The thing about writing in the genre of speculative fiction (science fiction, fantasy, magical realism, fairy tale, steampunk, urban fantasy, etc.) is that you have to ask the reader to suspend what they know to be true about the world. In a mystery, it’s not difficult for a reader to believe that Harry killed Mike
Recently I was reading a promising romance novel, and then, in the midst of chapter six, I found myself placing the book face down on my kitchen table in frustration. The hero was absolutely perfect. And I was bored out of my mind. A perfect man—that sounds amazing, right? That’s what we want in a
Great characterization depends on context – the sense that a character has lived the same kind of varied, winding, complex life that shapes real people. Gender can be a big part of that context, dictating many of the opportunities and experiences that contribute to how your character became who they are.
Do you like conventional writing advice? I love it. As an editor, I look to time-tested tricks of the trade to help me—and to help my clients—create powerful and meaningful stories. Many writers use these guidelines very successfully, some writers push those boundaries purely for shock value (to questionable success), and others turn these “rules”
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