I like my genre but you don’t

[MissPaige36]

So yeah… I’ve gotten very into writing my book after a dramatic time where I kinda dropped it and then picked it up again… And the thing is, I’m very happy about the views, likes and readers that I get, it’s even more than I expected!

But like every writer, you’re never satisfied. I know I shouldn’t ask for more, but I want to. My writing is good— not perfect, not excellent, it’s just good. When it comes to the fantasy aspects too, it’s not bad either (listen I’m not an expert), and the characters, while a little bland, can be nice.

However… my genre is BL. So I’m doomed.

Don’t pity read my novel, I just wanted to express my jealousy to writers with 100K views and say they’re living my dream. But honestly, how does it feel to be a part of the majority? Like post a chapter about women with big boozangas and get thousands of views? Cuz my tag literally made a reader drop my story after they said it was good.

 

[SakeVision]

I like bl~

 

[icey6]

So yeah… I’ve gotten very into writing my book after a dramatic time where I kinda dropped it and then picked it up again… And the thing is, I’m very happy about the views, likes and readers that I get, it’s even more than I expected!

But like every writer, you’re never satisfied. I know I shouldn’t ask for more, but I want to. My writing is good— not perfect, not excellent, it’s just good. When it comes to the fantasy aspects too, it’s not bad either (listen I’m not an expert), and the characters, while a little bland, can be nice.

However… my genre is BL. So I’m doomed.

Don’t pity read my novel, I just wanted to express my jealousy to writers with 100K views and say they’re living my dream. But honestly, how does it feel to be a part of the majority? Like post a chapter about women with big boozangas and get thousands of views? Cuz my tag literally made a reader drop my story after they said it was good.

if you enjoy writing something you should write it regardless of how many views and likes it brings in. those numbers don’t really matter honestly.

 

[MissPaige36]

if you enjoy writing something you should write it regardless of how many views and likes it brings in. those numbers don’t really matter honestly.

Fair. I just have moments where I feel discouraged and today was one of them. you’re right though, I was just down in the dumps

I like bl~

That’s great!

 

[greyblob]

BL is more niche, but it has some decent numbers. Besides the writing quality, you are probably missing a few key elements for your genre, or your plot is boring and unengaging. I have no idea if that's true since I haven't read the novel, though. What I do know is that this mentality is very unhealthy, and frankly, comes off as entitled and condescending.

 

[SakeVision]

if you enjoy writing something you should write it regardless of how many views and likes it brings in. those numbers don’t really matter honestly.

especially for smut, just write whatever makes you horni

for me it's bl guroporn and cock and ball torture.

 

[GodlyKamui]

especially for smut, just write whatever makes you horni

for me it's bl guroporn and cock and ball torture.

And I deeply respect you for that. Most of my smut involves tall onee-sans.

 

[MissPaige36]

BL is more niche, but it has some decent numbers. Besides the writing quality, you are probably missing a few key elements for your genre, or your plot is boring and unengaging. I have no idea if that's true since I haven't read the novel, though. What I do know is that this mentality is very unhealthy, and frankly, comes off as entitled and condescending.

Oh, this self depressing stuff doesn’t happen often. Idk, maybe I was feeling extra crappy. Writing a lot of chapters does that to me. But you’re right about it missing a few parts that gives it extra oomph, thanks.

 

[GodlessEmperor]

Don’t pity read my novel, I just wanted to express my jealousy to writers with 100K views and say they’re living my dream. But honestly, how does it feel to be a part of the majority? Like post a chapter about women with big boozangas and get thousands of views? Cuz my tag literally made a reader drop my story after they said it was good.

As a member of the majority, I wish to make a complaint! Most of us plebs don't have 100k views!
Jokes aside, I think you're doing fine with your views considering the number of chapters you have. There are enough 100k BL novels to say that it's not niche enough to single-handedly hold the success of your novel back.

The real question is: How do you have the tags "genderless protagonist" AND "male protagonist"?

 

[Anon_Y_Mousse]

The most successful BL genre on this site is Xianxia as far as I know, and funnily enough it's the only genre of BL I read(unless it's a subplot).

Though, it seems your genre is the school genre, if you have a character that's in the mafia, you should really try Wattpad!

 

[EternalSunset0]

So yeah… I’ve gotten very into writing my book after a dramatic time where I kinda dropped it and then picked it up again… And the thing is, I’m very happy about the views, likes and readers that I get, it’s even more than I expected!

But like every writer, you’re never satisfied. I know I shouldn’t ask for more, but I want to. My writing is good— not perfect, not excellent, it’s just good. When it comes to the fantasy aspects too, it’s not bad either (listen I’m not an expert), and the characters, while a little bland, can be nice.

