Why did I follow you?

I came across your profile and something there took my interest. Either I thought I might like your stories, or I thought you might like mine.  Maybe I was interested in what you wrote about yourself, or I enjoyed your comments on another story we both read. Maybe you were a South African and I was trying to be supportive.  I follow people easily - as a point of initial contact, and I hope a relationship develops from there. If it doesn't, I might unfollow at some point.

Will I read your story?

I find read for reads really helpful for keeping momentum on my books and for meeting new people here.  So this is the best way to get me to read your book.  Please just ask me though if you want to read for read.  It helps me to plan my time better.

Outside of read for reads, I try to read my friends' new work, but if don't know each other, sorry, I need to prioritize those people who are friends or are taking the time to read my work. It is only very occasionally I get round to trying something out of sheer interest alone.

If I read your story, will I vote/comment?

Hehehehe. Just try and stop me.  

I pretty much always vote, unless something is really upsetting me.  I tend to comment a lot too - just because I can't shut up.  That doesn't mean I expect you to comment as much on my work! I don't want it to be a chore for anyone.  I also don't expect you to respond to all of my comments, or even most of them.

Do I read all genres?

There are definitely genres I like better than others.   

My favorite tropes, themes and motifs are: quirky, romantic, coming-of-age, childhood sweethearts, humor, crumbling old houses, magical realism, ghosts, witches, strong female lead, steamy, longer narratives written by poets, nerdy/geeky, foody, slightly psychologically dark, thought-provoking, unlikely friendships, linking or switching between past and present, summer holidays, summer camps, contemporary teen stories that are set in diverse countries and articulate the cultures of the country they are set in, nature and countryside, historical, small villages, intergenerational, eccentric old people, forgiveness, uplifting, happy endings.

I battle read stories where the world has ended and people are being hunted by demons, or where people are trapped in spaceships and are being hunted by aliens. I am not especially partial to werewolves. 

I will stop reading if violence is seriously romanticized. 

Is that me in the picture? and what is that in my mouth?

Yes, that's me... sort of.  You know these cartoon yourself apps.  They smooth out the wrinkles, and sheer off a couple of years and kilograms.  Basically, they make you look like you have had "work" done.

Oh! And I am not drooling molasses.  That's the end of my glasses in my mouth.