Disobedience: A Protagonist’s One True Birthright
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
opinions
The Three Sworn Duties of an Epic Mentor
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
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
And Some People Just Don’t Measure Up
Poor Special. Quirky side characters only find love with other quirky side characters. A triangle is out of the question. (Unless it’s really quirky, I… Read More »And Some People Just Don’t Measure Up
Love Is Such a Trial When You’re Perfect
Okay, so our perfect MarySue doesn’t always end up with both her triangle love interests. Sometimes she does have to choose one candidate over the… Read More »Love Is Such a Trial When You’re Perfect