The only time I have seen someone pull it off is when the media is wholesome enough to appeal to some one as young a 4 and as old as 90, while being silly/mature enough to appeal to teens and young adults who want something that is not only for kids.
A good example is Toy Story 3.
You might be surprised. I feel like there is a lot of crossover between media that appeals to straight women and gay men. There has also been media that was meant for a female audience but gained a large male audience, like My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. And there has also been media meant for a male audience that gained female fans because they thought the male leads were cute.
Here's the thing -- you're assuming what has worked for them could work for you or anyone else.
Never assume it'll pan out the same way just because it helped a few people get famous.
Their journey is not your journey.
If pandering to everyone worked all of the time, my response would be different. But as many have said -- you can't. You simply can't. You will break your spine trying to bend over backwards for everyone, banking on the hope that they might read your work or might support you with money.
Another thing -- readers are not stupid.
People can tell if someone is trying to pander to a demographic rather than make a story they enjoy. People can tell if someone is only in their fandom for popularity and money. Some creators are better at hiding it than others, but over time, it becomes apparent when someone doesn't like the work they did (and still don't like it). If you're gonna go to all that trouble trying to make people like your stuff, you might as well enjoy some part of it.
Because if you're doing this just to appeal to people and make money, and don't include the things you like -- you're in for a long, disappointing journey.
Edit: Also remember -- we're all consumers. We like and dislike media just like everyone else. Being a creator doesn't change that. And if others cannot always gather our attention, why should we break spines trying to do the same? Some people just won't like what you put out -- it be like that.
Only because you responded to someone who was responding to me, please let me explain in case I was misunderstood. Because that's what I feel is happening. Me writing a story about a diverse cast IS what I want. I don't want to write a cast filled with white people who are all the same because that is boring to me. I like designing different kinds of characters and of different cultures. I'm not thinking about what others want, I'm thinking about what I want in my story. It just so happens that that is something that is inclusive of others 🤷🏼♀️ just saying.
I know that, and that's why I mentioned the 50% for them / 50% for the audience that some famous writers do, I'm not talking about creating a story for the audience like you implied, I'm talking about creating something that both you, and your audience enjoy, either because of overlapping interests, or because there's something for you, and them, I hope my broken English can make any sense to you lol, thank you for your answer.
As a bisexual male I can definitely get behind this mode of thinking. Seriously though. I think it's okay to have sexy characters in your writing, but you should always strive for equality across gender lines in that regard. If you write a sexual femme character, there should be a homme character that's the same way.
For every Scarlett Johansen, there should be a Channing Tatum!
Well, overall, in appearance description, less is generally more.
We are not in 16th century any longer, when one Prince wanted the 2 page report on how his new ally appeared at the audience with his ambassador and what riches he was wearing.
Like, you know, maybe don’t start the story with:
Cosette, my secretary, a buxom blonde in the best part of her twenties, lingered at her desk, typing up the letter with the tips of her perky breasts. This neat trick was the main reason I hired her, along with her flowing platinum-blonde hair swinging over lush carmine lips. Her suede skirt was so tight i would have troubles slipping a credit card between it and her hard buns.
Completely agree. Though I'll admit I do think I use the word buxom in the opening paragraph of my story. I usually don't like going overboard with character descriptions anyway as I want my readers to have their own headcanon idea of my character's looks. I go more for a general idea of what they look like and let my reader's imaginations fill in the gaps.
On a side note. Did you just make that up or is that an example you pulled from something?
Yes, I believe you commented how it was off putting. As far as I know that's my only use of the word, though I can see how opening with that particular line might turn off potential female readers. However, you then went on to say you thought the rest of the chapter flowed smoothly, which I'm grateful for. I did however have a question I wanted to run by you, I'll contact you in private message.
I thought about that, and i think it's near impossible to be like that esp since some people will figure out a way for SOMETHING to get upset at.
Making something for others and soley focusing on others well being over your own is very draining and makes you question if you really have the passion for the project anymore.
I think if I were to make a story on what everyone likes, I'd just get some components /I want/ to see in a story, because then I'll be able to enjoy making and hopefully the demographic will too.