This is a solid example of people having different tastes. You could write a character who you believe is well balanced and likable, other people like them, but a group of people or segment of society doesn’t connect with her. As Andi mentioned, look at Gone Girl. Gajillions of people read that book and loved it, but a significant number couldn’t connect with the characters at all. So no, I don’t believe we can write for every audience. It sounds like you’ve written a book from the heart, and lots of people are enjoying it. If I were you, I’d keep on doing what you’re doing. 🙂

In The Cinnamon Snail I have a heroine madly in love with an ex whom readers hate. She needs to get a grip.

But what I would like to throw into this discussion is the cultural element. Americans have universally told me they love the Cinnamon Snail character because she is sweet and gentle and hate the Sunshine State one because she’s snarky.

Europeans have all said they are irritated by the Cinnamon Snail heroine’s passivity and love the Sunshine State heroine’s feistiness.

Is it possible to write for both audiences? I’d love to know how. Suggestions gratefully welcomed.

http://amzn.to/1nskbor

Oh, wow. Lolita. What a FABULOUS example of a main character that we should hate but that we continue reading about anyway.

Awww, Rosi. You’re too kind 🙂

Yet I kept reading. Why? Because Nabokov showed how the MC wasn’t always so horrible, that he wrestled somewhat, and how he came to rationalize and surrender to terrible actions. We saw his fall. But more importantly, the stakes were high with the young girl character who evoked all kinds of deep sympathy. I cared what happened to the main character because it impacted what happened to her — and she was worth saving.

Yes! This is another great technique. Thanks for chiming in :).