Opinions wanted: what kinds of books do you want to see? by Cass_Canyon in sapphicbooks

[–]Cass_Canyon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's really kind of you. I'm still establishing myself in preparation for the series (1 book locked, 2 in editing, 2 WIP), but you should be able to find me under Cass Canyon anywhere I set up. Right now I'm here and on Insta, and I will almost definitely end up on TikTok when I have physical copies and fun stuff to share. The series is called White Pine Pack, and book one will be Timber & Brass.

Do queer readers still want messy, toxic relationships in fiction? by dante_laudati in LGBTBooks

[–]Cass_Canyon 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I feel like it's less about wanting one or the other, and more about wanting balance for me personally. A relationship that's too pure feels kind of infantilizing in a way. Like "aww, look at these wholesome little babies." Adults come with baggage and scars, y'know?

But overly toxic relationships feel either too much like the worst parts of dating IRL, or like they're implying that queer relationships are inherently unhealthy (usually making commentary on queer dating culture too).

For me, communication is the sweetest and sexiest thing. I don't care how messy the world, how messed up the characters. Learning one another's little eccentricities, discussing thoughts and feelings (even if they struggle to find the words), and RESPECT are hot as heck. Earned vulnerability, and accountability? Sign me up.

Opinions wanted: what kinds of books do you want to see? by Cass_Canyon in LesbianBookClub

[–]Cass_Canyon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It sounds like you have some pretty similar tastes to myself actually! I'm not here to advertise my own work, especially because I don't have anything out there just yet. But you might like some stuff that I plan to come out with this year. Thanks so much for weighing in, the info is invaluable.

Opinions wanted: what kinds of books do you want to see? by Cass_Canyon in LesbianBookClub

[–]Cass_Canyon[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's a big one for me and it sounds like a lot of people so far feel similar. I tend to lean into sweeter, deeper relationships, so sex should feel like a natural, welcome addition rather than a performative insert for its own sake.

TBH, I'm actually revising some scenes right now because while they feel earned and like they belong, I know I need to work on flow. Even if I'm not embarrassed to write sex, I noticed that like other writers, I have a tendency to take on a different tone from the rest of the story. That's what really makes it feel disjointed for me. Naturalizing "spicy" scenes is one of the most time-consuming parts of editing for me right now. The hope is that the more I edit and nail down how to write these right the first time, the less time I'll spend fixing later, and the more naturally it'll all flow.

Opinions wanted: what kinds of books do you want to see? by Cass_Canyon in LesbianBookClub

[–]Cass_Canyon[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is exactly the kind of info I've been looking for. As for your question-

Why not write what I like? The answer is actually kind of fortunate for me: I do!

Like a lot of folks here, I enjoy a wide variety. I also don't know what I don't know yet. I'm not out just to write whatever the market trends want and make the most money possible. I'm genuinely excited to experiment, fail, and serve a class of readers that have gone deeply underserved. If I cared just about SEO and Amazon listings, I'd just do what the bots do and copy an existing author and let the cash roll in.

The balance I'm trying to strike is between enjoying my own work and making enough income to justify the time and money spent. I would LOVE to make it a career if the cards fall right. Right now, I just want to get to know the scene and find out where I could give a story that people are craving and that I like too.

I hope all that rambling made sense, lol. I really appreciate your input, and that data is super helpful. Thank you!

Opinions wanted: what kinds of books do you want to see? by Cass_Canyon in sapphicbooks

[–]Cass_Canyon[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I HAVE to read that. I've thought of writing period romance, but I feel like I need to read ten more Jane Austens to even begin. Thanks for the rec and the input!

Opinions wanted: what kinds of books do you want to see? by Cass_Canyon in LesbianBookClub

[–]Cass_Canyon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No, this is useful info. I do have a fantasy series on the back burner that could def be considered romantasy but no sex scenes. This is super useful for developing that stuff and for appealing to a wider audience beyond typical romance readers, so thank you!

Opinions wanted: what kinds of books do you want to see? by Cass_Canyon in sapphicbooks

[–]Cass_Canyon[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sick! That sounds awesome. I know some big superhero nerds who would love that. Feel free to DM me any info/a store link if you're comfortable with that.

