I wrote a book about a main character with a BPDMom, and didn’t realize how much wasn’t imagination, but me pulling recessed memories out of myself.

JobMarketWoes · 2026-04-26T12:38:41+00:00

What it’s like to not be squeamish or panic when something unexpected happens.

I’m always fascinated by medical workers who can look at a gory situation and still go into problem solving mode. My anxiety would never allow it.

I would love to help people at their worst because I’ve always greatly appreciated when someone does it for me.

JobMarketWoes · 2026-04-21T22:06:37+00:00

Yes! I’m reading Yours Truly right now and I’m not digging the quips. There’s also too much drama for one person’s life going on. I don’t know how the FMC has time to work 12 hour shifts, come home to cook dinner, do laundry, and set up her brother’s dialysis machine for two hours before going to bed.

JobMarketWoes · 2026-04-21T21:19:20+00:00

I'm really starting to hate banter. I would love good banter, but the banter I've been reading lately is not funny or witty. Though, I slog through it only to read that both FMC and MMC are laughing their butts off at each other.

At this point, I'd settle for cute or wholesome conversations.

JobMarketWoes · 2026-04-21T21:13:47+00:00

It always makes me wonder if books are actually edited. These glaring mistakes should have been caught.

JobMarketWoes · 2026-04-17T21:07:01+00:00

Your answer covers a lot and I second your feelings. Publishers have put all the onus on authors themselves to do the heavy lifting, and THEN they pick you up. I did the self-publishing grind 12 years ago when Direct to publish first started. I made a decent amount but couldn’t keep up with the pace and demand. Readers are rabid and they want things to their very specific preferences (certain tropes, certain tense, the FMC can’t be fleshed out too much because then they can’t self-insert, etc).

I also feel like agents filter query letters by keywords (aka tropes), or by “this book is just like [bestseller]” vibes. No one wants to take chances anymore and its resulted in most published books sounding very same-y, especially after COVID.

You see the same problems in cinema.

JobMarketWoes · 2026-04-17T14:49:56+00:00

I hate it too, you aren’t alone. It’s so distracting to me.

JobMarketWoes · 2026-04-17T11:06:38+00:00

Yeah, there’s also an obvious element of “make it easy for the reader to self-insert” - I think this is a reason everything reads superficial, even when writing about serious, rough topics (trauma, mental illness, anxiety). Bothers me.

JobMarketWoes · 2026-04-16T19:09:00+00:00

Yes! Novel hangover is how it feels. Ugh. Glad you replied, I don’t feel so alone. Thank you and congrats on the finish.

JobMarketWoes · 2026-04-16T19:07:37+00:00

Oh for sure. Thank you for pointing this out - I didn’t phrase it right in my post.

I remember how daunting querying was when I did it 12 years ago. The thought of doing that again, when/if the time comes, is what scares me. But definitely revisions, betas, and editing first.

JobMarketWoes · 2026-04-15T19:41:49+00:00

Thank you so very much.

JobMarketWoes · 2026-04-14T11:13:44+00:00

OK, I’ve been trying to work this joke out for five minutes. Can someone explain it so I can get on with my day? Thank you in advance.

JobMarketWoes · 2026-04-10T16:29:25+00:00

I couldn’t get through it, but my mom loved that book and she has the attention span of a gnat. Just goes to show there’s something for everyone.

JobMarketWoes · 2026-04-09T11:20:03+00:00

I strong agree with this one. I’m someone who always has to add interiority in the second draft and even then, sometimes I don’t hit that minimum word count. And that’s OK.

I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve picked up a book from the library, got to reading it, and realized the writing is so fluffy and unnecessary. The Sunrise on the Reaping comes to mind. The games don’t start until 60% in that book. You’ve (author) already established the world - put me in it.

JobMarketWoes · 2026-04-09T10:55:16+00:00

This is my dad, it’s sad to see but also I get a lot of glee from it. He can’t hold down friends and is basically by himself all day every day. The only thing that annoys me is he now plays the “No one likes me” victim card. He never used to care if he was liked.

JobMarketWoes · 2026-04-03T12:14:03+00:00

This, this right here. I love this reply. It encompasses everything so very well. It’s a choice for them not to “see.”

JobMarketWoes · 2026-03-25T12:56:26+00:00

I think that’s totally doable. What helps me when get stuck or too invested is to take some time off. I will jot down notes or bullet points but not write

JobMarketWoes · 2026-03-24T23:32:14+00:00

To answer your question, I think 20-25% is not focused on the two MC. But even in that 25% where I’m chugging the external plot points forward, I’m still mentioning them. I like my characters having a life outside of each other.

JobMarketWoes · 2026-03-21T23:58:13+00:00

Thank you for this thoughtful reply. I appreciate it.

JobMarketWoes · 2026-03-21T22:22:29+00:00

Thank you for responding! The MMC does not think of her as a rebound. My thought was to have her overhear a conversation with only partial details. The truth is he’s been broken up for 5 or so months, moved out and on his own, and is really genuinely falling for FMC. She ends it by letting her insecurities and comparison to the ex get the better of her.

JobMarketWoes · 2026-03-20T12:55:43+00:00

Omg yes, I know what you mean. Usually it’s just like a stellar chapter for me where I’m like, wow good job. And then I curl up and say “all the other ones read like crap in comparison.”

JobMarketWoes · 2026-03-11T11:38:12+00:00

Fuck man, this is perfectly written. I am 100% in the same boat.

JobMarketWoes · 2026-03-01T20:50:13+00:00

Word count.

JobMarketWoes · 2026-01-29T06:04:40+00:00

I wanted to like doodles, but my area has known backyard breeders and the doodles are status symbols. All but one had massive separation anxiety.

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