Aesthetics: When the Book-Cover Stars Align
Every genre has its aesthetic. Book covers act not only as visual cues for the characters and story within, but they can also preview the… Read More »Aesthetics: When the Book-Cover Stars Align
Every genre has its aesthetic. Book covers act not only as visual cues for the characters and story within, but they can also preview the… Read More »Aesthetics: When the Book-Cover Stars Align
I don’t really know why Average is complaining. With cover trends nowadays, the female protagonist is lucky even to make an appearance. Romance covers in… Read More »Dynamic or Passive, this Book Has Got You Covered
People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. I know this. So before I launch into an analysis of book cover trends, I here acknowledge that… Read More »The Book Cover: When Presentation Is Everything
So. The “Oops! I did exactly what you told me not to do!” plot device. It’s a fairly common catalyst to start a story moving:… Read More »Disobedience: A Protagonist’s One True Birthright
Sometimes the Mentor-Pupil relationship comes across more as trolling than education. Don’t get me wrong: I loves me some character manipulation. There should always be a… Read More »The Three Sworn Duties of an Epic Mentor
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
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
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
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
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