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
literary tropes
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
Family Secrets out of Control
Kiss the Everygirl family goodbye! Failure to disclose food items to the US Customs and Border Control can rack up to $10,000 in fines and… Read More »Family Secrets out of Control
Parents Hitting Every Branch in the Cliche Tree
The desire for loving, supportive parents is basic. It’s biological. And when it’s unfulfilled, you have pure and captivating story-fodder. The arguing parents, the sick parents,… Read More »Parents Hitting Every Branch in the Cliche Tree
Mother of all Tropes
I am so guilty of the “dead mother” trope. So guilty. When you’re writing fantasy, it’s almost like a default condition for the main character,… Read More »Mother of all Tropes