NineStar Press discussion

When you look for a LGBTQA+ book, what draws you in? What subjects/genres are missing from the fiction out there now? What direction do you wish publishing would go in the next few years?

This thread is to discuss what you like to read and what you'd like to see published.

I'm a bit of an older woman, and while I've had gay friends, and my cousin is lesbian, I still never really knew the scope of issues they are forced to face until reading MM. It was education, disguised as fiction and made me research and learn more and become more supportive. I'd like to see more fiction about trans people, but older characters, as I relate to characters closer to my age. I've found YA type novels or only seen trans people as secondary characters in other books. Whether it's an older person just coming to terms or only now being able to transition, or someone settled into their life.

I think I've only read one or two with gender fluid characters in a prominent role, either. Yeah, I'm a straight cis female, so I've gravitated to MM, because, well, men! I can get so many sub-genres, though, and many giving me a new viewpoint. So, I'd like to get some of those same learning experiences disguised as contemporary fiction for other aspects on the rainbow! I'm sure there are books already written that I haven't found yet.

I'd also like to see the GFY label disappear. While I believe it's possible for one person to open your eyes to realize you have a different sexuality, I would say it definitely takes you off the "only straight" team for life.

So, different books, mystery, romance, hurt/comfort, erotica, with people of differing sexualities or gender identification. I believe that open-minded people are book lovers, first.

Natalie wrote: "I'm a bit of an older woman, and while I've had gay friends, and my cousin is lesbian, I still never really knew the scope of issues they are forced to face until reading MM. It was education, disg..."

Thanks for this!

I love the idea of trans characters transitioning later in life. I think there are many out there who feel they are too old to transition and there aren't many real-life stories (mainstream) for them to look at.

I'm also older, though bi and genderqueer, so I see a little different perspective, but I think we need more stories about what real life is about.

I also want to see the GFY label disappear. I am not sure what to replace it with, but I think it's time for something more inclusive.

How do you feel about HEA/ HFN? Do you think it's needed? Would you read books that are more literary than romance but still feature LGBTQA+ characters?

Raevyn wrote: "Natalie wrote: "I'm a bit of an older woman, and while I've had gay friends, and my cousin is lesbian, I still never really knew the scope of issues they are forced to face until reading MM. It was..."

I don't need an HEA but I do like an HFN. I already suffer from depression, so while I can read about sad, tragic, even brutal events, I like some kind of positive outcome. Doesn't have to be perfect, but at least hopeful. I certainly don't mind a more literary bent, and it doesn't mean the character has to be part of a couple or in a relationship. Just somewhere positive in their life.

My personal preference is to learn something new, to be more aware, even though or perhaps because, there is no one in my life that experiences any of these issues? But I don't want to live in a bubble or a vacuum. I like seeing other POV's and experiences. Oh, any of these subjects in a historical context would be good too. My preference is pre-20th century.

Oh, also I recently read a couple of posts/blogs about trans men having very bad experiences with I guess you'd say, regular or day-to-day medical care, and the lack of training for diversity or sensitivity in the medical community. I'm sure there are any number of people in those fields who also read LGBTQ fiction, probably romance. It seems like it could work as a bit of food for thought in a book that somehow included that theme.

Good point Natalie, I totally agree with you, I would love to read more about trans characters in their adult life, the few stories I read were mostly with very young characters.

@Raevyn about the HEA/HFN, I need one of them, I already have a shitty RL, I crave for something good in my books. but if not I just want to be informed first. I think I would still read the story but with another expectation :D

Hi guys!

I absolutely would read more literary stuff, but definitely not as frequently. My reading mood changes all the time, at the moment I'm on a real crime fic spree (started because of !)

For ages before I became a voracious M/M reader, I was completely into fantasy - of the Game of Thrones, Locke Lamora kind. Characters in these are often more diverse but I'd love to read something with the MCs being LGBTQ.

For the main I like an hea/hfn, because I'm a sap like that. I would rather read interesting characters than sex... not that I'm averse to a steamy scene, but if it feels formulaic or there for the sake of it I skim read!

My go-to comfort read is friends to lovers (again with or without sex, depending on the style of the story). The first kiss of two friends will always make my heart beat faster!

Great to meet you all and see your likes. Xx

I'm going to start another thread for the HEA/HFN question. I think it's important to find out what that means to people.

I love that so many of you want more diverse characters. It's so important to include the whole community.

I am excited for all of the Literary works we have coming out. I have not seen many like these out there. But I understand the need for a little cuddle time with a happy ending. :)

Lori wrote: "Hi guys!

I absolutely would read more literary stuff, but definitely not as frequently. My reading mood changes all the time, at the moment I'm on a real crime fic spree (started because of [bookc..."

That first kiss between friends....swoon. Yes. Puts a dorky smile on my face every time.