I've been working on my screenplays for years and have shared them online for feedback. But I have wondered if I am doing something wrong because while I have a diverse main cast, I was told that I HAVE to have at least one queer main character to "even" things out and make it fair as it's a rule to have queer main characters or else I'll be deemed homophobic.
One group went out of their way to "critique" every piece of my work. It said that I SHOULD have queer characters because it'd make THEM comfortable continuing to read/support the project, or else they'd troll me until I either leave the internet or follow their rules.
So I am curious if I should include queer characters as main characters, as I have some queer characters in the series as secondaries or backgrounders. I usually have them in these roles because I don't want to misrepresent the community due to my lack of proper knowledge. I have talked to family members who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, and they told me they think that the way I did things is excellent, and when I did speak with them about their experiences, they helped me write the characters. One of my cousins told me I shouldn't be bullied for it.
So I'm curious if I am doing something wrong, if I should work hard to follow what that group of people wanted, or if I should keep what I have and keep writing.
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"I was told that I HAVE to have at least one queer main character to "even" things out and make it fair as it's a rule to have queer main characters or else I'll be deemed homophobic." That's not true, Jen Jones. If a script needs a queer main character, that's fine, but don't force it, especially not because people or trolls say so.
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You're not doing anything wrong. It's hard without knowing the variables to comment. Are they facebook groups or something more formal? Unfortunately, the internet can attract the worst people - they're usually not writers but people with a HUGE chip on their shoulders.
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Oh! John Fernando I used to post my works on Deviantart back when it was for every form of artist and it was a horrible group of female artists that used to go out of their way to give me critique and tell me that I should write the way they want me to. One of them claimed they were a writer and were really nasty all the time cause apparently my characters weren't black enough for them and that I didn't have queer characters that their group of friends could relate to cause one of their friends was queer and felt I was homophobic.
But yeah, I tried to hard to work on the series and got discouraged that I put it on a shelf til last year, and I started working on it again.
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"a horrible group of female artists that used to go out of their way to give me critique and tell me that I should write the way they want me to." Never, Jen Jones. Write the way you want to.
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It's your story not theirs, Jen Jones. Question their motives before revamping your work.
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Jen Jones Never allow yourself into being bullied into doing something that didn't already come from your heart. I wouldn't even show them your work. If you allow them to control this, they'll push for more control. If you give a mouse a cookie...
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I believe in telling stories authentically so if any characters in your work feel inauthentic because they are forced into a specific box or check list I would avoid it - this goes for every character in every direction, not just queer characters. We live in a diverse world and I am huge supporter of inclusion and all voices rising and being given platforms of expression. However you bring your stories to life as long as they feel authentic to you and your voice, then that's how I think you should create them.
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I support inclusion and diversity, but when you force any particular type of character into a story that doesn't fit the narrative you're trying to tell, it shows.
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Hands up everyone that likes being reduced to their sexuality. My non-binary friends are very nuanced and interesting far beyond their sexuality.
My advice is to ignore these people. They haven't discussed problems with your story. Therefore my assumption is that they do not know how to identify story issues.
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Unfortunately, for every person trying to build something, there are jealous, petty, insecure people who can't build anything themselves so they want to pull down what others are doing. They're at school, at work, in social groups and sadly, members of 'your' family It's important not to be distracted by them. I think it's obvious you should drop out of anything that's not supporting you and find your tribe.
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No matter what you do or don't do, there will always be someone who wants something else Jen Jones. I shared part of my novel with a friend - not an editor or industry reader. She wanted me to rewrite it to be more about the 'bad guys' and to show all the 'defects of character' in the lead characters. There had to be serious character flaws, according to her. But I didn't want to write 'flawed characters' and I didn't like that the only things she wanted to bring out were the the negatives. Not my genre anyway. I'm writing hope-punk. Another person complained about gender and culture representation. Please. I have envisioned a multi-generational, multi-racial team led by a woman with lots of friends. I could go on. I listen and I consider what is being said and who is saying it. I've made lots of changes compared with where I started.
But at the end of the day, it's my story. I'm the one writing it and the characters - as much as I work at being sensitive and inclusive and respectful - are always going to be mine. Best suggestion I can make for any writer is to write characters you know and can get to know. That comes from you. Don't try to write someone else's characters. They won't be yours.
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@Terri Morgan - "Hope-Punk"! I love it!
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Anyone who says they are going to troll you till you do what they want isn't probably rooting for you to succeed at writing or creating. I would write what you know and not allow outside idea's to influence you too much. Unless they are are purchasing your work. :)
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When i was a salary reader I remember the marketing Dept making key story decisions over creative directors & filmmakers. Thats just the way movie corporations work; make the story fit their data.
Anyways it is good practice now to learn to rewrite notes, good & bad. Cause this is a pro occupation. Unless you plan to work independently of corporate filmmaking. GL!
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Jen, as long as you're writing what's in your heart, you're not doing anything wrong.
So darn glad you're here on Stage 32...and here's wishing you all the VERY BEST!
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I love the general consensus on this post. Yes...write YOUR heart - no one else's.