No this isn't a call for funds
(although i'm always open to donations, lol) but I need some insight from you lot, the readers.
Now for 15 years i've been writing and posting the Gaby saga and stuff like Peaches, Nena etc. Occasionally i've put up one off or short tales too all of which have, i'm happy to say, been received quite well.
There is however a tendency i've noted that some of my slightly more 'adult' stories get a lot of reads compared to the more mainstream tales. The question for me is, is this due to them being something different from my core writing, or is it a desire to read more 'edgy' stuff?
So, please, why do you prefer say Trixie over Gaby?
Not saying i'l be changing what I write but some insight from my readers may just influence future writing projects.
PLEASE comment and let me know what you think.
Thanks
Mads
Comments
Personally I prefer Gaby
But I don't read Gaby here as I buy them from Amazon.
thank you
For supporting my writing.
Mads
Madeline Anafrid Bell
Gaby
hi i actually prefer your Gaby stories.but do like the characters from your various stories interacting.
there
Is certainly potential for some crossover stories in the Maddy Bell universe!
Mads
Madeline Anafrid Bell
I like me some Gabs
I have been reading this tale (mind you it was not new when I first read it as I did not get a comp until I was 16...and thus 2005'ish) & that was on crystals-story-site.
If I recall when I read it, it was like only 50 parts or so.
It was like within the first 10 stories I actually read pertaining to TG fiction, which other then Greek mythology at that time was all I could ever get into, as nothing felt personally appealing.
You are one of my favourite writers!
I have loved it from day 1.
Honestly I have my periods where, I am in need of something more...dare I say it 'mature'.
Though those stories tend to put me in an unfavourable mood (self sabotaging aka subconsciously intentionally triggering myself, is a psychological/emotional issue not yours luv) but afterwards I do go out of my way to look for more innocent yet rich stories, like sweet, usually youth/child through college type stuff.
It is complicated however as I find that the more adult ones tend to be fetish with a lot of stereotypes, which I get a mix of takes me back to those days where I thought being forced was the only way, to now where it is just a regular day, when you been transitioning over a decade, it does become just another day, another outfit, it no longer needs or has that 'forbidden' quality, if you know what I man, its soooo complicated.
I enjoy your stories, a lot I have read I think all off your author page/site thing.
I have yet to read anything that I have found unfavourable, in fact I get excited to read more, I swear I have a reading addiction lol.
I do believe I prefer Gaby, more out of 'blast from the past' has a relatively decent mix, without going over the top, which in my book makes a fantastic work of art. I am definitely favourable over Gabs, because well...it is the one I have more or less been with from the start, its how can I say 'sentimental' especially now that I have hit the 3 decade mark, dealing I think a bit of semi-midlife crisis thingy.
I love to look for things, I really look forward to Warsop reunions, cause its that reminiscing thing of where it all started, catching up on the 'forgotten' lives of the 'originals'.
There is a number of stories, I wait patiently to be continued, yet I am pleasantly surprised to see as I refresh the page to see if anything new has been submitted, ok yay, open to new tab, get reading list for that day & it is one of the first I get to immediately.
So regardless if I had to pick Trix or Gabs, I would say hands down, as usual ;) Gabs takes the lead.
With Love and Light, and Smiles so Bright!
Erin Amelia Fletcher
thank you
For such a glowing endorsement!
Mads
Madeline Anafrid Bell
Your very much welcome
you deserve so much more, words fall short <3
With Love and Light, and Smiles so Bright!
Erin Amelia Fletcher
Of your series, I only read
Of your series, I only read Gaby, although I do look at the one-offs you have posted.
okay
Any reasons for not looking at the other mini series?
Thanks for being a Gab fan
Mads
Madeline Anafrid Bell
Gaby or Trixie?
Oh, what a dilemna. :)
To me Gaby is the twice weekly soap opera and Trixie is the occassional 'Play for Today'.
You know where you are with Gaby and Trixie is far more edgy. Both are delightful but in different ways.
Samantha
but
What about Georgie, Nena, Peaches etc? I often get ideas for one off or out of 'arc' stories but they usually get no further than a brief outline. Some are because the plot is a bit hackneyed, others because they are a bit extreme (think XXX rated). Should I write some of these out? Maybe Gaby could become a dominatrix?
