Does chick lit have to be... straight? http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388 bereccabox I've never really written chick lit before and I've really only seen movie adaptations of chick lit books, but I was wondering... is all chick lit straight? I have a few minor ideas rolling around in my head, but they're all... well... more on the gay side of things. Could that pass or is it like a chick lit faux paux? Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:18:27 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_148726 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_148726 bereccabox *faux pas Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:19:25 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_148743 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_148743 jjsigford I don't see why it would have to be "straight". As long as they are lesbians and not gay men you should be good ;) Thu, 20 Oct 2011 20:39:43 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_149939 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_149939 bereccabox That's what I was thinking, I just hadn't really seen any lesbian chick lit before. It's usually always shuffled under erotica or something. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 20:43:57 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_150011 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_150011 jjsigford You know, I haven't seen much either. I've seen lesbian side kicks, but not lesbian MCs. Maybe authors take it too far with the sex scenes and so they're put under erotica or romance? Chick lit is sexy, but usually not graphic. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 20:51:12 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_150098 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_150098 bereccabox -nods- Yeah, I suppose that's what happen is that the lesbian sex factor gets too hot and steamy and then gets shoved over there. Chick lit should be more empowering and funny and sexy and cute and romantic, not something to, well, you know... to. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 21:38:36 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_150790 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_150790 lindsay allison I don't think it has to be straight, not at all. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 22:57:45 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_151774 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_151774 misscorleon I don't think it matters what gender the heroine is interested in as long as it has the tones of a chick lit book. If you get too involved with sex scenes where it becomes almost pornographic it might be thrown toward romance, but if you can keep everything quirky enough I don't think that it should matter. Sat, 22 Oct 2011 23:12:17 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_178915 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_178915 Emdog You may be on to a new sub-genre! Lesbian Chik-lit could be the next big thing. I say go for it. Sun, 23 Oct 2011 14:18:02 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_185710 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_185710 lindsay allison Actually, thinking about it again, I really think a lesbian chick lit book would be awesome. If you had an MC who was really struggling with her sexuality and the book was about her journey to self discovery? TOTALLY chick lit-y. Sun, 23 Oct 2011 19:17:41 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_189835 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_189835 jjsigford That's a really good point that I hadn't considered. That would totally be chick lit. Sun, 23 Oct 2011 20:13:39 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_190617 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_190617 Ghost in fog This year I'm writing lesbian chick lit. My ML and I have decided to dub this sub-genre chick chick lit. I see no problem with the MC not being a straight woman. Nor do I think you necessarily have to categorize your novel before it's written. Write it and see where it takes you and then categorize it! Sun, 23 Oct 2011 20:36:12 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_190994 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_190994 bereccabox I totally agree! I was just kind of wondering when I started out thinking about my novel. And then i was like "hmm well...where would this basic story line fit?' The more I've thought about it the more it strays away from the chick lit genre and more into something a little... darker and not as fun and quirky as chick lit. Sun, 23 Oct 2011 21:33:54 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_191841 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_191841 jjsigford Chick lit doesn't always have to be upbeat and funny. Some people think so, but I don't. I see it as anything that is written by/for/about women. That's just my two cents though :) Sun, 23 Oct 2011 22:52:30 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_192870 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_192870 iggyinportland I have two lesbian characters in my chick lit novel that are going to fall in love. One is the roommate of my main character and she is looking for love, and the other is a friend of the romantic boy/toy in the story and she is just looking for a good time but falls in love. But my story isn't romance focused. It's about a young woman trying to find her true path. Go for it. The rules are there to be broken. But then, I’m a NaNoWriMo rebel! Mon, 24 Oct 2011 07:33:20 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_196394 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_196394 bereccabox I like your way of thinking! :D Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:56:32 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_197698 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_197698 bereccabox You're so right! The rules are meant to be broken. Besides, the last two years, at least, I've been a NaNo Rebel, too. