(2/2) Rozi is the founder of The Developmental, a literary consultancy that supports stories with complex, authentic female characters. Fluent in five languages, she adeptly navigates linguistic subtleties and brings a culturally aware perspective to her editing. @rozi-editing.bsky.social #ACESChat

Love that! #ACESChat

Hi Raquel! Great to meet you.

Hi Crystal, and thank you for joining the chat! Looking forward to meeting you at the ACES conference. #ACESChat

Nice to meet you, Cyndi! Glad you were able to join the chat! #ACESChat

Thank you, Eva! Great chatting with you. #ACESChat

Thank you, Jennifer. I'm so glad you joined the chat. #ACESChat

That's such an interesting point—she becomes more self-destructive when she's in a relationship. Almost... like she should take a minute to be single :)

I haven't watched the latest episodes, so not sure what she's been up to lately.

Thanks so much for coming, Carolina! Glad you enjoyed the chat. #ACESChat

Yes! Everything revolved around her love life—which, granted, was the premise of the show—but as a viewer, I found it incredibly frustrating.

A11: I approach it as a collaborative dialogue. I emphasize that making characters more complex enhances the story’s impact and boosts reader engagement. But ultimately, I defer to the author to decide what aligns best with their vision. It's their story to tell. #ACESChat

A10b: Editors are right in the middle, bridging what authors create and what publishers present. Over time, I think we’ll see more intersectional stories that center not just on romance but on the full scope of women’s lives. #ACESChat

A10a: I see pressure coming from readers first—many are vocal on social media, demanding more inclusive, realistic portrayals. Authors respond to that, and publishers follow suit when they see sales and reader engagement. #ACESChat

I'm a Tolkien fan, so that's a great misreading 😅

A9: I like tropes! They exist for a reason: they resonate with readers. But I urge authors to personalize them. For instance, if it’s a second-chance romance, I push them to dig into what caused the initial breakup and how those unresolved issues influence who the characters are today. #ACESChat

Absolutely, Eva, I agree! None of these traits or tropes are a problem on their own—it’s when characters are reduced to just one of those things without any added nuance or complexity. #ACESChat

A8: What felt “normal” in romance 20 years ago might feel outdated—or cringeworthy—today. I make it a point to stay aware of social conversations and cultural trends to recognize if a manuscript relies on stereotypes and guide authors to create characters that resonate with current readers #ACESChat

It's a popular trope, but less so in recent years. What book were you reading? #ACESChat

That's the one! But every woman can be unique on her own without having to compete with or, worse, belittle another. #ACESChat