I'm at a bit of a writing crossroads TBH, do I continue writing TG influenced stories or do I move away into a different genre?
As a proposition - you have a book token that will buy you one volume, do you buy
A) the sweet tale of coming of age (Gaby stylee)
B) the hard core Sci fi romp (think Hitchhikers)
C) the sexually charged story of nothing (chick lit)
D) an adventure story (James Bond perhaps)
Or E) something else altogether.
Answers on a postcard!
Mads
Madeline Anafrid Bell
Gabs all the way.
Trixie is just a bit too edgy for me...read a couple and ended up with a headache from grinding my teeth. Ugh!
Joanna
edgy
In what way? The community that Trix is on the edge of? Her ability to make the wrong choices?
I never thought of her as being edgy, more a sort of comedy of errors, a very Shakespearian tale.
Mads
Madeline Anafrid Bell
Trixie is a treat
Trixie is funny, edgy as you say, and infrequent enough to be looked forward to. Gaby is more of an everyday delight—friendly, cute and frequently earnest. I also like your occasional heroines of other stripes, like the girl who rides the antique safety.
Hugs,
Erin
= Give everyone the benefit of the doubt because certainty is a fragile thing that can be shattered by one overlooked fact.
you'll
Be glad to know I have a plot for a third Georgie story which may well get written before the end of 2019!
Mads
Madeline Anafrid Bell
Love the Gaby stories!
I agree with the poster above - I try to pay you the ultimate compliment one can give an author and buy your stories on Amazon.
Gaby is part of the path that led me from Amazon to to BCTS, and I have read all of her stories, so I don't need to view them here. I love that Gaby is so clearly not forced feminization erotica (nothing wrong with someone else's kink, but Gaby speaks to me directly in a way that those stories do not). That said, I am enjoying Trixie too. And Nena. So whatever you choose to write, I will most likely be happy.
thanks
For your support, I hope future scribbles don't disappoint too much!
Mads
Madeline Anafrid Bell
I'm open to almost anything
But I find the Gaby stories refreshing and tied into themes that interest me. Cycling, cooking, travel...
I am an adult, however, and reading stories that make my pulse increase are always welcome reading.
Your stories are uniformly well written (grammatically and stylistically) and entertaining, so I'd say keep doing what you're doing.
I would not object to hearing about Nena, Trixie, Gaby and others as long as you're so inclined to put pen to paper, so to speak.
Thanks,
Steve
thanks
For those words of encouragement - I do try to mix things up a bit!
Mads
Madeline Anafrid Bell
I love Gaby
And I scoop up the books when I can. It seems to me that as Gaby grows up and matures, things would head towards the book becoming more mature itself. Juliette and Boris are certainly not chaste, and eventually, I could see them having a "happy accident", and even getting married. As for Gaby, She's heading towards that age where kissing and getting felt up over her clothing might not be enough.
I hope
To include some more madcap adventures in future!
Thanks for reading
Mads
Madeline Anafrid Bell
Intimidating
The reason I haven't read Gaby is simply that I have been intimidated by the number of books in the series. (The same factor has also stopped me from reading Bike.)
don't
Be intimidated by Gaby please. There might be a lot of chapters, and it does all follow through but it's split into 40 chapter 'books' which usually contain t least 2 or 3 mini stories which may be just a couple of chapters or much longer episodes. So it's safe to. Sayyou can dip in and out if you like without worrying about having to read all 200' words that so far make the saga!
(FWIW I agree that Bike is more difficult to just dip into - and that's from a friend of Ang!)
Mads
Madeline Anafrid Bell
Gaby all the way as a steady diet
The girl (and your story) is absolutely adorable.
Trixie and your other characters are interesting too. But take Trixie for example; once she is made up, pierced, tatooed, corseted and so forth for a while I would probably start to lose interest. Stereotypically, as she falls farther down the rabbit hole, the harder core material might be a natural progression and I'm just not into that.