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:57:48 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_197709 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_197709 Soluna Mine hardly ever is...no matter how hard I try... LOL Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:30:05 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_198806 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_198806 salambander This sounds great. And a good book to read that isn't quite chick lit (but could be at a stretch) but does the lesbian thing quite well is Fingersmith by Sarah Waters. I would definitely read lesbian chick lit. Go for it! Mon, 24 Oct 2011 13:29:44 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_200476 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_200476 bereccabox Yay! Also, I like your icon, and I will have to grab that book you mentioned :D Mon, 24 Oct 2011 22:47:11 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_209527 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_209527 cloverdew Not at all. Go for it! Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:09:08 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_218370 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_218370 kaciebeckett I've been having trouble genre-fying my novel, and put "Lesbian Chick Lit" as sort of a placeholder when I filled out the info. I was going to post some questions either here or in the "other genres" forum... until I saw this thread. Awesome thread, and good to know I'm not the only one thinking this. :) Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:54:43 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_224999 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_224999 salambander Thanks! I don't remember where I got it from, but I can't take credit for it. The book is great :D It's like Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins had a lesbian love child. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:25:24 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_230803 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_230803 bereccabox I sure hope so! It's going to be darker than most chick lit, but it's going to have that same feel, independent woman, coming of age, a little bit of romance, fun. but with more of the bites of reality. Fri, 28 Oct 2011 10:14:40 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_263371 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_263371 bereccabox I'm so glad that my thread helped you out! Maybe all of us together can bring to light a new genre that will become popular and our books will be flying off the shelves! :D Fri, 28 Oct 2011 10:16:17 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_263390 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_263390 Roxxy84 I don't see why you can't do that? :) There must be girls out there who don't want to read just another 'straight' love story? Go for it and have fun would be my advice! Sun, 30 Oct 2011 12:11:56 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_299232 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_299232 aglassoceanaway I am so glad you put this thread out here. The story that I want to write is chick-lit in all sense of the term, except for the fact that my two female main characters fall for each other. I was so unsure as to what I could categorize my novel as because it isn't really a romance (although there is romance in it), but at the same time I didn't think it would fit in mainstream fiction. So there you go, another chick chick lit writer over here and I'm glad by the positive responses in here as well! =) Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:02:22 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_314321 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_314321 jojodann I think there might have been a thread on this a few years ago. In fact, it was possibly by googling 'lesbian chick lit' that i found NaNo! I'm also writing lesbian chick lit and think there is a serious gap in the market waiting to be filled, though mine is YA chick lit. LOVE the name chick chick lit - genius! Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:36:43 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_333472 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_333472 dharma my idea for this year would actually fall into this category! i think it woul be great to start a genre around this. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 19:52:13 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_336941 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_336941 Sarah_Bee It's called Chick Lit, not Hetero-Chick Lit. ;) Seriously though, go for it. Although my main character is straight, there is a very prominent sub plot about her best friend, who is a lesbian and ends up getting married to her partner. I'd love to read lesbian chick lit. I think it's a great idea. :) Tue, 01 Nov 2011 08:50:58 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_351760 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_351760 bereccabox I love it too, and I agree there is a big gap there waiting to be filled. It really excites me about this novel this year because it makes me feel like it has SO much more potential because of the market gap. It's making it all the more exciting for me to write this year. I'm so excited about the responses I've gotten on this subject. :) Tue, 01 Nov 2011 10:09:41 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_353624 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_353624 runner_penguin Mine may well have a lesbian relationship in it. I know one of the characters is bi, and she ends p figuring prominently in Mia's life...I'm just not sure if it's just as a friend or if there's more to it. I'm letting them decide that when the time comes. