Writing BL Novels?

[KUUPID]

Hello there!

I'm planning on starting a new series that will be focusing on a boy x boy couple after I'm done with my current novels. I have a rough idea on the plot and what my characters would be like... However, I have no idea how to start it.

Are BL stories different from writing a "standard" romance novel (ie. no LGBTQA+)? I've been reading some novels and/or webtoons that focuses on BL but I'm a bit hesitant to write one as I've never tackled BL before. I think a part of it is that I don't want to write something that may be inaccurate and cause offense to those in the LGBTQA+ community. I know I should do my research (which I'm definitely doing) but there's just so much I may not know or learn through Google.

Do you have any tips for writing BL themed stories? Is there anything I should keep in mind?
Any suggestions or tips are welcomed~ Thank you in advance!

[Crusoe]

I write BL and there are definitely BL tropes (you can find a lot in yaoi manga), but there's no need to use them if you don't want to. The tag is so diverse that almost any story that focusses on a relationship between two guys will fall under it.

As for inaccuracy: I can't say anything from the perspective of the LGBTQ+ community as I'm not a part of it, but as long as you treat your characters respectfully and make them well-rounded you should be fine.

[littlelilylee5683]

I write BL/LGBTQIA+ novels (which you know ^^) but am cisgender and heterosexual. I also have been writing a fantasy series with strong female leads and only a few side characters who fall under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella (though the labelling of such things doesn't actually exist in that fantasy world) and I am planning to write a sequel to my light novel that is still LGBTQIA+ but with a female lead.

I cannot speak for the community, because no matter how many friends I have or how much of an ally I am, I am not part of it. I sincerely hope I haven't offended anyone with my characters. But I personally believe that people are people. And characters are just people. I respect them and make sure that I know and understand them before I write a story with them. It wouldn't be possible to be a writer and never write from perspectives and experiences that aren't your own. It's just important that you don't write anyone based on stereotypes or misconceptions and you respect your characters and their real-life counterparts. I try not to think of them as gay or bi or pan or whatever - it obviously plays a part because you're writing romance, and there may be external pressures or experiences that come from that, but it certainly doesn't define them.

And you mentioned Google - I think it's important to read about and talk to real people to get insight into your characters. A lot of my characters are based on people I know, or a mix of people I know. Not enough to recognize, but overall, it helps character building.

Alright, enough of my mini rant. ^^

[Aleksei]

A couple of days ago I saw a comic of an angel who rescue a guy from some kind of shadow demon, and the dude has no memories of his life, so they go to live together for no reason! I don't think that you will have a problem trying to make real your work with the kind of stories that are around. If you follow what @littlelilylee5683 has adviced, and keep true to your style, you will not have problem... if, you need some other guidance, you may also want to try some reading material. The only thing that I can suggest (because my library its still growing) its 'What if it us', by Albertalli and Silvera. I have on my list to read this others: Like a Love Story, You Asked for Perfect, and We are Okay.
Good luck with your novels!

[vothnthorvaldson]

I'm pan&NB so only partially concerned.

There are a lot of tropes in BL that I'd like to not see anymore; however they often also exist in het romance so I won't discuss that.
The main BL specific thing I think it's better to avoid as an author who's not gay is building something that looks like stereotypical het romance with strong gender roles, but exchange the girl for a guy. In real life, everything exists, you will find gay couples who function like a stereotypical straight couple, but it's not the rule at all; and it's way overrepresented in BL already. Plus I think it really needs a good insight to write accurately/tastefully. I do think everyone can write about everything, but some things should probably wait for a time when the author has more maturity in the genre, especially if they are not directly concerned by what they write about.

Also, I personally think it is better not to write for a BL couple something you would not write for a het couple, i.e. something that would be uncomfortable to write if it's a girl and a guy, but that would be easier to write if it is two guys because it is less relatable/ there is a little be more distance. If it is mild, it's okay, and it can be a good way to dare more things as an author, but if it is too apparent... it can be a bit iffy. For example, it can be unnerving to read things where it is clear the author is taking their frustration out on the characters BECAUSE they are both guys.

Just my personal impressions. Not a guide how to write BL

[jkb4753]

Hey there! I love the adivce in this thread. I'm just gonna add that you should stick to what brought you into the genre in the first place! Remember what made BL interesting for you. That, and have fun!
I have a couple novels and the first one I did got notes back from the editor about the sex scene, lol. I needed to change some things to make it more "accurate." It was a learning experience after that.

[foxnflames]

I agree with the above. You should be mindful of harmful tropes and not do something as simple as taking het dynamics and applying them to your couple. You should always be cognizant of the world you put your characters in and how they’ll interact with that world and that world with them.

My two novels are labeled LGBTQ+ but have same sex male romance. Both of my stories have different attitudes toward queerness and since they’re both historical, I had to keep those contexts in mind. As far as tropes, be careful of the more damaging ones, and if you feel that something can be inadvertently offensive, follow you instincts and it doesn’t hurt to find a sensitivity reader.

Overall, have fun with your plot and be as imaginative as possible. I personally like reading lgbt stories in vastly different settings, time periods, with intriguing plots and such

[KUUPID]

Thank all you so much for your advice! I'll definitely avoid harmful tropes- not a fan of those at all! I'll check out some of the works @Aleksei mentioned! I'd love to check out @MeLovesTacos @littlelilylee5683 @jkb4753 and @foxnflames works too! Can't ever have too many novels/ comics to read

This has been really insightful and reassuring! Thank you so much!

[Crusoe]

You're welcome! Good luck with your story!

[jkb4753]

@Desserts_24 Cant wait to read!

[littlelilylee5683]

Good luck with the journey! It's always fun to explore new characters. ^^