Sexism in Literary Paradigms: A Heroine’s Lament
Let’s talk about sexism in literature, shall we? *cracks open ginormous Can O’Worms* When was the last time we had a series about a brave,… Read More »Sexism in Literary Paradigms: A Heroine’s Lament
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Villain Is as Villain Does
Ah, the One-Dimensional Villain, those Snidely Whiplash clones that populate the Grand Imaginarium where all fictional characters live together. They are mean and evil because… Read More »Villain Is as Villain Does
Pining for the It-Couple
INT. FAMILY ROOM – EVENING DESIRABLE MALE is dating EVIL HARRIDAN. They are the it-couple of their social circle. NOBLE HEROINE waits in the wings,… Read More »Pining for the It-Couple
An Arch-nemesis for Our Times
She’s cute, she’s popular, she’s a back-biting villain and a true arch-nemesis! In all seriousness, bullying is real and it is common. If you haven’t… Read More »An Arch-nemesis for Our Times
Logic: A True Romantic Ideal
Tired of boring, old-fashioned logic? Why not try a more scintillating trope? All-Purpose Recipe for Star-crossed Lovers 1 set of cross-purposed circumstances 1 narrow window… Read More »Logic: A True Romantic Ideal
Death in Romance Is Dead Serious Business
I’m just going to throw this out there: I’m pretty sure that Romeo and Juliet would both still be alive if Romeo had owned an… Read More »Death in Romance Is Dead Serious Business
When a Star-crossed Eternity Is But a Small Moment
Romeo & Juliet. Tristan & Isolde. Pyramus & Thisbe. The bones of star-crossed lovers litter classic plots throughout the ages. (Hahaha, plots. Pun intended.) And… Read More »When a Star-crossed Eternity Is But a Small Moment
Dashing a Reader’s Expectations
I love ambiguous characters. Ulterior motives; subtle, between-the-lines manipulations; information withheld for strategic purposes. I love characters who know more than they’re saying and who… Read More »Dashing a Reader’s Expectations
Reputation in Tatters, Heart Intact
Confession: I instinctively want literary bad boys to be bad. If you go to the trouble of giving a character a horrible reputation, he should merit that… Read More »Reputation in Tatters, Heart Intact
A Rogue by Any Other Name
This week we take a look at that lovable, handsome ne’er-do-well that every woman itches to reform. He lives life on the edge! So rough, so… Read More »A Rogue by Any Other Name