I do have to say that as cute as Gaby is now (in the chapters on BC), her growing maturity is endearing, yet a double edged sword. I do miss some of the more madcap adventures Drew/Gaby got into. The crazy outfits that Maddie would trick her into, the conventions, getting lost and almost frozen in the woods in the USA, hiding her gender (needlessly) from parents and acquaintances, his/her sometimes strange friends, Julie's misadventures (sisters are always a good story foil for me), delivering babies, and crashing into the lake were adventures that do not seem to fit as well with Gaby's growing responsibilities. I do enjoy reading about the wedding apparel that she gets stuffed into, and grumbles about, when she accompanies her aristocratic boyfriend?/friend.
I'm not current on your newest Gaby books (forgive me), so if you have like made her like an Amazon Warrior or something, (doubtful), then just forget the last paragraph. I can kind of see that their new food stand might offer more in the way of offbeat situations without messing with her maturing personality. I would guess those stories are mostly history at this point.
Sorry, I don't think I have any terrific insights for you, just what my sample of one reading likes are. You are a damn fine writer IMO so I hope that whatever you decide to pursue will bring you the results you want.
Edit: Oh, and I love the bike scenes where she often pulls a rabbit out of her hat to give her an edge on the competition.
thanks
For being a fan
Mads
Madeline Anafrid Bell
Help you out....
Gaby is Bike’s competition (long stories). I take a break from both now and again. That said I read your and Angharad other stories too. I really relish Trixie. I don’t find her/his stories particularly edgy. The comedy of errors plot line and how come I’m the last to know I’m trans plot device are a joy to read in the hands of a master such as yourself (shameless flattery there but deserved). I buy Nena and Trixie online. Keep on writing and I’ll keep on reading!
BAK 0.25tspgirl
thanks
For your ongoing support
Mads
Madeline Anafrid Bell
I'm a diehard Gaby fan...
I simply devour everything Gaby. I've download and save every chapter as it's posted and buy each completed book for my Kindle. I so love Gaby I flew from the USA in 2015 for the Gabyfest! I rented a car and traveled to Warsop then drove the many routes you described and visited the locations. I met you, Angharad and several others. One could say I'm addicted to Gaby.
I enjoy Gaby for many reasons. I love the bike riding. Your descriptions of areas are fantastic. I go to Google Maps and trace the routes on 'Satellite', On those that have 'Street View' available I use that to actually see the hairpins and slopes and cobblestones. It really draws me into the excitement and even the intensity you describe. I guess you could say I live vicariously through Gaby's tales. I even bought myself a bike and started riding again, although with 2 artificial knees, a bad back, and sextuple bypass I'll never get close to what Gabs or you do.
As for having Gaby become a dominatrix? Doing so would be very out of context... unless it might be a dream/nightmare sequence or creative writing project similar to Gaby's 'death' in the Rhine.
As for Trixie, I've been following it as you post. I do like it but so far it has not grabbed me like Gaby has although the potential is there. Perhaps a deeper exploration of Trixie's psyche on her genderbending, why she has allowed herself to be so willingly live and work as a girl while avoiding her mom as well as the sister's motivation..is her intent malicious?
As for Nena, I like the crossovers in Gaby but so far it has not grabbed me. I like all your writing and keep trying to get into Nena. I missed the early chapters and need to go back to them so I understand the psychology involved.
In conclusion I enjoy your writing because it seems quite realistic and is most certainly entertaining. I eagerly look forward to everything Gaby..
Boys will be girls... if they're lucky!
Jennifer Sue
thanks
For being such a diehard fan!
If, and it's theoretical at this point, I were to start another saga, what would it need for you to follow it?
Mads
Madeline Anafrid Bell
That's a tough one...
I look for youthful naivety, travel, adventure, misadventure, good moral character that's tested and of course some mild coercion to help the character discover their TG aspect and while not necessary, bike riding.
Boys will be girls... if they're lucky!
Jennifer Sue
I enjoy hanging out with Gaby
I enjoy hanging out with Gaby on a regular basis, but an occasional date with Trixie adds spice to life ;-)
Kris
{I leave a trail of Kudos as I browse the site. Be careful where you step!}
Cautions
If you feel the need, or should feel the need, to put any kind of caution, especially sex, abuse (physical or mental) or anything that would make it "not work safe," I'll give it a pass. Caution, tissue alert, is the one caution that might get me to read it, even if the squib advertising it didn't seem to catch my eye.
