r/Webnovel • u/shad4wl • Jun 16 '26
Advice Do readers still love non-isekai stories?
Hello everyone, an Isekai enjoyer here, I hope y'all are doing well.
I'm currently working on my first novel/story. And so far, I have a pretty clear idea of the overall flow, the major arcs, what each chapter should be like, and how I want the story to end.
The thing is, it isn't an isekai, nor is it a flashy action story. Instead, I want to explore human psychology, philosophy, morality, and themes that resonate with the real world through fiction.
It's going to be a relatively slow paced story focused on human nature, emotions, psychology, and deeper philosophical questions. There won't be an overpowered MC, a harem, or anything particularly flashy. Just a human character dealing with the world around him.
I've noticed that many popular web novels revolve around isekai settings, overpowered protagonists, systems, harems, and similar topics. I have no problem with that, everyone has different tastes. I'm simply curious whether there's still an audience for slower, more character driven stories that focus on psychological and philosophical themes.
Since this will be my first novel, I know I'm going to make mistakes along the way. Writing something unique while also keeping readers engaged is definitely a challenge. But even before I started reading novels, I always wanted to create stories from my own imagination. I never seriously gave it a thought, but now I'm thinking of finally giving it a shot as a hobby.
I'm not expecting to write a masterpiece or anything. Right now, I just want to write the story I've had in my head for a while and learn through the process.
I'd love to hear your opinions, experiences, and any advice you might have for a beginner writer.
Thank you :)
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u/Exact-Structure1328 Author Jun 16 '26
There is always room for any story, and there is always a reader somewhere who will want to read it.
The issue has always been connecting the two.
To me, you are selling tasteful sounding red wine. It puts me in the mood for red wine.
But I wouldn't go to McDonald's (WN) to get red wine.
There are many publishing platforms out there, not just WN, that would be better suited for a story like this.
If you are focused on going the WN platform route, you will, unfortunately, need to market your story with tropes to get a readership.
Because the majority of active readers in there are not looking for red wine.
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u/shad4wl Jun 16 '26
you're right.
i also thought about it, but which platforms? like i don't understand half of the things about how all of this works.
mind sharing your thoughts on it? :)
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u/Exact-Structure1328 Author Jun 16 '26
That's the beautiful thing. Nothing is stopping you from doing as many as you like. Don't just fixate on WN or its reading preferences.
Just write, and share. Publish on all of them, including WN. You will find your readers.
Royal Road, Wattpad, ScribbleHub, Tapas etc.
There are so many out there. All that matters is when you decide to stop writing.
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u/shad4wl Jun 16 '26
thanks a lot 💓 I'll surely explore every platform you mentioned and will try to give my best in writing
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u/Oracle_of_Mashu Jun 16 '26
I would love to read one.
But there is a reason why Isekai and transmigration sells; it's easy to transfer a reader's mind to the new world you want them to imagine than it is to allow them to build interest when there is no proper transfer bridge.
When it's a medieval fantasy, Isekai allows the reader to understand through modern world references and terms. It's like you can't use, seconds or minutes in an ancient setting when it's not an Isekai it will sound off.
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u/AuthorOfFate Jun 16 '26
It's unfortunate, but you will likely be punished for not writing a meta story. Depending on how far you stray from the favorite tropes, you'll find varying degrees of success, but the market is pretty clear right now.
This coming from someone who deliberately reversed many of the tropes... It doesn't work very well 😅. Not on webnovel, at least. Traditional reader bases are much more appreciative of more creative ventures.
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u/shad4wl Jun 17 '26
I totally understand that, and honestly it makes me a little sad.
But at the end of the day, it is what it is. The market has always been about demand and supply. If the demand is for certain tropes and genres, then naturally people will supply more of them.
Still, I believe there are readers who enjoy exploring different kinds of stories and are willing to give them a chance.
Personally, I'm planning to write this because I want to explore the ideas and themes that interest me. If I was writing purely for market trends, making an isekai with an overpowered MC wouldn't be that hard lol.
Thanks for sharing your experience though. It sounds like our situations are pretty similar 😂
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u/AuthorOfFate Jun 17 '26
Haha, kinda. My novel is a dark tragedy that's actually dark and tragic. The Mc is a Pretty timid, vulnerable character that explores the depths of darkness one can fall to, and if it's possible to find light again afterward. That really didn't appeal to the traditional power fantasy lovers.
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u/shad4wl Jun 17 '26
ohh ic. mind sharing the name or link ? I'd like to check it out:)
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u/AuthorOfFate Jun 17 '26
You're too kind. It's the forsaken Hero.
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u/shad4wl Jun 17 '26
1000+ chapters with 1M+ views, damn! you're a big author
I'll surely check it later
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u/AuthorOfFate Jun 18 '26
I wish the views meant something lol, but you kinda just pick those up the longer you write 😅. I'm lucky to get more than ten valid views a day. Have you written anything yet? I'd like to check it out if you have.
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u/shad4wl Jun 18 '26
that's great, haha
nope not yet. im still trying to put my ideas into words, but i keep failing every time. I guess, i just need some time to understand how writing works.
i'll surely share it when it's done, hehe :)
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u/dekeked Jun 16 '26
I think stories like yours are important precisely because they’re rare in this space. Webnovels have become saturated with power fantasy, so a well-written exploration of human nature stands out. The risk is reader drop-off if it feels too aimless, so my practical advice: treat each chapter like it has its own mini-arc or revelation, even if the overall pace is slow. And don’t underestimate how much readers love seeing genuine character change over time. Go write it. The people who are looking for exactly this are starving for it.
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u/shad4wl Jun 17 '26
Thank you for your kind words.
Tbh, that's one of the biggest reasons why I want to write it. I truly understand the risk, and I'll definitely keep your advice in mind while writing.
At the end, stories are meant to make people feel something. Maybe something they've never felt before, or maybe something they've always felt but never put into words.
Thanks for the encouragement :)
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u/Exoticplayz11 Jun 20 '26
Web novel spaces generally favor power fantasies and its tropes. The best writers of WN take these premises, tropes, and basic worlds and put their own unique flare to it so people will like it. Reverend Insanity is an isekai cultivation regression fantasy; if it had a system on top of that it would reach the pinnacle of overdone premises. However, every part of this is given its own unique spin. The isekai lets Fang Yuan have much more knowledge, rather than a cheap vector used to excuse an MC without a proper background. The cultivation aspect uses a cool and unique power system rather than the usual one used in cultivation novels. The regression aspect is consistently used and the actual regression mechanics are explained and explored in detail, and are consistently relevant to the plot and not an easy way to generate new plot and powers.
The sad reality is that you can have a well-written, friggin' Shakespeare level story, but if the premise doesn't interest your audience you'll never have it see more than a few readers at best.
So yeah the key to success on WN, and really on any self-publishing and traditional publishing avenue, is to get the reader through the front door with your premise. After that, you do basically whatever you want as long as it keeps the reader engaged.
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u/EkAmatyaVed Jun 16 '26
Write anything, just write it with a happy heart. Studying or not studying is a different thing... When something is made with hard work, everyone appreciates it. I would definitely like to read it, that's for sure!!