Looking For Your Feedback
- By Tracy Ames
- Published May 29, 2010
Tracy Ames
My name is Tracy Ames. I’m an author of interracial erotic fiction. My stories are a sensual feast for your senses; mind, body and soul.
I began writing short stories for monthly newsletters and, believe it or not, my friends. After much encouragement, I’m ready to offer you a taste of what only a few have previously savored.
A native of the San Francisco Bay area, I currently split time between Greenwich CT & New York City with my husband, young daughter and a host of pets.
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Hey Everyone,
I’m taking part in a writer’s panel today. One of the topics is “What readers want in stories/characters”.
Some of the ideas put forth by the panelist gave me the distinct feeling they were out of touch with their readers. Most of their statements leaned towards very vanilla, cookie cut characters and predictable storylines.
I’d like to know what draws you into a story and helps you connect with its characters. What types of characters do you like? What are their traits? What are your dislikes? What would you like to see more or less of?
As writers we live inside our heads. The challenge is in transmitting those thoughts onto paper in a way that speaks to the readers. I think some of this panelist have forgotten the readers and are simply pumping out books for money…or to see their own thoughts in print.
I’m taking part in a writer’s panel today. One of the topics is “What readers want in stories/characters”.
Some of the ideas put forth by the panelist gave me the distinct feeling they were out of touch with their readers. Most of their statements leaned towards very vanilla, cookie cut characters and predictable storylines.
I’d like to know what draws you into a story and helps you connect with its characters. What types of characters do you like? What are their traits? What are your dislikes? What would you like to see more or less of?
As writers we live inside our heads. The challenge is in transmitting those thoughts onto paper in a way that speaks to the readers. I think some of this panelist have forgotten the readers and are simply pumping out books for money…or to see their own thoughts in print.
Spread The Word
11 Responses to "Looking For Your Feedback" 
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said this on 29 May 2010 3:04:31 PM CDT
First of all, I like alpha male character, but I like strong women who are alphas too. To me, in the cookie-cut storylines most authors engage in, they have the men just roll around in bed like Bond with an egg-shell colored waif. Then, the women wake up all golden. I like depth and strength. Pull me into the story by creating story for real women and men, espescially what real women go through and what real black women struggle with everyday.
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said this on 29 May 2010 5:18:28 PM CDT
I do tend to like male charcters on the alpha side especially in the bedroom but can let go of some of that control out side of it. I like stong confident females charcters who kwow how to put an alpha male in his place. I can't stand a book with wishy washy females who can't make up their mind about guy from one chapter to the next. It's like make up you mind already do you want to be with this man or not! I like books where the author takes the time to flush out the characters and give them some depth along with a compelling story. So that as a reader i'm so interested in them and their story. I can't help want to continue investing the time and energy into finishing the story. My friend and I are big books reader who like interacial stoires. The one thing we both said we like to see are more of interacial stoires with black women featuring latin or middle eastren males. The are supprisingly very very few books out their with those combinations. It would be different and intesting to read about it.
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said this on 29 May 2010 5:29:37 PM CDT
I like that both men and women are alpha as well. I don't have to have the poor girl from the wrong side of town always have to fall in love with the billionaire. Everyday men and women, chance meetings are wonderful. I love when kids are added to the mix. I am not a big fan of menage. I do not mind if the man or woman is an ass, because I love to see how people change and grow or mature.
Fantasy is wonderful, but I do like the real life being added in as much as possible. I have read where a lot of readers have said they read these types of books because it let's them live out their fantasies and helps them escape from the everday issues that we have. They basically want the HEA right off from the beginning, but even in a fantasy we have to get past the bad before we can have the HEA. At least in these stories we get the HEA almost all of the times, unlike life. |
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said this on 30 May 2010 9:06:45 PM CDT
Wanda, I am so touched that you have hung with me on my menage monstrosity, thanks!
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said this on 30 May 2010 1:37:19 AM CDT
Thanks Ladies. I couldn't sit through the entire panel. The panelists were so disconnected. I finally spoke up but I don't think they listened. Basically, I pointed out the exact areas you all mentioned.
Look, I know what it's like to hunt for "you" in a story and face disappointment. Writers have a duty: create a picture that speaks to the readers. But how can you create proper picture when you're out of touch with your readers? Tomorrow is day two of the lit panel. I'll be sure to include points from your feedback. Thanks! |
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said this on 30 May 2010 9:03:28 PM CDT
I know I am late on this, but I like a story that takes off from the very beginning. Please don't sit there explaining stuff to me for the first few chapters. "Show Me!" Drop background hints as the story goes along-that will always keep me reading.
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said this on 30 May 2010 10:05:23 PM CDT
You know, Olga, you nailed it. I brought the "Show Me Slowly" point in a conversation with some gal pals/fellow writers and one of them brought up the reason why some writers go down the "Telling" route.
It's because some are pressed for time/word limit. Some editors are pushing writers to get everything said at once or lose the readers attention. As if the readers want to know everything (background, physical descr., plot) from the first paragraph. I, like you, enjoy the hints when reading full novels. In short stories this may not always be possible...then again, this is why we have novellas. Fun how that happens! Keep on writing, Lady.... |
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said this on 02 Jun 2010 9:08:12 AM CDT
Sorry, I'm late to the party. However, I was having this conversation with my best girlfriend and I agree with Wanda, Olga, Crystal and Ebony I like reading about alpha males. The female doesn't have to be "out-right" alpha, just as long as she is not wishy-washy. And the poor girl, rich guy senario is so old to me. I'm happy with regular characters, just as long as the story is good. Some reality is great, believable dialogue awesome. And a well written love/sex scene. Myself, I'd like to see IR with bw, asian male. Also, bw who do not look like beyonce or tyra, etc. How about more of us darker skinned women! We are just as beautiful.
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said this on 02 Jun 2010 9:12:18 AM CDT
Ohh, and a bit of kink. Something that is not so vanilla. Oh, and I'm all over a good menage story. Olga, I'll seek out your story. :0)
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said this on 04 Jun 2010 9:25:02 PM CDT
Sonya, I hear you on the Kink and darker complexioned Sisters! I'm trying to pull away from some on the Kink in my writing...it comes too easily and it's difficult to transition back to writing vanilla after a while.
The darker skin heroines are a major sticking point with some authors. They don't feel so though readers will accept them. HELLO! We come in different shades! Thank you so much for your feedbeck. :) |
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said this on 04 Jun 2010 9:29:02 PM CDT
Wanda, why do you like a story to include childrean? I really want to know the resason behind this because I had a seasoned author tell me early of that I should NEVER include children or animals.
As you can see, I didn't listen to that bit of info (Beg Me). I'd really like to hear your...and everyone's input. |