I enjoyed Gaby very much in the beginning, however, as with most ongoing story lines, I've become a bit jaded. Nena is actually more my style. I can get into her stories a little easier, because I can easily see myself in her position, only I think I'd enjoy it a bit more than she does.
Hugs
Patricia
Happiness is being all dressed up and HAVING some place to go.
Semper in femineo gerunt
Ich bin eine Mann
is there
Anything that would make Gaby feel less jaded?
As you might guess, its quite difficult to find scenarios that work for the general story line that don't stretch credibility too far. I guess that comes with the territory and the sheer mass of writing!
Anyhow, thanks for supporting my squiggles
Mads
Madeline Anafrid Bell
I guess I'm more tame, I prefer the less
edgy, generally happier stuff.
All of the current list
I give anything a read, at least to see what it has to offer me. I don't mind a steamy scene, but admit to skimming paragraphs sometimes to get back to the story. Anything which descends into unapologetic porn has me reaching for the "back" arrow and looking elsewhere. Not a fan of anything forced or cruelly done.
Confirmed Gab-fan here, but I have oft asked where Trixie has been and enjoy the other series and shorts.
Teri Ann
"Reach for the sun."
ha
I've seen you in shorts - not sure I should encourage that on here LOL!
What is it about Trixie that so appeals?
BTW, I am sketching the plot for a follow on to Canterbury Tales!
Mads
Madeline Anafrid Bell
Trix appeal
Not sure entirely. Could be the complete change of scene into a world I know little about. Never considered having a goth or alt. fashion look. Could be it's the thought of what it would be like being in Zak's shoes (and metalwork)? I don't go for tattoos but don't mind them on other people.
Shorts tan lines :)
Teri Ann
"Reach for the sun."
Less explicit please?
I will say that I've written some pretty hot prose, but I don't think that it found its way to BCTS. It is just steaming away on my Hard Drive, likely.
And, I've thought of it but I was once told that there are some very young T folk here. So ....
I like Gaby, Trixie and Georgie
Somehow Nina doesn't work, but that's me! When I discovered Gaby, his/her story was already well under way. ThereforeI started Gaby at the beginning and have followed through to the current postings, and will continue this way. I haven't followed any of the non Maddy Bell gabyverse, somehow it seems wrong, and I'm happy to follow Gaby at the rate the parts are posted. Oddly, although I like to flick forward in a paper book, and the difficulty to do so is what I have discovered I don't like with Kindle, I find there is no such problem with the "chapter" size of your normal postings, neither have I been tempted to jump the gun and get any of your book-form (paper or kindle) publications. Probably this is because I truly enjoy your writing on a "read once" basis, and don't feel the need to add them to my permanent library, which is big enough already and with many I have read a number of times, but also with a large(r) number of titles already that I will not re-read, but I am not yet prepared to part with --"just in case".
So, keep on with Gaby, Trixie and (the occasional) Georgie. And I am always willing to try something new, so long as it does not declare itself (with a few exceptions) as, fantasy, Sci-fi, Superheros, and magic) though a small part of any as an initiator can often produce a result I have been very happy to stay with (e.g Bobbie-c's "Danny", and the Barbie Lee/Monique S "Model Makers").
As an extra bonus your writing, as I have commented before, is admirably free from the mis-use of English which I find a major turn-off with some others writing for this, to such an extent that although their basic ideas seem good, their use/misuse of the written word means that I no longer even try their offerings.
I hope this helps. May I wish you more strength to your keyboard.
Dave
PS.With respect to my earlier avoidance prejudices, I am not entirely consistent. I am a massive fan of the ultimate fantasies by the late great Terry Pratchett set in/on Discworld. Somehow I can't come to terms with his other settings!
thanks
For that explanation.
What is it about Nena that doesn't work for you?
Mads
Madeline Anafrid Bell
Since You Asked...
I still read Gaby as soon as it hits BC, as much out of habit, I think, as because I enjoy it. (But I do.) I used to read Nena consistently until you (IMO) blew your credibility with the dream story.
