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

Site Icon
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.

Writing a foolish main character

I have never scraped my brain so hard in a long time. I am not a fan of foolish main characters but this is a popular thing among romance writers. The women especially.

The character I have created this time is portrayed as gullible and foolish, yet still manages to come across as decent. It is a well-known fact that the world is often governed by those who lack intelligence. Interestingly, even the intelligent individuals themselves can be quite naive when it comes to saying, thinking, or even considering the idea of giving the less intelligent a chance. 

Personally, I have long given up on such notions. I find myself constantly astonished by the actions and beliefs of others, and at times, I even question whether this reality is nothing more than a dream from which I will soon awaken. It is safe to say that I am somewhat delusional. With this mindset, I embarked on the journey of creating my foolish main character, Du-Gooder. Although she is not inherently unintelligent, for the sake of the plot, she had to be portrayed as clueless, gullible, and somewhat detached from reality.

All of this is part of a promotional effort, so without further ado, let us begin!

https://dynamic.webnovel.com/book/21998298606836205?utm_source=writerShare&utm_campaign=4309444154

My botch review on my new third favourite app

As a writer, we all have issues. Notes, remembering characters and the works.

I uh… I forget most of my characters most of the times. Which makes me misspell a few of them😅😅. So after becoming in the know a bit, you know, how to be a more competent writer.

Anywho~

During my search, I stumbled upon an intriguing app called Pluot. At first, I had some reservations about it, mainly because it’s a relatively new app developed by someone with limited experience. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the developer has taken the initiative to create a Discord channel for gathering feedback. This is quite commendable as it allows users to directly communicate with the app owner, although I must admit that this could also be attributed to their status as a newcomer in the industry.

Now, let’s delve into the app itself and explore its impressive features. One standout feature is the character card, which serves as a comprehensive tool for organizing scenes, locations, and the overall storyline of a novel. The character card is further divided into various sections, including the character’s name, role, description, and their personal, private, and professional goals. Moreover, there are dedicated sections for general information, appearance, background, and relationships.

These examples merely scratch the surface of how this app can assist in effectively organizing and structuring a novel. With its user-friendly interface and intuitive features, Pluot has the potential to become an invaluable tool for writers and storytellers.

With that being said, I hope you find my review satisfactory. If you’re interested in exploring the app further, you can find the Play Store link below to download it and discover its offerings.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.cordes.pluot

Potential to betrayal

Since I’ve finished book 1 of der Stalker and renamed it… Yeh… The name did not match it at all. I’ve compiled, and reviewed the chapters and sent it in to be professionally edited. Since my editing skills are clearly the worse. Hehe. While looking over chapters one more time I’ve found this part I had deleted and decided to post here. I will start another story later but have to decide which one for now~