Being an author vs. being a LGBT author ...?

Question

As a L*****n and a novelist, I have always had a conflict ... on the one hand, I want to write novels that speak to the g*y/L*****n experience ... on the other hand, I don't want to be known as a talented L*****n author ... I want to be known as a talented author who happens to be a L*****n.

Now, I am having a conflict. I am going to write a novel that takes place in a bar ... either a straight bar or a g*y bar ... but I fear I will limit my audience considerably if it takes place in a g*y bar. On the other hand, a g*y bar is much better suited to the story ...

What do you think?

Answer 1

Unfortunately, it seems most authors are generalized by what they write (i.e., L*****n writer writes L*****n fiction), and even if you don't specifically write about such fiction, any content that holds even a hint will be generalized, as well.

But you have to do what's right for your story and hope that it reaches audiences.

Answer 2

     There are lots of actors who are g*y, but who don't make g*y films.  Likewise, you're a novelist first and lesbianism is your lifestyle.  But it all comes down to what you want to write about.  That's the be all and end all.  If you have a strong L*****n/g*y plot running around in your head that's screaming to be written, then write it.  If not, write about the genres that interest you.  Mystery?  Historical?  Fantasy?  Whatever.  I sympathize with your conflict, but try to get over it.  I think I can understand how difficult it must be for you.  I just hope I've been of some help

Good luck

Mike B

Answer 3

I think that if you have an idea for the story already then you should go with the setting that better suits it.

Answer 4

Write either, but resist being labeled as a g*y author.

My example.  My local library has an African American section. I never look there, anymore than I look at the Western or Mystery sections.  It occurred to me that it is actually a disservice to an author to be relegated to a section, as it limits them to a smaller audience.  Kurt Vonnegut is widely read, would he be as widely read if he was hidden in the science fiction section? doubtful

Answer 5

I'd say go with the g*y bar.  

Those people who would only read about a straight bar will condemn your work on hearing it's written by a L*****n anyway, because they are too narrow minded to move past that.  

You could also make homosexuality into sort of a side story in your work.  Portray it well, but don't make it the focus.  That way it won't seem like your pushing it too much on people.  ^^

Always do what's best for the story.  It's more important than a bunch of snobs, lol.  If a g*y bar works best, then that's what the story needs and what you should use.

Answer 6

Write what YOU want and what YOU are passionate about.  Unfortunately, since you are a L*****n, once people know that they are bound to focus on that (whether negatively, positively, or indifferently) regardless of what you are writing about.  The best example of that I can think of off the top of my head is Stephenie Meyer.  I have never read an article or review of her where it did not mention that she is a "Mormon author".  Now, she does not write material about the Mormon Church or material targeted at members of the Mormon Church.  She just writes, but since she is, in fact, Mormon, that is what they refer to her as.