frustrating, but I will give it a try next time.

By the way, for new or aspiring authors, I have compiled a list of platforms that provide daily updates and have proven to be good options:

  • Libri7
  • Webnovel

I have also come across a new platform called Ficstories, which is still in the early stages but shows promise. Trying out new platforms can be worthwhile before their requirements become too stringent.

Common ‘disclaimer’ copyright

[Disclaimer Copywriting]

When I first started publishing my work on Webnovel, I noticed a copyright notice that appeared before each chapter. It made me realize that work can be protected by copyright simply by posting it to yourself and keeping the package sealed in a safe place, such as a draft or finished work.

Another method I call the “Common Disclaimer Copyright” involves including a disclaimer in the auxiliary chapter or preface. It would state that the work is fiction and that all characters, places, and people are products of the writer’s imagination. It would also emphasize that scanning, uploading, or distributing the work without specific permission from the author or the rights holder is illegal and considered theft. To request permission for any use of the author’s work beyond review purposes, readers would be encouraged to contact the author by leaving a comment with their purpose. This disclaimer would serve to protect the author’s rights.

As writers, we often face challenges in safeguarding our original work, especially considering the prevalence of hackers who steal or copy our work. It can be disheartening to put in so much effort to publish a book, only to find it on another site without permission. That’s why it’s important to have measures in place, such as the disclaimer mentioned above. It is advisable for writers who haven’t considered this before to implement a similar disclaimer and remember to include the date.

Some writers may have a more straightforward approach to writing their own copyright notice, and the example provided here is just one option. For added protection, depending on your country and financial means, you may consider applying for copyright through the appropriate agency in your country. However, it’s worth noting that certain platforms like SCRIBBLEHUB.COM and ROYAL ROAD often provide automatic copyright protection, although it may not prevent people from stealing your work entirely.

I hope this information serves as a wake-up call for writers and authors who may not have been aware of these copyright protection methods before. May you find it helpful in safeguarding your work.

What’s my genre? And issues

Creating a compelling scene can be a challenging task, but it is crucial to approach it with professionalism and objectivity. It requires a writer to tap into their unique perspective and unleash their creative mind. While some may view unconventional ideas with skepticism, it is important to appreciate the individuality of writers.

However, it is important to clarify that the male characters in our story are actually the same individual. While they may exist in separate physical forms and share a deep connection with the female lead, their situation can be quite complex to explain. For instance, when someone recently asked me about the type of books I write, I mentioned the concept of a reverse harem. Naturally, this person was taken aback, as there are common misconceptions surrounding this genre. Women often categorize it as either being overly sexual or derogatory. I must admit, I initially had similar reservations when I first encountered a reverse harem story. However, I was captivated by the author’s skillful descriptions and found myself unable to put the book down, despite the shocking and surprising elements that unfolded with each turn of the page.

It is worth noting that reverse harem stories encompass various aspects that even some experienced authors in the genre may not fully comprehend:

  • It remains a timeless concept, unaffected by trends.
  • It does not rely solely on sexual content.
  • The female lead is portrayed as a powerful character, in need of support from the male characters to achieve stability.
  • The male characters are far from weak; they possess their own strengths and qualities.
  • There may be instances of conflict and rivalry among the male characters.
  • It is common for the male characters to eventually leave the female lead.

During my recent conversation, I elaborated on these examples and provided a comprehensive definition of a reverse harem. It is important to understand that the female lead relies on the male characters for emotional support and companionship, without necessarily engaging in a sexual relationship. This dynamic can sometimes confuse women, as they may have male friends who fulfill all the roles of a romantic partner, except for the physical aspect. However, one of my personal favorites is the portrayal of a male character with a fragmented soul, resulting in multiple individuals sharing a deep connection with the female lead it was mentioned somewhere above previously.

It didn’t take her long to understand the concept, and I eventually felt comfortable enough to explain that I was promoting my book through word of mouth. She expressed genuine interest in reading it.

In another instance, I recently stumbled upon a captivating transmigration book written by a talented Chinese author online. Despite occasional confusion caused by Google translation, the story remains both comprehensible and immensely enjoyable. This fascinating literary work falls under the genre of erotic fiction, but what truly sets it apart is its exceptional storyline and remarkable character development. As we delve into the narrative, we witness the protagonist’s extraordinary transformation from a naive individual to a resolute character who takes full control of her own destiny.

Reading this book has truly opened my eyes to the intricate interplay between explicit content and a captivating narrative. It has ignited a spark within me, compelling me to delve into similar themes in my own literary creations. However, I now find myself grappling with a dilemma when it comes to defining the genre of my writing. Although I predominantly focus on reverse harem stories, I can’t help but feel that they sometimes lack the depth I desire. Male characters often seem to be mere replicas of one another, leaving me perplexed and uncertain about how to address this issue.

When describing my genre and book details, I often state, “I write reverse harem, incorporating elements of violence, torture, otherworldly themes, and erotic content.” Although my main platform is Webnovel, I feel that it hasn’t reached its full potential even after a year of publication. I desire to refine my work, but I question the purpose behind it. Perhaps my genre is misaligned, but I am unsure how to address this issue. While fantasy is undoubtedly a prominent aspect, with each book featuring intricate world-building and a diverse range of creatures such as shifters, fairies, and gods, I find myself pondering the significance of it all.

Considering all these factors, I am left with the question: What is my genre? Additionally, I am contemplating my target audience. I have noticed that my work may not resonate strongly with female readers, and male readers may be deterred due to the reverse harem element. This realization has left me feeling uncertain and apprehensive.

After careful consideration, I have concluded that my work appeals to both genders and falls within the fantasy genre, specifically the dark fantasy subcategory. As for the platform to promote my work and attract a wider audience, I am currently in the process of testing various options, including YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Blogger, and WeMe (paid after 30 days).

Admittedly, I am discouraged, especially with the algorithm at play and my inexperience. Nevertheless, these are my thoughts, and I present them to you for your consideration and feedback.