However… my genre is BL. So I’m doomed.

Don’t pity read my novel, I just wanted to express my jealousy to writers with 100K views and say they’re living my dream. But honestly, how does it feel to be a part of the majority? Like post a chapter about women with big boozangas and get thousands of views? Cuz my tag literally made a reader drop my story after they said it was good.

Just keep writing what you like. Eventually, you'll find that very special reader or two that will make posting very worth it. Assuming you don't have them by now. Although having your thing dropped just because of a tag despite it being good does feel like a bummer.

I actually like your attitude towards your work. I can see that you legit like it without sounding arrogant about it. That's perfectly fine, and that kind of attitude of moderated self-appreciation will help you through tough times. Finding contentment somewhere is the key to staying happy and sane when publishing on sites like this imo.

So keep it up.

 

[greyblob]

Oh, this self depressing stuff doesn’t happen often. Idk, maybe I was feeling extra crappy. Writing a lot of chapters does that to me. But you’re right about it missing a few parts that gives it extra oomph, thanks.

Just gotta remember what motivates you. I don't know what's popular in the BL section. Harem? Smut? I think it's best to start with something that's guaranteed to get a few clicks, or at least have a secondary trash novel. It's the best way to get early feedback and enough motivation to continue.

 

[MissPaige36]

As a member of the majority, I wish to make a complaint! Most of us plebs don't have 100k views!
Jokes aside, I think you're doing fine with your views considering the number of chapters you have. There are enough 100k BL novels to say that it's not niche enough to single-handedly hold the success of your novel back.

The real question is: How do you have the tags "genderless protagonist" AND "male protagonist"?

At first I panicked, and then I realized how my story worked. So like the MC gets transported and their gender isn’t known BUT they’re transported into a male character, so it’s a gender less protagonist, while still being male? Does that work? Or should I remove one of them?

The most successful BL genre on this site is Xianxia as far as I know, and funnily enough it's the only genre of BL I read(unless it's a subplot).

Though, it seems your genre is the school genre, if you have a character that's in the mafia, you should really try Wattpad!

I did try wattpad and got like no views lol

Just gotta remember what motivates you. I don't know what's popular in the BL section. Harem? Smut? I think it's best to start with something that's guaranteed to get a few clicks, or at least have a secondary trash novel. It's the best way to get early feedback and enough motivation to continue.

Pfft, I’d say it’s xianxia, those dominate the BL section. Sadly I don’t care much for it… but yes! I’m planning on just finishing my story and doing a different genre

 

[GodlessEmperor]

At first I panicked, and then I realized how my story worked. So like the MC gets transported and their gender isn’t known BUT they’re transported into a male character, so it’s a gender less protagonist, while still being male? Does that work? Or should I remove one of them?

Ooh, I see. I think having genderless would only confuse people. The MC isn't genderless just because the gender wasn't revealed right? Well, it's still up to you what tags you put on your novel, though.
In my case I thought, maybe the MC had his body transformed during the story or something idk

 

[MissPaige36]

Ooh, I see. I think having genderless would only confuse people. The MC isn't genderless just because the gender wasn't revealed right? Well, it's still up to you what tags you put on your novel, though.
In my case I thought, maybe the MC had his body transformed during the story or something idk

Oh interesting, so thats why you have that tag? Pretty valid. Now that you mentioned it, I should clarify or remove one of the tags, thank you.

 

[Viator]

Honestly, I get the impression that BL is more popular sometimes. You see it everywhere. Every genre has it's niche. Just write what you like.

 

[FGCCheckmate]

I'd suggest tapas for pushing your story. It has a very large LTGBQ audience. However, you will have to do promoting on their forums since it doesn't really have a place where new/smaller stories can get easy exposure

 

[tiaf]

Cuz my tag literally made a reader drop my story after they said it was good.

Honestly, I get the impression that BL is more popular sometimes. You see it everywhere. Every genre has it's niche. Just write what you like.

It's pretty popular on NU but the hype hasn't gotten here yet. Sometimes I have the same impression, but then I compare the numbers for popular non-BL stories...ouch.

I know works that have regular updates but don't even have the same view count/number of readers as some new novels with a cute waifu cover.

 

[K_Jira]

Just like you, I also write BL because I really fell in love with the genre. Whatever genre I write, whether seriously or just idea dumping, there's always a BL element inside it. True, it's not really that popular in SH, but I think if you like writing it, don't let the number of views or drops stop you.

If it can make you feel better, your numbers are way better than mine that is currently ongoing. More than 3 times in comparison. And 10 times more than my finished story.

 

[K5Rakitan]

You're making some people happy, and that's what matters. Personally, I want more one-star ratings!