writing

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

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

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

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

I think one of my favorite cliches about the “Ruthless Character with a Heart of Gold” is to what lengths authors might go to show no,… Read More »When Fiction and Reality Collide