I don't read Trixie; I think the picture and the goth concept made me figure I wouldn't enjoy them. I was reading Jamie and the Peach, but that hasn't been active for a long time now. Read the two Sunbeam stories, and some of your one-shots.
But I avoid your "adult" or "edgy" items; that's just not the kind of thing I like to read. It's news to me that you think it's doing better than the rest of your work.
Eric
that conclusion
Was reached by looking at the read ratio. The average Gaby gets @ 900 hits in the first two weeks from posting, Trixie got 2500 in a week!
Maybe look past the Goth stuff (it's not that big a part of the story really) and enjoy it for what it is!
Glad you still enjoy Gaby
Mads
Madeline Anafrid Bell
I love all of your writings,
I love all of your writings, in particular, Gaby and Trixie. But, my all-time favorite is Nena.
hmm
Interesting!
Thanks for following my squiggles
Mads
Madeline Anafrid Bell
I have been reading Gaby and
I have been reading Gaby and all of the related Fanfics and side stories since the beginning years ago. While I continue to purchase every new Gaby book that comes out, of which I am behind in reading the latest 3 or 4. I understand the continued story of Gaby and her ongoing trials and tributes, but IMHO, Gaby has grown stale to me and isn't in the immediate MUST READ NOW category for me. I won't stop buying and supporting Gaby and BCTS also, but like Bike, there is something of a point where reading the story becomes more of a chore to read instead of being 'The latest adventures of...". Whateley became something of the same also but then 6 months of reading the same universe will do that to you.
Write for yourself. No one else. Anything else becomes more of an obligation and work. I'll shut up now because I tend to start typing stupid things the longer my comments.....uhm….too late!
**********
I am a leaf on the wind, but someone turned the fan off.
thank you
For your comments. I'm sorry Gaby has, for you fallen away, that in part was the purpose of this post, to find out what flicks the switches for the readers.
I want to make / keep Gaby and co vibrant - I have several new story threads that i'm lacing into book 25 and potentially beyond whilst trying to keep enough of the popular and long running elements in.
So whilst I write what I like that doesn't mean that I can't try to incorporate missing / lost elements into my prose. If readers want more racing/singing/etc in the script, please tell me.
Mads
Madeline Anafrid Bell
Perhaps Gaby could do some more traveling
I know you love Germany and it's culture, but for me, that part of things became a bit tiresome. There's a whole world out there, and bicycle racing going on all over. Perhaps Gaby could do some more traveling, racing in North and South America, Asia, Down Under, South Africa, etc. Not just a couple of chapters, but longer story arcs.
Kris
{I leave a trail of Kudos as I browse the site. Be careful where you step!}
she has
Been to the US, UK, Canada, Japan, Denmark, Switzerland, Spain and Italy with quite lengthy arcs in each. Junior riders don't get the same chances to travel to far flung places as the senior riders, even more so at the time the story is set. When Gaby travels to places i've not been to myself it creates a huge workload of research, often buying maps, travel guides etc so things have at least a sound basis of truth/reality. That said, there will be more sporting activity in the future, quite where I wouldn't like to say at this point.
Gaby and the Bond's are based in Germany so there will clearly be a bias to that country, I have tried to move things around the country to introduce readers to more than the tourist hotspots but inevitably they will visit local towns and cities fairly regularly.
Thanks for Commenting
Mads
Madeline Anafrid Bell
I like nearly all of your
I like nearly all of your stories.
But GAby is the salt in the soup of BC.
I discoverd GAby at times wher she had her own website and followed to BC, when your updates there endes.
Well, I'm from Germany and nearly know all the places where the situations take place.
Grown up in the Rattenfängestadt (ratcatchertown, is this the originally translation?) Hameln,The Lüneburger Heide, Osnabrück (there were British Forces in my childhood), and near Bonn, I have worked all over germany for a very long time.
So Gaby is something like a home story for me.
I love to read Peaches, and Trixi. Nena is more in the background. I lost track .
May be I will catch up some time.
its nice
To have you on board!
I say this to all my German fans (there are at least 2 others!) I hope my mangling of German language and culture isn't too jarring! If there is anything I get seriously wrong please tell me.
I have been all over Germany but Osnabruck, only the hbf!
Ttschuss
Mads
Madeline Anafrid Bell
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