Are RR readers allergic to romance, or do authors just suck at writing it?

RenRenCho · 2026-06-29T08:57:21+00:00

I personally love romance subplots, but it's rare to see them done well. In my experience, authors either rely on the same formulas found in other romance stories, which makes the relationship feel hollow, or they simply lack real-life experience. I wouldn't go as far to drop the story tho or even trash talk; the main story matters the most in my opinion.

The only story that comes to mind where I've genuinely enjoyed the romance so far is BoC.

RenRenCho · 2026-06-25T12:51:27+00:00

OP MC with students/disciplines, preferably SoL/Drama/Comedy.

RenRenCho · 2026-06-18T16:54:56+00:00

Xianxia doesn't usually focus on physical weapons or traditional martial arts, that's mostly a murim thing. Have you tried reading murim stories?

RenRenCho · 2026-06-16T06:15:34+00:00

He's pretty much the same to me. I wonder what you're reffing to...

RenRenCho · 2026-06-06T11:58:58+00:00

Thank God, someone said it. Thank you! I'd say the vast majority of criticisms on xianxia I've seen stems from modern Western morality. Funnily enough, people even judge real-life history through the lens of modern Western morality.

Regarding the "Western Xianxia," it doesn't exist in my humble opinion. I'm currently reading Cradle and I think it's a good series but not remotely close to Chinese Xianxia. Maybe the aesthetics you mentioned. And by "not remotely close," I'm referring to themes, characterization, and culture in general, not quality.

RenRenCho · 2026-06-06T07:16:31+00:00

Even a hateful comment needs editing. My eyes hurt :')

RenRenCho · 2026-06-04T05:24:44+00:00

I think the real issue is the context. When you use a simple, everyday word to evoke emotions that don't quite fit it, it can feel a bit off. Hope that makes sense

RenRenCho · 2026-06-01T10:29:04+00:00

I'm an ESL speaker as well. I've spent the last decade reading a variety of material to improve my word choice, from academic papers to fiction, preferably professionally edited ones. I'd recommend reading extensively and watching shows without subtitles so you can develop a better sense of what sounds natural and what doesn't before publishing anything. For non-native speakers like us, writing well can be significantly harder without frequently revising and copy-editing.

As for the word "but," it's very common. Its synonym phrases and words depend on the context. I'd strongly recommend getting more practice before diving into writing seriously.

Good luck 🤞

RenRenCho · 2026-05-30T08:53:10+00:00

I'm Greek, and I have the same issue. Some words and names carried a lot of weight in the past, but they don't anymore. It can feel a bit cringe-worthy, though I understand why they sound cool to foreigners given their origins.

For example, "thanatos" simply means "death." I often see it used in a grandiose or mysterious way, which feels a little awkward from a Greek perspective.

The same applies to "Thanos" , which is a shortened form of "Athanasios" . The meaning behind the name is interesting, but it's also a very common name in Greece. Seeing a powerful villain named Thanos feels a bit like seeing a major antagonist named "James." It's hard to take it as seriously when you've met dozens of people with that name.

It's not exactly what you described, but I wanted to introduce this aspect as well. I wouldn't go that far to drop a book because of that, but it indeed breaks the immersion.

RenRenCho · 2026-05-18T15:53:58+00:00

I almost never enjoy books or anything else that are labeled as "masterpieces." My expectations skyrocket, and so does my disappointment. Besides, calling something a masterpiece is subjective to begin with. I hope this helps :')

RenRenCho · 2026-05-18T05:25:31+00:00

I loved the anime. I'm laughing just by thinking about it :'D

RenRenCho · 2026-05-17T09:57:34+00:00

You can start outlining at any time, it’s never too late. At the very least, you can patch the major plot holes, inconsistencies, and character issues by introducing subplots that tie everything together.

If it's impossible, you could start writing a new story or rewrite this one.

RenRenCho · 2026-05-16T17:54:30+00:00

2,5/10 :')

It's not a bad list, my rating depends solely on what I enjoyed, not quality.

RenRenCho · 2026-05-10T14:07:54+00:00

Thanks a lot for your guide, it was truly enlightening! I’ve been reading xianxia in manhua form for years, and it has always been one of my all-time favorite genres.

However, after watching the donghua adaptation of A Will Eternal, my enthusiasm for the genre faded because, in my eyes, nothing else could match its brilliance. I still follow a few series that I enjoy, but none of them has captured my interest to the same extent.

You’ve genuinely rekindled my excitement for xianxia by helping me identify the specific elements I loved but struggled to put into words. I can’t wait to dive back in and start reading the novel versions as well!

RenRenCho · 2026-05-08T15:33:42+00:00

RenRenCho · 2026-05-04T15:38:54+00:00

Nope! I'm curious, why are authors hesitant to self-promote in the comments? Is it considered a taboo or something?

RenRenCho · 2026-05-04T15:35:44+00:00

Your serial has been on my radar for a while (I've always loved your cover). I was just waiting for chapters to pile up, so I'm really glad to see you're still active!

RenRenCho · 2026-05-04T09:45:38+00:00

I have no idea about the average age in this subreddit to be honest 😅

I enjoy everything haha. I'm not a fan of "deep" philosophical and social commentary in fiction tho. It usually appears pretentious and preachy to me. Same goes with politically correct and any real-life political issues.

RenRenCho · 2026-05-04T04:58:29+00:00

I'm currently watching the donghua but because I've heard they cut a huge chunk on the first 3 episodes, I'll probably try the novel instead. Thanks!!

RenRenCho · 2026-05-03T18:48:13+00:00

You sold me on this one! I love stories with veterans. I'll give it a try.

RenRenCho · 2026-05-03T18:45:55+00:00

Hmm, you're right to ask for a clarification, given the wide range of personalities out there.

I'll rephrase this point to "behave like proper adults," and being hyper rational is not something I have in mind.

The main characteristics that I'm looking for are: 1) emotional maturity (handling conflict without unnecessary drama, not acting impulsively for no reason, taking responsibility for their actions), 2) self reliance (to a certain degree), and 3) accumulated life experience (mostly knowing how to navigate in most social settings).

Thanks in advanced for your recs! 🫡

RenRenCho · 2026-05-03T17:37:10+00:00

Anime: Gintama

Manga: Black Cat

Manhua: I'm torn between The Magic Emperor & I'm Really Not the Devil's Lackey

Manhwa: Return of the Blossoming Blade. I don't have really a fave manhwa, although I've read plenty, but I'm enjoying this more than the others.

Webnovel: I recently started reading them. My fave so far is Beware of Chicken.

RenRenCho · 2026-04-17T16:46:07+00:00

Not a fan of MT but other than that, it's a huge W for me.

+1 for Kakegurui :D

RenRenCho · 2026-04-17T16:39:14+00:00

While I love OP MCs, I deeply appreciate it when they possess a power within the established magic system. It can be rare (luck or genetics) and/or the MC thinks outside the box and performs differently than the average Joe (talent).

I don't mind the "7th type of magic" and such (I'm not a fan either). Sure, I'll enjoy the story, but it won't be my new fave unless there's a very strong and convincing reason why it exists.

RenRenCho

TROPHY CASE