Category Archives: character development

What’s in a Name? The Naming of Elisha

Posted on April 17, 2013 by

It has come to my attention from two different and equally interesting directions that some people are wondering about the name of my protagonist, Elisha Barber, specifically, his first name. Some folks have even wondered if it’s my name (it’s … Continue reading →

Posted in books, character development, Elisha Barber, etymology, fantasy, fiction, history, medieval, writing process | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Racism and the Problem of the Hybrid Hero

Posted on November 14, 2012 by

It has been said that there are really only two plots:  A stranger comes to town, and someone leaves home.  What I want to look at today is the first one, the stranger–but not just any stranger, the stranger who … Continue reading →

Posted in character development, fantasy, fiction, writing | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

“Avengers” and the vulnerable superhero

Posted on September 19, 2012 by

I went to see “The Avengers” again recently. Don’t ask how many times I’ve seen it–I’m not an addict, I can quit any time.  Really. The film got me thinking about the role of vulnerability in heroes.  Any time you … Continue reading →

Posted in character development, fantasy, fiction, movies | Tagged , , , , , , | 11 Comments

No More Bad Villains!

Posted on September 12, 2012 by

During a critique session this weekend, a writer friend said she wanted to know if readers found her protagonist “too stupid to live.”  This is an issue we think about often in relation to our protags, but not often enough … Continue reading →

Posted in character development, fiction, Uncategorized, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Review: The Drowning City, a flawed fantasy

Posted on November 4, 2011 by

The Drowning City by Amanda Downum My rating: 3 of 5 stars A promising work, that fell sadly flat. I’m always excited to see fantasy works with unusual settings and characters, so this is the first from my World Fantasy … Continue reading →

Posted in book reviews, character development, conventions, fantasy, fiction, magic, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Review: Doc: A Novel (which blew me away)

Posted on September 14, 2011 by

Doc: A Novel by Mary Doria Russell My rating: 5 of 5 stars While I’m not inherently interested in the subject matter (Doc Holliday), I thought very highly of Russell’s book The Sparrow. In fact, it is one of my … Continue reading →

Posted in book reviews, character development, history, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Scooby-Doo Monster Effect, part 2: The Rubber Suit

Posted on July 13, 2011 by

In my last Scooby-inspired post, I noted that there were a couple of problems with the Scooby monsters and talked about the convenience factor in plotting.  I noted in passing that the other issue hinges on transportation.  Well, not just … Continue reading →

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