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 10:19:57 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_353841 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_353841 Avery Agreeing on the Fingersmith recommendation. BBC also made a movie of Fingersmith (along with several other Sarah Waters novels, all of which have lesbian main characters). Sarah Waters writes a lot of queer historic fiction. The plot of the movie "Imagine Me and You" or "Kissing Jessica Stein" or "Saving Face" seem like they would work in the "chick chick lit" theme. Basically anything that deals with relationships, falling in love, overcoming obstacles, etc. but with queer rather than straight characters. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 18:35:27 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_368255 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_368255 kthro I'm also doing a lesbian chick lit novel for my first attempt at Nano. When I first thought of the plot idea, I just instinctually made the love interest a man. Then on an impulse I thought - what if the love interest as a woman instead? Why not? I didn't want to do a coming to terms with my sexuality novel, however. There are plenty of fantastic books already out there written much better than I could. I wanted to do a chick lit novel where the sexuality aspect wasn't the focus but just another part of who the characters are. The change up has really helped to get me even more excited to write because I've never personally read a chick lit novel with a lesbian romance story. I'm curious to see how it pans out. Plus, I think having two females creates an entirely new dynamic for me, dialogue wise. Also, I am much more comfortable writing in a female voice/perspective. It's a win-win all around! Wed, 02 Nov 2011 12:54:16 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_395052 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_395052 cms1171 No! I say that because I'm writing chick lit (actually, I think it's more women's fiction, but those definitions seem to blur a lot) and one my MCs (I have 4) is a lesbian. So glad I am not the only one writing a lesbian character. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 14:03:21 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_397188 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_397188 Sort_of_Bookish OMG, no. As long as it follows the rules of a woman starts out in one place, faces adversity, learns something and takes her knowledge and applies it to change her path and it ends on an uplifting note, it's Chick Lit. I say that "owning" the word Chick Lit. What I really mean is good fiction of the type that reflects the lives of women. Have you never watched The L Word? I'm on a "mommy board" in NYC and believe me, lots of married, middle-aged mommies want to read about sex and romance between women. Hello sub-genre. Break down the wall for us, sister, and my novel will be right behind yours. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 14:46:37 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_398622 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_398622 bereccabox haha, I've definitely watched (and looooved) The L Word! :D I like this. I started the idea and I wanted it to be dark and broody and moody. But I don't think it will be as such. It's already gotten some pretty uplifting things going on, but I'm going to add in some more drama and such to mix things up a bit. I've already caused quite the tear between the FMC and her main love interest. I also changed my mind on how some of the plot line will work, too. I love how stories evolve. Sat, 05 Nov 2011 15:02:17 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_497675 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_497675 bereccabox I like what you said 'just another straight love story.' :D It's very positive and a great little phrase. Sat, 05 Nov 2011 15:03:05 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_497694 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_497694 jojodann Do you mind if I take on your name for it and call it chick chick lit? I love this name so much and think this genre needs to happen! Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:04:28 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_627755 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=1#forum_thread_comment_627755 moonspring Totally go for it! I would love to read it! Cheers to all of you who want to write one. I would if I didn't think I would totally flub it up, lol. Maybe some other Nano year. I got eons to go before I even catch up this year. But I think they need to be written so go for it! Fri, 11 Nov 2011 08:47:03 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=2#forum_thread_comment_638123 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=2#forum_thread_comment_638123 bereccabox I really think that the only reason I even think I can pretend to pull it off is because this time last year I was coming to terms with my own sexuality, hahaha. Only it was WAY more dramatic. Okay, maybe not as much as in my plot. And I keep coming up with more and more plot twists. It's like I can't help myself now. My FMC keeps trying to shove off the fact that she's even questioning her sexuality and force the light upon the fact that she's trying to come to terms with her own self and finding herself again after she basically lived on the streets for nearly three years after an apartment fire. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:51:10 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=2#forum_thread_comment_712517 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=2#forum_thread_comment_712517 stormsangel2 Hell no. Give me some bi/gay litfic and I will devour it like (almost) nothing before! Away with all prejudice and restrictions :) (especially in writing.) Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:29:45 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=2#forum_thread_comment_791784 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=2#forum_thread_comment_791784 stormsangel2 *chicklit. My apologies. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:36:57 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=2#forum_thread_comment_791830 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/chick-lit/threads/8388?page=2#forum_thread_comment_791830