Question for the community: Male writers writing F/F books (Page 1 of 2)

I probably wouldn't even look at the author until I finished the story and might want to buy something else by said author, but then I rarely brose through book stores any more. And only on a few occasions have I bought a book (more accurately had my wife buy it for me) because of the author; most in my opinion don't repeat the excellent experience I received from the first one. I'm just too damn picky, lol. Sometimes I will pick up a book my wife is reading and just start reading wherever she has it marked and if I find it interesting will ask to read it when she finishes, or perhaps before if she gets busy on something else. I may not be typical in that regard. Take care. Vern

One of the greatest trashy romance writers, read by millions of women, is a man.  I met him; he used to live in my town.  Overweight, middle-aged guy, but he knows his stuff.

I wrote a book for and about abused women using mostly women's voices. It was well-received. Rather than tell you about it, allow me to post the opening few paragraphs and you can judge for yourself whether the gender of the author is even discernable from the writing ...

    "I was abused by my mother when I was a child.  I was abused by my husband as an adult.  I abused myself with drugs and alcohol.  I abused myself by having sex for money, or with men who had no love for me.  It felt right at the time because I had no love for myself - I still don't.  I feel unworthy.  I want to hurt somebody.  I hate myself.  I take my anger out on my children.  I destroy friendships through my anger and insecurity.  I run to sick men to seek comfort.  I don't know who I am.  I cover it all up with jokes and smiles and assurances that - hey, I'm ok today - I didn't pick up a drink or a drug.  I can't stop the pain.
    I'm thirty-three years old and still suck my thumb and play with a piece of satin to try to make myself feel better.  I'm in great shape, aren't I?  I hate men and I don't trust women.  Sometimes, I even resent my kids just because they are there and I want to be alone, or I want to go out and have fun.  I have this friend.  He tells me I'm special and I have all kinds of good qualities.  When he says those things to me, sometimes I just want to rip his face off.  Doesn't he know how much I want to believe those words, but inside I believe it's a crock and he's gonna be just like the others and want something back from me?  Maybe if I shut my eyes, he will disappear.
    "I think I'm gonna be ok soon.  See, there's this guy I met.  He makes me feel great.  He really turns me on.  Maybe if we get it on, I can forget my pain and feel good for a little while.  I have to keep it my secret though.  Too much to lose if I open my mouth because everybody will tell me I'm not ready for a relationship.  What do they know, anyway?"

Excerpt from "How to Get Off the Merry-Go-Round" e-Press, 2010

reads to me more like the madness of a vegan reprobate.

How did my topic get into a "I love the Bronte Sisters more than you" duel?

"How did we get here?" is not the same as "Kill The Navigator!"

Or is it?

corra, Dill...I am stunned.

How can either of you have been offended by anything I wrote? That was, at worst, playful banter.

This business demands a thick skin. You will read horrible, hurtful reviews of books you have poured your heart and soul into. (Not on TNBW, mind you; here it's all 5 stars and the greatest thing ever written ever.)

Out in the real world, 8 out of 10 of your reviews will be from people who have not read more than a page of your book, hate their life, hate you for having the creative force and resilience to even write a book, and would enjoy crushing your spirit more than free porn and a chocolate sundae. If "How did my topic get into a "I love the Bronte Sisters more than you" duel?" actually offended you, may I humbly suggest you take up needlepoint from a cave in Outer Mongolia? --because you will read far worse from people far more cruel than I could ever be.

Of course, it's fine to deviate from the OP. There are no rules.

Can I get this on video? Sounds like Barbarella  in the orgasmostron. Take care. Vern

Actually, I found that Tam o'shanter hat in the trash as a kid and placed the little fuzzy chicken (also found in the trash) on top of it with a safety pin - not sure where I got the safety pin, lol. That was my class picture. But, geez, surely you remember me explaining the avatar before; it's also in my profile and been there pretty much since this new site opened.  I might have to add some bells and whistles to make it stand out. Take care. Vern

PS: Edited to clarify existence of avatar info.

That insanely long post was about Taurus divided by the member of the KKK before wash day? I may have to go back and read it--when I have a free week.

Vern: I see no safety pin. But then I also see no God, and a lot of people say that's  a thing too.

Be careful, Vern, or you will start a new religion.

Male gynaecologists come to mind. That's a weak analogy. But.