Like every process of creation, research is essential. I did not expect much when I started this blog/website. I only thought to myself, “I could practice my English writing while sharing about what I like—fiction.”
As it turns out, writing still an essential way for me to learn about things that I never know before. Even though I enjoy Sapphic stories—movies, series, novels—I also get to learn how it develops in our culture today.
Only recently, I got a confirmation about the commercial issues of Sapphic media that is still low compared to Boys’ Love (BL) genre. Since BLs are made for straight young girls, Sapphic genre is more catered towards lesbians and queer women. To put it simply, the market is very niche. That’s why Sapphic media is not as commercially successful as BL.
As a writer of Sapphic genre myself, I got a better understanding why the sales of my works are not as high as I expected. Apparently, it’s not solely dependent on my storytelling skills—I feel (somewhat) relieved.
I had a difficult time in believing in myself, prior to this understanding. People who read my works are saying they are loving it, but I didn’t feel the same because I focused more on the numbers.
This finding—about lesbian media being in the shadows—opens my eyes, and decided to fully tell make my stories in English. With the market already so niche, this strategy could help me reach broader audiences.
I should also be courageous enough to promote my works to the community. They are very welcoming and I often find them looking for the kind of story I am writing—Sapphic with fusion of crime/thriller, detective mystery, and science-fiction.
Now, I believe that my stories deserve to find the readers who love them as much as I love writing them. There is no reason for me to hold myself back.
Writing about Sapphic media really brought me into a new perspective about my own Sapphic work. I gain confidence and better understanding about the landscape of Sapphic literature and its market. If I did not start writing about Thai GL genre here, I don’t think I get a good understanding of this genre like I am today.
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