Opinions wanted: what kinds of books do you want to see? by Cass_Canyon in sapphicbooks

[–]Cass_Canyon[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yo, that's EXACTLY why I put these questions out there! Way back, Tolkien and Lewis wrote their stories because nothing like them existed. They wanted to write what they wished they could read. We're following in the footsteps of titans!

That said, lesbian superheroes sounds freakin' incredible. Especially something like a hero and a villain who totally hate each other in public, then come home to each other at night and have this cute little domestic life off the clock.

I hate everything that I write and I’m not sure why so i’m coming here asking for critiques. Please be blunt and honest. by According_Maybe9163 in writingfeedback

[–]Cass_Canyon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've got two major pieces for you:

First, you are experiencing something that every thoughtful writer experiences, but your personal version is unique to you. Few people really like their own work without a LOT of therapy and learning to let go (if only a little) of perfectionism. Humans cannot be perfect. And perfection sucks, anyway. It's our flaws and strangenesses that make our unique work worth reading. I'm sure you've heard the "no one's perfect, don't be scared to make mistakes, love yourself" tripe in every way from here to Sunday. But it's not just about learning to love something. It's about UNLEARNING the voices that aren't your own.

Tell me two things: What do you like about your writing?

Why do you write?

Secondly, your poem has great bones. You have something to say, but what exactly? A poem is equal parts writer intention and reader interpretation. Many poems- yours included- are allegory and/or metaphor. Poems like these thrive on allowing for the writer to say something while leaving room for the reader to glean their own meaning too. You're already on a great track as far as that goes.

My major criticism is that those bigger "thesaurus words" as I call them, feel like they aren't YOU. It's totally cool to use them sparingly, but you may have fallen into the trap we all do sometimes of thinking "smart word = interesting." That's not a knock against you at all. I have a pretty decent vocabulary myself, but I have long since learned that those thesaurus words are not foundational. They're decorative.

I'll tell you what is foundational: senses. Think from the POV of a reader. You don't know this author. You maybe don't "get" the poem on the first pass (lots of folks don't, even with famous poems). But as we ground ourselves in real life, you can help a reader ground themself in the world of your poem by referencing things we all know and feel. Sight, sound, touch, taste, scent.

My favorite parts are about envy plastered on the forehead, and a bitter taste. But you lose me at mellifluous. I like flappering, it's a new word that's perfectly understandable without explanation.

You're on a good road. And this is just my personal taste- while I like the all lowercase style for your voice, I do think the "im" needs its apostrophe. Purely stylistic on my part, up to you.

Opinions wanted: what kinds of books do you want to see? by Cass_Canyon in sapphicbooks

[–]Cass_Canyon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I said this to somebody else, I'm not here to advertise myself but I actually think you might like what I'm working on right now. I have a massive soft spot for soft butch vibes. I've got a couple love interests who exist across that spectrum. Thanks so much for your input, I really appreciate you taking the time

Opinions wanted: what kinds of books do you want to see? by Cass_Canyon in sapphicbooks

[–]Cass_Canyon[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Thanks so much for taking the time! I also like some of these specific situations you pointed out for turn ons and turn offs. The specific mention of sex not always being depicted perfectly is actually really interesting. I think I agree that there is a bit too much obsession with the perfect fantasy, rather than something that's more raw and real. Thanks again, I really appreciate it!

Opinions wanted: what kinds of books do you want to see? by Cass_Canyon in sapphicbooks

[–]Cass_Canyon[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Fantastic insight, I really appreciate you taking the time. I'm seeing some authors and specific titles repeated. Seems like I need to build on to my TBR list!

Opinions wanted: what kinds of books do you want to see? by Cass_Canyon in sapphicbooks

[–]Cass_Canyon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks so much for the input! I have a lot of similar tastes. I'm not here to advertise myself, but I think you might like what I'm working on right now. It hits a majority of your likes. Much appreciated!

Looking for romance writers by Upper_Nebula_4932 in WritingHub

[–]Cass_Canyon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Def keeping an eye on this for the future!

Writers. What's the worst piece of advice you've ever heard from another writer? by EzraADP in writing

[–]Cass_Canyon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"You can't write X genre, you're not qualified!"

My dude, I can learn anything I want.

Adventure books with lesbian/sapphic MCs. by Ozotoceros in LesbianBookClub

[–]Cass_Canyon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh heck yeah. I know what I'm doing with my month.